Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat
Nonfiction, Cooking
Age Range: All
480 pages
2017 James Beard Award Winner
To be clear, this isn’t just a cookbook—it’s a food adventure that teaches you how to actually understand cooking. With fun illustrations and simple explanations, it breaks down the science of flavor in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’ve never boiled water. Whether you're into experimenting in the kitchen or just want to make your mac and cheese taste better, this book gives you the tools to level up. Also, it’s now a Netflix series if you want to see it all in action!
For Those Who Enjoy:
Huda F Cares? by Huda Fahmy
Graphic Novel, Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 12+
208 pages
2024 National Book Award Finalist
Huda F cares about this book? Should be all of you. follows Huda and her family on a road trip from Dearborn, Michigan to Walt Disney World. Along the way, Huda navigates the challenges of being visibly Muslim in public, dealing with stares, and Islamophobic remarks. The story explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and resilience. Huda's journey is filled with moments of self-discovery, sisterly bonding, and a deeper understanding of her place in the world. This graphic novel is both heartwarming and humorous throughout.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson
Nonfiction, Poetry
Age Range: 12+
96 pages
Coretta Scott King Honor Book
This poetry collection runs the gamut of styles - from haiku to free verse. Semi-autobiographical in nature, the collection focuses on Watson’s childhood growing up in Portland, as well as odes to Black women that inspired her along the way. Winner of several prestigious awards, Watson encourages Black girls to be inspired by the past and step up and create their own glorious future.
For Those Who Enjoy:
An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy
Nonfiction
176 pages
2004 - Newbery Medal, Robert F. Sibert Medal, National Book Award, ALSC Notable Children's Books
This book tells a stark, honest assessment of the 1793 Yellow Fever epidemic. Appealing to anybody looking at recent history and infectious diseases (at an upper middle school level), the parallels to the current time are numerous - potential miracle cures, price and rent increases, public distrust of science, racist reactions to caregivers, schools shutting down, blaming foreigners for the spread, border lockdowns, etc.
For Those Who Enjoy:
The Crossroads at Midnight by Abby Howard
Graphic Novel, Horror
Age Range: 14+
320 pages
2021 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Collection
A truly unsettling, dark collection of short stories. Abby Howard has managed to create outstanding narratives that stay with you long after reading, but her black and white visuals do a wonderful job of telling the tales. The stories begin as simple slice-of-life reflections but quickly unfurl into madness. There’s no way to pick a best or a worst tale here - they’re all outstanding.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Heir by Sabaa Tahir
Fantasy
Age Range: 13+
512 pages
SLJ Best YA Book of 2024
In the first volume of a proposed duology, Tahir weaves the tales of an orphan girl, an outcast tracker, and the heir to the throne. All three stories coalesce around a killer stalking through the kingdom and praying on children. Without giving away too much, the actions of this killer have repercussions across the realm, potentially destroying the kingdom. Since it’s the first in the series, many questions are left unanswered, but keep the reader motivated for the concluding book.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Our Beautiful Darkness by Ondjaki, António Jorge
Gonçalves (illustrator), and Lyn Miller-Lachmann (translator)
Fiction, “Graphic novel”, “Poetry”
Age Range: 12+
126 pages
Kirkus Best YA Book of 2024
In Luanda, Angola during the country’s 1990s civil war, there is a city-wide blackout. With all the lights out, two teens share their thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, and hey, maybe even a kiss. Sparse writing on each page and gorgeous white illustrations on black pages evoke a picture book for grown ups feel, while the writing is poetic and thoughtful. It’s a quick, but powerful read.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Calvin by Martine Leavitt
Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 12+
192 pages
Booklist and Kirkus starred reviews
Calvin, born on the day of the last Calvin and Hobbes comic strip and gifted a stuffed tiger named Hobbes, is now a 17 year old who has recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia and keeps seeing and hearing a walking, talking Hobbes everywhere he goes. Calvin and his neighbor, Susie, set out on a quest to find Calvin and Hobbes cartoonist Bill Watterson, so he can write one more comic strip where Calvin is a well-adjusted teenager without Hobbes popping into his daily life - that will make everything ok. But will it?
