The Stars Beneath Our Feet

David Barclay Moore

After the tragic loss of his brother, twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul struggles with his grief and the challenges of growing up in a tough neighborhood. Just when it feels like his world is falling apart, Lolly discovers an unexpected source of comfort: Lego bricks. As he builds intricate Lego cities at his community center, Lolly begins to see the potential for beauty and hope in his own life. Middle grade readers will appreciate this moving story about resilience, imagination, and the healing power of art.

Ungifted

Gordon Korman

When middle school troublemaker Donovan Curtis mistakenly gets sent to an academy for gifted students after a prank gone wrong, he finds himself surrounded by geniuses with talents far beyond his own. As Donovan struggles to adjust to his new school, he accidentally sparks a chain of events that challenge the very notion of what it means to be gifted. Packed with humor and heartfelt moments, Ungifted offers brilliant lessons on the power of being true to yourself.

Restart

Gordon Korman

Chase Ambrose, once the school bully, wakes up with no memory of who he was after a severe accident. As he pieces together his past, Chase is given an extraordinary opportunity to redefine himself. Can a former bully truly change? Can he earn the trust and friendship of those he once tormented? This heartwarming and thought-provoking story weaves together themes of forgiveness, growth, and the transformative power of new beginnings.

Under a Painted Sky

Stacey Lee

In 1840s Missouri, Samantha, a Chinese-American girl with dreams of becoming a musician, and Annamae, an enslaved girl looking for freedom, go on the run after a tragic incident. Disguised as boys to avoid the perils that lie ahead, the two unlikely companions embark on a perilous journey along the Oregon Trail. With every step, Samantha and Annamae form an unbreakable bond, drawing strength from each other as they face the vast, untamed wilderness.

Rick Riordan Presents: The Storm Runner

J. C. Cervantes

Born with a limp that makes him an outcast in his small New Mexico town, middle schooler Zane Obispo's life is forever changed when he discovers a mysterious relic that unlocks his connection to the gods of Maya mythology. Suddenly surrounded by danger and adventure, Zane must embrace his new powers to stop an ancient evil from destroying the world. Perfect for fans of the Percy Jackson series, this action-packed tale is filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable characters.

Rick Riordan Presents: The Fire Keeper

J. C. Cervantes

In this sequel to The Storm Runner, Zane Obispo once again confronts a world of ancient gods, mythical creatures, and destiny-defining choices to save the ones he loves. With Ah-Puch, the Maya fire god, still on the loose and threatening to unleash chaos upon the world, Zane must harness the power within him to stand against the forces of darkness. With its thrilling plot, rich world-building, and heartfelt exploration of identity and belonging, The Fire Keeper is sure to captivate students of all ages.

The Door of No Return

Kwame Alexander

With his signature verse style, bestselling author Kwame Alexander presents a lyrical story of courage, family, and the perils of the unknown that’s perfect for the middle grade classroom. It’s 1860, and in the heart of Upper Kwanta, Kofi cherishes his village life, including braving the river Offin despite warnings to stay away. But one tragic night shatters Kofi's world, propelling him on a treacherous journey far from home. As he navigates through foreign lands and faces unimaginable dangers, Kofi's resilience will be tested like never before.

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life

Benjamin Alire Saenz

Salvador Silva is a high school senior navigating his final year before graduation. Raised by his adoptive gay father in a loving, accepting home, Sal has always felt secure in his identity. But when life throws unexpected challenges his way, Sal begins a journey of self-discovery that will test everything he knows about family, friendship, and himself.

The Last Cuentista

Donna Barba Higuera

As Earth faces its final days, Petra Peña and her family are among the chosen few to journey to a new planet. But when Petra awakens centuries later, she discovers a sinister Collective has taken control, erasing people’s memories of Earth—except for Petra’s. Alone in her knowledge of the past, Petra must summon the courage to defy the Collective and preserve humanity’s lost legacy. Perfect for middle and high school readers, this spellbinding tale celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of storytelling.

The Personal Librarian

Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

In early 20th-century New York City, banking tycoon J. P. Morgan hires Belle da Costa Greene to curate his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. With such a prestigious position, Belle rises in the ranks of the city’s elite art and literary circles. But all that could disappear if Belle’s true identity is revealed: she’s actually a Black woman forced to hide her heritage and pass as white. The Personal Librarian explores themes of ambition, identity, and resilience, revealing the extraordinary sacrifices Belle makes to protect her secret and achieve greatness.

The Antisocial Network: The GameStop Short Squeeze and the Ragtag Group of Amateur Traders That Brought Wall Street to Its Knees

Ben Mezrich

In this nonfiction report, Ben Mezrich recounts how private investors and internet trolls took on a major hedge fund in the GameStop short squeeze of 2021. The subreddit WallStreetBets started as an offbeat forum for investment banter. But when members spotted a risky opportunity, they turned the struggling video game retailer into a lucrative venture, earning millions overnight. The Antisocial Network reveals the unlikely characters behind the chaos and drama that unfolded during one of the most volatile weeks in financial history.