Picture Books for 9–12 Year Olds

357 picture books for 9–12 year olds, sorted by rating — page 3 of 4.

PERPETUA

Rome in a public spectacle for their refusal to recant their faith. Their story is recounted by Perpetua herself, in a short document that was soon after augmented by an editor/redactor. Ruden approaches the story of Perpetua with reverence, but primarily with the eye of a scholar. Her treatment is far from a hagiography or even a work of Christian history but instead serves as a close literary examination of this ancient text. Perpetua is seen as a truncated, overlooked, and even exploited female author, her own account, riveting and meaningful on its own, touched up, added to, and misused by others over time. “In forty years of studying ancient literature,” Ruden notes, “I have never seen an author so openly shoved to the side, shushed, and interrupted.” Ruden’s efforts seem aimed to clarify Perpetua’s role in the eyes of fellow academics. She exposes those forces in the church and in culture who have misrepresented and misused Perpetua (Augustine of Hippo is an example), while also diving headlong into a level of literary analysis that the lay reader may find unhelpful. A page and a half devoted to Perpetua’s use of the word ego (“I”), in reference to herself, is an example. Ruden notes in conclusion that “it is high time to move [Perpetua’s] story into the brighter light she powerfully deserves.” Ruden’s treatment does not, unfortunately, move Perpetua into that brighter light for the average reader."

This gripping dystopian novel plunges readers into a meticulously crafted world where a rigid caste system and perpetual surveillance dictate every aspect of life, following a protagonist who dares t...

PICKLE ON WHEELS

the end of the story, Pickle, Coco, and Felix are all skating together, three links in a chain of friendship. The repeated emphasis on process over results conveys a lovely lesson that never becomes preachy. Kantorovitz’s spare, muted artwork is enchanting in its simplicity, depicting the pains of failing at a new hobby and the joys of finally triumphing\u003B she also displays a keen eye for precious details such as Pickle’s handwritten thank\u002Dyou letter to Grandma and knee patches on the protagonist’s now\u002Dmended trousers."

This charming picture book follows the unexpected adventures of a pickle who discovers the joy of mobility after finding a set of wheels. Young readers will delight in the whimsical premise as the an...

PIGEONHOLED

one columnist as “the Guardian’s black journalist who writes ‘black stories.’” Ironically, his first column for the paper, about Bosnia, was spiked because the editor wanted him to add an “ethnic sensibility.” Born in Hertfordshire to Barbadian parents, Younge knew very few Black people. “When I entered a pub in most Scottish cities or any rural area in Britain, there was always this fragment of silence as I single\u002Dhandedly integrated the space.” Starting out in journalism, he says, felt like going into one of those pubs. Two decades later, Black journalists made up only 0.2% of staffers at British outlets. Younge is highly critical of mainstream media that have few Black decision\u002Dmakers but put Black journalists in front of cameras, mistaking photo opportunities for equal opportunities. Invoking wisdom from James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, and Shonda Rhimes, he acknowledges that while he aims to speak to the Black community in a relevant voice, “I hope I am never deluded enough to think I can speak for it.” He insists that though he may not represent Black people, “it’s important that I don’t misrepresent them. For it would also be reckless to contribute to an atmosphere in which relatively vulnerable people were made more vulnerable by my work.” After all, being Black in Britain means one is more likely to be stopped, searched, arrested, incarcerated, unemployed, underpaid, or homeless. By honestly reflecting on the complex challenges of his career, Younge hopes “to broaden the space for what we all might write.”"

This clever picture book tackles the frustration of being stereotyped through the story of a pigeon who dreams of being more than just a city bird. When the pigeon is repeatedly told it can only deli...

Pirate Academy New Kid on Deck Pirate Academy, Book 1

Justin Somper

From Justin Somper, award-winning author of the Vampirates series, comes a fast-paced and exciting fantasy adventure series perfect for readers of How to Train Your Dragon or Artemis Fowl.

Pitman’s Broadway Theatre at 100

towns beyond it. As movie theaters became commonplace later in the 20th century, the theater largely moved back to live performances. A husband and wife eventually bought the theater outright and still own it today\u003B it continues to thrive as a culture center of Pitman and South Jersey more broadly. Eldredge’s history uses a combination of anecdotal examples, biographical detail, and broader historical context, including details of local politics, to create a sweeping narrative of the Broadway. There are many specific details that make the history feel especially vivid, and the many interviews help to personalize the events of its story further. Sometimes, the book can feel a little bit disorganized\u003B in particular, its strict chronology can work against it, making it difficult to trace recurring themes clearly. However, this is a small complaint, and it’s easy to perceive the clear love and pride that the author feels for that local institution."

This photographic history offers a vibrant journey through a century of American theater, chronicling the evolution of one of Broadway's most storied venues. The book is rich with archival images, pl...

PIZZA WITCH

Genre

This middle-grade fantasy serves up a deliciously original premise where culinary magic and coming-of-age challenges collide in a story that will resonate with young readers navigating their own soci...

POEMS & PRAYERS

an 18\u002Dyear\u002Dold (Rimbaud excepted) should read: “Ignorant minds of the fortunate man / Blind of the fate shaping every land.” McConaughey is fearless in his commitment to the rhyme, no matter how slight the result (“Oops, took a quick peek at the sky before I got my glasses, / now I can’t see shit, sure hope this passes”). And, sad to say, the slight is what is most on display throughout, punctuated by some odd koanlike aperçus: “Eating all we can / at the all\u002Dwe\u002Dcan\u002Deat buffet, / gives us a 3.8 education / and a 4.2 GPA.” “Never give up your right to do the next right thing. This is how we find our way home.” “Memory never forgets. Even though we do.” The prayer portion of the program is deeply felt, but it’s just as sentimental\u003B only when he writes of life\u002Dchanging events—a court appearance to file a restraining order against a stalker, his decision to quit smoking weed—do we catch a glimpse of the effortlessly fluent, effortlessly charming McConaughey as exemplified by the David Wooderson (“alright, alright, alright”) of Dazed and Confused. The rest is mostly a soufflé in verse. McConaughey’s heart is very clearly in the right place, but on the whole the book suggests an old saw: Don’t give up your day job."

This collection of spiritual verses and reflective poetry offers young readers a gentle introduction to contemplative literature, blending accessible language with meaningful themes that resonate acr...

Pop Kill

a menpō\u002Dmasked hit squad and a half\u002Dburned, knife\u002Dwielding enforcer, Dina believes her best hope is to explain to her boss she has no intention of jumping ship. However, her newfound superspy bodyguard knows just how vengeful Koizumi can be, and that it’ll take more than words to survive his wrath. Writer/artist Johnson tackles his first full\u002Dlength, creator\u002Downed series alongside Painkiller Jane co\u002Dcreator Palmiotti, crafting a tale of espionage that effectively balances the serious and absurd. The multibillion\u002Ddollar companies’ antics mirror real\u002Dlife acts of corporate manipulation, although the cola\u002Dcan silencers and booby\u002Dtrapped six\u002Dpacks are on the wild side. The villains shine bright here, and Goro and Kaito’s antics are hilarious and horrifying. Jon and Dina have good banter, but a perfunctory romance. Santacruz’s pencils fit the genre perfectly, with a modern, cinematic approach to action scenes and a bit of Howard Chaykin influence apparent in the character designs. The soda logos are standouts—as dynamic and believable as real\u002Dworld brands."

This high-octane graphic novel plunges readers into a world of corporate espionage where soda is serious business, featuring a half-burned, knife-wielding enforcer and a menpō-masked hit squad. Write...

PRESENT, STILL MISSING

his family and his little town of Midland Valley. But it isn’t long before cracks begin to appear: The persona of the cheerful and easy\u002Dgoing Daddy Irene remembers increasingly seems like an act Mr. Bracken is trying to maintain, and underneath this mask is an angry and frightened man, someone whose experiences in the war have wounded him in invisible ways. While the narrative largely follows Irene as she goes about the normal activities of a young girl in a small town, it also returns regularly to the unavoidable reality that Mr. Bracken is fighting an inner battle—and largely losing it. “We’d have been better off if he’d never come home,” Irene’s friend MaryEllen says at one point about her own ex\u002Dsoldier father. “At least then Momma would have a check from the gov’ment.” Irene’s worries reach a peak when her father opts for electroshock therapy, and Mach’s decision to narrate these tense and dark events from the perspective of a young girl ends up paying off wonderfully. Irene is innocent but tough (“I hope he feels the sear of my gaze,” she thinks about a boy in her class who’s just assumed the class girls won’t play in the upcoming baseball game, “because I am ready to broil him in hot flames”)\u003B readers will immediately bond with and relate to her, even when she’s privately her suffering father’s harshest critic."

This powerful novel explores the complex aftermath of disappearance through alternating perspectives of a family grappling with uncertainty. When a teenager vanishes without explanation, the narrativ...

PUMPKIN AND BEETLE

curious creatures\u003B their elementary school classmates include a mummy, a pumpkinhead, a witch, and a wolf. When Pumpkin and Beetle spot a comic book they want to buy in the town bookshop, they realize they need to earn money to buy it. A brainstorming session ensues, and they finally settle on selling crabapples. That idea is a bust (“I can find crabapples in the forest!” one of their prospective customers tells them), so they make various entrepreneurial pivots to create a more exciting product, eventually cooking up some rather burnt crabapple muffins. These, too, are a flop, and Pumpkin and Beetle are close to despair, but a timely barter just might be the solution to their conflict. An enjoyable exercise in persistence, problem\u002Dsolving, and happy compromise, this graphic novel features succinct text, ideal for readers of many skill levels, while the cartooning is more sweet than spooky. One of the friendly recurring characters is a floating, silently supportive pink ghost cat named Boo—an especially adorable addition. A glimpse into the comic that Pumpkin and Beetle are obsessed with purchasing and a presumably yummier apple muffin recipe round out the book."