For Those Who Enjoy:
When You Look Like Us by Pamela N. Harris
Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 14-18
368 pages
2022 Odyssey Award (audiobook)
This tells the story of Jay, a high achieving high school junior growing up in a rough neighborhood of Newport News. His sister, Nic, goes missing one night, and while Jay suspects trouble with her drug dealer boyfriend, the mystery goes much deeper than that. Harris does a great job of articulating the familial and social relationships in this engaging mystery novel.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
Graphic Novel, Sports
Age Range: 8+
256 pages
2022 National Book Award Finalist,
Coretta Scott King Honor Winner
Bree, a young Black girl moves from New York City to Florida and reluctantly joins her new school's swim team. As Bree confronts her fear of swimming, she learns about friendship, perseverance, and the historical barriers faced by Black swimmers. Mentored by Ms. Etta, a former champion swimmer, Bree's journey is one of self-discovery and community. This vibrant graphic novel tackles themes of racism, access to sports, and overcoming personal fears. It's a compelling read that blends humor with heartfelt moments.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Here I Am, I Am Me by Cara Bean
Nonfiction
Age Range: 12+
288 pages
School Library Journal Recommended
This “therapist recommended” graphic novel takes a light tone with a very serious topic - mental health. A huge recommended read for EVERYBODY, Cara Bean (in the form of an anthropomorphic bean… naturally) takes readers on a journey through your brain, your experiences, and your psyche. Each chapter has a specific focus with guiding questions and tons of accurate scientific information. It’s a perfect book for anybody to learn more about how the brain works (and sometimes doesn’t work that well).
For Those Who Enjoy:
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Graphic Novel, Sports
Age Range: 8+
256 pages
2015 Newbery Honor Winner
Roller Girl follows 12-year-old Astrid as she navigates a summer of self-discovery and challenges. When her best friend Nicole chooses ballet camp over roller derby, Astrid must face roller derby camp alone. Through bumps, bruises, and new friendships, Astrid learns about perseverance, personal growth, and the importance of staying true to oneself. This heartwarming graphic novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and finding one's identity. It's a must-read for anyone who loves stories about overcoming obstacles and embracing who you are.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural
World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer
Nonfiction, LGBTQIA+
Age Range: 13+
240 pages
2023 Michael L Printz Honor Book
A nonfiction look at the queer behaviors of various animals. Interspersed with funny comics, we find out that queer behavior is as complex and diverse as it is in humans. All the information is written in a teen-friendly way and has a healthy dose of humor throughout.
For Those Who Enjoy:
The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
Graphic Novel, Superhero
Age Range:
223 pages
30 year anniversary edition
10 years after his official retirement, Batman cannot sit idly by and watch his beloved Gotham go to waste as criminals threaten the entire order of the city. After years of incarceration, many of Batman’s greatest foes are out and up to their old tricks. It’s up to an aging, grizzled Batman and his new Robin (a girl named Carrie Kelly) to help restore order and justice to the city of Gotham.
For Those Who Enjoy:
The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater
Nonfiction, LGBTQIA+
Age Range: 12-18
320 pages
2018 Stonewall YA Book Winner
This is the true story of a black teen who set a white agender student’s dress on fire on a public bus. A complicated, dark book, The 57 Bus faithfully recounts the events while also giving depth to both sides of the story. While a nonfiction book about a hate crime is far from heartwarming, the lives of the characters help propel the reader forward through this engaging read.
For Those Who Enjoy:
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson (author,
illustrator), Omar Mohamed (author), & Iman Geddy (illustrator)
Realistic Fiction
264 Pages
2021 - Odyssey Award for Audiobooks, National Book Award Finalist
Omar and his nonverbal younger brother Hassan live in a refugee camp in Kenya after fleeing their war-torn town in Somalia. The days are dull and monotonous, but when Omar begins to go to school in the camp, he may have a way to get relocated out of the camp.
For Those Who Enjoy:
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Magical Realism, Folktales
Age Range: 9 and up
320 pages
2021 Newbery and Asian/Pacific American Winner
Lily and her family move to be with her sick grandmother, but while there, Lily learns that her grandmother, Halmoni, has stolen something from the tigers. Lily makes a deal with a tiger to try to help, but you can never trust a tiger. With the help of the local library(!), her friend Ricky, and her sister, Lily must work to find her voice and help her family.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy
Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel
Age Range: 12-17
192 pages
2023 ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project Pick
Huda F (the author) wants you to know that her mother hates the title of the book, but I think it’s funny. It’s also informative because Huda (the character) is having a lot of trouble figuring out who she is after her family moves to a new town. In her old school, she was the hijabi kid, but at her new school there’s so many Muslim students that she needs a new identity. It’s an amusing, but deep, look at what it’s like to build a middle school identity.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Verse Novel, Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 10-14
272 pages
2023 Newbery Honor Book
Starting middle school, Iveliz knows that she has everything figured out - she used to have trouble in school and get so mad, but those feelings are behind her. When her Puerto Rican grandmother comes to live with her and her mom, Iveliz realizes that she may not have everything together and that she’s still suffering from guilt over a tragic event two years ago. The verse novel format allows a unique perspective into her thoughts and feelings that make the emotions even more vivid
For Those Who Enjoy:
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darci Little Badger
Science Fiction
Age Range: 12-18
352 pages
2021 Andre Norton (Nebula) Winner
Nina is a Lipan girl who loves the old stories her grandmother tells her, while Oli is a cottonmouth kid from the land of spirits and monsters - he can transform between a snake and a human-like creature. After a disaster on Earth leads Oli’s friend to get terribly sick, Nina, Oli, and Oli’s friends must work together to save his friend’s species. Little Badger deftly navigates the traditional, the technological, and the interactions in the animal kingdom in this engaging coming of age story.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Polar Bear Café Vol. 1 by Aloha Higa
Manga Series
Grade Range: 4th-8th
210 pages
Polar Bear runs a café in this delightfully weird manga series that follows the lives of his clientele. Panda stops by after his part-time job of being a panda at the zoo. Penguin (emperor? king? don’t get me started) is always hanging around. Told in a series of quick vignettes, we get a feel for the lives of these characters. One of the main draws is a series of pawful puns… translated from Japanese. Even if you don’t understand most of them, there is enough humor in this to keep it interesting and light.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 13+
496 pages
2022 Michael L Printz Award Winner
Daunis never felt comfortable in her hometown or on the nearby Ojibwe reservation, with parents from both sides. She’s looking forward to a fresh start in college until she meets Jamie, the charming new hockey recruit. Suddenly she’s thrust into the middle of an undercover FBI investigation to try to bust a lethal drug ring. It’s an action-packed, riveting tale filled with twists and turns where Daunis learns more about herself along the way.
For Those Who Enjoy:
All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel
Grade Range: 4-8
264 pages
Kirkus Reviews Best Book, NYT Editors’ Choice
Imogene (aka Impy) works at a Renaissance Faire in Florida with her mother, father, and exuberant younger brother. After being homeschooled her whole life, Impy decides to go to public school for middle school. Between her new squire’s duties, buying the right shoes, making friends, science homework, and continuing to be a good daughter and sister, Impy has a knight’s load of responsibilities. Will it be too much to handle or will Impy summon the strength of a dragon to get through?
For Those Who Enjoy:
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 12-18
240 pages
2007 Michael L. Printz Award
This graphic novel blends three stories - a monkey king straight out of Chinese fables, Jin-Wang moving to a new school only to discover that he’s the only Chinese-American student in the school, and Chin-Kee personifying many of the negative Chinese stereotypes. In the end, the stories intertwine nicely, and in unexpected ways. The three narrator format adds depth and American Born Chinese is another masterpiece in Gene Luen Yang’s catalog.
For Those Who Enjoy:
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 9th grade and up
384 pages
2023 Printz and National Book Award
Salahudin and Noor grew up best friends as outcasts in rural Juniper, CA until a fight broke them apart. Sal is thrust into running his family’s motel, while also trying to help his alcoholic father. Noor is forced to work at her uncle’s liquor store while secretly applying to college to try to escape Juniper. They need to ask themselves whether their friendship is worth saving and what they want out of life.
For Those Who Enjoy:
The Honeys by Ryan La Sala
Horror, LGBTQIA+
Age Range: 13+
368 pages
2023 Odyssey (Audiobook) Award Winner
After Mars (any pronouns are good) witnesses the horrific death of their sister, they venture off to Aspen - an upstate NY summer camp where their sister spent every summer. Mars learns that her sister’s death may have been related to the Honeys, the popular girls who keep bees behind their cabin, and they work to infiltrate the Honeys’ ranks. It’s a …buzz…worthy book full of horrific imagery, a detailed plot, and enough twists to remain interesting. The audiobook sound effects are outstanding as well.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac
Verse Novel
192 pages
2022 Boston Globe-Horn Book (Fiction and Poetry)
This verse novel follows Native American girl Malian as she navigates the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote school, a new dog that showed up at her door, and being away from parents. At the onset of the pandemic, Malian was visiting her grandparents on the reservation - a far cry from her inner city Boston life. The story focuses a lot on the stories passed down through the generations as Malian grows closer to her family heritage. The writing is beautiful, and the story of resilience will resonate with many readers.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Beetle & The Hollowbones by Aliza Layne
Graphic Novel, Fantasy
256 pages
2021 Stonewall (LGBTQIA+) Honor Book
Beetle is just a twelve-year-old goblin witch struggling to harness her magical powers who hangs out with a ghost that’s forced to haunt the mall. When Beetle’s old best friend, Kat, comes back to town she learns that Kat’s aunt and mentor is about to tear down the mall, potentially killing Blob Ghost. Beetle needs to find her magic, keep hold of both her friends, and make sure the mall doesn’t get torn down.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Breathe and Count Back From Ten by Natalia Sylvester
Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 8th-9th grade
352 pages
2023 Schneider (Disability) and Pura Belpré (Latinx) Honor Book
Verónica, a teen with hip dysplasia, swims every day to manage her condition. Through many surgeries, she has found a home in the water, but she desperately dreams of becoming a professional mermaid at the kitschy town tourist attraction. This books deals with tension with parents, anxiety over Verónica’s physical condition, career ambitions, and her first real boyfriend.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Sisters by Raina Telgemeier
Realistic Fiction
208 pages
2015 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Winner
Raina always wanted a sister, and while Amara is cute, the two siblings don’t often get along. Forced together on a three-week car trip/family reunion amid family drama, the sisters must come together to endure. Raina Telgemeier has crafted a heartwarming semi-autobiographical graphic novel about the difficulties and joys of sisterhood.
For Those Who Enjoy:
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
Science Fiction
Age Range: 10 and up
336 pages
2021 Newbery and Pura Belpré winner
Petra Peña wants nothing more to be a storyteller, but her family is forced to leave Earth and resettle centuries later on a distant planet. As the only person who remembers Earth, she must work to stop the Collective, who want to erase individuality and all of humanity’s past sins. This dynamic story has twists throughout and a gripping science fiction story but is kept afloat by the human connection that Petra retains. A wonderful cuento.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Blankets by Craig Thompson
Graphic Memoir
592 pages
Age Range: 7th-12th grade
2004 Will Eisner Awards Winner
Growing up in a fundamental Christian household, Craig struggled to find himself. At a winter church camp, Craig and Raina fall quickly in love as they struggle with questions of faith. After a while, the relationship falls apart, but this graphic memoir is an honest, and beautifully drawn, look at adolescence in all its messiness.
