(4) 4-6 Tig Ripley series. Aleca Zamm laments being ordinary until she discovers, on her tenth birthday, that she can freeze time. Throughout these first two books, Aleca explores the benefits of being a "Wonder" (as teleporting Aunt Zephyr calls her) as well as the downsides (such as keeping her powers secret, especially from meanie Madison). Slight, lighthearted fare for middle graders wanting humor with their magic. Review covers these Aleca Zamm titles: Aleca Zamm Is a Wonder and Aleca Zamm Is Ahead of Her Time.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) 4-6 Tig Ripley series. In the series debut (Rebel), middle schooler Antigone (Tig) Ripley starts an all-girl band and learns what it's like to be a true leader, from confronting a toxic bandmate to handling a disastrous first gig. Tig struggles to hold band Pandora's Box together in book two (Hard Rock). The characters' voices don't always echo modern tween speech, but the timely themes and girl-power vibe are appealing. Review covers these Tig Ripley titles: Hard Rock and Rock 'n' Rock Rebel.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes