Ain’t Burned All the Bright

Jason Reynolds & Jason Griffin

Caldecott Medal honoree Ain’t Burned All the Bright is a groundbreaking collaboration between author Jason Reynolds and artist Jason Griffin. Using 300 illustrations and a few sentences of poetic prose, this book follows an unnamed Black teen during the volatile summer of 2020. He feels immense anxiety over the pandemic and racial protests as he watches from the confines of quarantine, but ultimately he finds hope in the comfort of his family. Students will undoubtedly find his experiences relatable, making this unique book a great choice for any reader.

Amari and the Night Brothers

B. B. Alston

After her older brother suddenly goes missing, Amari Peters receives a mysterious invitation to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, a secret society of magical agents. As she navigates this new world filled with fantastical creatures and dangerous enemies, Amari must unlock her own hidden powers to uncover the truth and save her brother. Middle-grade readers who love books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter will find this novel impossible to put down.

The Birchbark House

Louise Erdrich

Her first children's novel, Louise Erdrich’s The Birchbark House explores the history of 19th-century Indigenous peoples in the Great Lakes region through the eyes of Omakayas, a young Ojibwa girl. The story follows Omakayas and her family as they experience challenges and triumphs through the changing seasons. By incorporating elements of Ojibwe language, folklore, and spirituality within the narrative, Erdrich provides readers with a vivid portrayal of Ojibwe culture, traditions, and way of life.

Stormbreaker

Anthony Horowitz

Fourteen-year-old Alex Rider is told that his uncle died in an accident, but the evidence tells a different story. He soon discovers his uncle was a spy for MI6—and the British intelligence service wants Alex to continue his uncle’s mission. As Alex falls into the dangerous world of espionage, he realizes he must rely on his wits and spy gadgets to outsmart those determined to defeat him.

Ground Zero

Alan Gratz

Alternating between the past and present, Ground Zero presents middle-grade readers with a captivating exploration of 9/11 and its aftermath. On September 11, 2001, Brandon and his father visit the World Trade Center, not knowing the horrors that would soon occur. In present-day Afghanistan, Reshmina fears retaliation against her family after she helps an American soldier. As the two childrens’ stories unfold, Gratz explores themes of courage and compassion in the face of tragedy, sharing a new perspective on one of the most significant events in modern history.

House Arrest

K. A. Holt

Perfect for middle-grade readers, this novel-in-verse follows the story of Timothy, a boy who finds himself under house arrest for stealing a wallet. With weekly check-ins with a probation officer and a therapist, mandated journaling, and strict orders to avoid trouble, Timothy's path seems clear. However, when his family's dire financial situation demands extreme action, Timothy must decide if staying on the right side of the law is worth it.

City of Ghosts

Victoria Schwab

Middle-grade fans of supernatural stories will find City of Ghosts an eerie and enjoyable read. After she nearly drowned, Cassidy discovers she can see beyond the Veil separating the living from the dead. Her life takes an even stranger turn when her parents decide to host a paranormal TV show in Edinburgh, Scotland. When Cassidy meets a fellow "gifted" girl in the historic city, she realizes there's much more to learn about the Veil and her own abilities.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team

Christina Soontornvat

On June 23, 2018, twelve young players from the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach embark on a cave exploration adventure in Thailand. However, their trip takes a perilous turn when floodwaters block their exit. This nonfiction book for middle-grade readers recounts the events leading up to the boys' disappearance, the rescue operation involving international divers and experts, and the eventual rescue of all thirteen individuals after being trapped underground for over two weeks.

Homeless Bird

Gloria Whelan

Winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, Homeless Bird presents an incredible story of love, loss, and identity. In India, thirteen-year-old Koly's life takes a drastic turn when she is married off to a boy she has never met. However, her hopes for a bright future are dashed when she discovers that her husband is gravely ill and that she is widowed at a very young age. In the wake of her husband's death, Koly is faced with uncertainty as she struggles to find her place in a society that views widows with disdain.

The How & the Why

Cynthia Hand

Teenager Cass lives a wonderful life with adoptive parents that love her. But as she turns eighteen, Cass wants to learn more about where she came from and embarks on a journey to find her birth mother. The How & the Why alternates perspectives between Cass’s search for the truth and letters from “S,” the pregnant teen who gave her up for adoption, offering an emotional story on the meaning of family and belonging.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Holly Jackson

For her senior project, true crime enthusiast Pippa Fitz-Amobi decides to investigate a murder that took place in her town five years prior. The popular Andie Bell was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then committed suicide. However, Pippa isn't convinced that Sal is guilty. As she and Sal’s brother Ravi delve deeper into the case, they uncover shocking secrets that someone is desperate to remain hidden at all costs.

This Woven Kingdom

Tahereh Mafi

Inspired by Persian mythology, This Woven Kingdom merges romance and fantasy into one captivating story for young adult readers. To Kamran, the crown prince of Ardunia, the mysterious Alizeh is just a servant girl. Little does he know that she’s actually the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom. When their paths cross and sparks fly, Kamran soon realizes Alizeh may have the power to reshape his kingdom and the fate of the entire world.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Heather Morris

Based on real events, this historical novel tells the story of Lale Sokolav, a Slovakian Jewish man who was imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. While forced to work as the camp’s tattooist, he meets a fellow prisoner named Gita. Despite the horrific circumstances, Lale and Gita develop a deep connection, supporting each other through the unimaginable challenges.

Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany

Donald L. Miller

In this nonfiction work, historian Donald L. Miller chronicles the harrowing experiences of the Eighth Air Force, an American bomber crew stationed in England during World War II. Readers will follow the challenges and dangers faced by the airmen as they conducted treacherous bombing raids deep into Axis territory. Miller's research draws on extensive interviews with veterans, archival materials, and firsthand accounts to bring the stories of these brave airmen to life.