For Those Who Enjoy:
My Fine Fellow by Jennieke Cohen
Adapted Classic
Age Range: 8th-9th grade
352 pages
2023 Sydney Taylor (Jewish) Honor
In an adaptation of the classic My Fair Lady, three teens are working to become culinarians. Penelope and Helen have been training for years for this chance, but they take Elijah under their wing to see if they can transform a lowly pastie maker into a high society chef. Unfortunately, Elijah’s Jewish heritage threatens to ruin their plan.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros
Realistic Fiction
272 pages
2021 Pura Belpré Award
Efrén is a good student, an avid reader, and a good friend, but when his mother is deported to Tijuana, Mexico, he is forced to make difficult decisions. While watching his siblings as his dad works extra hours, Efrén misses some homework assignments, angers his friend running for school president, and begins to learn what really matters in life.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Too Bright To See by Kyle Lukoff
Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 10-12
224 pages
2022 Stonewall Award (LGBTQIA+), Newbery Honor Book
In the summer before middle school, Bug and her best friend Moira are trying to “prepare.” Though Moira is much more enthusiastic about it - learning about makeup, clothes, and boys. Bug, on the other hand, is haunted by her uncle’s ghost, processing his loss, and discovering they’re transgender. It’s a tender book about identity, loss, friendship, and what it means to be accepted.
For Those Who Enjoy:
This is My Brain in Love by I.W. Gregorio
Realistic Fiction
Age Range: 12+
384 pages
2021 Schneider Award (disability)
In Utica, NY, high school junior Jocelyn Wu works at her family’s failing Chinese restaurant. To maintain the friendships she’s forged in town, Jocelyn sets out to make the business a success and hires Will to help move the business into the 21st century. As the two grow closer working together, a forbidden romance begins to blossom. This novel won the 2021 Schneider Award for its adept depictions of living with anxiety and depression.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold
War Showdown by Steve Sheinkin
Nonfiction
Age Range: 10-14
352 pages
2022 Robert F. Sibert (nonfiction)
Fallout goes through most of the history of the Cold War in a readable voice, complete with personal stories and connections to the spies at work. While the book goes through a detailed history of many of the Cold War events, it is told in an accessible way that is appropriate for middle schoolers and high schoolers alike. The vignettes into personal stories add compelling character development.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Frankie & Bug by Gayle Forman
Historical Fiction
288 pages
2021 NY Times Best Children’s Books
Set in the summer of 1987 in Los Angeles, ten-year-old Bug just wants to go to the beach every day, but she’s worried that her older brother is growing too old for their usual routine. But moving in next door for the summer is their neighbor Philip’s nephew, Frankie. As the two hang out and investigate a serial killer on the loose, Bug learns about growing up and what it means to be an ally.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland
Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Age Range: 4th to 8th grade
336 Pages
2022 Scott O’Dell Award Winner
Ophelia (Ophie) finds out that she can see ghosts on the night of a family tragedy in Georgia, 1922. After that night, Ophie and her mom move to Pittsburgh and get work as maids in Daffodil Manor. As Ophie learns more about her ability to see ghosts, she befriends a spirit and sets out to uncover the truth behind the spirit’s death.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Cinders and Sparrows by Stefan Bachmann
Fantasy
368 pages
A Mighty Girl’s 2022 Summer Reading List, Kirkus starred review
Twelve-year-old orphan Zita unexpectedly receives a letter claiming that she’s the heir to a large, spooky, possibly abandoned castle. When she comes to claim her inheritance, she finds that she is the last in her family line of witches, she must train her skills and navigate a constantly changing plot of deception to save her family.
For Those Who Enjoy:
The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem by Colleen Paeff (author) & Nancy Carpenter (illustrator)
Nonfiction
Picture book
40 pages
2022 - Robert F. Sibert Medal, Cook Prize
In 1858, the Thames River smelled horrible, no way around it. Paeff explains, in not so rosy detail, how Joseph Bazalgette created London’s first major sewer system, reduced human waste pollution, and helped residents escape from future cholera outbreaks.
For Those Who Enjoy:
El Deafo by Cece Bell
Graphic Novel, Memoir
248 pages
2015 Newbery Honor
In this autobiographical graphic novel, Cece, who went deaf from meningitis early in life, is starting at a new school with a big hearing aid strapped to her chest. It helps to understand the teacher and it maybe repels potential friends, but the real superpower is that she can hear her teacher… everywhere! While this power has benefits for her fellow students, Cece is really just searching for a good friend.
For Those Who Enjoy:
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Graphic Novel
256 pages
2020 - Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Award
Jordan is the new kid at a fancy private middle school in Riverdale, when he just wanted to draw comics in his notebook and go to an arts school instead. The graphic novel follows his first year at the school as he tries to fit in, find friends, and navigate the social hierarchy.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
Verse Novel,
Historical Fiction
224 pages
2022 - Walter Dean Myers Award, New England Book Award, Newbery Honor Book
Reha, the only Indian American student at her school, feels pulled between two worlds - school and home. While she doesn’t feel she fits in fully in either location, her world gets thrown for a loop when her mother is diagnosed with leukemia.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Lupe Wong Won’t Dance by Donna
Barba Higuera
Lupe Wong is convinced that she will become the first female pitcher in Major League Baseball, and she’s not going to let a stupid square dancing PE unit in her way. A frequent champion of causes throughout her life, Lupe sets out to get square dancing out of the PE curriculum so she can earn straight A’s and get to meet her hero Fu Li Hernandez, a MLB player who is also Mexican and Chinese.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Realistic Fiction
272 pages
2021 - Pura Belpré Award, Sid Fleischman Award for Humor
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
Addie, a Scottish neurodivergent girl, unapologetically navigates a brutal teacher, a difficult sister, and losing an old friend while campaigning to get a memorial raised for the witches burned years ago in her small town. Bonus points for the library and librarian being Addie’s safe space/person throughout!
For Those Who Enjoy:
Realistic Fiction
208 pages
2021 Blue Peter Book Award
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm
Historical Fiction
224 pages
2011 Newbery Award
Turtle, 11 years old and very much against Shirley Temple, is forced to move from her mom in New Jersey to an aunt and three cousins she’s never met in Key West. Set in 1935, the book focuses on Turtle navigating her new life in an unfamiliar community while she tricks her way into free ice cream, gives advice to Ernest Hemingway, and embarks on a treasure hunt.
For Those Who Enjoy:
The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo (author) & Sophie Blackall (illustrator)
At the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing, Brother Edik finds a girl, Beatryce, curled up next to the goat Answelica. Beatryce is sick and blood-covered and clearly has fled from violence. As Brother Edik nurses her back to health, he learns that Beatryce can read and write but they must not reveal this secret to anyone. Throughout the book, Beatryce slowly recovers her memory and learns how she is part of a great prophecy.
For Those Who Enjoy:
Science-Fiction/Fantasy,
256 pages
2021 People Magazine Best Books of Fall
Stuntboy, In the Meantime by Jason Reynolds (author) & Raúl the Third (illustrator)
Graphic Novel
272 pages
Schneider Family Award Honor Book for Middle Grade
Portico Reeves, the human alter ego of Stuntboy, lives in a huge apartment building that’s basically a castle. The superhero portion of his identity, Stuntboy, uses his stunts to make sure the other superheroes (like his friend Zola and his parents) stay super. Will Portico/Stuntboy stay super or will he let his anxiety, his arch enemy, and his parents’ fighting bring him down?
For Those Who Enjoy:
Big Apple Diaries by Alyssa Bermudez
Historical Fiction, Graphic Novel
288 pages
Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table Best Of 2021
In this autobiographical look at 7th and 8th grade, 12-year old Alyssa takes us through her old diaries and sketches from 2000 and 2001. Alyssa navigates her parents divorce, an year-long crush, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the high school selection process while learning more about herself and feeling more confident in her skin.
For Those Who Enjoy:
House Arrest by K.A. Holt
Novel in Verse, Realistic Fiction
312 pages
Sylvia Vardell's List of Favorite Novels in Verse
Is stealing a credit card to pay for your sick brother’s medicine really that bad of a crime? It is for Timothy, who has to endure a year of house arrest, journaling, therapy, and a probation officer. Written in verse and told through his journal entries, Timothy writes about his rehabilitation and his family.
For Those Who Enjoy: