GATHER by Kenneth M. Cadow

 

Dorian "Ian" is stumbling through life as best he can. He used to spend time with his grandfather learning about hunting, fishing, and fixing things. His grandmother held things together at the house even when his father left and his mother had trouble with drugs and alcohol. Now his grandfather is dead and his grandmother has moved. His mother returned from rehab and did pretty well for a while, but then everything fell apart.

When he's not in school, Ian wanders the woods and finds odd jobs repairing things for neighbors. He agrees to watch out for an elderly woman neighbor in exchange for enough money to get groceries and fuel oil. He also befriends a huge, stray dog he names Gather. 

Any security Ian enjoys is ripped away when his mother overdoses. He may have to leave the only place he's ever called home. When he finds out Gather will not be welcome where he's going, he decides his only recourse is to return home despite those who insist he can't

Author Kenneth M. Cadow beautifully captures the voice of a young teen struggling to protect his life and everything dear to him. Readers will connect with Ian on page one and root for him every page thereafter. 

DEAR MEDUSA by Olivia A. Cole

 

Alicia is sixteen. She is feeling alone, sad, and furious. She spends most of her time in ISAP (in-school suspension) because she falls asleep in class, uses inappropriate language, and skips art class. Her life is consumed with avoiding the Colonel. She thinks of him as the predator, the wolf, who took away her innocence and changed how she looks at the world.

It is clear from the beginning of Alicia's story that this teacher, beloved by many, crossed a line behind his closed door, and although she has told no one, the changes in her life have earned her nicknames like slut, hoe, and whore. When she isn't working at the fast-food restaurant Meat Palace, hiding out in her room, avoiding her mother and brother, she is meeting up with random boys/men and trying to feel normal.

When her best friend abandons her, Alicia wishes she could confide in someone, but her brother is distracted by his crappy friends and her mother is searching for the place she fits after her divorce. Alicia finds two new friends, Geneva who is the new girl, and Deja who spends just about as much time in ISAP as Alicia. It takes time, but eventually Alicia comes to trust these two and thinks she might have a chance to open up. She is also receiving mysterious notes in her locker that hint she is not the only victim of the Colonel. 

Can she rise above the trauma that has taken over her life? Will she learn to use her voice to speak up loud enough to be heard over those who condemn her?

Author Olivia A. Cole unique, direct, no-nonsense verse takes readers on a journey with Alicia that is both frightening and courageous. I highly recommend DEAR MEDUSA for teen girls and adults whose lives are sometimes too busy to listen to voices clamoring to be heard.

SPIN by Rebecca Caprara

 

SPIN is a retelling of Arachne's story. The story is told from her POV and promises to tell the story and let readers decide the identity of the true villain.

Arachne was born with many physical flaws, but she was deeply loved by her parents. Her mother was a talented weaver and set about teaching Arachne. It wasn't an easy task, but Arachne practiced long and hard to improve her skill. Her father was known for the beautiful purple dyes he created and the yarn he produced. Arachne hoped to please him with her skill so she could earn the privilege of weaving with his incredible yarn.

Sadness filled Arachne's life. Her beloved younger brother died in a tragic accident and then she lost her mother. It was then that Arachne and her dear childhood friend Celandine decided to leave their small town and seek adventure in the city.

Arachne impressed people with the amazing tapestries she created. Her pieces brought great prices in the marketplace. Unfortunately, Arachne's pride and outspoken personality often made her unpopular. When the goddess Athena heard of Arachne's bragging, she was not pleased with the young girl's hubris. 

Author Rebecca Caprara's novel in verse deftly tells this well-known story from mythology. It tells of art, talent, hope, and heartbreak.

MEXIKID: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin

 

Pedro/Peter's parents were born in Mexico and so were his older siblings. Having a family with nine kids (some born in Mexico and some born in the U.S.) makes for some hectic times. When his parents announce they will be traveling 2,000 miles to Mexico to bring back their grandfather, Peter is excited. He knows traveling with that many people will have its ups and downs, but going to Mexico should be a real adventure.

Peter's dad gets a great deal on a used Winnebago motorhome. It will be a road trip with the convenience of having sleeping quarters, a bathroom, and plenty of room to spread out. Since the four older kids suggest they could drive separately in the family pickup, that means even more room for Peter and the younger kids.

Everyone piles in with their backpacks full of snacks and comic books. On the roof are boxes of hand-me-down toys to donate to the poor kids in Mexico. The trip begins.

The first problem happens when they are crossing the border into Mexico. The border guards are not impressed with all the extra stuff and make Peter's dad unload the boxes, and they confiscate the cool stuff from their backpacks. Fortunately, there are enough attractions along the way to keep everyone entertained as the long journey continues.

Once they arrive in the town where Peter's parents grew up, they meet up with tons of cousins and learn more about their mysterious grandfather. Filled with humor, heartbreak, and family history and secrets, MEXIKID is a graphic novel worth diving into. Knowing it contains true tidbits about author Pedro Martin makes it an adventure that easy to imagine.

