The Haunted House by Francine Pascal, Nicole Andelfinger and Knack Whittle - ADVISABLE

The Haunted House (Sweet Valley Twins) by Francine Pascal, illustrated by Nicole Andelfinger and Knack Whittle, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024. $22 

Language: PG (6 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Nora Mercandy has moved into town and lives in the local haunted house, spawning rumors that she is a witch. The school spurns her, led on by the Unicorn Club and their rumors. Elizabeth determines Nora is a nice girl and tries to befriend her. The bullying escalates and Elizabeth is caught between her new friend and her twin. 

The art is great and helps carry the book. The bullying is really mean and I have a hard time liking Jessica's character even if she is a good literary foil for her twin. The ending wraps up a little too easily and not everyone who gets bullied will have a way out as easy as Nora. It's a relatable read though and it's a vehicle to build empathy for those who may not fit in. No culture or race is specified, though the twins are white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Tryouts by Sarah Sax - ADVISABLE

Tryouts by Sarah Sax (The Brinkley Yearbooks #2), 286 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Knopf (Random House), 2024. $22 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

13yo Alexandra Olsen lives for baseball. She's played on little league teams forever, but has aged out. She wants to be on the middle school team but it's an all boy team. She tries out anyway. With a tenth consecutive championship on the line, her team isn't working together well at all. What's a girl to do? 

Ali is a great character. She's a go-getter and she really just wants to play. Her friends are doing different things at the middle school and this book is really a celebration of what makes students thrive, whether it is sports or something different. Great themes of friendship and that life is not all about winning or losing, but about people. I totally loved the unexpected ending. There is hope for middle schoolers with this book! Race or culture isn't mentioned. Ali has red hair and freckles and there are a variety of skin tones throughout the book. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim - ADVISABLE

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim, 238 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024 22 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

12 yo Maya is excited to go to culinary camp, even if it is her dad's girlfriend's idea. Unfortunately, she takes the wrong bus and ends up at a camp for vampires. Maya has never fit in anywhere and she certainly doesn't feel like being the only human at camp will help. 

Even though this is a vampire camp, the issues of friendship and belonging are addressed really well. Maya also struggles with speaking up for herself and telling people what she's really thinking, which is fairly universal. The graphic art is well done and totally adds to the story. The characters are relatable and diverse. I loved it. Break out the blood box drinks! The campers were all a mixed bag of personalities and skin tones. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Once They See You by Josh Allen and Sarah J. Coleman - ADVISABLE

Once They See You by Josh Allen, illustrated by Sarah J. Coleman, 192 pages. Middle Grade, Holiday House, 2024. $19 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Thirteen short stories ranging from a killer bike to a possible class of zombies. Nothing is at it seems in these stories. 

 There's lots of different types of scare to choose from and the art adds to the stories. Fun way to get your creeps fix because it's a super fast read. The stories are engaging and just the right amount of scare for middle school readers. There is a variety of characters in each story and no culture or race is specified. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat - ADVISABLE

The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus Island #1) by Christina Soontornvat, 148 pages. Middle Grade Scholastic, 2023. $17 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Plum is surprised that she has been accepted to the Guardian's Academy on Lotus Island. Though reluctant to leave her grandparents, Plum really wants to learn to transform into a magical creature who helps take care of the natural world. Plum struggles with school, however, and while her classmates begin to transform, she hasn't, which means she may have to leave the school and her new friends. 

While it sounded hokey at first, Plum is a great character and there's enough depth to pull the story off. This is a good fantasy novel to dive into the genre, since fantasy novels tend to be large. There is some intrigue going on that should lead nicely into a sequel. Besides, I want Plum's gift for talking to worms to find out where plants will grow the best. Since this is fantasy, who knows what races or cultures there are. The cover art has different hair and skin tones though. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Gamer by Chris Bradford - OPTIONAL

Gamer (Virtual Kombat #1) by Chris Bradford, 126 pages. Middle Grade Union Square, 2024.  in U.S. 2012 in Great Britain $10 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G PG (video game violence and real-world violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Scott, age unknown, lives on the streets with other orphans after the killer virus of 2030 wiped out a vast amount of adults. He is running from a gang when he gets the chance to prove his gamer skills and is accepted to be a Virtual Kombat gamer. Life should improve wildly for Scott, but with the catchphrase, "So real it hurts," Scott might be in for something more sinister than he bargained for. 

This is the first in a series of three books. At just over 100 pages, all three books could be compiled into one, but the size will appeal to reluctant readers. Fast-moving action combined with video gaming will draw in readers. While the characters don't get a chance to be very fleshed out, the premise will keep you going. A great way to "kill" an afternoon. Literally. No races or cultures are specified in this futuristic setting. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka - MANY

Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, 368 pages. Little, Brown Books, 2024. $19.

Language: R (79 swears, 6 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Two years ago, Olivia’s parents divorced—and the prenup they had signed meant that Olivia and her mom were kicked out of the house with nothing. Olivia (17yo) doesn’t care about being an heiress, but her mom deserves to not be drowning in bills. When the perfect opportunity presents itself, Olivia puts together a crew to steal the money they need from the man who took it from them.

I love a good heist, and this team of teenagers scheme, manipulate, and improvise with the best of them. There are so many hidden agendas and unforeseen obstacles that I never knew for certain whether The Plan would work. Overall, it was an entertaining ride that occasionally stressed me out as much as it did Olivia.

Olivia is implied White, Cassidy is described as “cream pale,” Deonte is Black, and there are some Swiss family members mentioned. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, illegal activity, kissing, innuendo, and mentions of drugs and sex. The violence rating is for mentions of bombs.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Flawless Girls by Anna-Marie McLemore - ADVISABLE

Flawless Girls by Anna-Marie McLemore, 288 pages. Feiwel (Macmillan), 2024. $21

Language: PG (6 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (mention of possible underage drinking); Violence: PG-13 (bloody stabbing)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Isla and her 19yo older sister Renata are sent to the well known Alarie House finishing school by their grandmother, who insists that the school’s reputation will set them up for life. Isla leaves after a day but Renata stays and when she returns home, Isla notices how different she is acting and it frightens her. Renata runs away, so Isla decides she’s going back to Alarie House to find her. When Isla arrives at the finishing school, everyone raves about Renata to her but she’s nowhere to be found. What Isla does find is haunting.

I enjoyed the analogy between jewels and people where flaws make us better and more beautiful. The author handled gender situations with tact and compassion and from personal experience. I liked Isla’s determination and intelligence.

The ethnicity is mixed with Latina main characters.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Arya Khannas Bollywood Moment by Arusha Avachat - OPTIONAL

Arya Khannas Bollywood Moment by Arusha Avachat, 320 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martins Griffin), 2024. $24.

Language: R (14 swears 4 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (romantic kisses); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

High School senior Arya Khannas has been frenemies with Dean for years. They always seem to be fighting. When they ran against each other for class president at the end of their Junior year, Dean won by just 6 votes. Now Arya is his vice-president and he takes every opportunity to rub that in. Her sister, who has been away for the last 3 years has returned home. She’s getting married, which is quite a celebration in their Indian culture. But her sister and her mother have a strained relationship, and Arya feels caught in the middle. 

A fun and fresh Young Adult read. Arya’s life is full of drama - her best friends were dating and their break up put Arya at odds with the friend group, and her former friend is listening to the gossip. Her mother seems to suffer from depression which adds to the trouble at home and with the wedding plans. The romance was so sweet and well-paced. Full of Indian culture, neatly explained because Dean is white. Arya and her family are Indian, Arya’s friends are mostly white, one is Jewish. 

Lisa Librarian 

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers - OPTIONAL

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers, 288 pages. Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan), 2024. $18

Language: R (169 swears, 51 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, off page); Violence: PG (fight)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Natalia and Ethan are getting ready for the senior sunrise event that welcomes the class back to their last year of high school. They’re both dealing with family issues and their confusing almost-hookup after Junior Prom. The two have always been best friends; it possibly turned into something more, but neither Ethan or Natalia are willing to talk to each other about it at all. When each senior writes a letter that’s meant for their eyes only and the letters accidentally get loose, secrets start coming out about classmates. The chaos will make or break Natalia’s and Ethan’s chances to build a relationship. 

I like the romance in the story. I had fun getting to know Natalia and Ethan. A fun, sweet story. Ethnicity is mostly white with Latina main character. 

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The New Girl by Cassandra Calin - ADVISABLE

The New Girl by Cassandra Calin, 272 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic), 2024. $13 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: PG (menstruation issues) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Lia is 12yo and flying from Romania to Canada, her new home, when she has her first period in the airport. Lia gets terrible cramps with her periods. So not only does Lia have to adjust to a new country and language, she also has to adjust to changes in her body. 

 The illustrations are well done and add to the story. Based on the author's own experiences, the story is very authentic. The speech bubbles are sometimes just scribbles with only the words in print that Lia understands, which highlights how difficult it would be to learn a new language. Anyone who is new to a school should be able to empathize with Lia, especially those coming from other cultures. Lia's difficult periods are addressed, which isn't a topic often brought up in books. Lia is Romanian and her friends come from all different cultures. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Smoke That Thunders by Erhu Kome - ADVISABLE

The Smoke That Thunders by Erhu Kome, 300 pages. W. W. Norton & Company, 2024. $19

Language: PG (3 swears, 0  'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG (some fighting, some people get poisoned, it describes the pain and injuries in moderate detail)

BUYING ADVISORY:MS, HS  - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

16yo Naborhi becomes bonded to a fox-like  animal and begins having visions of a kidnapped boy. She meets Atai, the son of an Oracle from a rival queendom, and learns that she is being guided by the gods. She and Atai, along with Naborhi's cousin, Tamunor, set off across the continent to rescue the mysterious boy. But when they find him—and find out his true identity—Naborhi realizes there is more than just her freedom at stake. She must stop a war that has already been set in motion.

I liked how it was a little different from the other things I've read, because this book is about African folklore, and myths, and I like that. I also like that it had lots of action and how the main character was persistent with her dreams. It also was super engaging.

They are all from Africa.

Student Reviewer: E. Anderson, 9th grader

Summer at Squee by Andrea Wang - OPTIONAL

Summer at Squee by Andrea Wang. 320 pages. Middle Grade Kokila (Penguin), 2024. $19.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G (crushes); Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Phoenny Fang is so excited for summer camp this year. She and her best friend Lyrica have been going for years, and have a special in because their mothers are the directors. It's a Chinese cultural heritage camp the kids call Squee. This is Phoenny's last year because she's going into 8th grade, and it promises to be the best. But when she arrives, she finds her regular group has been broken up because there are some new campers - a group of girls who were adopted from China. Their arrival is met with mixed emotions from both the new girls and the seasoned campers, and everyone seems to get off on the wrong foot. There's a possibility of a summer romance as well, as one of the new counselors in training - a boy recently moved from Hong Kong, seems to have his eye on Phoenny, but dating is strictly off-limits. 

I haven't seen many books about adopted Chinese orphans - although I know several families who have children from China. I liked the discussions the campers had with their advisors, especially about their feelings for their culture and whether or not they felt Asian enough. I loved the classes they took - this camp really looks like a lot of fun! There's a lot going on, with so many characters, a couple of side stories could have been removed to help the reader keep track. There's a long distance runner, a camper questioning her identity, an allergy scare, and a social media troll who shakes up the camp's sense of security, lots of different teachers and leaders and extra drama - I didn't feel it was all necessary. The characters are culturally or ethnically Chinese. 

Lisa Librarian 

Thirsty by Jas Hammonds 0 OPTIONAL

Thirsty by Jas Hammonds, 336 pages. Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2024. $17

Language: R (165  swears, 79  'f'); Mature Content: R (on page sex); Violence: PG (vandalism)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS  - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

18yo Blake is poor compared to her rich friends and she works at a country club full of entitled people. Blake wants to fit in more than anything and she realizes that she relaxes when she drinks. Alcohol becomes Blake’s crutch in all social situations because she believes that she’s worthless which stems from years of bullying. Blake’s girlfriend Ella ensures her that her drinking isn’t a problem but when their best friend Annetta and Blake’s brother keep trying to help her stop her drinking because of the consequences she’s dealing with, Blake gets angry. Blake spirals into alcoholism and she’s faced with some very tough choices.

Strong character development.  Realistic fiction that packs a punch.  I appreciated how the author portrayed Blake, her problems, and her family in such a true manner.

The ethnicity is mostly white with a mix of Blacks, biracial, and Filipino characters.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Liars Society Alyson Gerber - ADVISABLE

The Liars Society by Alyson Gerber, 304 pages. Middle Grade Scholastic, 2024. $15 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Weatherby is super excited to get a scholarship to the prestigious Boston School. There she meets other 12yo students who she hopes to fit in with, even if she is not wealthy or privileged. Weatherby is hiding a secret, but it turns out that her classmates are too, ones they are all desperate to conceal. When they are tapped to join the oldest, most powerful secret society in the world, their secrets may all come to life. 

The premise was interesting and paced well. There are themes of power and privilege and finding your own moral compass, as well as climate activism. I just wish that the characters were older than 12. They act older and are placed in situations that would seem better with older kids. Even a top-secret society may want to wait a few years to tap out its elite. While culture and race aren't mentioned, the two main characters seem to be white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Jake Show by Joshua S. Levy - ADVISABLE

The Jake Show by Joshua S. Levy, 240 pages. Katherine Tegen (HarperCollins), 2023. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears o 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY:, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Jake Lightman feels like a character in a TV show. His parents are divorced and he's acting different parts for each parent. For his mother, he's “Yaakov” but he's “Jacob” for his father. He wants to go to a particular summer camp with his friends, but his father won't approve because the camp is too Jewish, and his mother won't approve because it's not Jewish enough. Jake concocts a plan to get there, but it means lying to both parents and getting his friends involved. But things only get more complicated once he gets to camp, he finds it more and more difficult to keep up with all the lies - and he risks losing his friends over it. 

A moving story; poor Jake is torn between trying to be what each parent expects, and not being able to be himself. I felt for him. I loved how honest his friends were, taking him to task when he needed it, while also being supportive. Levy's story was engaging. Certainly written for a Jewish reader, however, I didn't feel on the outside - everything was in context and made sense to the story, even though I wasn't familiar with everything going on. A great book about a kid navigating his parents' divorce, and his place in it. The characters are Jewish, one character, Caleb has come out as gay. 

Lisa Librarian 

Blood City Rollers by V.P. Anderson and Tatiana Hill - ADVISABLE

Blood City Rollers by V.P. Anderson, illustrated by Tatiana Hill, 190 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024. $22 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: PG (some same sex attraction) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Mia has been working towards representing Romania in the Olympics since she was three-years old. A horrible fall during a competition puts her out of commission as a figure skater, but then she is kidnapped by undead roller skaters and recruited for a paranormal roller derby team made up of vampires. Mia suddenly discovers that she likes being part of a team, even if she's human and they aren't. 

It's obvious that Anderson and Hill play roller derby. The art captures the ups and downs and excitement of the game. Though vampires and roller derby seem an odd pairing, it makes for a fun story. Anyone who plays roller derby is going to love it, and it's a great introduction to the game for newbies. The characters are strong and there is obviously a sequel coming, so it will be interesting to see what happens to Mia in book two. Characters come from different ethnic groups and time periods. 

Michelle in the Middle

Table Titans Club by Scott Kurtz - ADVISABLE

Table Titans Club by Scott Kurtz, 224 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Holiday House, 2024. $23 

Language: G (1 swear, 0 F);  Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

11yo Valeria Winters is hoping to make a fresh start at a new school. Her mother has made her promise not to get into any more fights. She has a terrible first day of school until she is asked to join the Table Titans, the Dungeons and Dragons club. The club may not last long unless Val and her new friends can save it, which is not easy since there's a girl who seems out for revenge. 

This is a fabulous book about fitting in and friendship and the power of role-play. I love seeing Dungeons and Dragons featured in a story, and with the popularity of D&D at my school, the book should be a welcome addition. The art is bright and colorful and helps tell the story. Go Table Titans! Culture and race isn't specified, but there is a variety of skin colors in the art. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Sherlock Society by James Ponti - ADVISABLE

The Sherlock Society by James Ponti, 352 pages.  Aladdin (Simon and Schuster), 2024. $19 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

12yo Alex, his older sister by a year, and Alex's two friends, Yadi, and Lina, decide they are going to solve mysteries for the summer. Zoe's grandfather even joins in, contributing his sweet journalism skills. The group they dub the Sherlock Society, begins their summer looking for the long lost treasure of Al Capone, but comes across something far more sinister as they begin treasure hunting in the Florida Everglades. 

This new series is reminiscent of City Spies, where young kids with primo skills do undercover with adult supervision. Ok, it's a lot the same. But you will forgive Ponti because he does weave a good story and this one will make a whole new generation want to become detectives just like their parents did after reading the Nancy Drew and the Three Investigators series. It's refreshing to have competent and caring adults lend a hand and the kids are likable. I am looking forward to book two. The culture or race is never specified, though Yadi uses some Spanish. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor - MANY

The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor, 336 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2024. $24.

Language: R (79 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

When Josh told Marlowe they needed to take a break the summer before senior year, Marlowe expected to get her boyfriend back at the start of the school year. Instead, the break becomes a breakup because Marlowe isn’t romantic enough. Marlowe is determined to show Josh she is enough, and she begs Ashton to help her win Josh back.

The best part about this book: celebrating romance and healthy relationships. Kaylor’s characters poke fun at common tropes and point out the toxicity of romanticized relationships. Kaylor balances the real with laugh-out-loud one liners and makes a space for anyone—and everyone—to love love the way they want to love love. It was an absolute delight to read.

Marlowe has autism. Poppy is described as having “brown” skin, Hazel is described as having “dark brown” skin, and Mateo is implied Latino. Several of the main characters are part of the LGBT community, though very few are explicitly defined. The mature content rating is for underage drinking; mentions of drugs, condoms, pornography, and sex; innuendo; and partial nudity.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen