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About This Book:

Join Tig, a house cat with tiger-sized dreams, and his best buddy and actual tiger Lily on a whimsical adventure to beat the bedtime scaries! This graphic novel is purr-fect for beginner readers transitioning to chapter books.

 

Tig is having bad dreams and he doesn’t like it! Lily isn’t sure how to help but their friends, Monkey and Elephant have an idea! They say the best way to not have bad dreams is TO HAVE NO DREAMS AT ALL BY NOT GOING TO BED!

With an upcoming zoo slumber party on the horizon Tig is ready to stay up all night long. Unfortunately the fun and games of staying up also mean…getting tired. Will our favorite tiger pals be able stay awake or are they doomed to snooze right back into dreamland?

 

*Review Contributed By Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*

engaging graphic novel for young elementary school aged readers

TIG AND LILY: UP LATE! is an engaging graphic novel about nightmares and friendship. Tig has had a bad dream that has woken him up and made it so that he never wants to go to sleep again. Tig wakes up Lily to help keep him company, but he won’t reveal anything about his dream. Instead, he has the idea to throw a slumber party with the other animals. Things don’t go as smoothly as planned, especially since Tig really needs his sleep – but keeps getting woken up by nightmares.

Through discussion with the other animals, Lily begins to realize that maybe Tig is worried about she will think of him if she knows his dream. As things escalate and Tig begins sleepwalking into dangerous situations, Lily reaches out and eventually Tig reveals his dream – that Lily wouldn’t be friends with him anymore. After talking it out, Tig gets back to sleep.

What I loved: This is a simple and engaging graphic novel that will resonate with young readers who may have their own fears about friendships and bad dreams. Tig’s reaction is understandable, and the book discusses how comforting it can be to tell someone about your bad dream. Tig and Lily’s friendship really shines through with how they approach each other and interact, as well as the care Lily shows to Tig throughout.

The writing is largely composed of simple sentences and words which will work well for independent readers. The graphic novel style is used with an easy flow and relatively few panels on each page to keep it easy to follow. Images are colorful, engaging, and bring the characters to life while also making it easy to attribute speech bubbles. As a result, this will work well for budding independent readers in the early elementary school age range.

What left me wanting more: As a small thing, there is a scary story told at the sleepover that could be a bit much for sensitive children. There is also a bit around secrets/secret-keeping that can be tough for this age when deciding which secrets to keep/lie about.

Final verdict: TIG AND LILY: UP LATE! is an engaging graphic novel that discusses bad dreams and friendship in ways that will resonate with young independent readers.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

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About This Book:

From polar-exploring author Huw Lewis Jones and award-winning illustrator Ben Sanders comes a lovable new tale about a curious penguin trying to find his place in the cosmos.

Clive Penguin is tired of the familiar. Every day he stands on the same ice, in the same snow, with the same penguins. Clive just has to find something new, so he sets off in search of something incredible . . . but will Clive’s epic discovery turn out to be the perfect fit?

With a classic art style and a twist that will have you holding onto your hat, Clive Penguin is sure to be a favorite of all ages.

*Review Contributed by Jan Farnworth, Staff Reviewer*

Clive Penguin is a hilarious picture book about a constantly freezing penguin. In a huddle of penguins, you would think he would be cozy and warm, but Clive is determined to find a solution. There is a page of illustrations of the various items he tries to avoid being cold; some are pretty for a penguin. The twist of how he solves this problem is adorable and will have youngsters on the edge of their seats. I love the twist and the bright illustrations to accompany the story.

*Find More Info & Buy This Book HERE!*

 

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November 19, 2024

 

• Publisher: ‎Soho Teen
• Reading age: ‎14 – 17 years
• Grade level:‎ 9 – 12

The splintered relationship between two Indian American cousins is at the center of this dark, twisty YA mystery—perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson, Karen McManus, and Angeline Boulley.

Shy, nerdy Tanvi has always thought of her perfect cousin Mimi as her sister. Not only did Mimi’s family raise Tanvi after the tragic death of her parents, fierce Mimi has always protected Tanvi at school. At least until Mimi fell under the spell of their flawless, rich classmate, Beth . . . Tanvi’s biggest bully. Fearing another terrible year, Tanvi decides to take a desperate, preemptive strike—and captures an incriminating photo of Mimi and Beth at a party. When Tanvi wakes up the next day with a bump on her head, scratches on her leg, and no memory of what caused her injuries, Mimi is gone.

Tanvi begins to fill the gaps in her memory and question Mimi’s friends and enemies, hoping to bring her cousin home. But when new evidence comes to light, the search for Mimi takes a dark turn as the cops announce that they are now hunting a murderer. Could Tanvi be the killer?

To save her family, Tanvi must revisit the worst night of her life and the darkest parts of her past to discover if she’s capable of murder—and the truth of what happened to Mimi.

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Disney Hyperion
• Reading age: ‎12 – 17 years
• Grade level: ‎7 – 9

Amelia Westlake Was Never Here meets an empathetic exploration of anxiety at historically Black boarding school Briarcliff Prep. Love triangles, friendship breakups, and slice-of-student-life are balanced with a thoughtful discussion about mental health, all in a love letter to Black girls.