ALL RISE FOR THE HONORABLE PERRY T. COOK by Leslie Connor

 

Published in 2016, I somehow missed this treasure. Author Leslie Connor explores something I never would have thought about. Perry T. Cook was born in a minimum-security prison. His mother was incarcerated when she learned she was pregnant. With the help of a sympathetic warden, Perry ends up living with his mother for eleven years.

The warden acting as a sort of foster parent, creates a nursery in a small unused room that later becomes Perry's room. He gets to see his mother every day and many of the other residents become like family as he grows up. Perry attends school in a nearby town where he is best friends with a girl named Zoe. Zoe and several other people on the outside know Perry's story, but he tries to keep it fairly quiet.

Trouble starts when the local district attorney learns about Perry and decides living in a prison is not the life a kid should have. When Perry is told he will have to leave the only home he's ever known, he is devastated. 

Author Leslie Connor takes readers into life at the prison and the lives and mistakes made by those who have been sentenced to time behind bars. When Perry decides to interview some of the residents for a school project, readers learn why some of them have been given prison time. Perry is able to reveal that life may be different for some people, but everyone has something to offer.

A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Dan Santat

 

Presenting the National Book Award Winner, Dan Santat, and his amazing graphic tale. In A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING, Santat presents a time in his life filled with moments many teens will find totally relatable. As he leaves middle school, Santat's parents encourage him to experience the world on a school trip to Europe.

Through his great drawings and witty dialogue, readers will experience the trip right along with Santat. Not the most popular kid, he tries to spread his wings and join the crowd. Although, things don't always end well, he does experience his first love as well as some awesome sight-seeing in several European countries. Filled with heart-warming firsts and interesting characters, the Book Award was well-deserved. Perfect for middle school and high school collections.

FIELD OF SCREAMS by Wendy Parris

 

I'm always on the look out for a good middle grade mystery since they are sometimes hard to find. FIELD OF SCREAMS caught my attention with its great cover design and awesome title. I recommend it for anyone.

Rebecca has always been fascinated by ghosts, and when her friend gives her a book of ghost stories, her fascination intensifies. She takes it along on a trip to Iowa with her mother. The trip is supposed to provide time for her mother to work on writing her thesis for her PhD, and while they are staying with Rebecca's uncle and aunt, Rebecca is supposed to help out by babysitting her little cousin.

It doesn't take long for strange things to begin happening. Rebecca feels a chill in the air, hears sounds from the locked attic, and is sure she sees ghosts. When she learns from her father's younger brother that her father was also interested in ghosts, Rebecca is determined to find answers to the strange happenings on the Iowa farm and its surroundings.

Author Wendy Parris weaves together family stories, old diary entries, faded photos, and a mysterious, soon to be demolished house to create a truly creepy tale. FIELD OF DREAMS is a real page-turner.

ONE IN A MILLION by Claire Lordon

 

Being one in a million is not always a good thing. Also, as the cover states, "High school is hard enough without a mysterious illness."

In this graphic memior by author/illustrator Claire Lordon, readers will learn the painful story of her battle to have her mysterious illness diagnosed and treated. In her young teens Claire began experiencing an illness that caused symptoms like weight gain, acne, hair loss/excessive hair growth, and agonizing headaches. Multiple doctor appointments and tons of tests later, no one seemed to know what was causing the symptoms. By age 17, Claire is desperately trying to keep going to school, staying active, and managing some sort of life all the while wanting someone to figure out what is wrong with her.

Finally, Claire is diagnosed with Cushings disease which is caused by a tumor on her pituitary gland. Claire bravely takes readers through the years' worth of surgeries and treatment after her diagnosis. She tells of the anxiety, stress, and depression she experiences. She says her story has a happy ending, but she also shares the continued issues she lives with on a daily basis.

PROJECT F by Jeanne DuPrau

 

Jeanne DuPrau, author of the CITY OF EMBER series, has revisited the future in PROJECT F. It is several hundred years in the future and the use of fossil fuels is against the law. Life has changed, but everyone hopes it is for the good of the world.

Keith volunteers to take the train to pick up his young cousin Lulu. He sees it as being helpful to his busy parents and also as a brief adventure. Lulu parents tragically drowned in the ocean leaving her an orphan. It is a two-day train ride there and back to pick up Lulu and bring her back to live with Keith and his parents.

When there is a mix-up with Keith's bag and that of another passenger on the train, it results in a short detour as Keith and Lulu make the return trip. This detour uncovers an exciting secret. Keith ends up as part of an experiment that has him flying in a sort of jet pack invention. The flight is thrilling, but Keith and Lulu are sworn to secrecy.

Keith later finds himself involved in a demonstration of the new machine, but in the meantime, he learns that it is powered by coal which is one of the illegal fossil fuels. Should he still participate in the demonstration or should he turn in the men to the authorities for using the forbidden fuel?

JAWBREAKER by Christina Wyman

 

Max Plink is dealing with a lot. It is bad enough that she's in middle school where bullies abound, but she has become the perfect target. Max has what many call buck teeth. She has braces which are bad enough, but now she has headgear. Although, she doesn't have to wear it to school, she has to wear all the rest of the time.

Max's orthodontist explains that Max may have to have jaw surgery. It would require breaking her jaw and then wiring it shut for a time. She'd eat through a straw with the only bright side being she might get to eat a lot of ice cream. Wearing the headgear, Max calls the Jawbreaker, is treatment that might make the jaw surgery unnecessary. In the meantime, her jaw aches and the headgear feels like torture.

Other complications in Max's life include her parents constant fighting about money and her father's drinking problem, her annoying sister, and a best friend who seems to be keeping secrets like she never has before. When she's not worrying about all that, her horrible teeth have the bullies relentlessly teasing her at school and every day on the bus. No one seems to understand what Max is dealing with.

Author Christina Wyman has created a story many readers will relate to. Whether it's braces, parental problems, sibling issues, or bullying, there is plenty to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

GREEN by Alex Gino

 

Author Alex Gino revisits the Rainbow Spectrum gang with a character named Green. Green uses the pronouns they/them and is thrilled that their friends, family, and even teachers are using their name Green consistently. With the help of their supportive dad and friends like Melissa and Rick, they have gained confidence and found a great place in their middle school.

Green has been interested in forming a closer friendship with Ronnie, a classmate they've known for a while. Hanging out with Ronnie has been fun, but now Green is hoping to take that fun to another level. They aren't sure if Ronnie is into guys or girls, and any conversations they have that head in that direction are inconclusive. 

Getting involved in the backstage crew for the school musical offers Green a chance to get closer to Ronnie, but they still aren't sure Ronnie is into someone nonbinary. Green is ready to take some risks, but will things turn out the way they hope?

GREEN is sure to connect with readers feeling similar feelings and will also introduce readers unfamiliar with nonbinary individuals to the thoughts and feelings of those who identify as they/them. Gino tackles this topic with the directness and tact that they do in MELISSA and RICK. I definitely recommend adding this to the collection.

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF BENNY BROOKS (sort of a memoir) by Ethan Long

 

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF BENNY BROOKS by Ethan Long is a heartbreaking read, but worth every page. Long's illustrated novel is a "sort of memoir" based on Long's own childhood experiences. It is very relatable for kids with rough childhoods and would help other kids better understand the experiences others might be living through.

Fifth grader Benny Brooks is struggling to survive. His parents recently divorced so he is living with his dad, his older brother, and his little sister. They haven't seen their mother for months. Benny's father is a heavy smoker, and he has just found out that the lump discovered in his lung is cancer. 

Benny is seeing a therapist and has plenty to talk about, but how can he trust a stranger. He'd like to talk about his father and how grumpy and irritable the cancer is making him. He'd like to talk about how his annoying older brother picks on him. He'd like to talk about how his mother doesn't seem to love them anymore. He'd also like to mention that it might be possible that he will fail 5th grade.

When Benny begins acting out violently, his father lectures him and grounds him, but the cancer means the punishments don't really stick. Benny feels alone most of the time as he watches his father seemingly disappear before his eyes.

At times this is not an easy book to read, but it is an example of courage and resilience that middle grade and older students need to learn about.

WRECKER by Carl Hiaasen

 

Author Carl Hiaasen, known for books like HOOT, FLUSH, and SCAT, is going to please his young fans with his latest release, WRECKER. Set in Key West, Florida, it involves smuggling, the pandemic, and protests aimed at keeping the huge cruise ships from destroying the Keys.

Valdez Jones VIII aka Wrecker loves living in Key West. He is out on the water in his skiff whenever possible. He fishes for snapper and looks for marine wrecks. He comes from a long line of wreckers who earned a living salvaging wrecks back in the day. 

When he's not in school (mostly online due to the pandemic), he's working part-time at Fausto's. He also earns money cleaning a grave marker for an old man whose sister is buried in a nearby cemetery. Wrecker finds himself involved with a smuggler who wants his help watching over another grave in the cemetery. This turns into an arrangement that makes Wrecker nervous, but he isn't sure how to break free of the bad guy and his accomplices. Fortunately, Wrecker is clever, and with the help of a friend, he manages to stay one step ahead of the law and two steps ahead of the smugglers. 

Author Carl Hiaasen's use of plot twists and turns and plenty of humor will keep readers turning pages in this action-packed adventure. Fans of his other books, or the movies based on them, will want to get their hands on WRECKER as soon as possible.

DOGTOWN by Katherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenko

 

What a fun book for dog lovers! What a fun book for everyone! Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko have teamed up for this funny, courageous, and heart-warming story. Designed as an illustrated novel with illustrations by Wallace West, DOGTOWN is sure to be in demand in libraries and classrooms everywhere.

When you put together a three-legged dog, a mechanical dog, and a brave mouse, you get an incredible journey like story that will melt your heart. 

All the dogs at Dogtown have tragic stories. Chance was unlucky enough to have a horrible dog-sitter whose boyfriend ditched Chance letting the dog's owners think she ran off. Metal Head, the mechanical dog, seems aloof and unfriendly, but inside he misses his young owner and can't understand why he ended up in Dogtown. Mouse and his brothers and sisters live hidden in Dogtown and rely on the kindly Chance for the kibble that keeps them alive.

These three are the heroes of Dogtown. Readers will love their madcap adventures and cheer when they escape on the search for their real homes. They are clever beyond belief and willing to stand in the path of danger to achieve their goals. Hurry out to your local bookstore or library to get your copy today!

AN IMPOSSIBLE THING TO SAY by Arya Shahi

 

Omid has been living in the shadow of his parents, his best friend, and even his younger brother. It's time to step into the world in his own way, but it may be easier said than done.

Omid's parents immigrated from Iran. Since 9/11 it has been difficult. He needs to be cautious at certain times and in certain places. He has tried so hard to be American that he is losing his ability to speak Farsi and remember the traditions of his culture. When his grandparents move to live near him in Arizona, he thinks maybe he can recover some of what he has lost.

Having a crush on Emily is also turning his world upside down. When she convinces him to try out for the school play, Romeo and Juliet, he ends up with a part he loves. Studying his part and listening to a rap CD his friend Sammy makes for him, turns Omid into a poet. He discovers writing rap gives him courage and a voice he never knew he had.

Author Arya Shahi's novel in verse takes readers into the life of a confused teenager. There's family drama, humor, peer pressure, and self-discovery enough to satisfy every reader.

HANNAH SHARPE CARTOON DETECTIVE by Janet Tashjian

 

Hannah Sharpe is on the autism spectrum. She is curious about everything and determined to find answers for the many questions she encounters. One thing that helps her make sense of the world is her sketchbook. Drawing what she sees and how she feels helps her understand things and also solve the many mysteries that seem to pop up.

Right now Hannah is trying to solve the mystery of all the crimes suddenly occurring in her neighborhood. When she begins to suspect the new renters in her parents' garage apartment, she has mixed feelings. The couple that just started renting the apartment have exhibited some odd behaviors. Hannah has become friends with the girl, but the guy has Hannah wondering if he could be responsible for the recent crimes.

With the help of her friend Remy and her trusty sketchbook, Hannah attempts to find the answers she needs to convince her parents they should listen to her ideas.

Author Janet Tashjian partners with her son to create this awesome illustrated novel. Tahjian's experience with autism is first-hand since her son is on the spectrum. He partners with her to draw the illustrations and create the cartoon strip Dusty Pickle. This will no doubt be the beginning of a popular new series for middle grade readers.

SOMETHING LIKE HOME by Andrea Beatriz Arango

 

Laura is living with her aunt Titi Silvia. She feels sad and alone. When her aunt, who is a doctor, isn't at work at the hospital, she is sleeping and getting ready to work again. Laura has everything she needs, but she misses her mom and dad.

Laura realizes that not living with her parents is probably her fault. She keeps remembering coming home and finding them motionless in the apartment. Dailing 911 was important and necessary, but that is what led to social services coming and Laura ending up with her aunt. If only she could visit them in rehab. Then she could tell them how sorry she is. 

There are a few bright spots. There's finding a dog that Titi lets her keep. There's the idea of training the dog to be a therapy dog in hopes of taking him to visit her parents at rehab. There's also a new friend named Benson.

SOMETHING LIKE HOME by Andrea Beatriz Arango explores the world of foster care and kinship care in today's diversified family structures. Readers will cheer for Laura and perhaps shed a few tears for her as she struggles to create a place that feels like home.

THE SOMEDAY BIRDS by Sally J. Pla

 

Charlie loves his family, but they are very difficult to deal with sometimes. They don't understand Charlie's OCD, his fascination with all things birds, and his constant diet of chicken nuggets. 

Life changed when Charlie's journalist father was injured while covering the war in Afghanistan. Now Charlie, his twin brothers, older sister, and grandmother spend a lot of time in the hospital hoping that his dad will recover. Things change yet again when Gram announces that she will be taking Charlie's dad to a hospital on the other side of the country for treatment from a well-known doctor who specializes in head injuries. Charlie can't believe she is leaving the rest of them alone.

What follows is a madcap adventure as Charlie and his siblings attempt to head cross-country to visit their father. They end up traveling with a strange woman named Ludmilla. Charlie wants desperately to complete a birding list he and his dad created so he can surprise him when they eventually get to the hospital. The trip, powered by love, is full of high-jinks and chaos.

In THE SOMEDAY BIRDS author Sally J. Pla tells a story about a family in crisis in which love and determination save the day.

ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD by Dana Vanderlugt

 

This book just arrived in my mailbox a few days ago. Wow! It is now one of my favorites for the year!

ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is a novel in verse by debut author Dana Vanderlugt. Set in Michigan during World War II, readers will learn about some little known history. During the war the U.S. government decided to ship some German POWs to the States to help provide relief for the labor shortage. A group of POWs were sent to a camp in Michigan where they helped in an apple orchard. 

Claire's family is missing her older brother Danny, who is off fighting in Europe. Harvesting the apples and running the orchard store is taking its toll on her father and mother without the help of her brother. A group of German soldiers comes to the orchard to help. There are benefits for both sides, but of course, putting together Americans and Germans is also cause for concern.

Claire finds herself becoming friendly with a German named Karl. Since he can speak English, he is assigned to help in the store and given more responsibilities than the other POWs. It becomes clear that some of the Germans are feeling lucky to be in the States away from the fighting while others still have a strong connection to Hitler and the German war mission.

The narration alternates between Claire and Karl. Readers are able to follow the thought processes of both sides in this war situation. Vanderlugt weaves in facts from her family's experiences in Michigan along with her fictional account of this rare view of enemies interacting. 

ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is a must-read for readers of all ages.

THE LOST LIBRARY by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass

 

If you are a book lover or love to share books with readers, this book is for you. Imagine a Little Free Library pops up in your neighborhood and you aren't really certain who started it. THE LOST LIBRARY is about such a little library and the mystery surrounding it.

When Evan discovered the Little Free Library, he immediately thought about the fire that years ago destroyed the library in his town. No one was ever found responsible for the tragic event that took several lives. 

Evan selects a couple of books from the new library and takes them home. As he explores their contents, he notices some peculiar things that get him thinking more about the fire and the mysterious new library. With the help of his friend Rafe, he decides to don his investigator's cap and solve the mystery once and for all.

Two awesome authors, Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, have joined forces to create this interesting mystery. Using multiple voices including Evan, a ghost librarian, and a cat, they weave a fascinating tale that is sure to please readers.

WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT I KNOW by Sonja K. Solter

 

When Tori tries to tell her mother about what happened with Uncle Andy on the ratty old couch in the basement, her mom doesn't believe her. How could kind, fun-loving, goofy Uncle Andy do something like that?

When teachers and friends notice something is bothering Tori, her story finds concerned listeners. She is hesitant to share the details of what happened, and she blames herself for her uncle's actions. Through a storm of conflicting emotions, Tori tries to communicate her pain and move past it. 

When more people believe Tori, it also becomes clear that she isn't the only child Uncle Andy has abused. Tori knows her life is changed forever, but she fights to move on and even help others if she can.

WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT I KNOW is a novel in verse by author Sonja K. Solter. Her straightforward, honest story will help readers understand their own situations or that of others who have lived through sexual abuse. 

THE DO MORE CLUB by Dana Kramaroff

 

Josh is the only Jewish student in his middle school. When someone spray paints swastikas all over his school, he experiences a hate he never has before. Not even Josh's friends know he is Jewish, and for a while he thinks that might be best.

The school brings in a group of counselors who specialize in handling trauma to work with the students. They focus on getting to know each other and spreading kindness instead of hate. Josh finds the courage to tell everyone he is Jewish. The result is an increase in hate-related crimes 

As Josh works through his fear and confusion, he decides to create the Do More Club. With the help of the trauma counselors, a teacher, and his friends, Josh comes up with creative ways to spread positive messages through the school. It isn't all smooth sailing, but Josh comes to appreciate friendship, family, and faith as he works to reduce the hate in his corner of the community.

Author Dana Kramaroff uses verse to tell Josh's story. This middle grade novel is great for discussion and action in a world where kindness doesn't always come first.

ACCOUNTABLE: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed by Dashka Slater

 

ACCOUNTABLE is a must-read for both teens and adults. Everyone knows the negative impacts of social media, but this book spells out the devastating consequences when the actions of a few teens changed everything in a small town.

In 2017 Charles decided to create a fake Instagram account to post memes he thought his friends would think were funny. The account was private so only a few people could follow it. As with many innocent pranks, news of Charles's posts became public and the destruction began.

The posts were mostly aimed at girls attending Albany High School in Albany, California. The memes were racist and sexist in nature and greatly offended those targeted. When the account was discovered and reported to the school administration, many missteps resulted in misunderstandings and disciplinary actions that missed the mark. As word spread throughout the community, anger built and tempers flared on both sides of the issue.

Author Dashka Slater writes bluntly and honestly about the toll these actions took on the small, tight-knit community. Students feared attacks on both sides, protests upset the workings of the school, parents and others demanded action, and eventually multiple lawsuits were filed in an attempt to seek compensatory damages. The careless actions of Charles and a few others changed the lives of numerous teens over the course of years. 

DUST by Dusti Bowling

 

Avalyn suffers from severe asthma and multiple food allergies. After nearly losing her life as a toddler, her parents made the decision to move. Now she lives in a desert town with a low incident of dust storms, but recently that has changed.

Avalyn thinks the increase in dust correlates with the arrival of a new kid named Adam. He is withdrawn and quiet and is already the target for taunts from the bullies. Whenever Avalyn comes in close contact with Adam, she has strange feelings and her asthma kicks in. She has always been able to sense the emotions of people around her, and with Adam that sensation seems to intensify.

Tired of what she calls her "helicopter" parents, Avalyn hasn't been sharing honestly with them or even her closest friends. She knows that Adam has a dangerous secret, but she doesn't know how to convince him she can be trusted. After several close calls with her asthma, she worries that she will never be able to connect with Adam enough to help him.

Author Dusti Bowling writes about health concerns many young readers can relate to in DUST. She also presents the relatable issues of friendship, isolation, and bullying. Readers will immediately connect with Avalyn as the pages turn. Perfect for middle grade collections.

THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE MCGINN by Sally J. Pla

 

Maudie is looking forward to spending the summer with her dad, but she is only at his mountain cabin in Molinas, California, for a day when a wildfire forces them to evacuate. Reports of the fire reveal that everything her father has worked so hard for is probably destroyed. This is definitely not the summer Maudie was expecting.

She and her dad head south to the town where he grew up. A friend lets them move into a crappy little trailer at his campground, and Maudie's dad begins to look for work. Maudie spends her days getting to know their fellow campground residents and she wanders the beach watching the surfers. Things are challenging since Maudie is autistic. She isn't comfortable expressing herself or knowing exactly how to behave, but everyone is patient with her, so she begins to open up. 

The surfers fascinate Maudie. She meets a woman named Etta who offers to give her surfing lessons. Now she has a plan to enter a beginner level surfing contest and hopes to win the big prize and surprise her father.

Besides the fire, another cloud hangs over the summer for Maudie. Before she left her Texas home for her summer visit, her mother made her promise not to tell her dad a secret about her step-father. This secret has Maudie wishing she could just stay with her dad permanently. Now that she has fallen in love with surfing and even made a few friends, Maudie is worried about what going back to Texas at the end of the summer will mean.

Author Sally J. Pla takes readers on an adventure that involves danger, diversity, and learning how to speak up. I highly recommend for readers middle grade and up.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME by James Bird

NO PLACE LIKE HOME is a brand-new release by James Bird the author of THE BRAVE. This middle grade novel lets readers travel with Opin and his mother and brother as they look for a place to call home.

Opin is homeless. Living out of a small red, Pinto is not something he wants, but he tries to make the best of it. Sometimes they get to stay in a shelter where there are bunk beds and usually some kind of questionable soup. Unfortunately, those places can be smelly and are often filled with less than desirable characters. 

Making money to keep the car filled with gas so they can continue their journey to LosAngeles means dancing with his mother on the street for handouts, selling his artwork to generous passers-by, or sleeping alone in the car while his mother "works." Opin wishes his older brother would be nicer to him and quit running off and worrying their mother, but he knows that dealing with being homeless and poor brings out the anger in his brother.

Even at Opin's young age he has learned a lot about the world, like "which religious groups are the most accommodating for a family living in a car to spend a night or two in their holy parking lots? Easy peasy. Buddhists are the best. They'll even offer you food sometimes.... The worst would be Christian churches. They call the cops and get your car towed away."

Opin wants nothing more than to find a home and maybe a friend. He doesn't remember much about his father; only that his mother says she left him so Opin and his brother would be safe. She has taught him to read and insists that he learns as much as he can. She also makes sure he understands his Native American ancestry and even some of the language of the Ojibwe.

Author James Bird's life inspired Opin's story. In an author's note at the end of the book, Bird relates the similarities and shares his appreciation for all who helped him on the path to where he is today. 

 

SIMON SORT OF SAYS by Erin Bow

 

Readers get a great sneak peek of the action in this book just by looking at the book cover. If you are looking for a town called Grin and Bear It, a cuddly future guide dog puppy, an angry peacock, a bunch of nervous emus, a funeral home, and a goat farm, this is the book for you. You will find there's even more excitement packed into this must-read middle grade adventure.

Simon and his parents have just moved to a place known as a National Quiet Zone. That means no internet, no TV, no Wi-fi, even no microwaves. The scientists in the area are studying alien communication. Simon and his parents are just looking for a quiet place to escape a tragic event.

Simon's mother is an undertaker and his father works as a deacon for the Catholic church. Simon is just hoping to make some new friends and blend in. Readers will learn soon about the event Simon is hoping to forget, but as with most such events, life doesn't always follow the path we hope for.

Author Erin Bow fills SIMON SORT OF SAYS with one wacky character after another as she takes readers on an adventure they won't soon forget. I highly recommend this one for middle grade and up.

YOUNG ALFRED: PAIN IN THE BUTLER by Michael Northrop

 

YOUNG ALFRED: PAIN IN THE BUTLER is a new graphic novel by Michael Northrop with art by Sam Lotfi. Fans of the DC world of comics will want to get their hands on this one.

All comic fans are familiar with Batman and his butler Alfred. Everyone knows how indispensable Alfred is to the superhero, but Alfred's early life has been a mystery until now. Young Alfred's father had one wish that his son would become a well-trained butler. Heading off to Gotham's Servants School was supposed to be the beginning of a grand new adventure ending with the fulfillment of his father's dream. Young Alfred isn't sure he wants to be a butler, but time will tell.

Of all the students at the school, Alfred seems to be the worst. His biggest talent is collecting demerits. How is he supposed to learn the uses for 35 different forks? How is he supposed to keep his uniform spotless and his shoes unscuffed? 

Author Michael Northrop shines in this creative graphic novel. Filled with great puns and wonderful characters, comic fans will want to grab a copy and share it with friends.

MIXED UP by Gordon Korman

 

Here's another Gordon Korman hit! Over 100 books make him a great go-to when looking for middle grade and YA novels. MIXED UP didn't disappoint.

Reef and Theo live on opposite sides of town and go to different middle schools. They have never met, but when their memories suddenly begin to switch places, discovering what's going on is a must.

Since Reef's mother died of COVID he has been living with his mother's best friend. It's nice that they took him in, but the living arrangement doesn't always make Reef feel welcome. For example, he shares a room with Declan who is a bully who isn't happy about this new member of the household. When Reef begins experiencing strange memories that can't possibly be his, he feels even more left out of this family than before.

Theo lives with his demanding father, busy mother, and sporty sister. His main interest is gardening which doesn't exactly thrill his competitive father. When he starts having flashes of memories that he can't identify, he's sure his family won't understand. 

When Reef sees a middle school that matches the one in one of his new memories, he begins to investigate. His research leads him to the other side of town and eventually to Theo. These two strangers want to find out why their memories are switching places. Reef is especially concerned because when a memory of his dead mother appears in Theo's mind, that means Reef has lost that memory. What if he loses all his memories of his mother?

MIXED UP is one of those books that will make readers wonder how the author came up with such an idea. It won't take long for readers to be hooked by the impossibility as they connect with Reef and Theo and root for them to find some answers.

I AM NOT ALONE by Francisco X. Stork

 

Alberto is living in Brooklyn with his sister and her baby. He works as a painter so he can send money back to his mother and siblings in Mexico. His worries include keeping his sister free of the drugs she used to take, keeping the peace with her boyfriend, and trying to study for his high school equivalency tests. 

Lately, he has been hearing a voice. The voice seems menacing and often threatens Alberto or demands that he do bad things. While working in a customer's apartment, the voice tells him to steal from her and kill her. Alberto calls the voice Captain America. He ignores it as much as possible, but it is getting harder every day.

While working in the apartment of a well-to-do client, Alberto meets a girl named Grace. She seems nice and offers him ice water while he is cleaning paint from the windows. Grace has problems of her own. Her parents have recently divorced. Their expectations for her future are high, but despite achieving the highest rank in her graduating class, Grace isn't sure her acceptance at Princeton is what she really wants. 

When Alberto is accused of killing the elderly woman in the apartment he was painting, he finds himself running from the police. The voice in his head has him doubting his innocence and complicating his thinking. The only person who might be able and willing to help him is Grace, but he doesn't want to put her in danger.

In I AM NOT ALONE author Francisco X. Stork combines poverty and privilege in a heart wrenching story involving mental health and stereotypes that will have readers rooting for Alberto and Grace as they try to struggle against the odds. 

THE SKULL by Jon Klassen

 

Popular picture book author/illustrator, Jon Klassen, recently released THE SKULL. Based on a retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale, the slightly scary tale features Otilla, a runaway girl looking for a place to call her own.

Klassen's signature illustrations are at times chilling as they enhance Otilla's tale. After a grueling trek through the forest, she arrives at a huge house where she is greeted by the Skull. Together, they help each other and soon become friends.

THE SKULL is perfect for reading aloud or independently, and as the author recommends, rereading frequently.

THE ORDER OF THINGS by Kaija Langley

 

April and Zee are best friends. April lives with her mom, and Zee lives with his dad across the hall. Music plays a huge role in the lives of both eleven year olds. 

Zee is just starting at a new school that will allow him to devote even more time to playing the violin. He is truly gifted. April plays the drums and hopes to follow in the footsteps of the numerous female drummers whose pictures decorate the walls of her room. Not as advanced as Zee, she hopes with the help of Zee's dad, she can improve and rise to the next level.

As school starts, April is missing Zee, but getting partnered with a girl named Asa promises to give her a new friend. Asa is absent frequently which confuses April. Is something wrong? Is there something to worry about?

There is something to worry about with Zee. He faints at school and confesses to April that his heart often races; something it did just before he passed out. He makes April promise not to tell anyone until after he plays the solo he worked so hard to earn.

THE ORDER OF THINGS is a novel in verse by author Kaija Langley. With a focus on friendship, family, and loss, this is an offering perfect for middle grade and up.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS by Maurice Broaddus

 

What's it like to have everyone always assume the worst? Thelonius can tell you all about it. When something goes wrong, the finger is usually pointed in his direction. 

When a gun is found at school, Thelonius finds himself in the principal's office. Her office is a place he is quite familiar with, but this time he is determined to prove he had nothing to do with the problem. 

As one of the students assigned to the special ed room, he knows he and his fellow classmates are often the targets accused of whatever wrongdoings that have recently happened. This time Thelonius has a plan to figure out who really brought the weapon onto the school grounds. It means pulling some fast ones, pranking some teachers, and playing a few tricks to show everyone once and for all that he has potential to be someone better.

Author Maurice Broaddus introduces readers to a wacky cast of characters who are sure to charm and entertain. Impressive character development combined with spot-on imagery make Thelonius's story leap off the page. THE USUAL SUSPECTS is perfect for middle school classrooms and libraries everywhere.

THE PROBABILITY OF EVERYTHING by Sarah Everett

 

WOW! WOW! WOW!

Anything I could write would be a spoiler. Just dive right in and see for yourself.

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Sharon G. Flake

 

The wonderful Sharon G. Flake does it again! In her unique verse she tells the story of twins living in the South. James Henry experienced a tragedy while visiting a local lighthouse. It was a favorite place he loved to visit with his mother, but this time Dog runs off and his mother ends up in the ocean and almost drowns. Now she is in the North recovering from the accident.

James Henry and his twin sister Hattie are staying with their Granny. James Henry hasn't left the house since the accident. Hattie is hoping the magic of the upcoming blue moon will help give her brother the courage to leave the house and perhaps even visit the lighthouse again.

In addition to regaining his courage, James Henry is dealing with some local bullies, the guilt he feels about his mother's accident, and regaining the trust of his uncle and Granny. Hattie helps as much as she can, but it is really up to James Henry to face his fears.

The story of the accident is revealed slowly as readers meet the twins and learn about their lives and family. Tension builds as James Henry steps out of his comfort zone to start living bravely again.

YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY by Kelly McWilliams

 

Harriet Douglass was raised in a museum. It's not like most museums people envision. It is an old plantation in Louisiana dedicated to remembering enslaved people. Westwood was the dream of Harriet's mother. Preserving the true history of slavery on a southern plantation and educating visitors was the goal of Harriet's mother. 

Her mother's death from cancer left Harriet and her father to run the museum. Almost crippled by grief, the two of them are trying their best to keep the beloved dream alive. Harriet struggles with uncontrolled anger as she works as a tour guide and tries to stay focused on her senior year. Her father surrounds himself with fast food takeout and writing his memoir. Neither really knows how to carry on without her mother.

When a former soap opera star purchases the neighboring plantation, Harriet's anger threatens to overflow. The woman's daughter arrives as the new student in Harriet's private school. Surprisingly, the two girls hit it off. They join forces when the new girl's mother schedules a wedding for a celebrity couple. Harriet can't believe how inappropriate it is to disrespect the history of the old plantation. Is it possible to "cancel" these Hollywood stars and the hideous makeover of history? Is this new friend someone she can count on or will an old friend from the past be a better bet?

Author Kelly McWilliams takes a look at those who strive to preserve the past and educate people about the truth of southern life. Readers will be cheering for Harriet and hoping she can keep her mother's dream alive.

EB & FLOW by Kelly J. Baptist

 

Flow insists he doesn't hit girls, but when a girl messes with the shoes his dad gave him, it is too much to take. 

Ebony "Eb" says she can't help it when someone calls her a name; she is going to take care of it and getting in trouble won't stop her.

Eb and Flow are both suspended for 10 days. Eb's granny is fed up, and Flow's mom makes sure he has plenty of chores to do while he's home. Both of them are pretty much cut off from their friends since being suspended means no phones and no gaming. That means there is plenty of time to work on the homework teachers send home and to contemplate what they both did wrong.

Home life has challenges for both of them. Their dads are both absent. Flow worries because his dad is deployed and phone calls from him are rare. Eb's dad moved to Texas and her mom has sent the kids to live with granny. Eb wishes more than anything that her mom would come home. There are sibling tensions and money worries in both households that also work to complicate life.

Written in verse, EB & FLOW, is told in alternating voices. Readers see into the lives of both characters and learn what makes them tick. As a middle school teacher, author Kelly J. Baptist is familiar with kids fighting and all life stresses that contribute to behavior problems at school. Readers both young and old will easily relate to the lives of the two star characters as they see their stories unfold.

THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL by Gary D. Schmidt

 

A number of things make life difficult for Hercules Beal. As you can imagine, his name doesn't help. It's a challenge every time he introduces himself. His size also doesn't help. He's been waiting for a growth spurt forever. Being smaller than even some of the girls in his grade makes him the victim of constant taunts. And, then there's the big thing - his parents were killed in an accident, and he is missing them terribly.

His parents' deaths forced Hercules's older brother Achilles to move home to take care of not only Hercules, but also the family business. The Beal Brothers Farm and Nursery has been around for generations. Everyone in Truro and the entire Cape Cod area come to Beal Brothers for all their planting needs. Hercules doesn't know anything else but growing up on the farm. Achilles, on the other hand, had planned something else for his life. Leaving a job that has taken him around the world to return home raise his little brother and keep the family business going, was not in his plans. Together, they will do the best they can.

As the school year begins, Hercules is also getting used to a new school. Attending the Cape Cod Academy for Environmental Sciences means leaving behind his best friend Elly and dealing with teachers ready to pile on the workload. One teacher in particular, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hupfer, assigns a year-long project that might just end Hercules. The topic for his project is to study, recreate, summarize, and relate with his own life experiences the mythical Twelve Labors of Hercules. Twelve? Yes, all twelve! How in the world can Hercules complete this project, keep up with his other school work, and help on the Beal Brothers Farm and Nursery? There aren't enough hours in the day!

Author Gary D. Schmidt weaves together an amazing tale in THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL. Hercules's unique voice grabbed my attention on page one. I could sense the sadness of missing his parents and his courage and determination to help his brother make them proud. A combination of humor, warmth, love, and friendship make this an adventure sure to please middle grade audiences, especially those with an interest in mythology.