Fiction Books for Teens

600 fiction books for teens, sorted by rating — page 2 of 6.

CAMPERS BEWARE

a four\u002Dstep strategy for making friends, Molly sets her ursine buddy to mending parental fences during a weeklong vacation. But along with painful encounters with bees, mosquitoes, and other miseries, practically every interaction with the bumbling behemoth leaves Molly’s dad annoyed or depressed, and even his hopes of enjoying a little father/daughter quality time are repeatedly stymied. While the setups and punchlines work for a short daily comic strip, these elements quickly turn monotonous when they come along every few pages in an extended storyline. Still, even while repeatedly playing victim or comic foil, Molly’s dad may come in for some reader sympathy as he sadly remarks on watching Molly growing away from their former closeness. Readers may also find the advice for making friends helpful in their own lives: “1. Be interested / 2. Compliment / 3. Help / 4. Gifts.” This second series entry has one full book\u002Dlength story followed by two short additional episodes. Molly and her family present white."

This chilling middle-grade thriller plunges readers into a summer camp where the campfire stories are all too real, blending classic horror elements with the relatable anxieties of being away from ho...

CAROLE KING

Genre

This biography chronicles the remarkable journey of a Brooklyn girl who became one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in pop music history, tracing her path from crafting hits for other groups...

CAT & CAT ADVENTURES

an unidentified villain. Squash and Ginny are off to the rescue and use their magic wand to track the friends to a mansion. There, the friends, the Orb of the Past, and other items and creatures are scheduled to be auctioned off. Squash and Ginny must breach security barriers, crack a complicated code that readers are encouraged to solve, and convince a group of creatures that Squash and Ginny need the orbs to stop the Spirit World from spilling into the human world. As vines from the Spirit World invade the mansion and human adversaries approach, the heroes grab the orb and escape with the help of a Spirit World visitor. Now they face the daunting task of retrieving the Orb of the Future. Pages with several panels of digitally created cartoons and multiple speech balloons keep the pace brisk. Layers of group problem\u002Dsolving, environmental concerns, and a magical world make this a book for more experienced readers."

This vibrant graphic novel series follows the hilarious escapades of two feline friends whose curiosity consistently leads them into magical trouble. Through bright, expressive artwork and snappy dia...

CÉCÉ

Genre

This vibrant picture book introduces young readers to Cécé, a curious child whose everyday adventures become opportunities for discovery and learning. Through simple yet engaging storytelling, the na...

CHAMPION

basketball legend Abdul-Jabbar and prolific author Obstfeld." />

This compelling sports novel delivers a powerful story about a young basketball player navigating the pressures of high-stakes athletics while confronting systemic injustice in his community. Co-auth...

CHILD OF LIGHT

a maid, and a note written by a friend. In keeping with the spiritualist theme, the story moves fluidly through time, jumping backward on several occasions to fill in the story of the Memenons (in particular, Papa\u0027s history as an electrical scientist). Bender gracefully conveys how the currents of the times and the influence of parents shape a young mind, and in Ambrétte the author has created a memorable character."

This epic fantasy adventure follows a young girl's journey through a magical kingdom where she must master her newfound powers to restore balance to a world threatened by encroaching darkness. The na...

CHRISTIANITY AND THE QUR'AN

Mustafa Akyol (2017)."

This comparative religious study offers a thoughtful examination of how Christianity is portrayed within Islam's holy text, providing crucial context for interfaith understanding. Mustafa Akyol metic...

CIRCLE OF DAYS

Genre

This imaginative novel weaves together elements of time travel and magical realism to create a captivating journey that explores the cyclical nature of time and the power of imagination. Young reader...

CITY OF CLANS

Genre

This middle-grade novel presents a compelling exploration of societal structures through the lens of a divided city where different clans navigate complex relationships and power dynamics. Young read...

CLEMENTINE

a squadron of girls who patrol the perimeter, led by a figure called the Gardener. But stability feels strange to this group after the harrowing experiences they’ve endured. Clem struggles to feel at ease, even with her girlfriend, Ricca, there to ground her. Olivia, a new mother, is floundering. Fen is acting suspiciously distant. Amid this uncertainty, something unthinkable happens, leaving Clem crushed. Seeing her vulnerable state, the Gardener offers her a new path forward—but it comes with a price. When she learns that the Gardener may not have the community’s best interests at heart, Clementine must gather her determination to protect those she cares about. The citizens of Nuuk speak Greenlandic and Danish, and Clementine has medium\u002Dtoned skin and wavy black hair. Walden’s hand\u002Ddrawn style feels both elaborate and effortless, playing with light and shadow to enhance her storytelling. Like the other volumes, this series finale crafts an allegory from the horrors of the post\u002Dapocalyptic world, exploring themes of power, trauma, survivor’s guilt, and love in times of darkness."

This poignant middle-grade novel introduces readers to an unforgettable third-grader navigating the challenges of school, friendship, and family with remarkable wit and resilience. Through a series o...

COFFIN MOON

Name (2024), Rosson returns with an even grungier throwback, dressed up as a vampire\u002Dinfested road novel. In December 1975, just outside Portland, Oregon, roughneck bartender Duane Minor knows he’s on thin ice. His wife, Heidi, a college student who dreams of becoming a writer, is none too pleased with his PTSD and burgeoning drinking problem. Duane is managing to just hold down his in\u002Dlaws’ bar, the Last Call Tavern, but he knows something funny is going on with the business. Meanwhile, Heidi and Duane are both trying to connect with Heidi’s 13\u002Dyear\u002Dold niece, Julia, who was reluctantly sent to them after her mother murdered her stepfather. It’s a rough scene made worse when Duane has a bad run\u002Din at the bar one night with a bunch of bikers led by one John Varley. After the century\u002Dold Varley viciously dismembers both Heidi and her parents, Duane and Julia hit the road seeking vengeance. For horror fans, this is closer to crime fiction than loftier vampire fare—think Richard Lange’s terrific outlier Rovers (2021) or From Dusk Till Dawn in lieu of tortured immortals in velvet capes. Julia’s character takes a dramatic turn after they encounter a sanctuary dubbed the Children’s Museum, led by an ancient, lonely creature called Adeline. Even as he and Julia navigate this bizarre subculture, Duane’s defining characteristic remains the conflict between his inner demons and his outer ones. “You want that man to come forward, that killer I was, but I’ll drown if I do it. I’ll die,” he swears. Meanwhile, John Varley and his psychotic “thrall” leave a bloody trail across the country, chased by one broken man and a little girl with nothing but half a dozen silver bullets to their names."

This chilling YA thriller plunges readers into a world of ancient prophecies and modern-day peril, where a lunar cycle dictates the fate of a small town gripped by supernatural forces. The narrative ...

COMRADES IN ART

the Artists International Association, which formed in London in 1933 and took as its mission the “Unity of Artists against Fascism and War and the Suppression of Culture.” Its founders included several artists who had been to the Soviet Union and returned to England inspired by the mutual support among artists in that country. Fearful of the growing threat of fascism throughout Europe, they proclaimed that “now was the time for their generation of artists to organize” in order “to serve shared political goals through their art” and support progressive causes. Focusing on the activities of the AIA from 1933 to 1943, Friend investigates similar organizations outside of England: the International Bureau of Revolutionary Artists in Moscow, for example, and in the U.S., the John Reed Clubs, the Unemployed Artists Group, the Public Works of Art Project, and the American Artists’ Congress. The AIA forged connections with these groups as it grew to become an increasingly visible force in British culture, producing publications and mounting exhibitions, many to raise funds for combatants in Spain and Russia. In its first year, membership tripled\u003B the roster included Julian and Quentin Bell, Augustus John, Henry Moore, and art critics Herbert Read and Kenneth Clark, along with scores of other painters, sculptors, writers, and illustrators whose work appears in the book’s more than 200 illustrations. Many contributors to the AIA’s efforts were 20th\u002Dcentury stars, such as Picasso, who sent his Guernica to be exhibited in London\u003B muralist Diego Rivera\u003B surrealists Joan Miró and Paul Klee\u003B Ben Shahn\u003B and Virginia and Leonard Woolf, who supported the organization. A biographical appendix identifies less familiar participants."

This compelling history of the Artists International Association delivers a powerful exploration of art as activism during the turbulent 1930s, when creative professionals united against the rising t...

CONFRONTING EVIL

Judeo\u002DChristian standards, Genghis was the devil incarnate, but the Mongols apparently liked him just fine. O’Reilly holds that Mao Zedong was history’s worst mass murderer, “although his evil role model, Genghis Khan, might have surpassed him.” Naturally, while ticking down a rogue’s gallery that includes a few Judeo\u002DChristian figures, O’Reilly tries to own liberals: The Obama administration “does little to halt the Crimea aggression,” encouraging Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine, while Ayatollah Khomeini makes Jimmy Carter his plaything, and so on."

This powerful exploration of evil's nature and manifestations offers young readers a thoughtful framework for understanding darkness in the world, from historical atrocities to contemporary moral cha...

COVEN OF ANDROMEDA

Genre

This spellbinding fantasy novel introduces readers to a secret sisterhood of young witches navigating the treacherous waters of magic, friendship, and self-discovery. When ancient powers awaken and t...

Crime Victims, A Buck Taylor Novel

Chuck Morgan

The peaceful grandeur of the Grand Mesa in Colorado is shattered by the discovery of 11 bodies buried under 11 roadside crosses along a lonely mountain road. The Roadside Cross Killer has struck again, and not even the FBI knew he was active. A killer without a conscience who knows no bounds and kil

CROOKS

the rules.” So says small\u002Dtime criminal Raymond “Buddy” Mercurio as he rises through the ranks of the Vegas mob and courts and marries Lillian Ott, a glamorous salesgirl and nimble pickpocket. Ten years and four kids later, they’re on top of the world when Buddy gets a midnight phone call: “Go.” They escape a shootout and retreat to Lillian’s hometown of Oklahoma City. With another baby on the way, it seems like a place where they can lie low “till [they] get back on [their] feet.” Then, a comedy of errors during a restaurant robbery elevates Buddy as a local hero, and he capitalizes on his celebrity by opening up a disco that becomes a surprising hit. Gangsters be gangsters, though, and when one of his investors discovers Buddy’s skimming from the profits, it looks like it could be time to cut and run—until he realizes it’s his wife behind the takedown. After a chase, a gunshot, and a heavy kiss in the freezing rain, they make up (in full view of the children). The rest of the novel follows each of the five children and the effect of their unconventional upbringing on their own choices and paths in life. From beautiful idiot hustler Jeremy to restless adrenaline chaser Tallulah to staid and earnest mob enforcer Ray to tight\u002Dlaced strategic planner Alice and lonely writer Piggy, they’re all shaped by their criminal parents in different ways. They also move in and out of each other’s stories in appealing ways, emphasizing their loyal bonds even as they keep getting pulled back into their own versions of criminality. As is almost always true in anthology\u002Dstyle works, some stories are more engaging and effective than others, but Berney continues to expand the genre of Western noir with style, humor, and a deep understanding of human frailty and flaw."

This gritty crime thriller plunges readers into the high-stakes world of professional heists and the complex moral codes of those who operate outside the law. The narrative follows a crew of skilled ...

CROSSING THE CACTUS

laying out the “three key ingredients” for commercialization—great ideas, great people, and capital—and argues that good ideas are abundant everywhere, but management and funding deserts prevent them from growing. Section 2 offers a pragmatic blueprint for building an ecosystem in resource\u002Dlimited environments: identifying clusters, attracting talent, raising capital, and navigating political barriers, all illustrated with ample real\u002Dlife examples. Section 3 grounds these principles in case studies of success and failure, showing patterns that work (and don’t work) beyond the coasts. Blivin draws on decades of experience managing venture funds in the Southeast U.S., New Mexico, and Northwest Europe, showing how injecting early\u002Dstage capital, convening ecosystems, and targeted recruitment can catalyze lasting regional impact. He emphasizes that by securing two of the three ingredients—most accessibly, ideas and capital, though throwing in a ski trip might not hurt, either—hinterland regions can then attract experienced management. Engineering the right conditions works better than waiting for Silicon Valley–magic to migrate. Blivin’s writing is a clear, informed, and well\u002Dorganized. He avoids jargon without oversimplifying, making the material accessible to economic developers, investors, and founders. The book’s regional\u002Ddevelopment focus might narrow its direct applicability for those in established hubs. But the case studies are all\u002Daround practical, offering sober takes on why companies falter and how ecosystems stall. At times, the “three ingredients” mantra can feel reductive, but it reinforces the core takeaway: commercializing a startup outside Silicon Valley is possible but requires its own playbook. "

This gripping survival adventure follows a young protagonist's harrowing journey through a treacherous desert landscape after a catastrophic vehicle breakdown. With only limited supplies and the rele...

CRY OUT LOUD

Genre

This powerful collection of poetry gives voice to the raw emotions and complex experiences of teenage life, tackling everything from first heartbreak and friendship struggles to identity formation an...

CTHULHU FHCON

Jones, based around the work of H.P. Lovecraft." />

This eldritch horror adventure plunges readers into a chilling world where ancient cosmic entities threaten reality itself, channeling the unsettling atmosphere of Lovecraftian mythos into a fast-pac...

DAEMON PROTOCOL

his side, life was good. But when Castor starts guiding its own development and Promethean founding partner Robert Hayes suddenly dies of cardiac arrest, the future of the company becomes uncertain. When Regillus Global offers to buy the firm out and expand it into different markets, it seems like a saving grace. However, as Daniel adapts to the new company structure and direction, he soon finds himself troubled that Promethean’s original vision has been sidetracked. Then irregularities occur in Castor’s systems, indicating that something is very wrong\u003B soon, the situation results in lives being lost in the name of corporate success. Spears’ speculative novel features a large cast of characters and sector\u002Dspecific jargon (“When utilizing Shor’s Algorithm on the quantum chip, the encryption key’s period happened to match the number of physical qubits available to me,” notes Jimini, an AI built from Castor’s code, at one point), but readers will be carried along by the action\u002Dpacked, suspenseful narrative. It’s a disturbingly realistic thriller, as well\u003B as Daniel’s work demands increase, and he pours even more of himself into his work, his family life begins to suffer, and as he uncovers a web of power, deception, and greed, he must find a way to control the seemingly uncontrollable. The author has also clearly drawn on his professional experience as a software engineer to craft the story’s finer technical details, adding to its complexity and feeling of authenticity."

This gripping science fiction thriller plunges readers into a high-stakes world where advanced technology and human consciousness collide, exploring the dangerous consequences of a digital protocol d...

DARK PYRAMID

Genre

This gripping middle-grade adventure plunges readers into a shadowy world of ancient Egyptian curses and supernatural threats, where a group of young explorers must decipher hieroglyphic clues to sur...

DARK RENAISSANCE

dint of brains and energy, moved to Cambridge, where he distinguished himself in Latin learning, found himself recruited into a network of intelligence officers for Queen Elizabeth, and then, at age 29, was mysteriously murdered in a bar fight. At the heart of Greenblatt’s book, though, is not just a familiar story but a new argument: that it was really Marlowe, rather than Shakespeare, who lit the flame under the literary Renaissance of Elizabethan England and, furthermore, that it was Marlowe’s brilliant schooling (rather than any lived experience) that fed his verbal imagination. Acting and action were everywhere in Marlowe’s world, and Greenblatt implies that it was his work as a spy that gave him an added sense of what it meant to perform. Marlowe “entered a world in which virtually everyone was in disguise, and it was fantastically difficult to know whom to trust. These professional role\u002Dplayers, operatives supremely gifted at inspiring confidence, whispered what one most hoped to hear and made one want to relax, open up, and reveal the truth.” Greenblatt is describing the world of Elizabethan espionage, but he could well be talking about the power of the theater to make us open up, relax, and reveal the truth. In the end, Marlowe “made it possible to write in a new way about violence, ambition, greed, and desire. He offered poetic liberation.” In his hands, “the expressive power of the English language took a great leap forward.” In Greenblatt’s hands, literary scholarship, too, has taken a great leap forward."

This gripping historical fantasy plunges readers into a shadowy alternate Europe where alchemy works, forbidden knowledge lurks in forgotten libraries, and the great artists of the era wield powers f...

DARK SQUARES

chess but by alcohol and drugs. Rensch detours regularly to deliver a history of chess and the contemporary game largely controlled (i.e., financed) by the USSR until the 1990s, when even celebrity grandmasters barely earned travel expenses. Then came computers, the internet, and more media attention, which produced bigger prizes, plus the rise of cell phones, which facilitated cheating. Readers will sympathize with the author’s struggles but likely perk up when in 2008 he encounters two entrepreneurs operating an early internet chess site whose knowledge of serious competitive chess remained at the amateur level. He persuaded them to add features, programs, competitions, and the technology that ultimately promoted chess.com to its dominant position. During these years, the author writes of victories in his personal life, too, overcoming marital problems and escaping the influence of the cult."

This gripping psychological thriller plunges readers into a world where a seemingly innocent online game called "Dark Squares" begins to manipulate reality itself, blurring the lines between digital ...

DAYBREAK

Cog’s inhaling his homemade cornets, Marcus offers to make them lunch the next day—and soon, he’s making them lunch every Thursday. The two start spending more time together. Clueless about Marcus’ interest, candid, sincere Cog inadvertently stokes his affection. Cog’s best friend, Toma, however, is not so clueless and encourages Cog to set a firm boundary. But it turns out that Cog doesn’t really mind Marcus’ attention. This slice\u002Dof\u002Dlife rom\u002Dcom explores the feeling of being in the throes of a first crush. The fun, colorful, and dynamic artistic style suits the lighthearted vibe. However, the plot consists of a series of cute, loosely connected moments, resulting in underdeveloped characters and thin worldbuilding\u003B the latter is exemplified by the book’s unclear setting. The Black\u002Dpresenting leads are surrounded by a racially diverse cast at a school that has Japanese influences, but without a cultural anchor, some of the characters’ behavior and reactions feel unclear. Rather than the characters themselves driving the narrative, the need to maintain the tension of their unrevealed feelings is central, making the story sometimes feels contrived. Nevertheless, those seeking a straightforward, queer cotton\u002Dcandy romance likely won’t mind. Readers familiar with manga iconography will notice clues to the leads’ feelings."

This powerful young adult novel follows a diverse group of teens navigating the complexities of identity, friendship, and self-discovery during a transformative summer experience. The narrative weave...

DAYBREAKER

Sousa’s rich, luminous colors, beautifully showcase the Philippines’ diverse landscapes as well as various cultural elements. Inspired by Filipino mythology and folklore, Tadiar incorporates Baybayin, a centuries\u002Dold Filipino script, and the culture of the Indigenous peoples who live in the mountains."

This dark fantasy novel plunges readers into a world divided between eternal day and endless night, where a young apprentice must harness forbidden magic to prevent a celestial cataclysm. The narrati...

DEAD CENTER

Genre

This gripping thriller plunges readers into the high-stakes world of a teenage forensic investigator who becomes the prime suspect in a murder she's trying to solve. When a body is discovered at the ...

DEADWOOD

Genre

This gritty western thriller plunges readers into the lawless world of a 19th-century mining town where survival depends on quick wits and faster triggers. Genre masterfully captures the raw atmosphe...

DEALING WITH THE DEAD

thrilling, one-of-a-kind encounters." />

This gripping collection of paranormal encounters delivers exactly what its title promises—unforgettable stories of brushes with the afterlife that will captivate young readers fascinated by ghost st...

DEAR JACKIE

typing herself a fake love letter on Jabari’s old typewriter—but her scheme causes more problems than it solves. With lively, expressive art and the creative use of typewritten narration boxes to reflect Jackie’s unspoken thoughts, this graphic novel captures the cringey, confusing mess of early adolescence. A diverse cast of side characters brings depth to a story that champions self\u002Dacceptance and individuality. Jackie and her family appear Black, and Milo presents East Asian."

This powerful collection of letters to baseball legend Jackie Robinson offers young readers a unique window into his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on American society. Through heartf...

DEATH AT A HIGHLAND WEDDING

the boorish Austrian gamekeeper and his mantraps, which, to Mallory’s fury, have wounded a Scottish wildcat and killed its mother. During a walk, Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie find part of a butchered deer and then the body of Cranston’s friend Ezra Sinclair wearing Cranston’s coat. When the inexperienced and opinionated local constable arrests Cranston, the investigative trio intervene. Was Sinclair or Cranston the target for murder? And is the killer a disgruntled local or one of their own friends?"

When a wedding guest turns up dead at a lavish Scottish estate, the picturesque celebration transforms into a high-stakes investigation where ancient clan rivalries and buried secrets refuse to stay ...

DEATH OF A POP STAR

Genre

This gritty YA thriller plunges readers into the high-stakes world of fame, following the shocking murder of a beloved pop icon and the dark secrets that surface in its wake. The narrative masterfull...

DEATH TO ORDER

the CIA and other American intelligence agencies and, more recently, Vladimir Putin’s use of assassination to silence his political opponents."

This gritty thriller plunges readers into a high-stakes world of covert operations and moral ambiguity, where a shadowy organization offers assassination services to the highest bidder. The narrative...

DEEPWATER CREEK

Genre

A gripping survival story unfolds when a group of teenagers on a camping trip find their idyllic weekend shattered by a catastrophic flash flood, forcing them to rely on their wits and each other to ...

Delaware at Christmas

DuPont and other local employers, and ubiquitous “Christmas in July” sales among stores in coastal towns.The book’s nostalgic style may not appeal to more academically minded readers, but its upbeat, inclusive approach reflects the holiday season at its joyous best. A major highlight of the book is its use of full\u002Dcolor, festive illustrations and images of photos, paintings, magazine covers, and other holiday ephemera, many of which are in the public domain. Tabler has authored three other works on Delaware history, and he clearly has a firm understanding of the state’s unique place in American culture\u003B he also fruitfully draws on primary source material from more than two dozen of the state’s archives, museums, universities, and historical societies. The work’s only drawback is its oversized back matter, “Chapter Continuations,” which offers additional exposition on the topics in each chapter. This information is often diverting, but the section comprises more than a third of the book’s total length and ultimately makes for a disjointed read. Readers who are looking for a history of Scandinavian Christmas observance, for instance, will not only need to read the book’s opening chapter, but also multiple pages of additional information in the final section that’s longer than the initial chapter itself. Still, despite this editorial misstep, the book is a beautifully crafted and colorful work."

Delaware at Christmas uncovers the rich and surprising ways Delawareans have celebrated the holiday season across four centuries. From colonial-era customs brought by Swedish, Dutch, and English settlers to modern multicultural observances, this book blends history, folklore, and festive tradition i

DEVIL IN THE PALE MOONLIGHT

an addiction to a virtual\u002Dreality game called “the Siv,” in which players are promised a way to escape from their troubles (in reality, becoming half\u002Dvegetated slaves to the game’s economy). Enter Tomahawk “Hawk” O’Murtaugh, a construction worker who, at the novel’s outset, quickly loses both his father and his good friend Cezare in rapid succession. The back\u002Dto\u002Dback deaths send Hawk reeling into the world of the Siv, both as a distraction and as a way to understand the blight to which so many of his fellow countrymen, most notably his grandfather, are addicted. Once inside the game, Hawk discovers that his grandfather left him an inconceivably huge inheritance and was in fact one of the game’s founding designers. Determined to use his grandfather’s complicated legacy for good, Hawk sets out to liberate the masses enslaved by the game—a tall order, especially considering a ruthless serial killer is also making his way through the Siv, with his virtual victims perishing in the real world, too. Anderson’s novel deftly captures the strange anomie of living in a tech\u002Ddriven world, as described by Hawk shortly after first engaging with the Siv: “I feel like I just jumped off a diving board into a swimming pool and somehow landed in the middle of the ocean.” While the narrative is set 95 years into the future, its problems are recognizable echoes of present\u002Dday issues. There is a lot to keep track of here—from the politics, to the future tech, to the characters themselves—but the plot is snappy and likely to keep readers on Hawk’s side as he tries to rescue civilization from itself."

This supernatural thriller plunges readers into a world where ancient evil awakens in a quiet town, forcing a group of teens to confront a malevolent force that preys on their deepest fears. The atmo...

DIARY OF A NATURE NERD

Genre

This engaging nature journal offers young readers a vibrant window into the natural world through the eyes of a curious protagonist who documents everything from backyard insects to seasonal changes....

Disney Classic Stories: Raya and the Last Dragon

Disney Books

Read along with Disney! Walt Disney Animation Studios' fantasy-action-adventure, Raya and the Last Dragon, introduces Raya, a lone warrior from the fantasy kingdom of Kumandra who teams up with a crew of misfits in her quest to find the last dragon and bring light and unity back to their world.

DO ADMIT

Genre

This collection of candid author interviews and critical essays offers an unvarnished look at the literary world's inner workings, pulling back the curtain on everything from creative processes to in...

DODGERS TO DAMASCUS

the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1980. There are also harrowing moments, like surviving two nearly fatal poisoning attempts during his diplomatic work. The book also covers mundane events, such as the subject’s early childhood and his interactions with students as a beloved professor. The author of seven biographies, Cooke approaches the subject with a warmth that borders on fawning (she describes Lesch as “a ‘nice guy’ whose moral compass gives me hope for humankind”). And while at times hagiographic, this biography is backed by solid research, including a scholarly bibliography and interviews with more than a dozen individuals associated with Lesch, from family friends to academics, students, and diplomats. Its engaging narrative is complemented by full\u002Dcolor photographs, maps, and newspaper clippings."

This gripping memoir traces one man's extraordinary journey from professional baseball player to Christian missionary, chronicling his spiritual awakening and dramatic career shift with raw honesty. ...

DR. BOT

skill, experience, and science, too often others suffer because of doctors’ shortcomings. Many are turning to artificial intelligence to supplement human judgment in medicine, but some in the medical community dismiss AI assistance outright. Replacing the physician with a medical robot would be a mistake equal to banishing AI from the exam room altogether, says Blease. “Today,” the author writes, “substantial research supports the observation that experts can be unreasonably biased against algorithms, favoring their own (sometimes flawed) human decision\u002Dmaking instead. This kind of apathy is referred to as ‘algorithmic aversion.’” Blease is cognizant that both AI and MDs have weaknesses, yet both have skills that, if brought together, would benefit patients. That’s the hope. Blease warns against naively trusting the technology\u003B AI can make blunders. As tests and trials demonstrate, though, advanced AI can be a valuable medical technology. (According to a Pew Research survey, four in 10 Americans, Blease writes, “would feel comfortable if their provider ‘relied on AI for their medical care.’”) The mix of AI and medicine won’t replace the human doctor but can produce what Blease notes is “extended cognition: that our thinking isn’t confined to our brains but extends to the tools and environment around us.” The result: better care, and lives saved."

This middle-grade novel offers a timely exploration of artificial intelligence and friendship, following a young protagonist whose life is upended when a sophisticated AI companion enters their world...

DRACULA'S BRUNCH CLUB

the towering, glowering vampire Constantine, who’s banned people. Worse, Dracula’s entire store of “the crimson\u002Dred, blood orange jelly all vampires crave” has been raided. Local farmers have no blood oranges—a blight has destroyed the crops. This proves disastrous even as Dracula tries to regain his brunch\u002Dhosting ground—kale is no substitute for delicious, energizing fruit jelly. The shortage also jeopardizes his standing with his crush, the human Elena, since he’s promised to donate a year’s supply of jelly donuts to her charity auction to help sick children. Something must be done—and it might just involve blood. After all, Count Dracula is a vampire. This book will greatly appeal to young readers looking for comics with a little edge: The gore is mild and cartoon\u002Dsilly, and there are plenty of jokes to lighten the mood. The story moves at a measured pace, and the fun, kid\u002Dfriendly artwork adds depth to the narrative. Gaybba’s color palette predominantly contains cool, moody tones that make the occasional spots of red—mostly jelly and blood—pop. Human and vampire characters have skin in varying shades of blue and purple."

This clever twist on vampire lore follows a group of young monsters who would rather host a trendy brunch than hunt for their next meal, serving up a story that is equal parts spooky and sweet. The n...

DREAM ON

winning a contest." />

This compelling novel explores the powerful intersection of ambition and reality when a teenager's life is transformed by an unexpected contest victory. The narrative delves deep into the emotional w...

DUCK AND CAT RIDE THE RIVERBOAT

Genre

This charming early reader adventure follows two animal friends as they embark on an exciting riverboat journey, offering young children a gentle introduction to transportation themes and friendship ...

DUCKY THE SPY

Genre

This clever picture book introduces a feathered secret agent who must use all his spycraft skills to protect the farm from a cunning fox. Young readers will delight in following Ducky's covert operat...

EDGAR ALLAN POE

Leland, who leads a Poe walking tour of Providence, Rhode Island, offers a basic introduction to the beloved author’s life and work. Complete with bullet points and sidebars, it writes a biography for the PowerPoint generation. It would be best for middle schoolers who have heard of Poe but need to know more. We get the basic outlines of his life, the list of works, and guides to further reading. Interrupting the flow of narrative are sections titled “The More You Know.” These are little paragraphs, in different type and different color, that offer tidbits of history. Did Poe believe in God? A paragraph raises the question, offers a few tantalizing details (a phrase, a personal letter, an aside), and then concludes: “Like many facets of Poe’s life, it may never be known exactly where he stood on spiritual or religious matters. His love of hoaxes, satire, controversy, and sensationalism often concealed his true beliefs.” Interspersed among these comments are the texts of Poe’s poems, printed in a font that looks like that of an old manual typewriter. The literary criticism goes only so deep: “Poe’s ‘Annabel Lee’ is a masterpiece of gothic romanticism. The poem delves into Poe’s usual themes of love, loss, and grief, describing a childhood love that transcends time and even death.” The best parts of the book retell the last months of Poe’s life—his nuttiness, his drinking, and his strange love affair with death itself."

This concise biography brings the haunting world of Edgar Allan Poe to life, tracing his mysterious literary career from his early struggles to his enduring legacy as the master of macabre fiction. Y...

ELECTRIC TITAN

scientists who have covertly witnessed her unusual skills who want to see if they can be leveraged to fend off the meteor. By novel’s end, despite some setbacks and a heartbreaking loss, Rosa ends up transforming herself and her world.Reardon, who shares in his “About the Author” note that he is “a brain tumor survivor since the age of 8, and handicapped since the age of 10,” offers insightful commentary and perspectives about disability through the journey of his teen protagonist. Readers learn about Rosa’s post\u002Daccident suicide attempt, frustration with and empathy for her ableist parents (“Hopefully, they would evolve. My new life was new for them, too”), and eventual epiphany that “Being in a hoverchair is only part of who you are. Once you realize that, no meteor could ever stop you.” This last comment is made by an astral temple deity in one of the goddess sequences—these scenes are an element of the book that can get somewhat esoteric. (Another goddess, for example, remarks that Rosa is “the one who will bring neo\u002Dcollectivism to Titan.”) Nevertheless, these conversations showcase Rosa’s intelligence and psychological makeup (supportive, strong Cordelia, a lovely secondary character, astutely suggests that “The goddesses come from your subconscious, right?”). The nonchronological structure of the narrative is at times frustrating\u003B some of the flashback chapters are not as compelling as the looming present\u002Dday threat. The way in which Rosa came to be in the apparently now\u002Dnovel (on Titan) circumstance of being disabled is also withheld until late in the novel and then explained rather hazily (the injury at Convalor is left murky, with the medical operation afterward seemingly responsible for the hoverchair issue). Still, Reardon creates a fascinating future world in which Rosa must draw on some “old” tech to save the day, and her mother, an “animac,” contemplates the disquieting knowledge that her battery life will outlast the lifespan of Rosa’s father."

This action-packed science fiction adventure plunges readers into a world where humanity's last hope rests on the shoulders of a reluctant hero powered by lightning. The narrative crackles with energ...

ELEVATOR PEOPLE

Earth’s alarmingly unstable human population. On Earth itself, a group of guests are gathered at Baltimore’s Zelles Hotel for a charity event. Eight of these guests—trust fund babies Angus and Keiko, wacky ex\u002Dmilitary man Carl, resourceful Kara, Buddhist Ellen, smart young former honor student Bernie, food bank volunteer Bailey, and bland and reliable Roger—find themselves trapped on an elevator that mysteriously takes them not to a floor of the hotel but a century into the future, where they quickly learn a few things. First, their disappearance is well\u002Dknown to history, which has dubbed them the Charity Eight. Second, lots of people disappeared from elevators in 2025 and are now reappearing in 2125. And third, people in 2125 aren’t happy about that fact—they dub the time\u002Ddisplaced new arrivals terrorist aliens and subject known “vates” to random mob violence. The elevator that deposited the Charity Eight in the future also promised to return them to their own time in two weeks, meaning they somehow have to survive that long. But if the Council has its way, will Earth be doomed? It’s an energetic setup, and Laws largely fulfills the premise’s promise of intrigue and deadpan comedy. There’s some lazy writing (characters “hightail it” or are “thrust into the hot seat”), but the novel’s sharp dialogue and winning cast of contrasting characters more than compensates. The Charity Eight are a terrifically engaging mixed bag of personality traits, which makes for richly entertaining reading as their trials demand all their adaptability."

This clever concept book transforms the mundane act of elevator travel into a vibrant, character-driven guessing game for young readers. Each floor stop introduces a new, distinct personality, from a...

ENGINES OF WAR

master-class worldbuilding, the third volume of Ford’s Age of Uprising trilogy concludes an epic fantasy narrative chronicling an empire torn apart by war." />

This action-packed military science fiction novel plunges readers into the heart of interstellar conflict, where young pilots and mechanized warriors clash in epic battles for survival. The narrative...

ENTANGLED TONGUES

the time of King Henry V, English had re\u002Demerged (per Kisch, Henry V was “probably the first king to speak and write English with ease”). In the years between 1066 and 1200, “about 900 words moved from French into English.” The author goes on to explain how different words from different backgrounds have survived, and how words have changed (house comes from the German haus, while mansion comes from the French maison). Then, there are additional considerations that often baffle those learning English, such as the language’s seemingly strange rules of spelling and grammar. A lot of information is condensed into fewer than 200 pages. Chapters progress in a conversational style\u003B the reader is often addressed directly, as in this consideration of the Norman conquest: “Your life will never be the same again and your language may never be the same, either. This is what happened to the English people in 1066.” As hundreds of years of English history are rushed through, the book has many fascinating points to make. (For example, Shakespeare used “not only French words, but also French sentence structures which sound odd to an English ear.”) All told, the book offers readers different ways of looking at what they say."

This engaging exploration of English language history traces how French and German influences shaped modern vocabulary, from the Norman Conquest's impact to Shakespeare's creative adaptations. Reader...

EQUALITY IS A STRUGGLE

taxing the wealthiest in a clear and significant way.” So writes Piketty, who has made a distinguished career of explicating the whys and wherefores of inequality and its multiple causes. Much of Piketty’s writing here digs into that project, and it’s a credit to Le Monde’s readership that they’re not afraid of tables and hard data. Yet Piketty also writes with admirable clarity about several ideas that are key to his extended argument—and, in at least a sense, these columns forge a single argument in favor of democratic socialism. He observes, in that regard, that the unprecedented prosperity of the 20th century came about precisely because the “hyperconcentration of ownership and class privileges that characterized European societies before 1914” had been broken, with massive investments in human capital and decommodification of the social marketplace. Given the rise of Trumpism and its congeners worldwide, Piketty counters that those values should be restored, and by nobody better than the European states that showed the way in the first place, emphasizing “parliamentary democracy, the social state, and investment in the future.” Voilà: We come full circle to taxing the rich in order to fund health care, education, welfare, and states that observe “the rule of law and democratic pluralism.” Admittedly, Piketty writes, those states are mostly European, whose social economy is far ahead of that of the U.S. There’s some inside baseball—or perhaps soccer—here in Piketty’s essays on and against the Macron government and like causes, but most of these pieces will be intelligible to American readers without much background in contemporary French politics."

This powerful examination of social justice movements delivers an unflinching look at the ongoing fight for civil rights and human dignity across generations. Through compelling historical analysis a...

ESSENTIAL SOLDIERS

liberation struggles around the globe. Based on the principle of Kawaida, an African tradition of communitarianism and self\u002Ddetermination, more than 20 groups flourished in urban centers, from Bedford Stuyvesant in Brooklyn to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles. By uplifting Black culture and fighting racial oppression, the diverse groups focused on strengthening the community. Women were the backbone of these efforts. In food deserts, they started cooperatives providing fresh, nutritious groceries. Where public schools failed Black children, they taught academics alongside cultural pride. They were involved in producing the Black News, which reached a circulation of 50,000, and helping in broader political campaigns, including voter registration and economic boycotts. A basic principle of Kawaida was complementarity, which enforced gender roles identifying males as leaders and women as followers. Highlighting female activists who challenged this sexist formulation, like Amina Baraka and Tayari kwa Salaam, McCray traces the evolution of women’s thinking and practices, including the founding of their own organizations, like the Black Women’s United Front, which focused on domestic violence, rape, reproductive rights, and equal pay. They transformed both themselves and the movement."

This gripping military history explores the unsung heroes who form the backbone of every successful army, from ancient supply train organizers to modern logistics specialists. The narrative vividly d...

ETERNALLY ELECTRIC

her “ballbuster” mother\u002Dturned\u002Dmanager. Her early fame came at a cost to her mental health, she writes, leading to a string of anxiety attacks: “If anyone out there has experienced them, you’ll know what it’s like: you literally think you are dying, unsure where your next breath is coming from.” Gibson writes candidly about her health struggles—she also has Lyme disease—as well as her fraught relationship with her mother, who once said (perhaps jokingly, but revealingly), “My worst nightmare has come true. She has become her own person.” Gibson’s later career saw her appearing on The Celebrity Apprentice and in films such as Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus—perhaps not the life she had envisioned, but, as she writes, “I love that, though the world has kicked my arse a bit, I’m not bitter.” The writing here is bubbly if unexceptional, and structurally, it’s a by\u002Dthe\u002Dnumbers celebrity memoir, complete with motivational aphorisms and occasional non sequiturs (“I think Mozart would approve of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club”). This is strictly for Gibson’s fans, but they’ll find it a treat."

This high-voltage adventure plunges readers into a world where the very energy that powers our cities is also the source of life for a hidden society. When a teenage protagonist discovers they can ma...

Everything We Never Had

Randy Ribay

From the author of the National Book Award finalist Patron Saints of Nothing comes an emotionally charged, moving novel about four generations of Filipino American boys grappling with identity, masculinity, and their fraught father-son relationships. Winner of the APALA medal, the Boston Globe-Horn

EVIL-ISH

Genre

This dark fantasy novel plunges readers into a morally complex world where the line between hero and villain is deliciously blurred, following a protagonist who discovers that sometimes saving the wo...

EXILES

Genre

This gripping young adult novel follows three teens unexpectedly transported to a mysterious realm where survival depends on their wits and willingness to trust one another. The narrative masterfully...

EXTRACTION

President Biden’s increased investment in the process. The balance of forces—between public and private, resource nationalism and environmentalism, rich and poor countries—remains fragile."

This pulse-pounding science fiction thriller plunges readers into a high-stakes rescue mission on a hostile alien world, where a team of elite soldiers must extract a brilliant scientist from a quara...

EXTREMITY

the roads not taken. An SF novella about the ultrawealthy and their clones could reasonably be assumed to be in conversation with Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, but Extremity as a title is a bit of a red herring. It’s not about the clones being extensions of their prime selves, but rather about humanity reaching too far in its greed and Earth ultimately paying the price. The narrative framework is engaging but underused as the three stories basically line up, failing to generate sufficient tension about the evening’s outcome. While Binge’s longer works like Ascension are stunning in their scope, this tonally uneven adventure stumbles before it really gets started."

This gritty graphic novel plunges readers into a brutal, post-apocalyptic world where survival hinges on prosthetic augmentation and sheer will. The story follows a young scavenger navigating treache...

EYE IN THE BLUE BOX

Genre

This innovative visual puzzle book challenges young readers to spot the single blue square hidden within each vibrant, complex spread, training the eye to find patterns amid chaos. Each page presents...

FAILURE TO TREAT

people who have no idea what being a doctor really means” and is consequently in danger of “falling from its lofty place in our society to a job on the assembly line, widgets replaced by patients.” Kowey illustrates these failings with a series of stories about the problems encountered by patients experiencing the whole range of medical treatment, from unexpected ER visits to extended care for prolonged conditions. Each history is presented in great detail, followed by a “Case Explanation” and a “Conclusion” in which the author pinpoints the cause of the problems and offers some potential solutions. Readers learn about a Mrs. Lynch, for instance, who began experiencing an irregular, racing heartbeat and underwent an ablation to cauterize the arrhythmic area. But her atrial fibrillation continued, perhaps prolonged by the ablation itself, and Kowey contends that, given her otherwise young and healthy state, the ablation was “inappropriate.” In the case of 75\u002Dyear\u002Dold Mrs. Lopez, the issues are more interpersonal than medical: The hospital staff is coldly indifferent, her discharge is likely early, and the hospital’s “patient experience specialist” seems more concerned with a good rating than anything else. “It is maddening,” the author writes, “that hospital leaders have chosen to spend money foolishly on administrative salaries, worthless marketing, failed initiatives, and ancillary services that bring little value to the routine care of hospitalized patients.” As the percentage of the U.S. population that can afford health care of any kind rapidly shrinks, readers will find these stories of miscommunication and administrative bloat recognizable, and the author’s professional experience gives them extra heft."

This gripping medical thriller plunges readers into the high-stakes world of emergency medicine, where split-second decisions determine life or death. The narrative follows dedicated healthcare profe...

FALLING ANGELS

Fisher, in the U.S. Freelance operative Torashi Kage, whom a senator has assigned to track down the virus, embarks on a personal vendetta against Maxx—and because Kage doesn’t know where Maxx is, he first goes after Gabby. Thomas caters this finale to readers familiar with the previous series installments. Exhilarating action opens the narrative, with multiple groups of people engaged in combat, rushing somewhere, or scheming to take someone out. Despite the series title featuring Maxx’s name, this is definitely an ensemble cast—the spotlight is shared among many characters, from Dr. Xi and Mr. Green to Maxx’s ever\u002Dreliable military friends Andres Sandoval and Glen Piper. An unexpected standout is one particular villain who struggles with an all\u002Dtoo\u002Drelatable emotional issue\u003B she’s involved in a sinister plan on a global scale but has difficulty overcoming her jealousy, feeling “second best” to the scientist who’s aligned with the man she loves. Maxx makes for a terrific hero and helps to protect Earth, but so do many other characters. The Others, at least in this installment, are mostly an ominous presence—they’re often voiced via the cube, and there’s not much beyond a hint of their specific biology. This doesn’t make them any less daunting, as there seems to be no question that they have the power to devastate the entire planet. The dialogue throughout is rife with cliches (“We’re playing with fire”\u003B “he’s already got one foot in the grave”), but it’s action that truly drives this story, and the author dishes it out in spades."

This powerful coming-of-age novel explores the complex friendship between two girls from vastly different backgrounds in 1970s England, set against the backdrop of Queen Victoria's funeral. Through a...

FAMILY SPIRIT

Luda. Nona’s story then swerves from Lorna and Ayana to Ayana’s Aunt Lil, granddaughter of powerful Mace matriarch GG. As a young woman in the 1970s, Lil was banished from family meetings because she revealed the gift of Knowing to an outsider in her bid to build a career in media (she starts with an appearance on the era’s real\u002Dlife Philadelphia hit, The Mike Douglas Show). Lil’s section sparkles with authenticity, as does a section about Ayana when she’s 22, torn between easy delights with two very different men and buckling down in her undergraduate studies. As Ayana wavers, Aunt Lil returns to Philadelphia. She has a personal reason for this visit, and a Knowing of her own that leads to her reconciliation with the family. As Nona builds the story of the Mace women, she also makes some choices—but it’s difficult to understand what links her actions with those of her characters. Is the titular spirit affecting her? Is she also related to the Mace family? It isn’t clear, and even a tiny glimmer of her ties to them might have held the book together the way Luda’s cherished pearl secures Lil’s long\u002Dabandoned ceremonial gown."

This compelling coming-of-age novel explores the complex bonds of family through the eyes of a teenager navigating cultural identity and generational expectations. The story delves into the spiritual...

FASTER

Genre

This high-octane thriller delivers relentless pacing and heart-pounding action sequences that will keep young adult readers glued to the pages. The story follows a teenage protagonist caught in a dan...

Fate: The Winx Saga Vol. 2

a former comrade in Cuartero-Briggs’ YA graphic novel, one in a series." />

This second volume of the Fate: The Winx Saga graphic novel series plunges readers deeper into the magical world of Alfea, where Bloom and her fairy friends confront escalating threats that test thei...

Female Heroes in Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Leah Phillips

The heroic romance is one of the West's most enduring narratives, found everywhere, from religion and myth to blockbuster films and young adult literature. Within this story, adolescent girls are not, and cannot be, the heroes. They are, at best, the hero's bride, a prize he wins for slaying monster

FIGHTER

boxing. Lee, an Irish southpaw, melds revealing set pieces about life as an “outsider” with a rich account of his rough route to the middleweight championship. His itinerant boyhood was shaped by the “special closeness to gypsy life.” His family was among a group that lived in “trailers and caravans,” traveled “in convoy” and prohibited marriages to “non\u002DGypsies. Gorgeys, we call them.” At school, classmates sang a parody of his peripatetic lifestyle. He learned to fight by taking beatings from his older brothers, already skilled boxers. Relatably, Lee realizes that he chose his profession in part because he didn’t want to disappoint loved ones. Yet being “pushed to the fringes of society” equipped him with an invaluable trait—“raw toughness.” A stellar amateur career won the attention of Emanuel Steward, a decorated American trainer who began schooling Lee at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit. As “the white kid in a black city,” he was lonely. He read Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, discovering the Holocaust survivor’s “theory of ‘Sunday neurosis’: that feeling of emptiness that people get when their hectic life slows down at the weekend. That’s me.” Lee is excellent on boxing preparation and technique. As an amateur, he won by counterpunching, but pro fighting rewards “viciousness.” A Steward disciple teaches him the “Suzie Q,” a technique meant to get an opponent leaning before you “dress him up”—flatten him. Prefight weigh\u002Dins prove easy to manipulate. He sits in saunas before getting on the scale, then chows down, his weight fluctuating by 10 pounds within hours. The book’s one clear flaw—a penchant for hackneyed philosophizing about the nature of combat—only shows up a couple of times."

This powerful narrative delivers an unflinching look at the world of competitive fighting, following a young protagonist's journey through grueling training, personal sacrifice, and the complex psych...

FIGHTING BULLIES

Genre

This powerful guide tackles the difficult reality of school bullying with direct, actionable advice for young readers navigating these challenging social dynamics. The book provides clear strategies ...

FINDERS

Genre

This gripping mystery novel plunges readers into a high-stakes treasure hunt where ancient artifacts hold the key to unraveling a family's hidden legacy. When a teenager discovers a cryptic map among...

FIRST KISS WITH FANGS

fangs." />

This paranormal romance delivers a fresh take on first love with its compelling blend of supernatural tension and authentic teenage emotions, following a human protagonist's unexpected connection wit...

FLASH GORDON

an escape pod containing Flash Gordon, a freckle\u002Dfaced girl with endless curiosity and energy but no memory of her identity. When the Ark crashes on planet Omnia X, the new friends find themselves at odds with the “Merciless Emperor” Prince Azimuth, who dominates the planet’s kingdoms with his rage\u002Dpowered dark magic. Flash is shocked to discover the tyrant is no older than she is, while Azimuth’s sister, Princess Aura, is even more surprised by the fear her brother has for their unexpected visitor. Seeking to use this, Aura saves the girl from the gladiatorial arena and takes her to Arboria, a land of rebellious tree\u002Dfolk and gallant knights led by the honorable Captain Barin. But as the determined Flash readies herself to save Dale and liberate Omnia, she is blind to the Princess’ own ambitions and the unsettling reason behind the Prince’s fixation on her. Johnson’s illustrations, delightfully influenced by shojo manga, are rich with detailed characters set against simple, colorful storybook\u002Dstyle backgrounds, capturing expressive facial expressions—even during an intense battle with a giant, razor\u002Dtoothed axolotl. Bennett, who has worked on some of Marvel’s and DC’s biggest properties, displays her talent for inclusive storytelling—this universe is filled with more than just the white and green faces so many space operas feature. The spirit of Alex Raymond’s original creation is here, too\u003B there’s an intoxicating combination of sword\u002Dand\u002Dsorcery tropes with laser guns and flying saucers. The book never talks down to its audience, and this heartfelt adventure will be great for kids to share with parents, or even for longtime fans looking for a reminder of what made them love Flash Gordon—and comics—in the first place."

This thrilling space opera rockets readers into a universe of interplanetary adventure, where the heroic Flash Gordon battles the tyrannical Ming the Merciless across the exotic landscapes of Mongo. ...

FLIGHT OF THE CHICXULUB

Genre

This gripping science fiction adventure plunges readers into a high-stakes mission to save Earth from a second dinosaur-level extinction event, blending cutting-edge astrophysics with pulse-pounding ...

FLIP

Genre

This innovative picture book transforms the traditional reading experience into an interactive adventure, inviting young readers to physically engage with the story by flipping the book upside down t...

FLOAT

Genre

This visually stunning picture book explores the magical world of water through the eyes of a young child discovering what happens when everyday objects meet puddles, ponds, and rain-filled skies. Th...

FOLK REMEDY

Genre

This chilling exploration of traditional healing practices and their shadowy consequences delivers a potent blend of supernatural suspense and psychological depth, perfect for readers who crave stori...

Forfeiture

murderous timbermen in the Brazilian rainforest. Above the Arctic Circle, an old Inuit woman takes her skeptical, indolent “grandson” to a remote old village (from which oil companies uprooted them) to enact an obscure ritual. Both use ancestral memories to summon help from an advanced extraterrestrial civilization of color\u002Dshifting, somewhat reptilian humanoids of about 8 feet in stature who call themselves the Indigo. Eons ago, interstellar Indigo explorers were awestruck by Earth’s unparalleled biodiversity and beauty and left such safeguards behind to protect the planet. The two distress signals prompt the aliens’ return in massive ships that intimidate even the Earth’s superpowers. Meeting with a few chosen human representatives (including the U.S. president), the Indigo are horrified at the state of Earth, now beset by pollution, species extinctions, unsustainable economic development, war, and other existential threats. The Indigo give humanity one year to reverse the failing state of the world\u003B meanwhile, they will remain as noninterfering “Observers.” Some Indigo opinion\u002Dleaders grow quite fond of humanity’s arts and music\u003B others harbor no affection for the predatory apes and begin a grim judgment process. A radical\u002Denvironmentalist spin on Arthur C. Clarke’s Childhood’s End (1953), Nebra’s narrative will find favor with those who have fantasies of captains of industry and world leaders being brought to account by a galactic Greenpeace for crimes against nature: “Dolphins in terror, surrounded by humans with an enclosing net and frantically writhing and rolling in a red sea, the blood of their family. A Hawksbill turtle, grotesquely deformed by the plastic ring slowly choking it. The hillside shorn of its trees, the fertile soil pointlessly pouring away in streams with every rain.” The polemical material is balanced by fairly nuanced characterizations (including developing nation indigenes, too often idealized by sympathetic writers as unspoiled, cardboard Edenic angels), good pacing, and a final act that is fairly unputdownable."

On Craig Island, a vast landscape of ice north of the Arctic Circle, three travellers are hunting duck. Among them is expert Inuit hunter and guide, Edie Kiglatuk; a woman born of this harsh, beautiful terrain. The two men are tourists, experiencing Arctic life in the raw, but when one of the men is

FRANCISCO DE SAAVEDRA’S AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR

the British, he was taken as a prisoner to Jamaica, which he realized was an excellent opportunity for espionage. After talking his way out of incarceration, he made his way to Havana, the Spanish base of operations in the Caribbean. The Spanish allied with the French, hoping to drive the British out of the area, and Saavedra, a genius in money matters, financed his lifelong friend Bernardo de Gálvez’s successful rout of the British from Pensacola in British West Florida. At this point, the dispirited and nearly bankrupt Americans turned in desperation to their allies, the Spanish and the French. Saavedra wrangled loans in record time from far and wide to pay for the Battle of Yorktown in 1781—a decisive conflict that effectively sealed the independence of the United States of America. From there, he went from strength to strength, even reluctantly becoming the Spanish prime minister for a time. Ever a modest man, he once said, “In one way or another this contrast between my true and apparent merit is one of the keys to my life.”In a book that fairly bristles with endnotes and indices, one might expect to encounter very dry prose, but Giesler proves to be a graceful and often lively writer. This biography of Saavedra engagingly addresses all the momentous affairs in which he had a hand, and Giesler relies greatly on Saavedra’s diaries and letters. The author points out that his subject was not only savvy in financial matters but was also a talented administrator. The situation in Havana, for example, often pitted the old guard, who not only jealously guarded their privileges but were also overly cautious in military matters, against the young and rash—Bernardo de Gálvez being a good example of the latter. Saavedra, the author establishes, was the perfect go\u002Dbetween, compromiser, and schmoozer, who could handle people set in their ways and young fire\u002Deaters. The powers back in Madrid, including his patron, José de Gálvez, saw the Central American colonies as simply cash cows—but Saavedra, the man who was actually there, in Cuba, in Mexico, and later in Venezuela, realized that the colonists had legitimate grievances and deserved respect and audience. Giesler reveals his subject’s prescience in realizing that if the colonists didn’t get that respect, they would eventually rise in revolt, which is, of course, exactly what happened. Saavedra died in Seville in 1819, perhaps the most respected man in all of Spain at the time—a man for whom the term “national treasure” is fitting."

This compelling historical account chronicles the crucial but often overlooked contributions of Spanish official Francisco de Saavedra during the American Revolutionary War. Drawing from extensive ar...

FREE PIANO (NOT HAUNTED)

the emergence of the ghost of the piano’s original owner from its keyboard: 1980s one\u002Dhit\u002Dwonder pop star Vision. Vision’s cool vibes are eventually too much to resist, though, and she becomes a welcome source of support as Margot reckons with her mom’s long working hours, feeling like her dad’s “dumb invisible daughter,” and the success of @sonsofsmash, her best friends’ social media channel about smashing things, which is gaining the followers she’s desperate for. But Vision isn’t the only ghost in the machine, and Margot may be in danger. The art features amusing details, vivid gradients, and bright colors (like Vision’s candy apple red hair and blue eyeshadow), as well as expressively drawn characters. Margot, who has light skin and blond hair, grapples with feelings of abandonment and betrayal when her existence is clearly a lower priority to her father than his own fame in a way that’s accessible and grounding, balancing emotional depth with the creepy mystery. "

This cleverly titled middle-grade novel delivers exactly what it promises: a free piano with a surprisingly un-supernatural backstory, wrapped in a contemporary tale of friendship and family dynamics...

FROM COCINAS TO LUCHA LIBRE RINGSIDES

themes, including “Building Bridges, Building Community” and “Belonging…Dolor y Alegría.” The authors and illustrators run with the inspiration provided by food and sports, exploring the nuances of diaspora culture and belonging through the lens of their diverse Latinx heritages. The varied artistic styles include both full\u002Dcolor and black\u002Dand\u002Dwhite illustrations. While the central focus on Latinx identity is strongly developed throughout, some of the entries feel too similar to one another to stand out on their own, making this collection better for dipping into and browsing than reading cover to cover. Some stories are brief and humorous while others are longer, more thoughtful pieces reflecting on serious topics. The strongest narratives are the ones rooted in memoir and family history, such as Valerie Martínez Cabrera and Andrés Vera Martínez’ “Lamesa” (a story of enduring Chicano cultural pride in mid\u002D20th\u002Dcentury Texas, which features atmospheric, sepia\u002Dtoned illustrations) and “El Limber” by Rafael Rosado (a charmingly buoyant slice\u002Dof\u002Dlife tale set in 1970s Puerto Rico)."

This is the third edition of an established and leading book on family law in Nigeria. Since the last edition in 1990 significant judicial and statutory enactments have taken place in the area of study. The new edition incorporates these changes and explains their implications. The chapters have bee

FROM LANGUAGE TO LANGUAGE

the Stagirite.” In another example, he unpacks how a metaphysical “notion of being would be entirely different” in the West African tonal language Ewe. The book itself is intertextual, emphasizing the collaborative act of knowledge building, as Diagne traces the evolution and lineage of his thinking in elegant prose. The author cites numerous late cultural theorists and philosophers, including Henri Bergson, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and Léopold Sédar Senghor, as well as present\u002Dday figures, among them Kwame Anthony Appiah, Philippe Dagen, and Sandra Laugier."

This bilingual journey offers young readers a vibrant exploration of how words and meanings transform across cultures, presenting common phrases and everyday vocabulary in parallel languages that inv...

FROM MALICE TO ASHES

Soviet border guards. Before long, the Germans begin mass executions in the woods. Olek manages to help an injured Jewish boy in hiding, and it’s not long before Olek himself is in trouble. Al makes it to the United States and joins the war effort as quickly as he can\u003B soon, he’s back in Europe with Allied forces. Meanwhile, Zeneta is struggling for her life, along with other Lithuanians whom the Soviets have shipped to Siberia. Toyn’s narrative is based on true events—most notably, the horrors of the Ponary Massacre—and it’s at its strongest when describing, without embellishment, unthinkable events. For instance, as German power waned, prisoners were forced to dig up and systematically burn corpses to cover up the fact that there were mass graves in the Ponary forest. This included the placement of thermite grenades to ensure that the fire “burned hot enough to incinerate the bodies”\u003B the resulting blazes would then burn “for three days or until a heap of ashes remained.” The dialogue isn’t always as sharp, as characters sometimes unnecessarily narrate their actions with statements such as “I have a gift for each of you.” Overall, though, the work succeeds in its author’s aim to shed light on “events largely unknown to Western audiences.”"

This gripping YA thriller plunges readers into a world of simmering grudges and explosive consequences, where a single act of revenge spirals into an uncontrollable inferno that consumes an entire co...

FUJI

a stream of unfamiliar names. The current Fuji took shape around 17,000 years ago. Thus it did not precede humans but grew up among them. It erupted now and then, disastrously in 1707, but has gone quiet for the past few hundred years. From prehistory, humans settled nearby and grew crops—especially tea and mulberry trees for silk—that thrived on the volcanic soil. The volcano’s beauty as well as its behavior attracted attention both mystical and literary. An 18th\u002Dcentury mystic who starved himself to death on Fuji gave rise to a cult, “Fujiko,” devoted to its worship that included a pilgrimage to the summit, which in turn gave rise to a major local industry. Fujiko adopted many Buddhist practices and competed with the more nationalistic Shinto movement. Much of the book details the legal, doctrinal, and organizational quarrels between the three religions. Fujiko did not do well and is now a fringe movement, but almost all religious ceremonies surrounding Fuji evaporated after World War II. The mountain is now a major tourist attraction, fueling quarrels over trash, sanitation, crowds, and the deteriorating environment."

This visually stunning exploration of Japan's iconic mountain offers young readers a breathtaking journey through both natural landscapes and cultural traditions. Through vivid photography and access...

FURNITURE SLIDERS

a mysterious woman whom he only vaguely remembers—she’s another slider, named Alicia, who proves to be as brilliant as he is. She warns him that he’s still in danger from the Mirror, and that its creator, Dr. Emil Krane, plans to continue using it without regard for who it might hurt. The two of them travel to Vienna, Prague, and finally Montevideo in an effort to stop Krane and neutralize—or destroy—the Mirror. Along the way, they meet many old friends and foes, encounter treachery and violence, and face the impact of the past. Bentley does a deft job of keeping the many narrative threads straight, and the story flows well, as do its action sequences. The SF elements are solid: the Mirror is described in fascinating detail, and the ideas behind it are explored thoroughly but not overwhelmingly. The spy and noir elements are less successful\u003B Max is so impossibly talented, so antisocial yet simultaneously alluring that he reads almost like a parody (“You were always the best one of us”). But he’s played straight, and that means there isn’t a lot to him aside from clichés. Alicia is similar, though it’s worth noting that she has agency and perspective beyond the role of a romantic interest. This inventive novel displays a lot of potential, and one hopes that in the future Bentley will apply the same complexity to his characters as he does to his physics."

This practical guide offers clear, step-by-step instructions for moving heavy furniture safely and efficiently using sliding devices. The book covers everything from basic techniques for solo movers ...

Future X

war, plague, and eco-collapse comes across the writings of a fellow survivor in Koszulinski’s SF novel." />

"The Great Gray Plague" is a science fiction short story written by Raymond F. Jones. This riveting story depicts a futuristic civilization coping with the implications of unrestrained technological progress. The plot is set in a dystopian future and revolves around a society that has become overly

GAS GIANT GAMBIT

the San Juan\u002DPaul Waystation bulls—“law enforcement on the Cygnus Trail”—she is rescued by a kind robot, Maurice, and given temporary shelter with the Vega ranching family. With Tilly—her steed sporting a Faster Than Light engine—needing expensive repairs, she must pick up odd jobs to secure the fuel and money (“rubidium and spoons”) to escape. Assuming the name Gus, the wry gunslinger with a beam\u002Dshooting pistol soon learns that lying low won’t be easy in a town where too many things don’t add up: “Strange disappearances. A mining outpost that wasn’t doing any mining.” After a whiskey\u002Dfueled night leads to a bar brawl with Aaron Leconte, son of the greedy town administrator Laszlo, Gus becomes enmeshed in Las Ráfagas’ precarious political situation at the powerful Leconte family’s behest. In her new role as deputy marshal, she uncovers snippets of shady dealings that suggest Laszlo is “snatching natives, trying to force down the price of…land and shares” and attempting to drive away the Vega family. In addition to these abuses of power, she learns that the native Deiopeans—“child\u002Dsized bipedal spiders”—are at risk of deadly exploitation. Gus must saddle up for a new mission: save Las Ráfagas before being killed by the Leconte family’s militia. In this inventive novel, Raye creates an instantly absorbing world, seamlessly marrying SF technology and Western tropes. The floating mining station has a complex history of colonialism with its subjugated robots, genies, and displaced Indigenous population. As readers gradually uncover the scope of the historical abuses of power alongside Gus—an indelible queer protagonist with her share of vices—her reluctant move from a focus on monetary gain to comradeship with the townsfolk is a deeply satisfying one. Gus and the community’s fight for justice is a reflective allegory for contemporary times."

This gripping space opera plunges readers into a high-stakes mission through the turbulent atmosphere of a colossal gas planet, where a young crew must navigate treacherous cloud cities and alien pol...

GHOST CIRCUS

Genre

A high-octane supernatural thriller plunges readers into the eerie world of a cursed circus where the performers are ghosts bound to entertain for eternity. When a skeptical teen is forced to join th...

GHOSTLY ROULETTE

the pack leader, but Joe volunteers to stay to find Parker’s killer. Because of how the murder was committed, vampires, not ghosts, become the primary suspects (“Vampires can transform into bats and clouds of mist as well as exert control over electronic devices”). Joe struggles to find anyone with a motive to kill Parker\u003B he soon learns that the Minnesota woods are full of supernatural creatures working in opposition to each other, and that Parker may have been collateral damage. Joe gets help from an unexpected source: Parker’s ghost appears to him, explaining that recently minted spirits can’t cross over, and that more ghosts are being forced to return from the other side. Joe must determine who is behind this situation and Parker’s murder. Carpenter has fashioned this second volume of his Joe the Werewolf series into an educational outing for his lead character that will prove equally compelling to his readers. In addition to the were\u002Dbeasts, aliens, and vampires with which he’s familiar, Joe here encounters sasquatches, ghosts, and hodags (evil creatures that spring from the ashes of cremated oxen). The revelation that so many exotic beings are living among humans is what makes Carpenter’s work fun—readers will be engaged while encountering various supernatural creatures along with Joe, who gets roped into the role of peacemaker trying to get the various groups to work together against a common threat."

This chilling novel plunges readers into a high-stakes paranormal thriller where a group of teens discovers an antique roulette wheel that doesn't gamble with money, but with spirits and souls. The n...

GHOSTS OF HIROSHIMA

survivors, include the sight of a cart falling from the sky with the hindquarters of the horse pulling it still attached\u003B a young boy who put his hands over his eyes as the bomb hit—and “saw the bones of his fingers shining through shut eyelids, just like an X\u002Dray photograph”\u003B “statue people” flash\u002Dfossilized and fixed in place, covered in a light snowfall of ashes\u003B and, of course, the ghosts—people severely flash\u002Dburned on one side of their bodies, leaving shadows on a wall, the side of a building, or whatever stood nearby. The carnage continued for days, weeks, and years as victims of burns and those who developed various forms of cancer succumbed to their injuries: “People would continue to die in ways that people never imagined people could die.” Scattered in these survivor stories is another set of stories from those involved in the development and deployment of the only two atomic weapons ever used in warfare. The author also tells of the letter from Albert Einstein and Leo Szilard to Franklin D. Roosevelt that started the ball rolling toward the formation of the Manhattan Project and the crew conversations on the Enola Gay and the Bockscar, the planes that dropped the Little Boy on Hiroshima and the Fat Man on Nagasaki. We have to find a way to get along, one crew member said, “because we now have the wherewithal to destroy everything.”"

This gripping historical novel plunges readers into the immediate aftermath of the atomic bomb, following a young survivor's harrowing journey through the ruins of his city. The narrative masterfully...

GIRL WITH THE SILVER HAIR

their military\u002Dofficer parents they are a post\u002Dnuclear\u002Dapocalypse evolution of mankind, crucial to the survival of a subterranean, locked\u002Ddown United States beset by savage enemies on Earth’s radiation\u002Dscarred surface. Eten is directed to use her deadly brainwaves on an accused “terrorist” leader, but she begins to doubt the tales being fed to her. It transpires that the kids are part of “Project Samson,” an initiative by the American military and government to grow DNA\u002Dmodified test\u002Dtube embryos into weaponized, ESP\u002Daugmented assassins. The Pentagon powers behind Project Samson have learned that maintaining control over these super\u002Dbeings grows difficult over time—especially when the subjects reach puberty—and uncooperative members of the group have been summarily killed. How long can Eten hide her wrathful discontent and rely on the dubious protection offered by a sympathetic guard, or her faux “mom” and “dad”? The premise of youngsters being cultivated by Black Ops agencies as mutant secret weapons is not an original one (there are similar tales by Dean R. Koontz, Stephen King, and John Farris), but Seupel’s take proceeds in an effective, straight\u002Dahead fashion as Eten, a stranger to concepts such as money or menstruation, becomes a fugitive in the “real world”—a very familiar one in the YA\u002Ddystopian genre in which an unjust society is threatened by rising sea levels and violently authoritarian adults. (Trying to ingratiate herself with the fascistic power structure, Eten proclaims, “More than anything in the world, I want to defend our country and make America great again.”) With such strong forward momentum, the material will not require psychic pushes to compel readers to barrel through in one sitting."

A young woman with striking silver hair navigates a world of magic and political intrigue, discovering that her unique appearance is tied to a forgotten prophecy and a hidden power she must learn to ...

GLORY, GRIT AND GREATNESS

what he perceived as the lack of reverence many Americans have for military heroes. This observation, combined with what Carr believes to be a declining historical awareness among young people, prompted the author to write this work, which surveys American heroes “from many eras and walks of life.” The book’s nine chapters can essentially be divided into two categories: biographies of soldiers and those of various historical icons. Many of the war heroes are lesser\u002Dknown figures, such as those covered in the opening chapter on the Torpedo Plane Squadrons of the Battle of Midway. Readers are offered inspirational vignettes about such men as Lloyd Childers, who came from poverty but eagerly volunteered to serve at the outbreak of World War II, and John Thomas Eversole, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who was among the first American airmen killed in the opening stages of the battle. Other chapters focus on more well\u002Dknown names, from business tycoon John D. Rockefeller and President Calvin Coolidge to boxer Rocky Marciano and songwriter Irving Berlin. These chapters provide sweeping overviews of each individual’s life and contributions while reveling in the idiosyncrasies of the subjects\u003B Rockefeller, readers learn, swallowed a spoonful of olive oil each day and had a proclivity for “canoodling” women in his town car after the death of his wife, while Coolidge refused to install a telephone in his White House office (“the better to avoid chitchat”). A chronic workaholic, Berlin worked on his songs “in taxis and restaurants and while shaving,” and even brought a piano with him on vacations.While not shying away from personal flaws, such as Marciano’s taste for philandering or Rockefeller’s “cutthroat” business practices, the book’s overall tone is celebratory, which may come off as overly hagiographic to skeptical readers. (The same cutthroat Rockefeller, for instance, is subsequently praised for his philanthropy and religiosity.) While generally nonpartisan in his approach to American history, the author unnecessarily wades into contemporary culture wars in his introduction, declaring the work is “for people like [him] who are fed up with America bashing, who would rather salute our flag than sully it.” The book is generally well\u002Dresearched\u003B each chapter is accompanied by its own bibliography. (The sources cited, including works published by contemporary academics over the last decade, contradict Carr’s argument that modern American history books have “either left out or glossed over” heroes of the past.) Aside from the politically charged opening pages and the author’s implied critiques of contemporary history teachers and scholars, the book’s biographical vignettes are written in a welcoming, engaging style that blends encyclopedic overviews with fascinating trivial details. Many include dialogue and novel\u002Dlike scene\u002Dsetting that immerse the reader in the past. The text’s ample inclusion of photographs supplements the work’s engaging and absorbing storytelling. And while all but one of the chapters focus on men (Irving Berlin shares the spotlight with Kathryn Elizabeth Smith, the “First Lady of Radio,” in their combined chapter), the author is careful to emphasize the role of women, albeit in supporting roles, in shaping the lives of his male subjects."

This powerful collection of biographical profiles introduces young readers to extraordinary women whose remarkable achievements have shaped our world, from pioneering scientists and groundbreaking ar...

GOAT MAGIC

good fortune, Trill’s magic power is the ability to communicate with goats. Alya, in her goat form, hides from her assailants among Trill’s herd. The girls get off to a rocky start—sheltered Alya has some high\u002Dhanded ways that make Trill bristle—but ultimately, Trill agrees to help the princess. The girls must move quickly, however: Aunt\u002DU, a friend of Trill’s mother whom they seek out for help, informs them that if they don’t destroy the talisman used to place the curse within a month, Alya will remain a goat forever. This fantasy story reads like a classic fairy tale and explores themes of trust in oneself and greater awareness of others. The friendship and love that blossom between Alya and Trill feel natural and endearing. The cartoonlike illustrations employ warm colors that match the tone of the story. Wheeler’s worldbuilding emerges organically from interactions between the characters, sustaining a fast pace and avoiding lengthy explanations. Alya has tan skin, and Trill has medium\u002Dbrown skin."

This middle grade novel delivers a thrilling sports fantasy that will captivate young readers who dream of athletic stardom, blending competitive soccer action with unexpected supernatural elements. ...

GOETHE

a history of 18th\u002Dcentury ideas? How did he make, and respond to, 19th\u002Dcentury ways of looking at the world? Behind all his work is this: What is human nature and what is the place of humankind in the natural world? The great scholarly achievement of this book lies in its synthesis of Goethe’s personal writing (especially his letters) with his public work. It shows how he created modern German as a language for a people—how the German\u002Dspeaking peoples, scattered across small kingdoms, duchies, and imperial lands, could find unity in a literary heritage. This book does not ignore the paradoxes of Goethe’s life. A man of great faith, he was an indefatigable analyst of nature. A proponent of human freedom, he could consort with despots. Goethe enabled us to find philosophy in literature, much as he sought faith in Shakespeare and the Greeks. Bell, a professor at King’s College London, distills an ethical lesson from that search: “Faith is…an expression of compassion. What matters is that our compassion engages with the world….The natural human capacity to feel concern or compassion, rooted deep in our nature, dwarfs any reasoning about good or evil or otherwise of religious doctrine.” That is the lesson of literature, and that is the lesson of this amazing book."

This insightful biography offers young readers a compelling introduction to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the German literary giant whose works spanned poetry, drama, and scientific inquiry. The narrat...

GOLIATH'S CURSE

Genre

This gripping fantasy adventure plunges readers into a world where ancient curses and modern-day heroes collide, delivering a story rich with mythological stakes and relentless pacing. When an ancien...

GOOD AND EVIL AND OTHER STORIES

an eerie threat (a ghostly cat, a telepathic neighbor, a violent guest), we realize we have been party to a central human truth. Some revelations come in the form of body horror, and the gore can be hilariously goofy—a welcome lightness to the more somber scenes of tender caretaking (or unapologetic cruelty). Schweblin and veteran translator McDowell trace the slim barrier between perception and reality with masterful narration, piercing dialogue, stealthy wit, and psychological precision."

This collection of moral tales thoughtfully explores the complex interplay between right and wrong through a series of compelling narratives that will resonate deeply with young adult readers. Each s...

GRACE PERIOD

selling the house, Mateus has the opportunity to leave the past behind, but the re\u002Demergence of the much denuded Graça in his life, along with his introduction to her chaotic, sensualist daughter, Natália, and Alberta’s steady, phlegmatic decline forces Mateus to confront the fact that the past may be the only time in his life that still feels worth living. Through prose that is both melancholy and brutally keen, this midcentury master’s eye for the scintillating detail at the heart of even the most mundane observation loses nothing in its translation from its original language, culture, or time."

This gritty contemporary novel follows a high school senior navigating the complex aftermath of a family tragedy while trying to secure her college future. The narrative masterfully captures the over...

GRAND FINALES

religion, the Civil Rights Movement, and social injustice to find new outlets for their talents and new ways to engage with the world. Gubar cites many other aging women—artist Faith Ringgold and designer Iris Apfel, and writers Grace Paley, Ursula K. Le Guin, Margaret Atwood, and Annie Ernaux, among others, to ring in on the lively possibilities—of productivity, connection, and reinvention—in one’s last years."

This collection of book reviews offers young readers and their parents a curated guide to contemporary children's literature, providing thoughtful analysis of plot, character development, and age-app...

GRAY DAWN

Genre

This gripping dystopian thriller plunges readers into a world where color has been systematically erased, creating a stark, gray existence that serves as a powerful metaphor for conformity and contro...

GUEST PRIVILEGES

Genre

This provocative young adult novel explores the complex dynamics of privilege and power through the lens of an exclusive boarding school, where social hierarchies dictate every interaction. The narra...

HALF PASS SIX

the naturalist William Beebe to study ocean life—first in the Sargasso Sea, and then off the coast of the Galápagos Islands. After the voyage ended, Beebe, with co\u002Dauthor Ruth Rose, published a bestselling account of the journey. Rohrbein was aware of this fact, but it wasn’t until more than 30 years later, when his teenage daughter gave him a handsome hardcover edition of the book, that he gave it much thought. “He was not the kind to read books,” his now\u002Dadult daughter, Lockhart, writes. “The Daily News was enough.” Rohrbein had watched Beebe excitedly dredge specimens from the depths of the ocean, but he’d never understood the meaning of the work. In this blend of history and biography, Lockhart records her father’s firsthand experiences of the expedition, informed by the written account of Beebe, whom the young Rohrbein saw as a sort of parental figure\u003B Rohrbein’s father died years before the expedition. The narrative proves to be an investigation not only into Beebe’s revolutionary nautical discoveries aboard the Arcturus but also into the author’s family history, as Lockhart seeks to understand her taciturn parent, who, in turn, plumbs the depths of his younger years. Lockhart, a novelist, writes with measured lyricism: “Maybe all his life he’s wanted to be back at sea and not be connected to any land at all,” she wonders about her father. “The sea was a new beginning, an introduction to the world between the lands, the world with depths so infinite that it stayed hidden from view.” With its ruminations on migration and finding life in unlikely places, this is a book that will sink deep into the reader’s consciousness."

This compelling narrative weaves together marine biology exploration and personal history, chronicling a young man's transformative journey aboard the Arcturus expedition with naturalist William Beeb...

HAND IN HAND

the handsome, enigmatic luminary. He is 33, married, and the father of five children, all of whom he left (but still supports) for the love of another woman…whom he has also left. Miriam and Nyezhiner meet at a gathering where a collection of poets, essayists, and novelists are exchanging ideas. Later, the two take a walk across the Williamsburg Bridge in a gentle interlude that signals the beginning of what will become a 30\u002Dyear love affair. Although drawn to the moody poet, Miriam is cautious. Still a teenager when she married and had her daughter Dinaleh, she now needs to find her own path. Nyezhimer, on the other hand, quickly becomes obsessed with her. After a painful confrontation with her husband David (“he came closer, very close, then raised his hand and gave her face a hard slap”), Miriam moves in with her brother, sister\u002Din\u002Dlaw, and mother. A distraught Nyezhimer searches for her, occasionally waiting through the night in the street outside her brother’s house. Veprinski’s dramatic autobiographical novel traces the first tumultuous year of the relationship between the author (Miriam in the novel) and the lyric poet Mani Leyb (Nyezhiner). Ellen Cassedy and Anita Norich have translated the melancholy narrative, first published in Yiddish in 1971\u003B they have beautifully captured the rhythms, humor, and intimacy of the original text. The story is a detailed portrait of a time, place, and culture. Populated by a large cast of Yiddish writers of the day (all of the names have been changed), the novel engages readers with an intriguing variety of artistic personalities and temperaments. "

This counting book offers a fresh approach to early math concepts through rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations that follow children's daily activities. Each number from one to ten is introduced th...

HATCHET

Gary Paulsen

This award-winning contemporary classic is the survival story with which all others are compared—and a page-turning, heart-stopping adventure, recipient of the Newbery Honor. Hatchet has also been nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read. Thirteen-year-old Bri

HATE REVISITED!

Genre

This collection of critical essays offers a raw, unflinching examination of contemporary hatred across social, political, and cultural landscapes. The author dissects the mechanisms of animosity with...