Avielle LeBeau is beginning her second year at Briarcliff Prep, and she’s got big dreams. Top of the list? Starting her own student life magazine and rooming with her besties Rhyon and Zazie. But a housing mix-up splits Avi from her friends—and to make matters worse, she’s rooming with her rival, Fallon Walsh, instead.

How does one girl juggle school, a fracturing friendship, living with a mean girl, and getting caught in a potential love triangle between the ex she can’t move on from and a friend who’s becoming something more? It’s a lot. Made even harder by the panic attacks Avi has been experiencing lately.

If one thing is true about the LeBeau family, it’s that they’re always there for each other. But with her older sister Belle away at college and her brothers preoccupied chasing their own dreams, Avi must learn how to find support in new (unlikely) places.

Will Avi finally find her voice? Or will her dreams be drowned out by everyone else?

 

 

 

• Publisher: ‎HarperCollins
• Reading age: ‎13 – 17 years
• Grade level: ‎8 – 9

Perfect for fans of Loveless and You Should See Me in a Crown, this wry and insightful novel from the author of Epically Earnest features a swoony ace romance and a secret social media advice account that goes wonderfully, terribly astray.

Mia knows what she’s talking about.

Class schedules, significant others, existential life crises—you name it, she’s talked someone through it.

The problem? No one actually takes her advice.

So when her latest round of (very sensible!) guidance is ignored, resulting in a class flyer stapled to her best friend’s arm and her brother dating a girl he doesn’t have feelings for, Mia is done talking. Instead, she creates HereToHelp, an anonymous account to give advice. If her friends don’t know it’s her behind the account, maybe they’ll finally listen for once.

Throw in the girl of her dreams, a plethora of sound (and not-so-sound) advice, and a couple of best friends who seem to have a lot more to hide than Mia knows…and Mia could use some advice of her own to make it through this senior year.

Hilarious and deeply insightful in turn, Thanks for Listening is a must-read for fans of Not My Problem and Eliza and Her Monsters—and any reader who has wanted to feel fully, truly, completely heard.

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Delacorte Press
• Reading age: ‎14 – 17 years
• Lexile measure: ‎860L
• Grade level: ‎9 – 12

Get swept away by the sequel to the instant Sunday Times bestseller Spice Road! In this romantic, action-packed fantasy set in an Arabian-inspired land, Imani and Taha must save their home from an invasion after the magical enchantment that hid them from the world is defeated.

Imani is a magic-wielding warrior sworn to protect her land from the monsters that roam the desert. But an even worse enemy now threatens the Sahir. As the powerful Harrowlanders march south with their greatest weapon—spice magic—Imani knows it’s only a matter of time before their invasion of her land begins . . . and it will be a losing battle for her people.

But Imani also knows that one way to fight magic is with monsters. If she can restore Qayn’s stolen powers, together they can summon a supernatural army to defend the Sahir from the Harrowlanders. Forming an alliance with a djinni king is risky, but Imani will do anything to save her people, even embarking on a dangerous quest beyond the sands to find the magical jewels of Qayn’s lost crown.

As Imani journeys far from home, she will discover monsters that warriors have only heard about in myths . . . monsters that can strike at any moment. Meanwhile, her rival, Taha, has been captured and is on a dangerous mission of his own.

One wrong move could cost them their lives—and everyone they love. But they may find that there is more than meets the eye crossing the Serpent Sea . . . and betrayal cuts deeper than any dagger.
In this richly imagined Arabian-inspired fantasy told from a riveting dual perspective, critically acclaimed author Maiya Ibrahim dives into the complexities of love and war.

 

 

• Publisher: ‎HarperCollins
• Reading age: ‎13 – 17 years
• Grade level: ‎8 – 9

The twisty, intricate mystery of I Killed Zoe Spanos meets the whip-smart sleuthing of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder in the newest novel from acclaimed author Faith Gardner, in which a club of misfits must come together to solve a dangerous mystery—and learn to lean on each other all the while.

Posey Spade loves asking questions—it’s what’s going to make her a fantastic journalist someday. And ever since her best friend and crush chose someone else, Posey’s only focusing on her future career.

Unfortunately, she’s just moved to the small town of Wild Pines—which doesn’t provide a lot of groundbreaking journalism opportunities, only a scrappy AV Club full of self-proclaimed slackers . . . who Posey must somehow inspire to greatness.

She never thought that inspiration would come from the disappearance of the club’s beloved sponsor and teacher, Ms. Moses. But as the days tick by with no answers, Posey and the AV Club take it upon themselves to dig into the mystery.

From a nepotism scandal to a local cult, Posey learns a lot about her new town. And as she spends more time with the AV Club, she also learns that friendship is just as necessary to solving a mystery as lots of questions. Good thing Posey has both.

 

 

• Publisher: ‎HarperCollins
• Reading age: ‎13 – 17 years
• Grade level: ‎8 – 9

When an heiress disappears from her superyacht and security footage shows her getting pushed, the main suspect has to prove her innocence in this thrilling mystery at sea told in reverse chronological order, perfect for fans of Karen McManus and Genuine Fraud.

It was supposed to be the best-ever girls’ trip: five days, four friends, one luxury yacht, no parents. But on the final night, as the yacht cruised the deep and dark waters between Florida and Grand Cayman, eighteen-year-old heiress Giselle vanished. She’s nowhere to be found the next morning even after a frantic search, until security footage surfaces . . . showing Maggie pushing her overboard.

But Maggie has no memory of what happened. All she knows is that she woke up with a throbbing headache, thousands of dollars in cash in her safe, a passport that isn’t hers, and Giselle’s diary. And while Maggie had her own reasons to want Giselle dead, so did everyone else on board: jealous Viv, calculating Emi, even some members of the staff.

What really went down on the top deck that night? Maggie will have to work her way backward to uncover the secrets that everyone—even Giselle—kept below deck or she’s dead in the water.

Jan Gangsei crafts a compulsively readable tale of privilege, family, and identity wrapped in a wholly original mystery that will keep readers on the edges of their seats until the final twist.

 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tor Teen (November 19, 2024)
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 – 18 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 10 – 12

The forest is more dangerous than ever in this highly-anticipated, pulse-pounding, and swoon-worthy conclusion to the bestselling Luminaries trilogy.

Winnie Wednesday’s future is looking bright. Hemlock Falls is no longer hunting the werewolf, she and Erica Thursday are tentative friends, and Winnie finally knows exactly where she stands with Jay Friday.

With everything finally on track, Winnie is looking forward to the Nightmare Masquerade, a week-long celebration of all things Luminary. But as Luminaries from across the world flock to the small town, uninvited guests also arrive. Winnie is confronted by a masked Diana and charged with an impossible task―one that threatens everything and everyone Winnie loves.

As Winnie fights to stop new enemies before time runs out, old mysteries won’t stop intruding. Her missing father is somehow entangled with her search for hidden witches, and as Winnie digs deeper into the long-standing war between the Luminaries and the Dianas, she discovers rifts within her own family she never could have imagined.

What does loyalty mean when family and enemies look the same?

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About This Book:

From poop-eating pups to supersmooth spy snakes, get a glimpse of our pets’ amazing secret lives with this funny and fact-filled exposé!

 

Butt-sniffing dogs. Terrified tarantulas. Canaries with invisible force fields? Yep—it turns out our pets experience the world in totally different ways than we do. Unlock some of your nonhuman family members’ wildest behaviors in this hilarious (and sometimes shiver-worthy) illustrated guide to their secret lives, complete with exciting interviews with the scientists who research them. From fierce hamster stink wars to the hidden wild side of Bubbles the goldfish, who knew there was so much more to understand about our furry and scaly friends? Back matter includes websites for do-it-yourself research, a bibliography of real studies and scientists, a glossary, and even some how-to-draws (how about tapeworms high-fiving on a poop rocket?). Bold, playful illustrations and witty text combine in this delightfully fun and gross page-flipper from the team behind Your Hidden Life: Unseen Jungle.

 

*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*

Quirky explanations of your pets mystifying behavior

Your Pet’s Secret Lives was a quirky nonfiction read on unusual facts about our common pets. There are so many HOW TO CARE for your pet books out on the market, but this book is worth your time once you have facts and care down for your pets because it goes beyond the basics. It dives into the biology and quirky reasons behind some of our pet’s more mystifying behavior. The tone is perfect for drawing you in and making you laugh while learning. I loved that the animals were given pet names to help the reader visualize the information and make it more approachable for readers to understand.
One of the passages that stood out to me was the chapter on dogs liking to align their bodies along the earth’s north-south magnetic field when using the bathroom. While that was new and interesting information, the book also made an aside about how there are so many amazing job possibilities out there like watching dogs pee, and how you can follow your dream. While that is a hilarious example, I do like that the idea was put out there because so many children do not have a good idea of the varied jobs there are. The book continued to back up that idea with interviews with different scientists in the field. The research presented was interesting but also the continued idea that your hobbies could lead to interesting job opportunities that then could change our current understanding of the world. I also really appreciated the scientists’ highlighted women and POC as a bonus of allowing more children the possibility of seeing someone like them making strides in the human canon of knowledge.
Another point made that caught my attention was the emphasis on what a bad idea it is to release pets into the wild. I had no idea that goldfish that seem so harmless could hurt the local habitat so much. Of course, there are also ball pythons that are destroying the Florida Everglades which also received some attention in the book.
The book heavily delved into dogs and cats with the other animals getting fewer pages. Everything was interesting but maybe that means more people are needed to study these other animals to find their quirky behaviors for future books. Overall, this book was such a fun read with great explanations. It was 200 pages of a nonfiction book that I read in just a few hours because I couldn’t wait to find out more.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

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About This Book:

A fresh and fascinating look at caterpillars gives new meaning to the words “line leader”—and ushers kids into the process of scientific discovery—in this first book in the Discovery Chronicles by a biologist and award-winning children’s author.

 

This is a story about remarkable creatures, inquisitive people, and fascinating conversations. The creatures? Pine processionary caterpillars with mysterious group habits. The people? Jean Henri Fabre and, many years later, Terrence Fitzgerald—scientists with big questions about the behavior of these caterpillars. And the conversations? The conversations span lifetimes, as one researcher continues a dialogue started by the other. In this playful, candid, and accessible book for young readers, biologist Loree Griffin Burns captures the unique leader-follower behavior of pine processionary caterpillars through a glimpse into the “ask, test, repeat” nature of the scientific process—and shows how that process creates one long line of questioning and learning. Back matter includes more details about the two scientists as well as a glossary, bibliography, source notes, and suggestions for further reading.

 

*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*

Science is for anyone curious

One Long Line does a nice job of capturing the curiosity that Jean-Henri Fabre and Terrence Fitzgerald had for caterpillars and how that translated into being a scientist. The book is told in a conversational tone that brings to life these scientists from the past and the unassuming life of pine processionary caterpillars. The book emphasizes that science and research begin with curiosity and then figuring out a way to test and observe to see what you discover. It also shows how answering one question leads to more questions. I like that the subject of the caterpillar isn’t one most of us have stopped and thought about in depth so to learn that you can spend years finding out about one tiny creature expands the idea of possibility. I thought it was an important point to make that Jean-Henri made respectable gains in knowledge and wrote books that were well-received. However, when Terrance revisited the experiments some of the information was faulty and was changed as his understanding grew. This shows the natural process that repeated experiments and revisiting ideas once knowledge and instruments have evolved can lead to changes in scientific knowledge. The accompanying illustrations were okay in conveying information but they were all in light green and the text was story-like to the point that the illustrations alone weren’t that beneficial in adding information or enhancing attention. The text does give us a trigger warning about some of Terrence’s experiments that led to the deaths of caterpillars to further his knowledge. Overall, this book was far more interesting than expected and does a fantastic job of making science seem natural and attainable to all who are curious.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

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About This Book:

Poetic words, evocative art, and die-cuts throughout combine to explore a child’s moods through color—or the lack of color—and offer a reassuring message of love and acceptance.

 

Today I feel gray.
But that’s OK.

Some days you may feel sunshine yellow or orange-balloon bright. Other days you’re gray, or even night-sky black—like a dark scribble on a page, a storm in the clouds, or a puddle in the road. Gray is when you don’t feel like yourself, or like you don’t belong. But however you feel, there are big hugs (red) and loving lullabies (blue) waiting, and even the grayest sidewalk is a canvas for you to fill with the colors you choose. A tender narration from British spoken-word poet Laura Dockrill and subtle, spare artwork from former UK Children’s Laureate Lauren Child offer a comforting read for young children that addresses feelings of sadness and assures them that they are never alone.

 

*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*

Phenomenal Read

Gray is about a child who feels gray for no reason. The illustrations are phenomenal in conveying the emotions this child feels. The cut-outs on some of the pages make for an intriguing addition to the story and how they are incorporated into the story on both sides is clever. The gray is contrasted with other colors and simple illustrations that distill these big emotions into the relatable context of a child’s experiences. I love the message of support at the end from a family that says they love them whatever feelings they have and even when you feel gray the rest of the feelings have not gone away and can come again. With more children identified with some degree of depression or feeling down this is a great read to make them feel seen and support them through the gray times. Overall, this is a fantastic read when learning how to express our emotions that would be great for a counselor, therapist, or parent to use.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

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November 12, 2024

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Wednesday Books
• Reading age: ‎13 – 18 years
• Grade level: ‎10 – 12

Where the Library Hides is Isabel Ibañez’s stunning conclusion to the story that started in What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other!

Inez Olivera traveled across the world to Egypt, seeking answers into her parents’ recent and mysterious deaths. But all her searching led her down a perilous road, filled with heartache, betrayal, and a dangerous magic that pulled her deep into the past.

When Tío Ricardo issues an ultimatum about her inheritance, she’s left with only one option to consider.

Marriage to Whitford Hayes.

Former British soldier, her uncle’s aide de camp, and one time nemesis, Whit has his own mysterious reasons for staying in Egypt. With her heart on the line, Inez might have to bind her fate to the one person whose secret plans could ruin her.

 

 

 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Union Square & Co.
• Reading age: ‎14 years and up
• Grade level: ‎9 – 12

Are you willing to risk everything for a chance to be kissed by fortune?
Drink and let your soul be measured.

Welcome to Fortune’s Kiss, where you can attain your wildest dreams, but the price of admission . . . may be your life.

For the first time in a decade, the legendary gambling den, Fortune’s Kiss, has returned to Ciudad Milagro. The game is Lotería.

As starry-eyed children, best friends Mayté and Lorena made a pact to enter the den together, but much has changed: strong, proud Mayté, sole daughter of the disgraced Robles family, dreams of becoming a famous painter, while beautiful Lo suffers at the hands of her powerful—and abusive—father.

With its return, the pair enter the mystical den. Once inside, they realize that beneath the enchanting glamour, the salon hides treacherous secrets—like the old, predatory magic beating in its heart. And it is ravenous.

Round after round, the girls scheme, lie, flirt, do what’s necessary to win. But when bodies begin piling up, all bets—and friendships—are off as each girl learns exactly how far she’s willing to go to ensure she leaves the table on top.

See, this Lotería is no children’s diversion. It is a deadly game of chance that may just eat them alive.

Step into the enchanting and perilous world of Fortune’s Kiss, a captivating addition to the world of young adult fantasy books that blends the allure of a vivid, rich second world fantasy with the intensity of a life-or-death gamble. With its unique blend of Latinx culture, supernatural thrills, and a high-stakes magical competition, this gripping fantasy book for teens will appeal to readers seeking a fresh twist in YA books.

