(3) 4-6 Expelled from yet another boarding school, intrepid almost-twelve-year-old Rowan interns at her grandfather’s Library of Curiosities where she must solve a mystery involving stolen enchanted objects, a hidden item, family secrets, and her parents' deaths to clear her name. Along the way, she forms new friendships and navigates tensions with the enigmatic magician Silverjack. This middle-grade novel offers a compelling blend of adventure, intrigue, humor, and self-discovery. A delightful exploration of family and the magic of curiosity.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA In 1973, Patty Appleton, a young female congressional page, witnesses the political upheavals of Watergate, Roe v. Wade, and the Equal Rights Amendment. She grapples with her conservative upbringing and the feminist movement in this nuanced, thought-provoking exploration of political and personal growth. Historical photos and clippings add immersive context, while relatable characters and sharp social commentary may engage both teens and adults. The insightful back matter includes an epilogue, author's note, selected sources, resources, and photo credits.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Based on her adult autobiography, Friedman recounts her childhood during the Holocaust, detailing her experiences in the Tomaszów Mazowiecki ghetto, the Starachowice labor camp, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. The book shares her heartbreaking experiences of loss, starvation, and cruelty, while highlighting her strength and resilience. The narrative’s historical importance and depth make this an indispensable tool for understanding this dark chapter in history. Suitable for upper middle-grade and older readers.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Adventures of Invisible Boy series. In this graphic novel sequel, Stan and Gene, now able to control their invisibility powers, try to fight crime, but struggle to find any real action in their quiet town until Stan’s dad’s hardware store is robbed and a new villain appears. The humorous, action-packed plot relies heavily on the first book for context, making it hard for new readers to follow. However, the quirky characters, funny illustrations, and zany vibe will appeal to fans of lighthearted superhero adventures.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(4) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Kaya, a Chinese and Taiwanese American girl, grapples with hydrophobia and anxiety while navigating her ancestral roots and mysterious connections to a water goddess. Set in Hawaii, the novel weaves together Kaya's personal journey with historical flashbacks and family secrets. Huang’s atmospheric writing captures the archipelago’s beauty, complementing the story’s magical realism and Kaya’s emotional journey. Some unresolved plot points may leave readers wanting more, but the novel’s explorations of themes such as anxiety and identity are compelling.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 After their parents' separation, mixed-race siblings Poppy and Robin adjust to living in two homes. Through the changing seasons, they navigate their feelings, seek comfort in familiar routines, and grow sunflowers together. Despite the challenges, they discover that love conquers all, and with time, change becomes easier. Vibrant digital illustrations with lots of natural outdoor scenery and a touch of nostalgic warmth create an optimistic mood. Back matter includes a psychologist's note for caregivers, online resources, and recommended reading.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ken Daley. On a Saturday morning, a young Black boy’s mother drops him off at the barbershop. Eager for the outing, the boy narrates the lively rituals of the Black men and neighborhood sons who gather there. Amid laughter, music, games, peddling, and storytelling, the barbershop serves as a hub for community, entertainment, oral tradition, and wisdom. Prismatic digital illustrations capture the barbershop's dynamic, multi-purpose nature, making this ode to Black barbershop culture truly shine.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Illustrated by Fred Fordham. This graphic-format adaptation masterfully captures the quiet introspection and mythic quality of Le Guin’s classic. The muted watercolor-style art, with its fluid linework, enhances the ethereal tone, immersing readers in the journey of Ged, a young wizard, as he confronts a dark force he'd unwittingly unleashed. Although the minimal text may challenge newcomers to the tale, fans will appreciate this visually distinctive reimagining. (To fit the format, and in consultation with Le Guin's son, Fordham trimmed and truncated some of the text and events.) A thoughtful, atmospheric adaptation that remains true to Le Guin’s vision.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Debut author Lessore delivers a humorous and heartfelt story about a thirteen-year-old Black British aspiring rapper navigating social media disasters and personal setbacks. Shaun “Growls” Thompson’s journey to overcome embarrassment and reclaim his dreams is filled with relatable struggles and vibrant friendships. Lessore’s use of first-person narration and beatbox poems adds depth to Growls’s character. The book’s witty dialogue and diverse cast make it an enjoyable read with a powerful message about perseverance.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yana Popova. A child comes to terms with her parents’ separation and subsequent remarriages, experiencing both joyful and sad family moments. With the support of Mom and Dad and new family members, the child discovers that love prevails and learns emotional acceptance. The illustrations are largely rendered as cutouts against blank, textured, watercolor paper backgrounds, and become grayscale when the child’s father leaves. The resulting non-finito effect perfectly complements this story about navigating divorce with imperfect grace.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) PS Illustrated by Raahat Kaduji. In this playful story, a little groundhog named Tess resists hibernating, despite her parents' best efforts to tuck her in and help her sleep. From warm cocoa to lullabies, nothing works until Mommy and Daddy doze off themselves and Tess tires herself out playing in the snow, almost sleeping through Groundhog Day. Full-color illustrations in a palette of soft, earth-toned hues combine anthropomorphic appeal with bedtime humor. A wintry confection that proves even the most determined little ones need rest.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(4) YA Seventeen-year-old Macy, a biracial aspiring author, navigates a prestigious writing retreat while competing for a coveted spot in an anthology. Alongside Caleb, the son of her parents’ literary nemeses, Macy embarks on a writerly scavenger hunt and faces the challenges of trust, identity, and her complicated family dynamics. Despite some uneven characterization, which leaves the emotional stakes feeling a bit underdeveloped, the romance is sweet and the writing journey insightful. Ideal for young littérateurs and romance fans.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Color by K Czap. In this heartfelt graphic novel, Mira, a sixth grader with selective mutism, navigates middle school, bullying, and friendship problems. At school, she struggles to speak, but at home, her creativity shines through stop-motion films. Support from a therapist and a classmate helps her slowly open up. Expressive illustrations with well-paced panel layouts capture Mira’s inner world with honesty and care. In an author’s note, Steinke shares personal experiences that inspired this nuanced, empathetic look at anxiety, identity, and self-expression.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Seventh grader Grace copes with her parents’ divorce, a fractured friendship, and a strained relationship with her mother. Finding refuge in her school’s fencing club, she begins to rebuild her confidence and form new bonds. Clean panels with minimal background details keep the focus on characters’ expressions and emotional arcs. Back matter enriches this emotionally resonant graphic novel with fencing facts and concept art. An author’s note highlights Wasserman’s connection to the sport and to Grace’s journey.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA This absorbing and accessible collection highlights Indigenous voices across history and contemporary times. Through profiles of poets, novelists, artists, and historians, the authors present a nuanced narrative of Indigenous resilience and creativity. Stunning photos, archival images, and sidebars enrich the reading experience, while difficult histories are addressed with honesty. Though somewhat loosely structured, the book’s powerful storytelling and diverse perspectives make it a valuable and enlightening read. Back matter includes an afterword, sources, resources, image credits, and an index.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Katy Wu. This engaging nonfiction picture book details the SR 99 Tunnel project in Seattle, focusing on the journey of Bertha, a massive tunnel-boring machine, as she digs through the city. With a compelling text and mid-century-modern-style illustrations, the book illuminates the complex engineering behind the project and Bertha’s impressive feats. Back matter packed with fascinating facts and additional resources rounds off this title that’s sure to please young construction enthusiasts.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Molly Mendoza. Front-matter illustrations introduce Granny Dee, a cat-eye-glasses-wearing Black "glamma" from Harlem, who visits her granddaughter for fun weekend routines: lounging, pampering themselves, napping, and exploring the city. Narrating in Caribbean English, the girl shares her grandmother’s zest for life. When Granny Dee falls ill, the girl takes on her roles, keeping her legacy alive. The warm, effervescent illustrations reflect joy, intergenerational bonds, and the importance of celebrating life amidst mortality.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. A young Black girl enjoys special moments with her fun-loving mother, a U.S. Army member. Their bond, built through cooking, gardening, and dancing, promises to survive Momma's overseas deployment. Upon returning with PTSD, Momma's symptoms affect the girl's well-being, until small adjustments aid the family's healing. Narrated by the child, the story builds empathy for, and gives authentic voice to, children in similar situations. Loose-handed ink and charcoal artwork offers warmth, shielding the tale from heavy-handed realism.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lonnie Ollivierre. This inspiring picture-book biography sheds light on Maurice Stokes, a 1950s NBA star whose promising career was tragically cut short by a severe head injury. Combining engaging storytelling with digital illustrations in a palette of neutral colors, the story highlights his incredible talent, inspiring resilience, and the deep bond between Stokes and his teammate Jack Twyman. Back matter fleshes out Stokes’s life and includes source notes and a selected bibliography.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kim Barnes. Following her parents' separation, a young girl grapples with the emotional complexities of living between two homes. Through her father's thoughtful efforts to create new traditions, such as a mermaid-themed picture day, she learns that while life changes, the enduring love and support of family remain constant. Digital illustrations, using an interplay of vignettes, spot art, and full-bleed spreads, convey warmth and emotion. Back matter includes short bios of the author and illustrator and notes to kids and caregivers.

Reviewer: Summer Edward