This charming picture book introduces young readers to the unlikely friendship between a cheerful pumpkin and a curious beetle, exploring themes of companionship and seeing beyond appearances. Throug...

PUNYCORN AND THE PRINCESS OF THIEVES

Genre

When a pint-sized unicorn with a heart of gold teams up with a notorious bandit princess, an unlikely friendship is forged in this hilarious and heartfelt adventure. Punycorn, despite his small statu...

QUEST FOR THE TRUE DRAGON

Genre

This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows a young protagonist's perilous journey to find the last remaining dragon in a world where the mythical creatures have nearly vanished. The narrative blends...

Race to Rumble Ruin New for 2026, the third title in the thrilling

Mel Taylor-Bessent

This action-packed adventure whisks young readers away to Imagination Island, where they'll join a group of friends racing through mysterious ruins, solving clever puzzles, and facing magical challen...

REPLACEABLE YOU

shooting himself in the afflicted foot) for an amputation and refitting with a prosthetic that allowed him to walk more easily. Roach wanders through the hallways of eldritch laboratories where pigs are grown to provide organs that are transplantable to humans, and she visits cadaver labs to look at another source of carefully inventoried parts (“As much time is spent on documentation and shipping of a donor’s tissues as on their removal. You’re expecting The Jeffrey Dahmer Story but it’s closer to UPS”). She interviews researchers on cures for type 1 diabetes and advances in “in vitro gametogenesis” and generally has a grand time looking into areas where few writers—especially squeamish ones—have ventured."

This powerful YA novel explores the complex world of teenage identity in an age of artificial intelligence, following a high school student whose life is upended when a sophisticated AI replica of he...

REPUBLIC AND EMPIRE

Genre

This sweeping historical narrative traces the dramatic transformation from republican governance to imperial power, examining the political structures, military campaigns, and social upheavals that d...

Rich Roaster Recipes An Enjoyable Cookbook of Unconventional Oven

Barbara Riddle

Why would you need yet another appliance in your kitchen? Your counter space is already tight, right? Think about it, though - a roaster oven will cook dishes as large - and tasty - as many that you normally cook in your conventional oven. And it will do it without heating up your kitchen to an unco

RING OF FIRE

machine guns. We learn of the tragic collateral deaths of civilians and horses—and of the quirky improvisations of the French, who sent troops to the front in taxis. Likewise, we read of unemployment on the docks of Buenos Aires\u003B New Zealand troops invading German\u002Dheld Samoa\u003B and the widespread deployment of troops from Africa and the Indian subcontinent. By the time we reach the Battle of the Marne, we are familiar with a common litany: undersupplied and undertrained, largely civilian armies, burdened by heavy equipment and dysentery, fighting in heat and unfamiliar terrain, throttled by insufficient supply lines. Officers of various degrees of incompetence fought “the last war.” Above all, the authors emphasize the extent of that August’s carnage. The deaths of thousands in a single battle, the burnings of cities, towns, and villages, the bleeding of munitions and treasure on such a scale that they transformed Europe into a giant cemetery of rotting corpses, where men crawled through mud to survive: all of them hoping this horror would be done by Christmas. "

This gripping survival thriller plunges readers into the heart of a volcanic catastrophe, where a school trip to Indonesia turns into a desperate fight for life when a long-dormant supervolcano erupt...

RODEO HAWKINS AND THE DAUGHTERS OF MAYHEM

Rodeo Hawkins, raffish daughter of the Chaos King, who wields a lasso made of pink bubble gum and heads a motley but capable squad of “femininjas.” Young Sidney—the very last of the name, still alive and, inexplicably, the only one who’s a boy—is pitched headlong into a struggle to survive. This battle escalates climactically into a desperate, last\u002Dditch effort to save the very multiverse he’s supposedly destined to destroy. As Wookieelike Daughter of Mayhem warrior Bugbear eloquently puts it, “Goowee poo poo.” Making effective use of silent reaction shots in her cleanly drawn panels to heighten the effects of punchlines and dramatic turns, Miles highlights the notably diverse cast, including the two leads (who have brown skin and dark hair), multiverse cognates (who are the same person except that one lives on an Earth where humans have green “photosynthetic skin”), and a nameless, bodiless consciousness who calls herself “Go.” The fast pace, lively and creative illustrations, and humorous moments will draw readers in."

A teenage rodeo star's quiet life gets turned upside down when three formidable sisters arrive in town, bringing chaos, competition, and unexpected alliances to his small Western community. Rodeo Haw...

ROPE

the close, he reveals rope as a potent metaphor for human society and the fibers that bind us. The next time readers hold a length of rope in their hands, it will be with heightened respect and admiration."

This gripping survival thriller plunges readers into a high-stakes mountain climbing disaster where a simple rope becomes the fragile barrier between life and death. The narrative follows young climb...

ROYAL GAMBIT

turning into trees and stegosauruses and unusual modes of death involving energetically implanted brain cubes. The occasional borrowed tiara on her head, Alix moves through an environment where nothing is ever quite what it seems. The closer she comes to finding Edmund’s killer, the more Alix uncovers about the secrets surrounding her position within both the Checquy Group and the royal family."

This gripping fantasy novel plunges readers into a deadly world of court intrigue and magical tournaments, where a young commoner must master forbidden powers to survive. The story weaves political m...

SCHOOL DANCE

a self\u002Dinduced hex: Every time he dances, disaster follows. After mortifying experiences at a friend’s bar mitzvah and a group dance lesson, Milo is utterly dejected when he hears about the upcoming Snowball Soiree. Luckily, Abue, his beloved abuela, has moved into the Castillo home. Even though she’s been warned against driving, Abue whisks Milo and his friends off to experience live Tejano music, which he enjoys both musically and aesthetically. The experience leaves him with a stronger connection to his heritage as well as more self\u002Dconfidence in his dancing—but Milo feels guilty for lying to his parents about Abue’s driving and conflicted about where to draw the line when trying to please others. When Abue’s failing eyesight catches up with her clandestine drives, Milo must make a hard choice. This latest entry maintains the high standards of Sax’s series. Milo is wholly relatable and accessible, adroitly portraying the ups and downs of adolescence. Sposto’s vibrantly alluring colors and Sax’s gift for highlighting facial expressions and emotions imbue Milo’s journey of self\u002Dacceptance and confidence with deeper levels of nuance that are certain to resonate with readers long after the last page is turned."

This vibrant collection of school dance poetry captures the electric energy and social complexities of this pivotal adolescent rite of passage. Through sharp, contemporary verse, the poet explores ev...

SCHOOLBOT 9000

Genre

This middle-grade sci-fi adventure delivers a thrilling cautionary tale about artificial intelligence in education, following students who discover their new high-tech learning assistant has develope...

SCIENCE UNDER SIEGE

polluters and the politicians who advocate for them), the ‘pros’ who use their professional (or in some cases scholarly) credentials to deceive or promote unsupported contrarian views, the propagandists who amplify them on social media and other venues, and, increasingly, the press, including even the mainstream press.” The narrative reveals, in compelling detail, how these forces weave a complicated web of public deception and political danger in the face of some of humanity’s greatest challenges. With clear\u002Deyed prose moving through chapters that explain each of these actors, the authors provide a clear, persuasive road map to fight back against the forces that diminish and dismiss science. The result is an empowering work in a world that can often feel lost to untruths. “While there is urgency—unlike any we’ve ever known—there is still agency,” they write. “We can still avert disaster if we can understand the nature of the mounting anti\u002Dscience threat and formulate a strategy to counter it.”"

This gripping exploration of scientific integrity tackles the complex challenges facing modern research, from political interference and corporate influence to the erosion of public trust. The author...

SCORCHED EARTH

Genre

This gripping dystopian thriller plunges readers into a future where environmental collapse has reshaped civilization, forcing a group of young survivors to navigate a treacherous, resource-scarce la...

SHE JOURNEYS

Nick’s serious injury in a helicopter crash after returning from an overseas deployment. Depressed and demoralized, Sarah returned to California. The cross\u002Dcountry trip, including reunions with family members and solo backpacking in national parks along the way, began a decade\u002Dlong journey of healing. Living with her parents on a houseboat in Newport Beach provided a safe space to begin again. Finding renewed spirituality, faith, and strength through yoga, she attained certification as a yoga instructor. During a four\u002Dyear relationship in San Diego, a class in psychic intuition led to the realization that she needed “More from [her] partner, more from life, and most of all, more from [her]self.” Therapy, exploration of transgenerational trauma, transformational breath work, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, plant medicine, and Reiki were among the methods she explored that resulted in a healthy relationship with her body and spirit and a loving, satisfying relationship with her partner, Andrew. May’s limpid writing unflinchingly recounts the crumbling relationship between her and Nick that propelled her on this journey. Acknowledging that Nick was responsible for his actions, she honestly confronts the question of why she put up with his behavior. The author’s rejection of victimhood is admirable, and her description of the hard work it takes to “heal from the inside out” will be inspirational to anyone hoping to do the same. The book’s tone is lightened by humorous asides about her enthusiasm for alternative therapies (“I burn so much sage, I set off smoke alarms”)."

This empowering collection of 40 short stories and guided journaling prompts takes young women on a transformative journey of self-discovery, weaving together wisdom from inspiring female figures wit...

SHIFTING SANDS

Genre

This gripping novel explores the turbulent landscape of teenage identity through the lens of magical realism, where shifting ground serves as both literal and metaphorical terrain. Protagonist Kai na...

Show and Tell (A Coloring Book of Your Favorite Things)

Jupiter Kids

This coloring book is a collection of the things commonly presented during show-and-tell activities at school. Color these images and learn about colors, shapes, forms and perspectives too. Coloring is also a great tool to exercise positive self-expression, which is an important therapeutic step. Gr

SILENCED VOICES

the raging war—but everything changed with the arrival of the Guatemalan army and their brutally violent “full\u002Dblown scorched\u002Dearth operation.” Thanks to her fierce queer sister, Elena, Clara escaped, but the girls were forced to separate. Clara eventually headed to the U.S. alone. Deeply affected by their mother’s story, José and Charlie reflect on their family roots, embarking on a mission to determine their long\u002Dlost aunt’s fate. Split into four chapters that share the perspectives of the central characters, Leon’s testament to the power of historical memory movingly explores how the echoes of trauma continue to reverberate across the Guatemalan and Indigenous diasporas, often spanning generations. The unflinching, grounded artwork, which emphasizes the characters’ expressions and emotions, offers a few moments of levity amid the mostly unseen acts of violence. "

This powerful young adult novel tackles the urgent issue of censorship through the eyes of high school students whose literary magazine faces administrative shutdown over controversial content. The n...

SIMPLICITY

the Van Wervel Trust, which is working to establish a museum. The evil Mr. Van Wervel is also the mayor of the NYC\u002DAST and looks like an early 1900s political cartoon of a monopolist. When Lucius arrives in Simplicity, the colors on the page transition from the gray and radioactive neon of the city to yellow sun and green plant life. The community was established in the 1970s, and it still exists in a similar form decades later, after the dissolution of the United States. Lucius is eager to interview subjects and start documenting his ethnographic findings, but the people don’t trust him at first, until he begins working the land alongside them. Although he was meant to observe, the freedom that the community members display with their feelings and bodies seduces him into becoming a participant. Lubchansky shows that nature is just as dangerous as the industrial city through the darkness of the forest and the gory violence that starts to encroach on the closed\u002Doff commune. Lucius’ relationship with one of the leaders, Amity, is thrown into jeopardy when he finds that his employer is planning to bulldoze the community in Simplicity to build the museum along with futuristic luxury apartments. Instead of returning to the city to share his findings, Lucius stays and tries to parse his dreams of a giant, Lovecraftian creature. Lucius and Amity seek out the dangers lurking in the woods around the enclave, and come across a dystopian conspiracy meant to crush their way of life. "

This counting book offers a refreshingly straightforward approach to early math concepts, presenting numbers one through ten with clean, minimalist illustrations that allow young children to focus pu...

SISTERS OF THE JUNGLE

other female researchers, whom they saw as role models—as does the author. Although McGoogan discovered no single answer to why women have been drawn to primatology in the first place, it’s more important, she asserts, to acknowledge the ways that their discoveries and insights have decisively shaped the discipline as we know it today."

This gripping middle-grade adventure plunges readers deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where three sisters must rely on their wits and each other to survive after a plane crash strands th...

Smile A Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier

Raina Telgemeier

Raina Telgemeier's #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning graphic memoir based on her childhood! Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with

SOFTLY, AS I LEAVE YOU

Genre

This poignant novel explores the complex emotional landscape of terminal illness through the eyes of a teenager grappling with a parent's decline. The narrative balances raw honesty with moments of u...

SON OF THE BORDERLANDS

Genre

This gritty contemporary western follows a young man grappling with his family's violent legacy along the Texas-Mexico border, where loyalty is tested and survival demands difficult choices. The narr...

SOUL MACHINE

MCorp’s charismatic leader, Maya, but when she gets in trouble, she’s rescued by members of the Nuspiritualist resistance group led by healer Persie. The efficient use of dialogue, especially on pages with large numbers of small panels, demonstrates the care Globerman puts into each composition. Determined to find her own path in life, Chloe eventually rejects both the self\u002Dproclaimed “girlboss” Maya and naturalist ideologue Persie. Her journey takes a particularly affecting turn during a dream sequence in which she navigates a surreal game show in search of her mother. The science behind breth and Digibreth is never fully explained, but the abstract metaphysics are a feature not a bug, inviting readers to interpret the story in ways that have “no wrong answers.” Globerman uses a strikingly different monochromatic palette for each setting, including greens, blues, pinks, and yellows, lending a distinct feel to each leg of Chloe’s (and readers’) journey. "

This gripping science fiction novel explores the dangerous intersection of artificial intelligence and human consciousness, plunging readers into a near-future world where technology threatens to era...

SPACE CASE THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

Genre

This graphic novel adaptation brings space camp adventures to life with vibrant illustrations and witty dialogue that will immediately hook middle-grade readers. The story follows a group of young as...

SPACE VAULT

locals, but by top government officials and powerful oligarchs. This opening storyline offers a glimpse into the book’s near\u002Dfuture world, which is dependent on the genetic modification of plants. In Iowa, Shiko Tanaka, born in a rotating space habitat and sent to Earth for his first job with GLOSCOM, an agricultural science company, soon learns his employer’s practices contribute to “environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and socioeconomic inequalities in access to nutritious food.” Shiko starts investigating GLOSCOM’s possibly nefarious interest in planet Earth, which leads him to Lagos and NIPAH. Meanwhile, far above Earth, the Tritans, a High Council of aliens on a spaceship whose home planet is dying, must revive their planet or move to another one. They send out probes for suitable new homelands and find Earth promising. After all, the blue planet’s levels of pollution mean it will soon be uninhabitable for humans, but the land is still productive despite its many barren patches. The Tritans might also steal seeds from the seed vault, whose bioengineered plants may help restore their ailing planet. Teagan Ward, the lead, doesn’t appear until later in novel, when she’s giving birth to her baby, Diana, in California. The genetic modifications Teagan underwent in lunar prison also prepared her body for Diana, “a species designed for survival beyond Earth” with “enhanced cognitive processing, superior cellular regeneration, and resistance to radiation and extreme conditions.” From there, the disparate story lines quickly converge as Clift ramps up the action, showcasing his deftness at building suspense: “The sound grew louder, like the steady hum of machinery, blending with the rustle of the grove’s leaves. It was almost hypnotic, yet unnerving.” If the story’s scope and large cast occasionally overwhelm readers, mesmerizing worldbuilding and Teagan’s likability keep it from spinning out of control."

This action-packed science fiction adventure launches readers into a high-stakes mission to protect the galaxy's most valuable artifacts from a ruthless corporate empire. The narrative follows a dari...

SPECTRUM

anti\u002Dglobalization protesters in 1999, where teen runaway Melody Parker meets Echo, an androgynous, glam vision in spiky blond hair, white pinstripe jumpsuit with red\u002Dorange accessories, and blue lipstick and nail polish. Echo explains that Melody is actually an eons\u002Dold, reincarnating demiurge destined to settle a celestial war by restoring the primordial music of the universe. Sensing that Echo and her space\u002Dsuited minions are bent on destruction, Melody leaps off a radio tower, sprouts cicada wings, flies to Los Angeles, and meets record\u002Dshop owner Ada Latimer, whose long\u002Dlost father, Leon, a bassist in the band The Opticks, plays a murky role in the Melody\u002DEcho conflict. Fleeing Echo, Melody and Ada travel to 1936 New Orleans, where the narrative follows a noirish subplot about a love affair between a photographer and a married woman. Melody and Ada then chug off on a magical train called Glory, which is steered by songs. Ada takes a turn as a punk\u002Drock chanteuse while Melody confronts George Parker, a tweedy record producer who claims to have created her as an immortal weapon against the abyss. Melody and Ada reunite and find the dementia\u002Dstricken Leon on his deathbed—but so does Echo, now a 1,000\u002Dfoot\u002Dtall colossus\u003B she vows “to kill the infernal fridge buzz of existence” unless Ada can divine from Leon the song that will defeat her. Quinn’s kaleidoscopic narrative verges on incoherence, but the characters—especially the brassy Echo—are magnetic, and the dialogue is ardent and lyrical in its odes to the creative spirit. (“The only way to achieve transcendence is to risk madness.”) Chisholm’s artwork nicely balances throbbing color, psychedelic ambiance and off\u002Dkilter perspectives with kitchen\u002Dsink realism in quieter scenes depicting Ada’s childhood. The result is a compelling blend of tuneful mysticism and eye\u002Dpopping visuals."

This vibrant exploration of color theory and light physics transforms abstract scientific concepts into a visual feast for young minds, using stunning illustrations to demonstrate how prisms work and...

Sprinkles and Unicorn The Weekend

Diane Alber

This early chapter book offers young readers a gentle introduction to fantasy literature through the charming adventures of a unicorn and her sprinkle companion. The whimsical storyline follows these...

Spy School Secret Service the Graphic Novel

Stuart Gibbs

The New York Times bestselling Spy School series continues in graphic novel form with the fifth book as Ben Ripley goes undercover in the White House to take on a SPYDER operative determined to assassinate the president. Thirteen-year-old Ben Ripley has had a lot of field success despite only just b

STITCH HEAD

town, in the form of a sinister, scheming ringleader named Fulbert, who’s seeking new additions to his Traveling Carnival of Unnatural Wonders. After years of being ignored by his master, Stitch Head is eager to run away and join Fulbert’s coterie—but the mustachioed man has something more dastardly in mind. The setting is comedically cinematic, with a shadowy, outsize castle, endless haunted hallways, and a richly kitschy mad scientist’s laboratory. The professor’s crew of creations inhabiting the castle are colorful and imaginative—bat\u002Dwinged brains, alienlike blobs, and furry and feathered beasties. Based on Bass and Williamson’s chapter\u002Dbook series, this graphic novel adaptation benefits beautifully from the addition of the visual element—a gleeful stylistic echo of Tim Burton’s 1990s work in particular. All human and humanlike characters are pale\u002Dskinned."

This darkly humorous gothic adventure follows a mad scientist's first creation as he navigates the eerie halls of Castle Grotteskew, where bizarre experiments and monstrous companions lurk around eve...

STOLEN HISTORIES

Nuru, an ancient shapeshifter from a hidden colony, who asks them to retrieve a stolen artifact hidden in the Empire\u002Dcontrolled Archive—an ethereal realm of lost knowledge. What begins as a job for hire unfolds into a layered journey involving magic, politics, and mythic lore. Michaels crafts a vivid world where elemental magic hums through every object and ritual, and where ambient power bleeds into city streets and backroom deals. The friendship between Amari and Taliya is the novel’s emotional heart—equal parts banter, strategy, and fierce loyalty. Both characters are well developed with clear voices and complementary strengths that balance action with emotional nuance. The prose is rich and often lyrical, particularly in the worldbuilding: Castor pulses with life, from the haunted Kiyoshi Crater to floating market districts and magically enhanced restaurants: “In the Upper District, the ambient magic is a touch calmer and flows around her like a fast\u002Dmoving stream.” The magic system—based in singing, runes, and time manipulation—feels both unique and intuitive, integrated naturally into daily life. Although the novel features frequent exposition and a large cast of minor characters, it remains grounded in Amari and Taliya’s dynamic, making even the slower\u002Dpaced chapters feel purposeful. By the end, the story sets the stage for even more expansive world\u002Dsaving adventures."

This powerful work of investigative nonfiction uncovers suppressed narratives and forgotten voices from across the globe, piecing together a compelling alternative history that challenges conventiona...

STORYTELLER

Genre

This collection of critical reviews offers young readers and aspiring writers an insider's perspective on what makes literature compelling, examining narrative techniques, character development, and ...

SUGAR SHACK

Genre

This vibrant picture book transports young readers to the heart of a bustling maple sugar farm, capturing the entire process from tapping the trees to pouring the sweet, sticky syrup. The narrative f...

SUPER BOBA CAFÉ

Hamada’s attractive color palette, heighten the humorous and heartfelt moments. Fascinating facts about San Francisco’s history are woven into the monster’s story. The previous book established that Aria is Taiwanese and Indian American. The ending tantalizingly sets the stage for the next series entry."

This vibrant graphic novel serves up a delightful blend of supernatural mystery and bubble tea, following a young teen who discovers her family's boba shop holds magical secrets. The story bubbles ov...

SUPER NATURAL

recycling their waste products. Turtles in Canada pass months on the bottom of frozen ponds without breathing. Wood frogs in Alaska freeze solid throughout the winter. Beetles and ground squirrels in Alaska survive these months but never freeze. Using antifreeze proteins and cryoprotectants, they “supercool”—their body fluids remain liquid despite temperatures far below zero. Under Antarctic ice, fish and other sea life thrive under subzero conditions. Few natural history writers fail to warn that global warming threatens a mass extinction in these waters, and Riley too sounds the alarm. Saving “extremophiles” for later pages, he delivers vivid descriptions of spectacularly normal or amazingly grotesque creatures that live in boiling hot springs, poisonous mine wastes, the stratosphere, deep inside the earth’s crust, or miles down at the bottom of the ocean. It turns out that life itself may have originally been an extremophile that appeared almost four billion years ago on a planet without oxygen and survived on heat and toxic chemicals generated deep in the ocean as the earth’s tectonic plates pulled apart, freeing superheated magma below to mix with seawater above."

This vibrant exploration of the natural world reveals the extraordinary science behind everyday phenomena, transforming ordinary observations into captivating discoveries. Young readers will uncover ...

SUPER VISIBLE

Genre

This vibrant picture book offers an empowering exploration of identity and self-expression for young readers navigating the complexities of growing up. Through its compelling narrative and striking i...

SURVIVING PARIS

2020, she was in her fifth apartment. But her biggest challenge was medical. In 2018, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The title Davis chose for her memoir refers to physical as well as emotional survival: nine surgical procedures over five years in a health care system that made her feel unheard, “dragged along without agency over my body, my health,” she writes. After a mastectomy, reconstruction, and removal of lymph nodes, impending chemotherapy and radiation finally incited her to speak up. Fearing that chemotherapy would compromise her fertility, she insisted on freezing her eggs. Davis also writes about dating and forging a sense of community as a Black woman in a new culture. “Living in France,” she notes, “I’d had my fair share of ‘Was this person racist to me or just rude?’—even more than I did in the US.” Still, she has persisted, determined to survive and thrive in a place she has grown to love."

This gripping young adult novel plunges readers into the chaotic aftermath of a devastating earthquake that levels the City of Light, following a group of international teens who must navigate collap...

SYNAP

Shiloh’s father, Director Raguel, oversees each new robot\u002Doperating “Driver.” Shiloh, like others before them, uses something called the Axon Connection to power the machine (or try to), but that link weakens or goes away entirely when Drivers reach the age of 25 (“Your connection is strongest before your brain finishes developing”). So, Synap must continually train new Drivers, like Shiloh’s sister Angeline, Driver Six. In the virtual reality–like Axon, Shiloh keeps seeing images of Vivian, Synap’s very first Driver. If these are just memories, how is Vivian interacting with Shiloh? Meanwhile, Earth anticipates a visitor from the sky—perhaps an alien race that wants its machine back. Moses’ story is jampacked with goodies, including dynamic characters and a vivid backstory. Readers are treated to such unforgettable scenes as Angeline in a submersible deep in the Pacific Ocean and Vanessa (another former Driver) leading a team of armed soldiers on a mission in Xinjiang. Relationships fuel the narrative of this graphic novel as Synap’s Lynne Seti actively trains Shiloh, and Angeline and Vanessa appear to have a falling out. The action and mystery pick up as the story progresses and readers learn more about the mysterious Vivian (and an even more enigmatic glowing figure that suddenly emerges). Everything leads to a stellar cliffhanger that will surely leave readers eagerly awaiting further installments. Giannini’s sleek artwork outfits the diverse cast with chicness, from the stylish Synap uniforms to Vanessa’s eyebrow slits to Vivian’s lilac hair."

This innovative guide to brain science and neural pathways offers young readers a fascinating journey into the workings of the human mind, exploring how thoughts form and memories are created through...

Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy A Graphic Novel by Jonathan Hill

Jonathan Hill

It's the first day of seventh grade, and Tommy Tomkins has a new backpack, a new shirt...and a new face. Tommy isn't an ordinary middle schooler. He and his family are refugees from the centre of the earth, lizard people disguised as humans to blend in on the surface. Fitting in at middle school is

TALES OF MILITANT CHEMISTRY

Genre

This provocative collection of chemical warfare narratives blends scientific precision with military history, offering young readers a sobering look at how chemistry has shaped modern conflict. The s...

TALL WATER

Genre

This compelling coming-of-age novel plunges readers into the turbulent world of a teenager navigating the treacherous currents of high school, family secrets, and first love. The narrative flows with...

Tassajara Stories

Shunryu Suzuki, the abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center, and subsequently witnessed a revolving door of people looking for inspiration, enlightenment, or simply an alternative way of living for a while. The author walks readers through the minutiae of daily life at the monastery, which included a “complex oryoki eating ritual and chanting, which dragged the meal out to an hour with little time for the actual eating.” He also recalls various anecdotes and visitors, explaining different phrases and terminology along the way (“Kobun wore a black monastic work outfit he called samue. Samu was monastic work and ‘e’ meant clothes”). While the stories largely unfold chronologically, there is no particular thread to connect them other than their shared time and place. Chadwick uses short, choppy sentences with minimal adornment, creating a strange sense of monotony—but one that is occasionally broken up by a beautiful description of nature or a particularly memorable event. One such highlight is when the poets Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Daniel Moore came to meditate, read verse, sing, and chant mantras. This performance sparks what is surely one of the more delightfully bizarre sentences ever written: “Ginsberg played his harmonium with Ferlinghetti and Moore on Chinese horn and Hindu bells.” Surprisingly (and a bit disappointingly), the book’s focus consistently remains on the physical details of Tassajara and the everyday actions of its inhabitants, with very little personal or spiritual introspection. Still, the thorough and enlightening work achieves its ultimate goal of being an “oral history” by providing unparalleled access to daily life in a remarkable time and place."

This counting book offers young learners a vibrant journey through numbers with engaging illustrations and clever rhymes that make early math concepts accessible and fun. Each page introduces a new n...

THAT DEVIL, AMBITION

Genre

This gripping exploration of ambition's double-edged sword follows a protagonist's relentless climb to the top, only to confront the moral compromises and personal costs incurred along the way. The n...

THE 1929 KELSEY QUILTERS

22 additional unsewn blocks, was discovered by the author’s family in the estate of her husband’s aunt in 2018. In tracing the mysterious origins of the quilt—both sewn and unsewn blocks featured the same eight\u002Dpoint star pattern, but with a different name embroidered on each—the narrative puts together lost pieces of both Hamberlin’s extended family history and that of an entire Southern community of families belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter\u002DDay Saints. The quilt, as the author learned, was made by a tight\u002Dknit group of women who lived in the Mormon community of Kelsey, Texas. While now a ghost town, at the turn of the 20th century Kelsey served as a haven for Mormon converts from the religiously oppressive South. (Even after the church banned polygamy, which was used by its opponents as justification for their persecution, its members continued to be met with hostility.) Exploring the lives of the women who worked on the quilt in 1929, this work uncovers a rich history of Kelsey’s town life, from its public school staffed by Mormon missionaries to its stores, farms, and mills built by the faithful. The text is at times hagiographic, written by a believer in the church’s teachings (the study of Kelsey, Hamberlin notes, “has strengthened [her] testimony of [her] Savior and the Atonement”), which may not resonate with those from different faith traditions. The study nevertheless draws on an impressive array of primary sources—from family oral histories to archival materials—to paint a vibrant portrait of life in Kelsey from the perspective of its women. Supplemented by a wealth of photographs, this is an accessible, engaging local history."

This historical novel transports readers to the heart of the Great Depression, following a determined group of women in a small town who turn to quilting as a means of survival and solidarity. The na...

THE ARCHITECT'S EPIPHANY

the dastardly Zhehe people, but that just means that the stage is set for a City Builder—in this case the young Ocean Hacklin, heir to the great City Builder Yishan Hacklin—to rebuild Aye\u002DShan City all over again, using his superhuman Naoyang skills. Before that can happen, however, Ocean must team up with Shaman Ling Tiber\u003B together, the duo, along with a comical company of other Aye\u002DShan City refugees, set out to locate the fabled Guardian Beast. Readers may see parallels between Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series and the story of the fallen city of Aye\u002DShan: Both set technology and the natural world at odds with each other. The Kwong brothers take the premise one step further in positing that war itself is just part of the natural cycle of things. There is a lyrical quality in both the writing (“The fighting song is loud and clear, the sound of nature changes the world”) and the illustrations. The latter seem to shift and morph into varying styles, some vibrant and colorful, others stark and black \u0026amp\u003B white. At one point, speaking through imaginative speech balloons in prose that gives it an ethereal air of nobility, the mighty Guardian Beast laments how it was overcome after the Zhehe people “tempted Aye\u002DShan people to engage in lewd acts, which generated negative energy and weakened my power.” Will the Zhehe people and the inhabitants of Aye\u002DShan City ever break free of this cycle of destruction and creation? That depends on what the Kwong brothers next have in store for readers."

This architectural adventure follows a young designer's journey through a world of impossible structures and gravity-defying forms, where buildings come alive with personality and purpose. The narrat...

THE BEAST IN THE CLOUDS

two sons of Theodore Roosevelt." />

This gripping adventure novel follows two young brothers on a perilous expedition into uncharted wilderness, where they must confront both the harsh realities of nature and a mysterious creature rumo...

THE BIZARRE BAZAAR

friends, crush Ginny Mendoza, and even his busy, overworked mother, Abel stumbles upon the Bizarre Bazaar one day and finds a charm bracelet that’s perfect for Ginny. It’s out of his price range, but Babs is willing to take a trade. Back home, Abel rummages through his absent father’s old things for possibilities but comes up empty\u003B after he does manual labor for his grumpy neighbor, she lets him take a mirror as payment. Before he can swap his new find for the bracelet, he falls into the mirror and enters a seemingly perfect world where his parents are together and everyone, including Ginny, adores him. But Abel quickly realizes that something isn’t right. In this start to a new graphic novel series, Nayeri’s cleverly structured narrative, paired with Enright’s bright, retro\u002Dstyle cartoons, sets a tone that’s by turns cavalier and chilling, delighting in mortal foibles and offering unexpected revelations. Brown\u002Dskinned Abel’s surname suggests that he’s of Iranian descent, Ginny is Latine, and the supporting cast is diverse."

This vibrant counting book transforms a bustling marketplace into an immersive mathematical adventure, where young readers encounter everything from seven shimmering scarves to ten towering pyramids ...

The Black Death (Graphic Medieval History) by Gary Jeffrey

Gary Jeffrey

In graphic novel format, tells three stories about the first plague that swept medieval Europe.

THE BLOOD IN WINTER

nobles. The crux of the dispute was over “Remonstrances,” a series of objections to Charles the First’s desire for absolute rule. Paramount among these were Parliament’s right to assemble and whether bishops should be allowed to sit in the House of Lords. No issue arose without provoking opposition. “Ship money,” a levy on coastal communities to fund the Royal Navy, was a classic example. The king tried to extend the levy to inland counties without parliamentary consent. This galvanized such opposition that when Charles and his army turned up at Parliament searching for five members whom Charles regarded as traitors, they had already fled downriver. They’d been tipped off by Lucy Hay, close companion to the queen and one of history’s great eavesdroppers. It is to Healey’s credit that, while giving a detailed discussion of the complex arguments, he also evokes the many colorful characters involved. Alongside a king who teeters between pomposity and timidity, a queen who sells her jewelry in exile, and the humble\u002Dborn Sir John Bankes, stuck “between a sow’s ear and the silken purse,” readers are treated to a portrait of a smoke\u002D, smog\u002D, and mud\u002Dfilled London, together with its inhabitants. Water poets and priggish Puritans may dominate, but who can forget a particular candidate for Constable of the Tower: Thomas Lunsford, who was “heavily in debt, rarely seen at church. Some said he was a cannibal.”"

This gripping survival thriller plunges readers into a brutal winter landscape where a group of teenagers must confront not only the deadly cold and scarce resources but also the terrifying creatures...

THE BOOK OF CHAOS

land and sea), establish an impressive pace that rarely lets up. The ending provides resolution and a welcome tease for yet another series entry."

This middle-grade fantasy novel plunges readers into a world where ancient magic and modern-day chaos collide, following siblings who discover their family's mysterious legacy holds the key to preven...

THE BOOK OF SEA MONSTERS

either a maritime reference (fish, boats, sea monsters) or a representation of the featured author. It functions as a sort of Great Books seminar for readers with a short attention span. The book reminds us of how great some of the poems are and where “water, water everywhere / and not a drop to drink” actually comes from. The anthology also prompts musings about erotic and psychological elements pertaining to sea monsters\u003B an example may be a possible feminist critique of mermaids. Just as Thoreau escaped the desperate city for the desperate country, so humankind fled the monsters among us only to succumb to their nautical cousins—escaping the devil, so to speak, for the deep blue sea."

This vividly illustrated guide plunges young readers into the mysterious depths of the ocean, introducing them to a captivating menagerie of marine creatures both real and legendary. From the colossa...

THE BOOK OF SHEEN

his umbilical cord, and goes on to a childhood in and around Los Angeles, where he made home videos with other showbiz kids. Along with his mother and three siblings, he frequently traveled to locations where his father, Martin Sheen, was filming, notably the set of Apocalypse Now. In an account laden with expletives and endearingly weird spelling choices (“dood,” “kool”), some of the actor’s most riveting chapters evoke his own stints on film sets, particularly his brutal experiences during the filming of Oliver Stone’s Platoon, in which the author starred. Though he went on to play parts in many more movies and in TV shows like Two and a Half Men, he turned his attention primarily to booze, drugs, gambling on sports, and encounters with sex workers. Don’t look for the usual redemption narrative here. Though Sheen does spend the last few pages of the book on what he says have been eight recent years of sobriety, undertaken for the sake of his children and grandchildren, he devotes most of the book to an exhaustive and sometimes exhausting survey of life on the edge. Despite many hours at meetings, he doesn’t have the respect for Alcoholics Anonymous—that “medieval gibberish club”—that he has for the many escorts he employed, whose charges he views as “a convenience\u002Dtax for a guaranteed outcome the other dating scenarios couldn’t offer.” Sheen’s three marriages zip in and out of the narrative with dizzying speed, leaving the reader no wiser about the women involved."

This vibrant collection of character studies and life lessons draws inspiration from the iconic actor Charlie Sheen, transforming his memorable quotes and public persona into thoughtful reflections o...

THE CALL OF ABADDON

the United Earth Federation, and now Jason and Sam have psychic abilities. Jason, however, can’t control his, and he suppresses them with regular doses of the drug Osmium. Untreated, he hears the voice of the Abaddon Beacon, an alien obelisk that sat in the labs with the three when they were still test subjects. As Jason’s connection to the Beacon hurts him as well as others, the salvagers vow to retrieve the artifact, which promises Jason answers to his “psychic affliction.” That’s just one reason to brave the surface of New Toronto, where they’re classified as “Undocs”\u003B the other is to salvage parts to repair their damaged 14\u002Dfoot robot, the true muscle in the Village’s defense. Meanwhile, the ongoing Solar War may be nearing an end, with the very real possibility that the UEF will surrender to the Solar Empire. Cyborg Anne Oakfield, who has ties to the Village and the government’s experiments, has another idea: She sets out to kill the nefarious EmperorHadrian Mariko of the Solar Empire. All the while, the Nanophage, a plague of corrupted Nanites that infect humans and bots alike, threatens everyone.Searle’s extensive worldbuilding turns this tale into a richly detailed epic\u003B backstories include Anne’s murky past\u003B particulars on Julian Yamamoto, the Village’s governor and founder\u003B and several nods to the Great War from a century ago. The three protagonists—tortured, sympathetic Jason\u003B fiercely loyal David, whose reason for also being in the lab is eventually revealed\u003B and Sam, who’s refined her psionic skills—are superbly rendered. They lead an indelible cast, highlighted by the unshakable Anne, another few notable Oakfields, and the diabolical Emperor and his “augmented” Imperial legionnaires. While there are some solid action sequences, this story relies more on the buildup of tension as various groups of people come into conflict. Perpetual menaces abound as the war continues, the Abaddon Beacon’s voice proves merciless, and the Nanophage\u002Dinfected victims amass in zombie\u002Dlike hordes. Throughout the narrative there are signs of familiar tech, from cybernetic implants and parts (like Anne’s “cyber\u002Deyes”) to a variety of vehicles including an airbus and a Jetbike. While these are fun details, it’s just as entertaining to watch characters get by without fantastical tech at their disposal (Jason, David, and Sam must make a hefty jump sans jetpacks and confront bulky foes in New Toronto with no assistance from their own gigantic robot). It’s hard to imagine where the salvaging trio might go next—which makes a sequel all the more appealing."

This gripping YA fantasy plunges readers into a world where ancient prophecies and modern-day heroes collide, delivering a heart-pounding adventure filled with shadowy realms, forbidden magic, and a ...

THE CIA BOOK CLUB

the CIA, which, brought to Warsaw and other Polish cities by travelers to the West during the brief thaw following Stalin’s death, were circulated via a “system of covert lending.” As English writes, the CIA agents providing funds and books were discerning: They sent fashion magazines and books by the likes of John le Carré and Philip Roth but also by East European and Russian writers such as Boris Pasternak, Joseph Brodsky, and Czeslaw Milosz. Eventually the book smugglers became more daring, publishing samizdat editions through a carefully coordinated series of safe rooms scattered across the country. English celebrates homegrown heroes such as Miroslaw Chojecki, trained as a physicist, who had been arrested 43 times by March 1980 but kept it up all the same. Romanian\u002Dborn George Minden, also honored, concocted a series of ploys to get books and money inside the Iron Curtain, including, daringly, simply mailing banned literature to recipients chosen at random from the phone book. The program was highly effective\u003B as English notes, “By 1962 at least 500 organizations were sending books on the CIA’s behalf.” By the program’s end, thousands of books had been circulated, to the gratitude of their readers, one of whom exalted, “We read poetry and literature. It showed us that there are likeminded people who are above nationality, who we can empathize with, who admire beauty, who admire virtue.”"

This gripping espionage thriller plunges readers into the high-stakes world of teenage intelligence operatives, blending the familiar pressures of high school with the dangerous realities of internat...

THE CONJURING OF AMERICA

tracing the transformations of the conjure woman from the Negro Mammy during slavery to the Candy Lady, a revered elder in Black communities during the Civil Rights Movement. Powerful figures in Blacks’ battles against racism and sexism, conjure women have inhabited many roles, among them, healers, spiritual guides, midwives and abortion providers, weavers and quilters, hairdressers, and cooks. Enslaved African women brought their ancestors’ use of natural medicine to the plantation, where Negro Mammies applied methods that were noninvasive and boosted the immune system, far different from medical doctors’ bloodletting and purging. Among one Negro Mammy’s remedies was a salve containing turpentine, which cleared airways so effectively it was sought after by whites, including one Southern man who made a fortune marketing it as Vicks VapoRub. In antebellum New Orleans, the Voodoo Queen was central to a community of free women of color who worshiped mermaids. Associated with rebellion and vengeance, Voodoo Queens inspired fear in their white neighbors. Stewart traces the connections of conjure to Aunt Jemima (whose image derived from a minstrel act), the invention of the blues, and even the creation of blue jeans, first made and worn by enslaved people and sewn from “negro cloth,” dyed with the West African plant indigo. Conjure emerges in the art of hairdressers, in cooks whose soul food has the power to bring good luck, and in quilters who designed “busy patterns” in their blankets to distract spirits that brought bad luck. Stewart melds personal reflections, African mythology, and abundant primary sources, most notably interviews conducted by the Federal Writers’ Project, to create a brisk, spirited narrative."

This gripping historical fantasy novel reimagines America's founding through a supernatural lens, blending authentic colonial history with magical elements that will captivate young adult readers. Th...

THE DANDY

looking the part. This “rowdyism and larking” ushered in the “masher” at the turn of the century, a ribald lothario who would lurk around burlesque shows to profess their love to the dancers. Later, Andersson keenly connects the dandy’s sharp suiting with trends in gangster fashion and the zoot suits of the swing movement. Present throughout this centuries\u002Dlong evolution is the sneering eye of the press, which spurned dandies as “effeminate members of a third sex.” Andersson pieces together details on styles and their offshoots through a relentless feed of sarcastic articles and cartoons, deftly using these baseless dismissals as keystones to better render the movement. Throughout each case study, the author artfully accounts for dandyism as an amalgamation of both a subculture and the public’s reaction to it, and he harnesses that clash to stitch together a formidable sociological history."

This gritty urban drama follows a charismatic young man navigating the treacherous intersection of street life and ambition in a city that offers few second chances. The narrative pulses with authent...

THE DEVIL REACHED TOWARD THE SKY

Genre

This gripping novel plunges readers into a high-stakes supernatural conflict where the line between good and evil is terrifyingly blurred. The story masterfully builds a world where celestial forces ...

THE DEVIL'S CASTLE

the experience of two Germans. Paul Schreber (1842\u002D1911), a judge hospitalized repeatedly for schizophrenia, wrote a vivid memoir that captivated Sigmund Freud. Dorothea Buck (1917\u002D2019), an artist and writer sterilized by the Nazis, spent her postwar life as an advocate for psychiatric reform. As Antonetta writes, Adolf Hitler praised Americans who embraced eugenics—by the early 20th century 30 states followed Indiana’s first\u002Din\u002Dthe\u002Dnation sterilization law, which mandated sterilization for “criminals, imbeciles, idiots, and rapists.” The first section of the book is a detailed, gruesome history of eugenics, peaking in the 1930s with the Nazis’ industrial\u002Dscale sterilization and execution of the mentally ill, along with other “useless eaters.” This was plain common sense, according to Hitler, who proclaimed that nations that support the genetically “inferior” are committing national suicide by encouraging them to multiply when natural selection would normally eliminate them. Antonetta then turns her attention to postwar psychiatry, which began discarding Freudianism in favor of approaching mental illness as a brain disorder with treatments similar to those that worked with diseases of other organs. She maintains that certain afflictions (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism) are not brain diseases but neurodivergence: different ways the psyche deals with the world. They require less “treatment” and more understanding and acceptance. As she writes, “The more kinds of minds we have, the richer our conscious ecosystem.”"

This gripping historical thriller plunges readers into the shadowy corridors of a foreboding fortress where ancient secrets and modern danger collide. A young protagonist, drawn to the castle's dark ...

THE DEVIL'S GRIN

an otherworldly presence. Dandelion works in a nursing home and seems constantly distressed. Her father torments her with repeated calls espousing paranoid conspiracies that may be connected to her inexplicable experiences. Robert and Dandelion’s neighbor Gary is an African American cartoonist who knew Robert’s mother and has the supernatural ability to direct real events via his cartoons—sometimes with deadly results. While Gary contends with racism and personal frustrations, his cartoons give him godlike powers—and he keeps his attention on Robert and Dandelion. The artwork and subject matter echo underground comix (R. Crumb is name\u002Dchecked), with cartoonish effects like bulging eyeballs and thumping hearts deployed in extensive and graphic sex scenes. With this as only Book 1 and no resolution to be found in these pages, Graham’s ability to bring these wild elements to a satisfying conclusion remains to be seen. But the energy and tapestry of the work is intriguing."

This gripping historical mystery plunges readers into Victorian London's foggy underworld, where a young detective confronts a series of chilling murders connected to the city's most notorious crimin...

THE EXEMPLAR

live audiences and those spectating from their heat\u002Dresistant dwellings. Will (the only Black competitor) is one such enhanced clone of a long\u002Dago original. As Will studies for the Crucible, he is disturbed by strange dreams, unanswered questions, and the gaps in his knowledge. Why do some Crucible faculty react emotionally to Will Herndon’s name? Why is his aged grandfather still alive, and being very evasive? (“Will’s heart was beating fast...could it be that everyone—from his grandpa to Amy—were trying to protect others from him? He knew himself. Or he thought he knew who he was at his core.”) The dilemmas and identity questions posed by the author are compelling ones, if somewhat familiar (and yes, The Hunger Games (2008)gets name\u002Dchecked). YA SF readers might also note resemblances to the Maze Runner series by James Dashner—this novel’s climax is literally a maze run—and a cold\u002Dcase mystery at the hot\u002Dclimate narrative’s heart is resolved off\u002Dpage. But at least this cli\u002Dfi dystopian thriller wraps up in one relatively compact volume."

In a climate-ravaged future where enhanced clones compete in a deadly tournament for survival, this science fiction thriller follows Will, the only Black competitor, as he prepares for the Crucible w...

THE FAIRY TALE FIXERS

Genre

This clever middle-grade fantasy introduces a secret society of magical repair specialists who work behind the scenes to fix classic fairy tales when they go wrong. When a technical glitch causes sto...

THE FARAWAY FOREST

Genre

This enchanting middle-grade fantasy transports readers to a magical woodland where ancient trees whisper secrets and mythical creatures guard hidden realms. The story follows a young protagonist's j...

THE FIRE-BREATHING DUCKLING

Genre

This whimsical picture book introduces a young duckling who discovers an unexpected talent for breathing fire, turning the peaceful pond into a scene of delightful chaos. The vibrant illustrations ca...

THE FLOATING LAKE OF DRESSA MOORE

researchers. He also hopes that bringing along his lover, William Watts Worthwaddle, a linguist, will improve their faltering relationship. But the journey to Lake Connell spawns danger and obstacles at every turn. For one, Jonathan and William sail the Aquirren River on The Knotted Wood, a ship captained by Marta Bartolome, a pirate commanding an undead crew. Further complications abound, threatening to thwart their goal. The pirate ship is desperately pursued by Commodore Thomas Wilkes, who wants to kill Marta, believing she abducted his wife. The True Religionists don’t want Dressa Moore to be explored, fearing they’ll lose their tight control of the area. Fellow magilurgist Samson Sutter, jealous of Jonathan, tries to cut the funding for the expedition. Miller keeps his story hopping rapidly from one viewpoint to another, but his large pool of characters can sometimes be overwhelming. William, Jonathan, and Marta stand out from the crowd—flawed but somehow likable, capable of surprises. Heartless\u002Dseeming Marta reveals her code of ethics about human life: “I never take one without good reason.” Mocked for his useless linguistics studies (there’s only one language), William nevertheless finds a way to earn respect with his skills. A magical land is imaginatively depicted with airborne pigs eating a shower of lettuce and carrots while gliding above “seashell streets.” Roses rapidly bloom, die, and regenerate. Though there are battle scenes, the book’s tone is lighthearted. “It took me three months to find the perfect\u002Dsized vest!” Marta shouts after being shot in the shoulder. Miller’s riveting novel is so stuffed with characters and subplots that a sequel is announced at the end."

This middle-grade fantasy adventure transports readers to a world where a mysterious floating lake holds ancient secrets and a young heroine must confront her destiny. When the lake's magical propert...

The Fourteen Bears in Summer and Winter (Deluxe Golden Book) by Evelyn Scott

Evelyn Scott

A bear family amuses itself with summer and winter activities such as walking, swimming, making snowmen, and decorating trees.

THE GHOST OF WRECKERS COVE

their father’s tales of fictional girl detectives, Cristina and Martha form their own secret sleuthing society and set out to solve the mystery. Their search takes them to the village library, a forgotten museum, and even a crumbling cliffside cave, uncovering clues that tie together ghostly sightings, legendary land pirates called “wreckers,” and a priceless jewel lost at sea. The pair begin to suspect that they may need to help Ida accept the truth of what happened so many years ago—a fitting task for two girls who are also quietly processing the recent loss of their mother. Despite its ghostly apparitions and dark themes, Del Campo’s story is more sweet than spooky, and Liniers’ illustrations employ a muted palette and watercolor texture that matches the quietly emotional story. “I will always believe in fairies and magic,” Martha announces to dismissive Cristina at one point, and this tale of sisterly bonding does indeed feel like a fairy tale, at times. As such, slightly older readers may wish that there were more swashbuckling, ghostly adventure, Still, its quiet pace and subtle tone will resonate with younger, reflective readers who are drawn to atmosphere over action. "

This gripping middle-grade mystery plunges readers into a windswept coastal adventure where a young protagonist uncovers a century-old shipwreck legend while staying with relatives for the summer. Th...

THE GLITCH

engineering an amicable settlement for all. It’s a settlement that involves lots of ice cream, too. Why? “Ice cream makes you happy when you are sad!” Rex doesn’t offer actual explanations for Fred’s software glitch or its timely disappearance, but this unexpected behavior does make the light\u002Dskinned, round\u002Dheaded pacifist seem a little less too good to be true, and his message therefore that much easier to accept."

This gripping science fiction thriller plunges readers into a world where a mysterious digital anomaly, known as The Glitch, begins erasing reality itself, forcing a group of tech-savvy teens to unco...

THE GLOOMLANDS CHRONICLES

melodic fae, amusing chatty trees, and tiny, whimsical house trolls. The author balances fantastical elements with relatable ordinary life as the characters grapple with issues of identity, disharmony, and long\u002Dharbored family secrets while journeying toward self\u002Ddiscovery. The pacing could be improved by trimming some of the dialogue and day\u002Dto\u002Dday minutiae, but the novel’s diverse cast, fascinating folklore, and beautifully descriptive prose enrich the tale. (“Her long violet hair, adorned with colorful wildflower petals, cascaded down her back, and she wore an opal gown that shimmered like moonlight against her dark skin,” Rininger writes of a fae.) This imaginative debut will capture the heart and imagination of any adventure\u002Dloving middle\u002Dgrade reader."

In a world where magic has been outlawed and the sun is a fading memory, this fantasy novel plunges readers into the Gloomlands—a realm of perpetual twilight where ancient spells linger in the shadow...

THE GODS OF NEW YORK

his perceived mismanagement on numerous fronts. Corruption scandals undermined his administration. Homelessness surged, due in part to federal funding cuts, reductions in mental health in\u002Dpatient care, and local government failures. AIDS was killing thousands of New Yorkers. With City Hall slow to act on the latter, playwright and activist Larry Kramer tried to out the closeted mayor and lambasted federal health officials like Anthony Fauci. Conservative writer William F. Buckley Jr. said people with HIV should be tattooed to prevent its spread. Meanwhile, crack decimated poor neighborhoods, as “an inherently biased law” imprisoned many Black users and spared white users of powder cocaine. Violent crime and racial conflict stoked by tabloids made Al Sharpton famous and fueled international interest in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. Rudy Giuliani’s profile rose as he prosecuted Wall Street crooks. And Donald Trump, after making some bad business deals, “was now refashioning himself into the city’s white id,” Mahler writes. When Trump made inflammatory statements after five Black and Latino teens were accused—falsely, it turned out—of raping a woman in Central Park in 1989, famed columnist Jimmy Breslin wrote that he had “destroyed himself” as “all demagogues ultimately do.”"

This urban fantasy adventure plunges readers into a New York City where ancient deities walk the streets disguised as ordinary citizens, blending mythic stakes with contemporary city life. The narrat...

THE GOLDEN AGE OF ITALIAN JEWS

men and women who take advantage of new freedoms and, by the 1930s, find their ways among old prejudices. Jewish Italians served their nation in many ways, “eager to prove that the faith the country had shown in their Italianitá (Italianess) was fully warranted.” Their courage stands in sharp contrast to “the cowardice shown” by the world’s initial reluctance “to take action against the rise of Fascism.” Italian Jewry offers a lesson in ambition and resilience, patriotism and bravery."

This compelling historical exploration chronicles the vibrant and intellectually fertile period for Jewish communities in Italy, spanning from the Renaissance to the Baroque era. The book masterfully...

THE HIGHEST EXAM

three scholars presents a history of the exam, told through their personal experiences and framed as a socioeconomic study of Chinese ambition in the 21st century. The gaokao serves as an example of the highly centralized structure of Chinese life. Just as central planning governs much of urban and rural life, so too does the system of learning come from the top. The exam structure reflects not only the highly technocratic foci of Chinese advancement, but also its long\u002Dstanding values. Hard work remains the most important thing. China, however, is no straightforward meritocracy. “It’s not that China’s people are idealists who only believe in the power of an exam to predict intelligence,” the authors write. “Rather, China is a society known for connections and petty corruption—hence, the weakness of its institutions.” Children spend their lives taking exams, and family connections help with tutors and retesting. Teachers are not just paid\u003B they are often personally compensated for a child’s education. The “murky waters of corruption in China” wash over this highly centralized system of advancement. And while success is quantified by score, and while that score stays with the student throughout life, failure is equally branding. This book paints a landscape of vast inequality passing itself off as meritocracy—an exposé of an increasingly powerful global nation and a warning to any society, east or west, that still believes in teaching to the test."

This gripping examination of academic pressure and personal ambition follows a group of elite students competing in a legendary, life-altering test that promises success to only one winner. The narra...

THE HIROSHIMA MEN

Japan’s unexpectedly sudden surrender, Americans accepted the official story that ordinary superbombs had won the war. Stories of gruesome injuries and agonizing deaths that continued to occur months afterward were censored or officially denied. By 1946 Hersey was a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, chafing at Time\u002DLife’s reluctance to let him travel. More amenable, New Yorker editors sent him to Asia, where he returned traditional stories before traveling to Hiroshima, which, despite a year’s passage, smelled of death. Interviewing widely, he concentrated on stories from half\u002Da\u002Ddozen survivors. The result, filling the Aug. 31, 1946, issue, was a jolt, and the later book a worldwide bestseller. Both gave rise to the belief, still popular if not unanimous, that the bomb must never be used again."

This powerful historical account examines the devastating aftermath of the atomic bomb through the eyes of the Hiroshima Maidens—young women who survived the blast only to face severe burns and socia...

THE HOUSE OF QUIET

a peat bog. White unveils magical abilities and sinister mystery in dreamy, disorienting passages. The third\u002Dperson narration occasionally follows other residents of the house. Once the teens start building relationships—Birdie develops a friendship with Minnow, and each has a love interest among the upper\u002Dclass residents—the intrigue picks up and the fragmented clues come together in an explosive, satisfying finale. Birdie presents white, and Minnow has light brown skin\u003B Minnow’s same\u002Dsex relationship is framed as remarkable only for crossing the class divide. "

This thoughtful exploration of domestic tranquility offers young readers a window into the restorative power of quiet spaces, blending gentle narrative with atmospheric illustrations that celebrate s...

THE IMPOSSIBLE BOMB

the end of the 1930s, Nazi advances in France, Poland, Denmark, and elsewhere had driven scientists to flee to England, many of them physicists highly motived to put their research toward ending the war. The U.S. had not yet entered the war, but their scientists were beginning similar efforts. The two research entities—the Manhattan Project in the U.S. and the Tube Alloys program in England—managed to join forces despite political machinations and ego\u002Ddriven resistance from Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, each of whom wanted his own country to claim ownership of the bomb. Once the leaders realized that neither side could complete the effort on its own, they signed a secret agreement in August 1943\u003B by December, 60 British scientists joined their American colleagues at Los Alamos and Berkeley, and work on the bomb began in earnest. Williams’ book impeccably documents those events, with an excellent selection of photos, timelines, and maps, along with a handy reference list featuring key players."

This gripping science thriller plunges readers into a high-stakes race against time as a brilliant young physicist discovers a world-ending device hidden within a deceptively simple mathematical proo...

THE IMPROBABLE VICTORIA WOODHULL

women. Other firsts followed: Victoria was the first woman to testify before Congress, on the matter of women’s suffrage, and, in 1872, the first to run for president. She touted her causes—suffrage and free love—in a newspaper column, “The Petticoat Politician,” and a weekly newspaper she and her sister published. Early admirers included Walt Whitman, Susan B. Anthony, and newspaperman Horace Greeley. But Victoria’s notoriety and arrogance undid her: She “hunted trouble and didn’t care where her foot landed,” Collinsworth notes succinctly. Anthony Comstock had her arrested twice. Mired in scandal, in 1877, she sailed for England, where, with stubborn determination, she reinvented herself."

This compelling biography brings to life the extraordinary story of Victoria Woodhull, America's first female presidential candidate, whose radical ideas about women's rights and financial independen...

THE INTELLIGENCE EXPLOSION

fierce competition between major tech companies like OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. These corporations, he argues, have released unpredictable generative AI models and are racing to create artificial general intelligence (AGI) without fully understanding or addressing the risks. The result, according to Barrat and the experts he cites, will likely be catastrophic. One chilling comparison equates releasing open\u002Dsource code to publishing plans for a nuclear bomb. Another AI expert envisions rogue data centers developing unchecked AI systems that must be destroyed to protect humanity. Despite the urgency of his tone, Barrat notes that AI does offer tangible benefits for medicine, robotics, and scientific research. From protein folding to factory automation, current AIs already surpass human performance in many specialized domains. But the book’s core concern remains the lack of safeguards, AI’s unpredictable emergent properties, and our present inability to align superintelligent systems with human values. Barrat’s argument is passionate and unapologetically skeptical of industry motivations. His plentiful notes make the book a valuable resource for readers looking to explore the topic further. This volume will satisfy those wondering why many respected researchers are sounding the alarm about AI, fearing a risky, high\u002Dstakes choose\u002Dyour\u002Down\u002Dadventure game where black\u002Dbox models replace human decision\u002Dmaking. Barrat offers some hope, but he warns that smart AIs won’t stay confined to computers for long. Agree or disagree, this thought\u002Dprovoking introduction will add context for those seeking to understand AI’s darker potential."

This gripping exploration of artificial intelligence and technological acceleration offers young readers a compelling look at where machine learning might take humanity next. The book masterfully bre...

THE LAST TIME WE SPOKE

the time they got home, though, it was clear that the treatment had not worked, and that his mother was on the verge of death. When she did die, Jesse, devastated, was unable to function. He neglected his schoolwork, not because he wasn’t interested in learning, but because he couldn’t concentrate—a situation that may be partially a result of “ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and intrusive thoughts,” all of which are issues that persisted throughout his adulthood. Eventually, Mechanic found a community of fellow “bad kids,” all of whom “went through something” that “dented our innocence.” Mechanic is convinced that these peers, along with punk and hip\u002Dhop, saved his life. After high school, the author worked at a bookstore, cultivating a love of literature and eventually graduating from college with honors. Years later, he became a father and saw his mother’s death in a new light, understanding how much it must have hurt to lose her chance to know her children as they grew older. Mechanic’s illustrations are vibrant and richly detailed, and his use of patterning is especially impressive. This is a raw account of grieving. While the prose feels overwritten at times, overall it’s a tender and frank memoir that will resonate with readers."

This powerful young adult novel explores the devastating aftermath of a violent crime through the alternating perspectives of a grieving mother and the teenage perpetrator, creating an emotionally ch...

THE MAN NO ONE BELIEVED

Genre

This gripping psychological thriller explores the terrifying reality of a man whose desperate warnings about an impending disaster are systematically dismissed by everyone around him. As the protagon...

THE MANY PASSIONS OF MICHAEL HARDWICK

the American judiciary." />

This compelling examination of a pivotal Supreme Court case offers young readers a fascinating window into the legal battle that fundamentally reshaped LGBTQ+ rights in America. Through the lens of M...

THE MASK

actors in theater before they were used for protection from disease and pollution. Perhaps that idea of misrepresentation is behind the social and political attitudes of protective mask wearing. Strasser (a biologist) and Schlich (a physician) examine the ways people have used protective masks to avoid “bad air” over centuries. The bad air can be too cold or too dry\u003B full of dust, smoke, bacteria, or viruses\u003B or toxic from military use, industry, or transportation. The use of protective masks illustrates what the authors call a technological fix. “Health and disease are examples of hugely complex phenomena, and they become even more so when considered collectively.” Society looks for a simple solution to a complex problem, and protective masks—and their uses and misuses over centuries—are a good example. Masks can be mandated or just recommended during epidemics, wars, or environmental disasters, but the primary responsibility for protection rests with the wearer. From plague doctors in the 1600s to the discovery of bacteria, protective masks were key to combating disease. Masks were also in great favor during the Industrial Revolution, because forcing workers—who were sanding wood, applying pesticides, spraying paint, mining coal, and making hats—to wear masks at work meant that industrialists didn’t need to clean up the work environment. Just slap a mask on workers, and they were good to go. The technology of masks has evolved over the centuries, but the politics of mask wearing has always been divisive, with some seeing protective masks as symbols of cowardice and fear, infringing on personal freedoms. Choosing to wear a protective mask is nothing less than a choice with cultural significance."

This psychological thriller plunges readers into the unsettling world of a teenager who discovers that the carefully crafted persona they present to the world has begun to consume their true identity...

THE MEMOIRS OF ANDRÉ TROCMÉ

Genre

This powerful memoir offers an intimate look at the life of French pastor André Trocmé, whose courageous leadership in the village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon saved thousands of Jewish refugees during W...

THE MIGHTY ONION AND GUINEA PIG GIRL!

some hyper\u002Drealistic bits of illustration—a partly chewed candy bar in its wrapper, a fortune cookie, a box of matches, and pages from an old fictional guide to writing comic books by the creator of Toaster Oven Man. The resulting mix is fabulously funny and engaging. Main characters read white."

This vibrant graphic novel follows the unlikely partnership between a superhero onion with surprisingly potent powers and an ordinary girl whose guinea pig companion might just be the key to saving t...

THE MISSION

the Senate Intelligence Committee of the Torture Report, which described in horrible detail the interrogation methods used in the battle against al\u002DQaida. The book also describes the shocking effectiveness of Russian and Chinese cyberattacks. Weiner pegs the difference between the two foes: “China wanted to know their enemies. The Russians simply want to screw them.” Still, the CIA directed the multilateral decade\u002Dlong intelligence operations that enabled NATO and Ukraine to prepare for and react quickly to the Russian invasion in 2023. The CIA is the most studied and misunderstood of any U.S. government agency. Weiner’s book is a balanced and nuanced account that should change that."

This gripping YA thriller plunges readers into a high-stakes world of espionage and moral complexity, following a team of teenage operatives on a critical assignment that blurs the line between duty ...

THE MOON PRINCE

the racial slurs the white quarry manager flings at them. Their earthly society is deeply divided by race, and when they reach the moon, they find there are other ways that beings divide themselves and perpetuate inequalities. Both the illustrations and episodic plot evoke a retro storytelling aesthetic. This adventurous tale is bizarre, entertaining, and grounded in relationships: Molly searches for kindness, and Max fights to protect her. Although this is a satisfying story without the adrenaline\u002Dfilled incidents or lengthy worldbuilding that the genre often contains, there’s a mismatch between the protagonists, whose behavior feels very young, and some of the more mature content."

This enchanting middle-grade fantasy introduces readers to a young boy who discovers he's the heir to a magical lunar kingdom, blending royal destiny with the challenges of growing up. The story weav...

The Mystery of Smugglers Cove

Paul Moxham

This middle-grade mystery adventure plunges readers into a classic seaside whodunit where four young friends stumble upon suspicious activity near their coastal holiday home. When strange lights and ...

The Mystery of the Missing Money

Paul Moxham

This middle-grade mystery delivers classic detective adventure with a compelling puzzle that will keep young readers turning pages. When a significant sum of money disappears under suspicious circums...

The Mystery Series Collection

Paul Moxham

Book 1 of 21 in the bestselling standalone middle grade mystery series! ★★★★★ Over 4,000 five star series reviews/ratings on Amazon and Goodreads! Are you up for a thrilling adventure? When twelve year old Joe and his two younger sisters visit Smugglers Cove for the summer holidays, they get caught

THE NEFARIOUS NIGHTS OF WILLOWWEEP MANOR

Genre

A gothic mansion with a mind of its own, a trio of teens trapped by supernatural forces, and a race against time to break a centuries-old curse—this atmospheric novel delivers spine-tingling chills a...

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF MOANA 2

Greppi, follows characters from the Disney film Moana 2 in four new stories." />

This junior novelization expands the world of Disney's beloved ocean voyager, bringing Moana back to the big screen with a fresh quest that tests her courage and deepens her bond with the demigod Mau...

THE NIGHTTIME BUTTERFLY

Catholics, Alicja writes like some great, undiscovered Kafka: “I will remain alone, completely alone among the entire human mass.”"

This beautifully illustrated picture book follows a young girl's magical encounter with a luminous butterfly that appears only after dark, weaving themes of wonder, patience, and the hidden beauty of...