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Aladdin
• Reading age: ‎10 years and up
• Grade level: ‎5 – 6

In the tradition of Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between, this smart and emotional romance told through playlists and memories follows two young teens struggling to hold onto each other as their friendship changes.

Starting high school brings big changes for Immie and Jack, who’ve been everything to each other ever since Jack crashed his skateboard into Immie’s yard when they were seven years old. All of a sudden, a game-winning goal catapults Jack into star status with the soccer team, and Immie is meeting new girl friends whose questions are making her wonder about the identity of her father for the first time in her life.

And amidst all of this, they’re both realizing their feelings for each other might run deeper than they thought. Can their friendship—and the promise of something more—weather the storm that is growing up?

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Scholastic Press
• Reading age: ‎12 years and up
• Grade level: ‎7 and up

An edge-of-your seat adventure set in the iconic world of Mortal Engines!

 

Tamzin Pook is a fighter in the Amusement Arcade. And what she does best is killing Revenants.

 

All she knows is survival, having arrived in the Arcade as a small child. She pushes away her memories, her hopes, and her fears, and she emerges into the arena to battle the Revenants–dead brains nestled in armored engine bodies. She doesn’t dare to hope or wish for anything more than to survive another day.

 

Meanwhile, the wheeled city of Motoropolis has been taken over by a rebel faction who killed its leaders and commandeered the city. Its only hope is a teacher named Miss Torpenhow who’s determined to find the Mayor’s good-for-nothing son and force him to take back what’s rightfully his. But to get to him, she’ll need to find someone who’s skilled at fighting Revenants.

 

With a daring abduction, Miss Torpenhow and Tamzin Pook’s destinies are entwined, and so begin their adventures together…

 

This stand-alone Mortal Engines novel follows an unlikely crew of fighters-turned friends: Tamzin Pook, Hilly Torpenhow, mayor-to-be Max Angmering, and washed-up mercenary Oddington Doom. Together, they must find a way to outwit the assassins that are determined to drag Tamzin back to the arcade, and try to take back Motoropolis.

 

Readers, hold onto your seats―it’s going to be a wild ride.

 

 

• Publisher: ‎HarperCollins
• Reading age: ‎14 – 17 years
• Grade level: ‎9 – 12

Sparks are flying in Winter Wonderland this Christmas in this LGBTQ+ young adult rom-com from Jason June, New York Times bestselling author of Out of the Blue, Jay’s Gay Agenda, and Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball!

All Aaron wants for Christmas is for his brother, Casey, to get over his ex, Raquel. He’d prefer not to be at Winter Wonderland, the island north of Alaska that’s home to a year-round Christmas theme park. But Casey loves Christmas, so here they are. Unfortunately for Aaron, Casey’s determined to do anything to win Raquel back.

All Kris wants for Christmas is for his uncle to move back to Winter Wonderland to be the first gay Santa. To make that happen Kris needs to win the Race, his grade’s annual competition to see who can get a guest to fall in love with them first. Winning means a trip to New York, where Kris would be able to plead his uncle’s case to the founder of Winter Wonderland himself.

After some slippery ice sends Aaron and Kris literally flopping into each other, Kris agrees to help Aaron with his plan to keep Casey single. But in all their scheming, both can’t stop thinking about kissing the other, and it’s not just because of the mistletoe around every corner. Too bad true love isn’t on either of their Christmas lists. . . .

This adorable rom-com from New York Times bestselling author Jason June unwraps the healing power of love and the magic of the Christmas season.

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Dial Books
• Reading age: ‎12 – 17 years
• Lexile measure: ‎HL740L
• Grade level: ‎7 – 9

The anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller featuring escapist romance and a wealthy Black family in 1910s Chicago

Like the blazing Chicago sun, the drama is heating up for the Davenports and their social set. Before the summer of 1910 drops its last petal, the lives—and loves—of these four young women will change in ways they never could have imagined:

Newly engaged Ruby Tremaine is eagerly planning her wedding to the love of her life when a nasty rumor threatens her reputation and her marriage. Olivia Davenporthas committed to the social justice cause and secretly hopes she’ll be reunited with dashing lawyer Washington DeWight—until her parents decide she’s to marry someone else. Amy-Rose Shepherd is making her lifelong wish of owning a salon come true, but when an incident forces her to return to Freeport Manor, she’s back in the path of John Davenport, who still holds her heart. Helen Davenport is determined to get over her own heartbreak and bring the Davenport Carriage Company into the new century, even if it means teaming up with a thrill-seeking racecar driver who just loves to get under her skin.

Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, More Than This is the second book in critically adored Davenports series, following four empowered and passionate young Black women as they navigate a rapidly changing society and discover the courage to steer their own paths in life—and love.

 

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Disney Hyperion
• Reading age: ‎12 – 17 years
• Grade level: ‎7 – 9

Fans of Susan Lee and Dustin Thao will be enchanted by this soulful YA romance about how we love, how we heal, and how we find the strength to go on

“Where were you thinking of going?”
“Nowhere.”
“Great,” he says lightly, putting the car in gear. “Then we’ll go there.”

Seventeen-year-old Deedee’s life is full of family ghosts and questions she can’t ask. She longs to escape her stifling home, but guilt holds her back—that, and the fact that her strict Filipino single mom won’t let her learn to drive.

But one sleepless night leads Deedee down a road she never thought possible: secret driving lessons with the new boy next door, Jay, whose turbulent family life also keeps him up until sunrise.

As midnights stretch into days, Jay helps Deedee begin to unravel her past, and as shared secrets blossom into love, Deedee starts to imagine a life where happiness is possible. But the deeper she digs into the trauma that has shaped her, the more that trauma threatens to tear Deedee and Jay apart. Together, these two must decide if the pain they’ve both inherited has the power to choose their fate, or if they have the power to choose for themselves.

 

• Publisher: ‎Entangled: Teen
• Reading age: ‎14 – 17 years
• Grade level: ‎10 – 12

Let the darkness rise…in the breathtaking conclusion to award-winning author Abigail Owen’s Dominions series.

King Eidolon has taken everything.

My throne, my Shadowraith, and even my kingdom. I am a queen with no one to rule, and a tattered army that’s not even mine. And hope is fading fast.

Now the shadows who once tormented Reven live within me, hissing and wheedling―and enticing me to betray my friends. Which could be deadly for us all. Because without the guy I fell for, without Reven, I am all shadows…and no light.

And the Alignment is almost upon us―the culmination of centuries that have fueled a vengeful king’s festering rage.

We’re outnumbered. We’re underpowered. And even if we could unleash the trapped goddesses, they would destroy the kingdom and everything in it.

The Dominions series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 The Liar’s Crown
Book #2 The Stolen Throne
Book #3 The Shadows Rule All

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Margaret K. McElderry Books
• Reading age: ‎14 years and up
• Grade level: ‎9 – 12

Arlo and her friends struggle to rally against an overwhelming foe before time runs out in this gripping final book in the Hollow Star Saga, the urban fantasy series about fae in Toronto that’s The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones!

Arlo Jarsdel has lost everything. Her family. Her freedom. Her name. And now that she’s sharing her body with Ruin, the formidable titan of devastation, she’s even beginning to lose herself.

In their most dangerous game of deception yet, Arlo has just one goal: destroy the three Bone Crowns corrupting the mortal and immortal realms before her time runs out and Ruin takes permanent control of her being.

With Celadon fighting on the political front against the ruthless High Queen Riadne—now armed with the cataclysmic power of her Crown, the Sins, and Ruin—Vehan and Aurelian are scrambling in secret to build an army to rival the Riadne’s infernal forces. Meanwhile, Nausicaä will do whatever it takes to save her girlfriend from obliteration, despite knowing the odds of survival are nearly nonexistent.

When the line between hero and villain becomes blurred, and bonds are put to the ultimate test, it has never been more imperative—or more difficult—to stand united. For this is not the first lifetime that these five friends have faced the evil behind this impending war, but if they can’t find their way back to each other, it might just be their last.

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Nancy Paulsen Books
• Reading age: ‎12 – 17 years
• Lexile measure: ‎HL730L
• Grade level: ‎7 – 9

The high-stakes sequel to Thieves’ Gambit, for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Ally Carter.

It’s been six months since the end of the Gambit. Instead of winning an impossible wish, Ross has the threat of her family’s execution hanging over her head. Devroe, the only person Ross thought she could trust, could wish the Quests into oblivion at any time. Shockingly, despite his betrayal, Devroe is still making a play for Ross’s heart as the two work together pulling jobs for the Organization. But Ross has learned her lesson: A Quest can only trust another Quest.

When Ross finds herself at the center of a power struggle within the Organization, she sees her chance to change her fortunes. As a new deadly Gambit develops for control of the criminal underworld, Ross strikes a risky deal to guarantee protection for herself and her family.

In this final clash, Ross will square off against a ruthless opponent who will stop at nothing to seize power, and in their corner will be not only Devroe but his mother, who wants to destroy the Quests at any cost.

The new Gambit takes Ross and her crew into the intoxicating casinos of Monte Carlo and across treacherous snow-covered slopes in Antarctica as Ross competes against Devroe in a fight for her life. Loyalties will be tested, backs stabbed, hearts broken. May the best thief win.

 

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Reading age: ‎12 years and up
• Grade level: ‎7 and up

OVER 4 MILLION COPIES SOLD OF THE #1 BESTSELLING SERIES!

Romance, luxury, and secrets abound in this thrilling new collection that takes readers deeper into the world of the #1 bestselling Inheritance Games series

There is nothing frivolous about the way a Hawthorne man loves.

An amnesiac playboy and the woman with every reason to hate him. A daredevil, his favorite heiress, and three nights in Prague. An unlikely pairing between a cowboy and a goth. Four brothers with an inescapable bond, strengthened by the family they chose, in a house of wonders that promises to always deliver one more secret.

Discover their stories of love and loss, power, puzzles, and life-and-death secrets in this mind-blowingly romantic collection that proves that when you love the way Hawthornes love, there is no going back.

This collection includes:

• That Night in Prague (novella)
• The Same Backward as Forward (novella)
• The Cowboy and the Goth
• Five Times Xander Tackled Someone (and One Time He Didn’t)
• $3CR3T $@NT@
• One Hawthorne Night*
• What Happens in the Treehouse* 
• Pain at the Right Gun

*previously published in limited release

 

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Random House Graphic
• Lexile measure: ‎GN520L
• Grade level: ‎7 – 9

In a family gifted with the ability to see a mysterious light in the distance, one teen embarks on a fantastical journey to find her missing sister, and finally answer the question: is this ancestral gift a blessing or a curse? This surreal graphic novel is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Mariko Tamaki.

Maya’s family is cursed.

Or blessed, it depends on who you talk to. For as far back as anyone can remember, her family has had to ability to see a mysterious pillar of light in the distance. Those who have tried to find it have never come back. Maya has no idea what you’re meant to find if you follow the light. Adventure? Destiny? But what if your destiny isn’t a good thing?

Maya’s sister left to follow her light…and has been missing ever since.

That’s how Maya finds herself on a surreal road trip with two people she barely knows, headed towards a ghost town where her sister was last seen. Unfortunately, the closer Maya gets to her sister…the closer she gets to her own pillar of light. Maya doesn’t know if she’s ready to face her destiny but if it means finding her sister then she’ll do whatever it takes.

 

 

 

• Publisher: ‎HarperCollins
• Reading age: ‎14 – 17 years
• Grade level: ‎9 – 12

The first book in a thrilling mystery duology that follows Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy from the acclaimed Jane Austen Murder Mystery series!

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that London’s first female solicitor in possession of the details of a deadly crime, must be in want of a suspect.

The tenacious Lizzie Bennet has earned her place at Longbourn, her father’s law firm. Her work keeps her busy, but luckily it gives her plenty of reasons to consult (and steal occasional kisses) with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a stern but secretly softhearted solicitor at Pemberley.

Lizzie is hired to investigate a deadly warehouse fire and to find the mysterious woman who was spotted at the scene moments before the flames took hold. But when the case leads to the sitting room of a woman Darcy once proposed marriage to, the delicate balance between personal and professional in their relationship is threatened.

Questions of the future are cast aside when the prime suspect is murdered and Lizzie’s own life is threatened. As the body count rises and their suspicions about what was really going on in the warehouse grow, the pressure is on for Lizzie and Darcy to uncover the truth.

Classic characters with an enthralling twist—Lizzie and Darcy, as introduced in the hit novel Pride and Premeditation, are back for more suspense, danger, and romance!

 

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Random House Books for Young Readers
• Reading age: ‎14 – 17 years
• Lexile measure: ‎840L
• Grade level: ‎9 – 12

The New York Times bestselling author of the American Royals series invites you to visit 19th-century Europe amid the glamour and intrigue of the Victorian era. In this historical romance inspired by true events, three princesses struggle to find love—and end up vying for the hearts of two future kings.

In the last glittering decade of European empires, courts, and kings, three young women are on a collision course with history—and with each other.

Alix of Hesse is Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter, so she can expect to end up with a prince . . . except that the prince she’s falling for is not the one she’s supposed to marry.

Hélène d’Orléans, daughter of the exiled King of France, doesn’t mind being a former princess; it gives her more opportunity to break the rules. Like running around with the handsome, charming, and very much off-limits heir to the British throne, Prince Eddy.

Then there’s May of Teck. After spending her entire life on the fringes of the royal world, May is determined to marry a prince—and not just any prince, but the future king.

In a story that sweeps from the glittering ballrooms of Saint Petersburg to the wilds of Scotland, A Queen’s Game recounts a pivotal moment in real history as only Katharine McGee can tell it: through the eyes of the young women whose lives, and loves, changed it forever.

 

 

 

• Publisher: ‎Maverick
• Reading age: ‎14 – 17 years
• Grade level: ‎10 – 12

In a cutthroat scientific competition, an oddball quartet—featuring an internet-famous teen heartthrob, a rebellious anarchist, a shy genius, and a small-town jack-of-all-trades—vie for victory while their clash of personalities and hidden agendas threatens to sabotage their chances to win, making them realize maybe victory isn’t what they truly seek.

In a bustling futurist metropolis, the Blamazon Teen Scientist Competition promises not just scientific glory, but fame and substantial financial rewards as well. Among the contestants, four teenagers from different backgrounds form an unlikely team: Tyler Risley, a teen heartthrob known for his genius-level intellect, Gabby, a grumpy nonbinary anarchist with a knack and distrust for science, Allegra, a shy and brilliant loner hiding her vast intelligence, and L.J., a small town jack-of-all-trades with an unparalleled knack for engineering.

Amidst their bickering and missteps, they uncover the secret of teleportation. Despite this invention being a clear albeit dangerous way to win, it becomes apparent that perhaps victory isn’t their only collective goal.

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About This Book:

Learn more about Daisy and Hazel’s detecting process and unravel three brand-new mini-mysteries in this “jolly good fun” (Kirkus Reviews) short story companion to the Murder Most Unladylike series for “fans of Enola Holmes, Agatha Christie, and Stuart Gibbs” (School Library Journal).

 

Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are famous for the murder cases they have solved—but there are many other mysteries in the pages of Hazel’s casebook, including the macabre Case of the Deepdean Vampire, the baffling Case of the Blue Violet, and even their very first case of all: the Case of Lavinia’s Missing Tie.

Packed with these brilliant new mini-mysteries and peppered with Daisy and Hazel’s own detecting tips, tricks, and facts, this is the perfect book for fans and budding members of the Detective Society.

 

*Review Contribute By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*

The lighter side of mysteries

What worked:
The opening pages of the book find Daisy explaining how young readers can start their own detective agencies. The tone of the book reflects Daisy’s pompous arrogance as she insists that she’s always right and her way of doing things is the best. Hazel is Daisy’s assistant in the series and Daisy reluctantly allows Hazel to add a few thoughts. Some of Daisy’s ideas are relevant to solving cases while others (like choosing an agency name) are light-hearted, extraneous suggestions. It may surprise readers when other characters from the series and the author narrate different portions of the book.
The book includes thoughts related to history, solving and writing mysteries, and other topics related to the series. It shares how the author gets started with writing mysteries and where she finds inspiration. Interestingly, she says the first real-life mystery detective didn’t appear in history until the early 1800s and the 1930s were the golden age of mystery writing. Readers will recognize references to authors like Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Edgar Allen Poe as well as fictional detectives like Hercule Poirot, Miss Jane Marple, and Sherlock Holmes (Daisy’s favorite). There’s a section talking about famous spies around the world and another part shares several unsolved cases like Jack the Ripper.
Readers will find short stories mixed in throughout the book about cases that are shorter and less intense than the murders typically found in the series. There’s the first case solved by Daisy and Hazel concerning who stole a classmate’s tie. Alexander, a good friend of Hazel, talks about a case where he works with George to find out who attacked the mailman and why they were searching for a specific letter. The last case is told by another classmate about someone stealing food from the kitchen. These cases help break up the informational sections of the book and make it more entertaining.
What didn’t work as well:
The book jumps around covering a wide range of topics that may be hard to follow for readers new to the series. The pages dedicated to bakery recipes seem out of place although they have a small relevance to the books.
The final verdict:
This book is a more light-hearted addition to the Detective Society series and touches on historical and literary connections to mysteries. The short sections on various topics will appeal to young readers since they don’t need to stay focused for long. It’s perfect for reading for short periods of time and the overall book moves quickly. It’s an enjoyable book to read and I recommend you give it a shot.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

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About This Book:

Three young adventurers embark on “an expedition to a faraway land.” With the proper tools and an ambitious spirit, the adventurers dig for dinosaur bones, discovering and learning about various types of dinosaurs. Along the way, the adventurers strive to uncover dinosaurs bigger than the ones before, eventually revealing the biggest dinosaur at the end of the book. With the expertise of author Anjali Goswami, this book celebrates the expansive dinosaur population while encouraging young people to explore the world of paleontology.

 

*Review Contributed By Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*

delightful book about dinosaurs

DIG, DIG, DINOSAUR is a delightful picture book with basic facts about select dinosaurs. The book invites children to dig by turning cut-out pages to reveal the dinosaur skeleton before showing what the dinosaur looked like and giving some basic facts about it. Key dinosaurs shown include the diplodocus, tyrannosaurus, triceratops, and velociraptor.

What I loved: This is a great picture book for budding dinosaur lovers. The favorite in our house is certainly the “dig!” pages where they turn the cut-outs to reveal the buried skeletons. Basic facts about each dinosaur make it very approachable, and the last page for the diplodocus being a long fold-out is particularly delightful! This will work well for toddlers and preschoolers, with a small warning that they are regular picture book pages and could be torn by rougher readers.

The language is brief on each page with plenty of repetition and a pattern in text that works well for growing brains. The illustrations are colorful and show enough detail for children to see what the dinosaurs looked like as basic descriptions are provided. The font is clear and easy to read throughout, and the cut-outs plus fold-out page add plenty of interactive interest to the book.

Final verdict: DIG, DIG, DINOSAUR is a delightful picture book with basic facts about dinosaurs that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. We love it!

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

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About This Book:

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with this sweet story of food and family!

 

In this story designed to engage early readers, charming characters combine with simple text, lively illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor to help boost kids’ confidence and create lifelong readers!

Jade and Crystal love the Mid-Autumn Festival because it means it’s time to make a tasty treat—mooncakes! Crystal’s favorite part of the delicious dessert made of lotus seed paste is the yummy salted egg yolk at the center, meant to represent the moon. Join the sisters as they gather with their family for a memorable meal together!

Complete with fun facts about the holiday in the back of the book, young readers will want to revisit this story again and again.

Exciting, easy-to-read books are the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent.

 

*Review Contributed By Rachel Feeck, Staff Reviewer*

Bunnies and mooncakes equal adorable

Jade and Crystal rabbit are celebrating Mid-Autumn festival. The sisters can’t wait to make tasty mooncakes and enjoy the day with family.

I grew up eating mooncake for Mid-Autumn festival, but I never learned more about the traditions or event. This book is an awesome way to start. Jade and Crystal’s mom teaches them about the meaning of the holiday, and the rest of the family joins in too. I love the blend of Chinese and bunny culture in the illustrations, and bunny Chang’e and Hou Yi? Stop. Too cute.

This story also illustrates how holidays and traditions can bring family together, whether they live close or far apart. Although Jade and Crystal know some family cannot come to dinner, they still feel close to them because they know that the family is all celebrating the same event and looking at the same moon, wherever they may be.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

 

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