The Purrfect Plan by Colleen AF Venable and Stephanie Yue - ADVISABLE

The Purrfect Plan (Kate the Catsitter) by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue, 218 GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024 22 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Katie is in 7th grade and loves being a super hero sidekick. Things are going pretty great until a new housing development implemented by the mayor threatens to displace poorer people and raise rents while taking away sunlight from existing properties. The Cheesy Justice team needs to find a plan to counter evil (and maybe 217 highly trained cats). 

In book #4, the storyline continues. It's helpful to have read them in order, but you could get the gist if you jump in late. Even though the protagonist is a 7th grader, the 217 cats makes it feel like it's for a younger audience. The characters are likable and there are themes of friendship, family issues, and saving animals that give it more depth. The art is colorful and bright and laid out in easy to follow squares. If you like super heroes and cats (lots of cats) this is your book. There are a variety of races portrayed in the book. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi - ESSENTIAL

Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, 336 pages. Middle Grade Putnam (Penguin), 2024. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Kareem is a 7th grader who is stuck between friends, countries, football, family, and right and wrong. Told in free verse, Kareem's story is based off the Muslim ban in 2017, that kept Muslims from seven different countries from entering the United States. 

Kareem's story is deeply personal, while also reflecting the global scale. This story is a must read. The story is framed in a football metaphor. There are interesting football facts proceeding some of the poems and each poem is named for a football term. There is plenty for readers to relate to, from not fitting in, to being bullied, football, family, and even references to familiar novels. Once I started I could not put this down as it is high interest and an empathy builder, relatable and beautifully written. Kareem is Syrian American. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Pizza Pickles and Apple Pie: the Stories Behind the Foods We Love by David Rickert - ADVISABLE

Pizza Pickles and Apple Pie: the Stories Behind the Foods We Love by David Rickert, 124 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, NON-FICTION Astra, 2023. $20 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Find out where your food comes from! You'll find facts to dazzle your friends, like that breakfast cereal was invented to make people poop and that fried chicken didn't originate in the south, but Scotland and West Africa, or that cakes were buried with ancient Egyptians (because you're never too dead to not want cake). 

A fun way to learn about the history of food, it's entertaining enough to be read cover to cover, or you can skip around and read about just waffles or pizza. The art is delightful and colorful, and the format helps the readability. If you're a foody, this is your book! 

Michelle in the Middle

Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol - ADVISABLE

Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol, 368 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second, 2024. $15.

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (several off page deaths, references to eating people, some bullying) ; Violence: PG (there are two instances where characters are hit on page, and several off page gruesome deaths).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jane doesn’t have much going for her. She is depressingly average and is about to be forced out of her home because as a girl, she can’t inherit. Her solution is to propose to Peter, a beautiful village boy she has a crush on. Before they can come to an agreement, he is stolen away by a mermaid! Jane must go to the sea to save her maybe-fiancé and perhaps discover something new about herself in the process.

Loved this addition to any graphic novel shelf! It’s a great story of self-discovery told through compelling storytelling and eye-catching illustrations. I loved seeing Jane’s journey, both literally and metaphorically. I also loved the message that self-worth isn’t dependent on outward appearance. 

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, #bookswithbeddes

Keeper by Alan Gibbons - ADVISABLE

Keeper by Alan Gibbons, 76 pages. Middle Grade Union Square, 2024. $9 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Shane is the new kid at the middle school. He is a talented soccer player but his temper makes him pretty intense. His father is almost unbearable at games, and Shane's teammates begin to worry that something may be really wrong in Shane's life. 

The book doesn't look like much because it's so short, and I was prepared not to like it. However it intersperses interesting facts about soccer into the story and the story brings up deeper themes of abuse and fitting in. The book is reader friendly and is high interest for reluctant readers. Race is never specified. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman, illustrated by Chris Wormell - OPTIONAL

Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman, illustrated by Chris Wormell, 166 pages. Young Adult Knopf (Random House), 2023. $26 

Language: PG-13 (38 swears, 0 F) Mature Content: PG (alludes to wanting sex) Violence: PG-13 (graphic gunfights, violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A companion book to His Dark Materials and the Book of Dust, this story tells how Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby meets the bear Iorek for the first time. Together they face down corrupt leaders and hired gunslingers. 

The layout and art are beautiful. This would make a lovely gift. I'm just not sure who the audience is. The art and larger size almost makes it look like it would appeal to a much younger audience, like upper elementary or middle school. However, there are no youth in this story and the language and violence are geared to adults. This story will make more sense if you've read the other books in the series before embarking on this one. The story is engaging, but is only one encounter in the North. If you're a true fan of the series, though, this book is for you. Lee Scoresby is a white Texan. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle by Jordan Kopy and Chris Jevons - ESSENTIAL

Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle by Jordan Kopy, illustrated by Chris Jevons, 286 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2021. $19 

Language: G (1 swear) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Theodora Hendrix is a 10yo human girl living with a bunch of monsters, whom she loves. In this second book, Theodora is facing both an impossibly horrible head teacher and a most unpleasant Inspector Shelley that wants to shut down the Monstrous League of Monsters. On top of that, there is a cursed beetle heralding a truly dangerous monster that could tear her monster family apart. 

A truly delightful read. The book doesn't take itself too seriously, so although there are monster battles, it isn't scary. The art adds to the story and there are enough twists and fun foreshadowing at the end of chapters to keep the reader engaged and reading. Two thumbs up! Theodora is a white red head and her best friend is black. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Tear This Down by Barbara Dee - ADVISABLE

Tear This Down by Barbara Dee, 304 pages. Middle Grade Aladdin (Simon and Schuster), February 2025 $18 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

7th grader Freya likes to voice her opinion. Her Social Studies teacher gives an assignment to write a report on a local historical figure and find primary sources about them. She discovers that Benjamin Wellstone, the man for whom her town is named, wasn't so great after all. He was an abolitionist, but he also opposed women's rights. Now she wants his statue removed. 

Barbara Dee tackles problems head on, and I love that. Like Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet  Tear This Down isn't about a tough subject like Metal Illness (My Life in a Fish Tank) or Sexual Harassment (Maybe He Just Likes You) It's about a girl who finds a way to use her strong opinion to make change in her community. I loved her social studies teacher and the librarian, both were supportive in appropriate ways, allowing Freya to navigate her own ideas. A bit frustrating that she continues to not loop in her parents.  Freya defaults white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Keeper of the Rend by Lisa Maxwell - ADVISABLE

Keeper of the Rend by Lisa Maxwell, 312 pages. Middle Grade Margaret K. McElderry (Simon and Schuster), 2024. $18 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Xavier T. Fletcher is a 10yo odd duck. He is totally into birds and his parents and 14yo brother don't understand him. When his father loses his job, Xavier's family moves to his Nana's farm where he meets a strange girl named Clementine. Clementine is hiding secrets that could put all of them in danger from strange birdlike creatures that carry seeds of darkness into the world. 

Xavier is an interesting character that evolves through the course of the book. The premise of rends in the sky where evil can get through is interesting, as is Xavier's relationships with his family. There are nice themes of discovery, trust, friendship, and family. The writing is descriptive and makes for a dangerous and grand adventure. No culture or race is specified. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Abhi Alwar - OPTIONAL

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Abhi Alwar, 170 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Knopf (Random House), 2024 $17 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Peggy Pancake is back and she is trying to balance being a super hero with everyday life. Her parents have signed her up for babysitting during spring break to teach her responsibility, but babysitting the five Mini Muffins will take everything Peggy has, even her super powers. 

The art is colorful and engaging and even though the main characters are breakfast foods, they are relatable in their attempts to wrangle five little muffin kids. The plot is fairly predictable but a fun ride, and it's nice that Peggy actually likes her parents and brother. 

Michelle in the Middle

The Rescue by Mike Sizemore, Dave Kennedy, Pete Kennedy, and Jance Chiang - ADVISABLE

The Rescue (Fetch #2) by Mike Sizemore, Dave Kennedy, Pete Kennedy, and Jance Chiang, 104 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Storm King Comics, 2024. $15 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: PG (the well endowed siren only wears long hair) Violence: PG (mythological violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Continuing her hunt for her dog, 12yo Danni is making her way through Hades with her little brother and their guide, Odysseus. They face new enemies and find new friends in their adventures. 

Readers will want to read these two books in order. This wraps up the story while leaving a gateway for further adventures. The art is stunning and the mythology fun. The ending concludes well. Danni's little brother, Sammy, is somewhere on the spectrum, which gives this story more depth. Nice read. Danni and Sammy are white and Hades is black. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Journey by Mike Sizemore, Dave Kennedy, Pete Kennedy, and Janice Chiang - ADVISABLE

The Journey  (Fetch #1) by Mike Sizemore, Dave Kennedy, Pete Kennedy, and Janice Chiang, 104 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Storm King Comics 2023 $15 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (fighting skeletons, mythological creatures) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

12yo Danni is mourning the loss of her dog when she gets an old Greek Mythology book from a new teacher. The book helps her find the entrance to Hades, the Greek underworld, where Danni thinks she can find her dog and bring him back. Danni's younger brother shows up unexpectedly and together they find a guide to help them through the underworld: Odysseus. 

The illustrations are colorful and beautiful. Danni seems a bit young to be undaunted by killer skeletons , Medusa, and a cyclops. but she takes it in stride. It may help readers to have a background in Greek mythology, though this may spark that interest. The plot works surprisingly well, it's just really short. Danni and her brother are white and Hades is black. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Big Adventures of Babymouse Besties! by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm - ADVISABLE

The Big Adventures of Babymouse Besties! by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm, 216 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic Random House, 2023. $14 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Babymouse has big dreams where she is always the best, and her imagination is off the charts. But Babymouse is struggling to feel like she fits in when a new student shows up who everyone seems to like. What if she loses her bestie? 

The art is delightful and Babymouse books are an easy read for beginning or low-level readers. The themes of fitting in or being replaced by new friends is universal and the characters are unique and fun. 

 Michelle in the Middle

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West - ADVISABLE

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West, 320 pages. Delacorte Romance (Random House), 2024. $13.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As a junior, 17yo Finley can finally try out to be part of the high school podcast team, which she’s been preparing to do for years. Right after she nails her interview, Finley’s boyfriend blindsides her by trying out too—and he lands the spot Finley wanted. The new ex is taking everything Finley has ever wanted, so she, her best friends, and her ex’s nemesis plan for revenge.

The ex is someone readers will love to hate, bringing them immediately on board with the need for revenge. Trying to navigate her present, Finley dives into her grandmother’s past, juxtaposing the crisis Finley and readers are going through with the hope of knowing everything has worked out in similar circumstances before. As with life, not everything works out perfectly according to plan, but love and success can still come in beautiful surprises.

Finley is depicted as white on the cover, Theo is implied Hispanic, Lee is Asian, Deja is Indian, and the majority of other characters are implied white. Also, Lee and Maxwell are part of the LGBT community. The mature content rating is for partial nudity (girl in a sports bra, boy without a shirt), kissing, innuendo, and mentions of sex. The violence rating is for assault and jokes about murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

A Game of Noctis by Deva Fagan - ADVISABLE

A Game of Noctis by Deva Fagan, 306 pages. Simon, 2024. $18

Language: G (0 swears,  0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (non-bloody fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

12yo Pia is desperate to save her Gramps from being ejected from Dantessa because his standing has slipped so low in the Great Game. Pia take a chance and allies herself with a new crew - the Seafoxes, each with their own motives for wanting to upset the status quo in Datessa - even if they have to face the immortal Death herself.

Students who love books in original fantasy worlds will enjoy meeting Pia and Dantessa. I enjoyed that Pia wasn’t a “chosen one” who needs to save the whole world - a nice touch that helps it feel different from so many other recent fantasy books.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko, - ADVISABLE

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko, 309 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Random), 2024. $18

Language: G (1 swears, 0 f'); Mature Content: PG (alcoholic absent mother); Violence: G BUYING 

ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

After spending a week at home alone, unsure where their mother is or when she will come back, 11yo Hank and his little sister Boo decide they need to find help. They travel across town by bus to the home of an old family friend. Luckily Lou Ann agrees to take them in while a search is made for their absent mother. Boo seems to be thriving at Lou Ann's house. She is learning her letters and numbers and doing well at potty training. Hank is slowly starting to make new friends and the coach is taking note of his basketball skills. But Hank knows it is all still temporary, he is certain his mother will return any day. When she does show up one day out of the blue, Hank is elated.  However, when she insists they leave town without telling anyone Hank is uncertain. Only hours into their drive, she starts drinking again. Hank is put in a tough spot. Does he stay with their mother and put himself and his sister at risk, or go back to Lou Ann's and face the consequences of leaving. "Hank is always counting his mistakes and weighing which mistakes are worse. Even though he loves his mother he knows he can no longer trust her. Luckily he has some good adults in his life that teach him that we can learn from our mistakes and that true family loves unconditionally.

I really enjoyed this story about a boy trying to understand and navigate some tough emotions regarding his alcoholic mother, foster care and adoption. "

Hank and Boo are white. The other characters in the book are a variety of ethnicities.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Hero Trial by Kieran Atwood and Joe Todd-Stanton - ADVISABLE

Hero Trial (Dungeon Runners #1) by Kieran Atwood and Joe Todd-Stanton, 194 pages. DOODLE FICTION. Nosy Crow, 2024. $18. 9798887771076

Language: G (0 swears, 0  “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (fantasy violence, mostly off page)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Kit wants to be a Dungeon Runner just like his grandfather was, but to do that he needs a team, he needs some capital, and he needs a big break.  One of the official dungeon running teams has been decimated, so there is going to be a trial for new contenders.  And Kit has luckily run into a couple of other misfits who want a chance, too. Now they just have to brave the dungeon trial and Kit’s bullies; the trio is ready to take their chances.

Very much an underdog tale.  Buy this depending on whether fantasy graphic novels are popular in your library. Silly fun, but brave characters with a bit of kindness and luck on their side.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Larr and Leonie Bischoff, translated by Michelle Bailat-Jones - OPTIONAL

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Larr and Leonie Bischoff, translated by Michelle Bailat-Jones, 141 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Helvetiq, 2024. $30. 9783039640638

Language: G (0 swears,  0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (minor gun violence briefly depicted)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

15yo Simon doesn’t have much book smarts, but he does have a plan.  If he buys 1000 bronze turkeys from a local farmer and can get them successfully to Denver, he can make enough profit to start his own business. He doesn’t bargain for finding friends, finding family, finding treachery, and finding other excitement and danger along the way.

To be clear - this edition is based upon the French graphic novel, which is based on the original English novel written by Katherine Karr - kind of convoluted.  I have the original novel and I personally enjoyed it  When students chose historical fiction, someone usually reads it. The graphic novel, however, makes Simon look very young - 12 at the most. Entertaining, but short lived.  I can't predict whether it will do better than the novel or not.  Plus, it is 11” tall - so it won’t fit on a regular fiction shelf.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus - OPTIONAL

Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus, 389 pages. Penguin Random House, 2024. $21.

Language: PG-13 (134 swears, 25 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Fighting, death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS, ADULT -  OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

16yo Kat has always been close to her mother, Jamie, a skilled jewel thief who is determined to leave her past behind.  But Jamie has a plan for one last heist; stealing a beautiful, expensive necklace at the Sutherland's extravagant birthday bash. Kat insists on joining her mother, eager for adventure but unprepared for what lies ahead. To Kat's surprise, the party also brings a reunion with Liam, her former step-brother from Jamie's short marriage to Luke. Luke is a known con artist who has his own plan to target the billionaire family. When a shocking murder disrupts the festivities, Kat and Liam find themselves entangled in a dangerous mystery. Forced to rely on each other to survive, the two must navigate a world of deception and danger, questioning everyone's motives, including their own.  They have both grown up in a world full of lies and trust is something they are not used to.  Who will they decide to trust and who will deceive them?

This was such a fun book to read, I found it hard to put it down.  The book's pacing and suspenseful storytelling kept my interest while trying to solve the mystery and getting stumped at every turn.  I enjoyed the dynamics between Liam and Kat while mixing in Augustus for a slightly romantic twist.  There was just enough adventure and family drama throughout the book that it never seemed to drag.  I think students and adults would really enjoy this book and leave pleasantly surprised they were not able to predict the ending.

The characters in this book are all white.

Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2025 by National Geographic - ESSENTIAL

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2025 by National Geographic. 367 pages. NON-FICTION. National Geographic, 2024. $16. 9781426376023

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO:  MANY

"Almanac 2025" is a massive collection of all the relevant things that are happening in the world, such as history, politics, culture, new discoveries, exploration, inventions, and more. National Geographic covers nearly every base in this book, giving an expansive overview of current events in a simplified way that's easy to understand for readers of different levels. Including maps, pictures, and illustrations explain diagrams and discoveries to readers as well as hooking them in. "Almanac 2025" includes interactive games, glossaries, maps, and more to keep readers engaged by using different forms of learning and keeping things interesting. 

"Almanac 2025" is a great choice for kids spanning reading levels and interests to help them learn more about the world around them. A fantastic pick, because there's elements of nearly everything within it (history, politics, animals, inventions, games, and more) that would resonate with any reader. National Geographic keeps things interesting and informative by including charts and maps of different flags, countries, animals, and more.

Bryant Baird, Librarian