What Should Your Kids Read Next?

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Quiz Questions

1.
What age group do you need recommendations for?
- A.
  5-7 years
- B.
  8-10 years
- C.
  11-13 years
- D.
  14+ years
2.
What genre do you want to read?
- A.
  Historical fiction
- B.
  Realistic fiction
- C.
  Fantasy
- D.
  Sci-fi
- E.
  Mystery & Thrillers
- F.
  Romance
- G.
  Humor
- H.
  Action & Adventure
3.
Do you like graphic novels?
- A.
  YES! (That's all I read)
- B.
  Nah, not my thing
- C.
  I like them, but I'll read other formats
4.
What do you want to feel while reading your pick?
- A.
  I need a good cry
- B.
  I'm looking for something feel-good
- C.
  I want to laugh
- D.
  I need something to keep me on my toes
- E.
  I want to learn something new

Quiz Outcomes

1.
A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON by Kate Albus
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My top recommendation for you is Kate Albus's A Place to Hang the Moon! This book follows three orphaned kids in England during the WWII evacuation. Come for the spellbinding storytelling and stay for the unforgettable characters, the love of libraries, and the buttered toast in this heartwarming story. It makes for a sweet readaloud at 320 pages!Already read this? Then check out: Nothing Else But Miracles by the same author.
2.
LIGHT AND AIR by Mindy Nicholls Wendell
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Set in 1930s New York, where a tuberculosis epidemic is raging, this book follows Halle, whose mother is diagnosed with the disease and sent off to JN Adams Sanatarium in Perrysburg. When Halle is also admitted there, she has to help save her mother's life even as she makes new friends there. This book has a rich, moving, adventurous, and tender plot that balances friendship, family, mystery, and history all at once.
3.
HOOPS by Matt Tavares!
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Hoops is a fantastic, historical middle grade graphic novel about equality and basketball set against the backdrop of the rise of a female basketball team in the 1970s. Filled with fast-paced storytelling, beautiful graphics, and a protagonist everyone will be rooting for, this graphic novel is sure to become a fast favorite.
4.
ACROSS SO MANY SEAS by Ruth Behar
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This sprawling family saga follows three generations of women over nearly 100 years and the ancestor that came before them over 400 years earlier. It's under 300 pages long and exceptional on audio!
5.
THE LOST YEAR by Katherine Marsh
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It’s 2020, and Matthew is sick of being inside with the pandemic raging outside. While reluctantly helping his great-grandmother sort through her belongings, he finds a picture of two girls. As she shares her experience during the Ukrainian famine, the story alternates between three narrators: Matthew, Helena, and Mila. A powerful, unforgettable account of historical events.
6.
ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD by Dana VanderLugt
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Set in the 1940s, this debut historical verse novel delves into the lesser-known history of (prisoner-of-war) German soldiers brought to work in the United States during WWII.
7.
THE BLOOD YEARS by Elana K. Arnold
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Set in Romania during WWII, this young adult novel stars young Jewess Rieke, whose small life with her brash older sister, depressed mother, and doting grandfather is upturned by the Soviet invasion and, later, Nazi occupation. I love the characterization and storytelling in this story even more than the often-heard WWII/Holocaust plot.
8.
EMILY'S CUPCAKE MAGIC by Coco Simon
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Akin to the Babysitters Little Sister books, this new series is perfect for younger readers who really want to read the Cupcake Diaries books but aren't quite ready. In this series opener, we follow Katie's little sister, Emily, as she starts at a new school and finds friends with the help of some baked goods, all while figuring out how to get out of her loving stepsister's shadow. I loved the warm blended family dynamics and the support between the older members of the Cupcake Club and Emily's crew. Such a fun series starter that kids as young as the second grade can enjoy.
9.
ALVIN HO! by Lenore Look
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This funny chapter book series follows Alvin Ho, an always scared boy determined to make friends through various funny hijinks at home and at school.
10.
READY SET DOUGH by Kelly Baptist
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A funny, relatable middle grade book about a 6th grader in the race to sell the most cookie dough boxes to win her dream laptop. This is under 200 pages and so engrossing!
11.
HONESTLY ELLIOT by Gillian McDunn
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Honestly Elliot is a sweet, heartwarming coming-of-age story featuring a protagonist with ADHD who just loves to cook! Readers will root for Elliot and his new friend Maribel as they learn to see their challenges as strengths.
12.
A PERFECT MISTAKE by Melanie Conklin
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Max and his community are reeling from a night out gone wrong. Max and his friends Joey and Will went out with two older boys, but Will ended up unconscious and in a coma, and Joey won’t speak to Max anymore. Max also has ADHD and is over six feet tall at 11, which means he stands out in his class. Frustrated that he can’t figure out what happened to Will, Max teams up with an inquisitive classmate, but the truths he unravels aren’t pretty.
13.
DUEL by Jessixa Bagley
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Sixth grader Lucy enjoys fantasy novels and is a new middle schooler, while her older sister GiGi is the queen bee of eighth grade, and their relationship has fallen apart even worse since their dad died. This is a fantastic graphic novel about sibling rivalry, fencing, and family. Good for ages 10+
14.
JACKPOT by Nic Stone
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After she sells a million dollar winning lottery ticket, 17-year-old Rico goes an adventure to find the winner. Jackpot is a compulsively readable, hijinks-filled romance for fans of meatier YA looking for more discourse and a relatable exploration of classism, ethnic experiences, and thriving despite an economically challenging background. If you like hijinks-filled stories with insightful observations on real-life issues, this is a great pick, one that is terrific on audio.
15.
GLORIA BUENROSTRO IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND by Brandon Hoang
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This YA novel follows two teens and the friendship they form over the summer. Gloria Buenrostro Is Not My Girlfriend is a richly layered, relatable teen novel about what it means to be a man and how to be a good friend. With a cinematic summer setting and well-drawn characters to root for, this young adult novel explores important topics in today’s teen landscape, from toxic masculinity to classism and mental health, while remaining appropriate for the youngest in its audience.
16.
WHAT HAPPENED TO RACHEL RILEY by Claire Swinarksi
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When Anna Hunt moves from Chicago to Wisconsin, she soon realizes that something’s off about her new eighth-grade class. One student, Rachel Riley, who was once popular is now treated as a social pariah. So when their English teacher assigns them an un-essay — which is an exploration of a topic in any other format besides an essay — Anna decides to investigate the question: What happened to Rachel Riley? This is a stellar middle grade mystery about sexual harassment, creativity, and standing up for something. This book truly shines for the author’s creative, yet accessible storytelling and characterization.
17.
THE RACC PACK by Whitney Gardner and Stephanie Cooke
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This funny graphic novel follows three friends: two raccoons and a wanna-be raccoon on a garbage heist like no other. If you like funny graphic novels with plenty of hijinks, you'll enjoy this one.
18.
WOMBATS! GO CAMPING by Maddie Frost
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Friends Albert and Pickles are off on a camping trip but sadly have very different expectations. Albert is prepared for the great outdoors, while Pickles is expecting more of a glamping situation. So, imagine the drama when they arrive in the woods for a true camping experience. Add in a lost baby koala, a surprise visit from their platypus friend, and a potentially scary monster(?) in the woods, and the wombats are in for many surprises! I laughed out loud several times while reading this one, and it is exceptional!
19.
ORRIS AND TIMBLE by Kate DiCamillo
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In this chapter book by Kate DiCamillo, Orris is a mouse who lives alone in an abandoned barn with his three favorite collectibles: a pair of red velvet slippers, one sardine can, and a bright yellow marble ball. Enter Timble. One night, Orris hears an owl’s cry for help and rescues him. The two become hesitant friends in this first installment of the series (after all, owls eat mice). This book feels like a classic waiting to happen, and the illustrations are gorgeous, as is DiCamillo’s spare prose and rich characterization.
20.
ALWAYS CLEMENTINE by Carlie Sorosiak
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Clementine is a lab mouse who’s become a genius, thanks to an experiment. When one of the lab workers breaks her and another mouse out of the lab and dumps them at the home of an animal activist, Clementine’s world opens up wide. But the lab is looking for her and as she makes new friends, learns to play chess, and yearns for her best friend at the lab, she’ll need to fight to remain free and live on her own terms. I ADORED this story and it fantastic on audio! It will make for a sweet family readaloud.
21.
DOGTOWN by Katherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenko
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This book about a real dog, a mouse, and a robot dog is charming, beautifully plotted, and full of suspense, heartwarming characters, and plenty of heart.
22.
OLIVETTI by Allie Millington
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In this exceptional debut novel, a boy and a typewriter work together to solve the mystery of his missing mother. This reads like an instant classic, and although some readers may be dubious about the talking typewriter element, it is excellently executed — better than many anthropomorphized animals and creatures have been in books.
23.
THE WIDELY UNKNOWN MYTH OF APPLE & DOROTHY by Corey Ann Haydu
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If you like Greek mythology, don't miss this! Apple and Dorothy are half-gods, descendants of the Greek gods Zeus and Hera and Pandora, respectively. When Dorothy’s mother refuses to return to Olympus one solstice, she becomes a full human and is soon killed in a car accident, leaving Dorothy and her father grieving. Motivated by a promise she made to Dorothy’s mother, Apple befriends Dorothy. But when the gods rule that all half-gods must return home to Olympus and take their place as gods or remain human, Dorothy chooses Earth, to Apple’s dismay. Apple’s fear of losing Dorothy leads her to make a decision with terrible consequences.
24.
LUNAR NEW YEAR LOVE STORY by Gene Luen Yang
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The art in this book is phenomenal, and it is also a sweet YA romance featuring Val, a girl who feels like she’s destined for constant heartbreak. I appreciated the plot, but it’s on the longer side and has fantastical elements this author is well known for. Readers who love romance and a touch of fantasy will adore this one. No sexual content and zero language. It also tackles several important themes (parental abandonment, identity, alcoholism) sensitively.
25.
RUBY FINLEY AND THE INTERSTELLAR INVASION by K. Tempest Bradford
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Ruby is an 11-year-old future entomologist who loves studying insects and playing video games with her neighborhood friends. When she sees a strange bug in her bedroom and shares a picture of it on social media, suspicious agents appear at her door to re-capture the now missing insect. Soon, all the metal in her neighborhood begins to disappear as Ruby and her friends realize there’s more to the strange bug. This was a lot of fun and will appeal to fans of STEM stories and books about robots.
26.
GLITCH by Laura Martin
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Glitch is a thrilling, sci-fi time travel romp anchored by two formidable protagonists, their burgeoning unlikely friendship, and the United States’s turbulent history. This fast-paced adventure is exceptional on audio and will leave readers flipping through each page with bated breath as Elliot and Regan race through time to save the day.
27.
THE FIRST STATE OF BEING by Erin Entrada Kelly
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The First State of Being is a brilliant, highly readable middle grade book from the QUEEN of character-driven middle grade literature. This expansive sci-fi feels at once introspective and cinematic, leaping off the page like something made for a movie.
28.
THROWBACK by Maurene Goo
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There’s so much to love in this story about a Gen Z girl navigating 90s high school life and getting to know her mom years before she becomes her mom. I loved the insight into mother-daughter relationships, Korean-American culture, first-gen immigrant perspectives, and so much more. I adored this FUN, heartwarming, and oh-so-poignant release.
29.
THE SPACE BETWEEN HERE AND NOW by Sarah Suk
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Seventeen-year-old Aimee Roh has Sensory Time Warp Syndrome, a rare condition that causes her to time travel to a moment in her life when she smells something linked to that memory. I love the way this story addresses mother-daughter relationships, the impact of chronic illness, and the value of community.
30.
AMY AND THE MISSING PUPPY by Callie Barkley
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This is a sweet chapter book with a riddle that actually had me invested. Perfect for younger kiddos who love animals, friendship chapter books, and cozy mysteries.
31.
DETECTIVE DUCK
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The duck in this story wants to be a detective so badly that all her friends know her penchant for solving mysteries. This one is fantastic on audio and has inspiring environmental connections without being TOO on the nose.
32.
THE AMELIA SIX by Kristin L. Gray
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The Amelia Six is a clever, girl-powered mystery that is perfect for Amelia Earhart fans (and non fans alike). Featuring a band of six whip-smart, witty girls; a pair of missing aviator goggles; one pet rat; and a cat, among others, this middle-grade story will keep any reader glued to its pages. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery featuring strong female protagonists, a scavenger hunt, and plenty of action, this is the one for you!
33.
TROUBLE AT THE TANGERINE by Gillian McDunn
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Simon’s family is always on the move. But all Simon wants is to settle down. When a necklace disappears, Simon is worried that they will move again. He teams up with his neighbor Amaya to solve the mystery. This is a warm mystery with a great cast of quirky, memorable characters that will appeal to younger middle schoolers.
34.
MEET ME ON MERCER STREET by Booki Vivat
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Soon-to-be 6th grader Kacie Sithiwat finds that something in her neighborhood has changed when she returns from her summer holiday. Worst of all, her best friend, Nisha, is nowhere to be found. This graphic novel isn’t your typical mystery, but readers will love following Kacie as she unravels what really happened with Nisha using her sketchbooks and observational skills.
35.
THE LIARS SOCIETY by Alyson Gerber
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Weatherby is a new kid to the Boston School on a sailing scholarship: Old school phone booths, friends with kids who go to the country club, a famed school secret society… and a boy, Jack, who seems to hate her guts. When Jack, Weatherby and three of their friends are contacted via an anonymous message, they think they’re getting invited to the famed Liars Society, only to unravel a deep secret about the Hunt family that involves Weatherby. Middle schoolers looking for a tightly plotted mystery with characters to root for will love this one.
36.
THE AGATHAS by Liz Lawson and Kathleen Glasgow
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Rich kid Alice Ogilvie and her new tutor Iris Adams are forced to work together when one of Alice’s former besties (who stole her boyfriend) is found murdered with Alice’s ex-boyfriend as the prime suspect. As the two girls collaborate in this funny, cozy mystery, they end up finding a warm friendship with each other — and the shocking culprit. Good for ages 13 and up.
37.
PROMISE BOYS by Nick Brooks
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This book is FANTASTIC — and the audiobook is even better (a top-class full cast audiobook that feels like a movie). I’d hand this to readers ages 14 and up, especially if they loved One of Us Is Lying.
38.
SPIN by Lamar Giles
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This novel is captivating, and I finished the 10-hour audiobook in two days. It addresses the use of social media, music fandom, and police response to Black homicide. No language at all — good for kids ages 13 and up.
39.
THIEVES GAMBIT by Kavyion Lewis
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This is a propulsive story that feels more like a thriller with just a touch of mystery but is enjoyable regardless. Good for ages 15 and up for some gun violence and mature content.
40.
THE COUSINS by Kate McManus
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Cousins Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story suddenly have their summer plans interrupted when their estranged grandmother, who disinherited all her children in the summer of 1997, invites them to work at her resort for the summer. As the cousins get to know each other and dig into their family’s dark history, disturbing secrets unfurl.
41.
BUBBLE TROUBLE by Wendy Wan-Long Shang
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Bubble Trouble is a lighthearted, feel-good middle grade romance — the exact kind constantly sought out by kids in this age group. Despite including many realistic elements, including the impact of COVID-19, financial anxiety, and the grief of losing a parent, it features many cozy and informative plot points with lots of information about making boba, being a good friend, and giving romance a chance. It’s also super short at 221 pages!
42.
PIZZA MY HEART by Rhiannon Richardson
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Pizza My Heart is a cute, relatable middle grade book about moving to a new city, nurturing a love for art, being creative in the kitchen, and finding new friends and community. It features a middle-class Black family and warm familial dynamics. Although Maya isn’t a willing participant, she does help out with pizza deliveries, which is enjoyable to read. Finally, this one might be best for older tween readers since it does feature a crush that (spoiler!) leads to a first kiss and a tween relationship.
43.
KEEP IT TOGETHER, KEIKO CARTER by Debbi Michiko Florence
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Keep It Together, Keiko Carter is a strong middle-grade debut, perfect for anyone who enjoys middle-grade books about friendships and first crush stories.
44.
KEEPING PACE by Laurie Morrison
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This 5-star romance about two overachieving rivals is perfect for tweens and young teens. The romance is sweet and swoony, and Grace and Jonah’s dialogue is so authentic and left me an adult with heart eyes while feeling age-appropriate.
45.
GIVE ME A SIGN by Anna Sortino
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Give Me a Sign is a beautiful exploration of Deaf culture with a nostalgic summer camp setting and sweet first love. This book is a great addition to the slim pickings of YA books about disability. I’d recommend this for readers ages 13+ who want to learn more about deafness and Deaf culture + are looking for a summer camp romance.
46.
REGGIE AND DELILAH'S YEAR OF FALLING by Elise Bryant
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After a first meeting on New Year’s Eve, Reggie and Delilah continue to meet over the course of several holidays. As they grow in their personal lives, they finally find their way to each other too. The main characters deal with several health challenges including migraines, anxiety, and dyslexia.
47.
ALL ALONE WITH YOU by Amelia Diane Coombs
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This book about a loner who volunteers at a care home and falls for the sunshiney boy who works there is totally absorbing, with a perfect teen voice and relatable depiction of anxiety and depression.
48.
YOU BET YOUR HEART by Danielle Parker
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In this swoony YA novel, childhood friends turned enemies battle for the valedictorian title in their school even as their hearts are on the line. Perfect for teen overachievers who need a dash of fun in their lives.
49.
DUCK AND MOOSE: DUCK MOVES IN by Kirk Reedstrom
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This hilarious young graphic novel series follows a grumpy moose and an overly friendly Duck (a commonly seen trope but very well done). With funny dialogue and highly complimentary graphics that clearly portray moose’s discomfort with humor, kids will love this new series.
50.
DORY FANTASMAGORY by Abby Hanlon
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Dory is a lastborn with an overactive imagination who exhausts her parents and siblings with her high energy and propensity for chaos. Join her in the first book of the series as she finds imaginary monsters around the house and puts them in their place. This series only gets better with each book!
51.
THE MEANING OF MAGGIE by Megan Jean Govern
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In this slice-of-life novel, we follow Maggie through a turbulent season of life for her family, one through which her parents and sisters shield her incredibly well from her dad’s disease and its progression until they can’t anymore. I can’t articulate how wonderful this book is, but I will say it is BEST listened to because the narrator is exceptional, and the whole production feels like a cozy movie in your ears.
52.
FERRIS by Kate DiCamillo
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Ferris's family is having a chaotic summer. Her younger sister Pinky is determined to be an outlaw, her grandmother Charisse is insistent that she’s seeing a ghost, and her father’s brother is separated from his wife and living in their basement. Despite how stressful all these circumstances sound, this book is more funny and heartfelt than anything else, as Ferris and her family find love and tenderness for each other.
53.
FREE PERIOD by Ali Terese
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This book is really funny and quirky, and I loved Helen and Gracie’s friendship. It also sheds light on period inequity and explores different ways kids can make their voices heard. I wish it’d been shorter (and think it could have been), but I think this will appeal to kids looking for funny, prank-related stories starring girls — with a hint of seriousness.
54.
GROW UP TAHLIA WILKINS
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Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins is a hilarious, relatable tale of growing up, getting your first period and figuring out the rollercoaster of puberty. Filled with enough hijinks to exhaust anyone in 48 hours, this book also tugs at readers’ hearts as the protagonist realizes that you don’t have to face changes without support. It’s also a kind reminder that as huge as our challenges may feel, often those we love (and who are supporting us) also have their challenges and need our love too.
55.
THE FIRST CAT IN SPACE ATE PIZZA by Mac Barnett
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Something terrible is happening in the skies! Rats are eating the MOON! Only one hero can stop them: a cat with a microchip-enhanced brain. Along with the Moon Queen and a toe-clipping robot, the first cat in space has his work cut out for him. This book is bizarre (in the best way) but so entertaining, creative, and cinematic. Tween boys won’t be able to stop flipping the pages. Good for ages 8+
56.
CITY SPIES by James Ponti
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James Ponti’s City Spies #1 is an excellent start to an exciting mystery series that both kids and adults can enjoy. Taking readers from New York to Scotland and Paris, this story makes for an engaging experience. Major props for featuring a racially diverse cast of characters who leap off the page and whose realistic, humorous banter will keep readers turning the pages. If you enjoy middle-grade mysteries with a side of adventure and friendship, you’ll love City Spies #1. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
57.
CONCEALED by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
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Concealed is a engaging middle grade spy book with a clever female protagonist trying to piece together her identity. With a main character on the threshold of her teens and themes suitable for younger readers, this book is perfect for upper middle grade readers and those who are a bit younger. If you enjoy fast-paced stories with family secrets, action, friendship, and kids on the run, you’ll love this new middle grade book! Highly recommended for fans of Ponti’s City Spies and Burt’s Greetings from Witness Protection.
58.
JUST KEEP WALKING by Erin Soderberg Downing
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This book made me want to pack up and go hiking or camping. Downing writes authentically from personal experience about the highs and mishaps of the outdoors, celebrating the solitude, inner strength, and perseverance that being on a hike can foster. Jo’s emotional struggles and humor bring a richness and levity that make this one an enjoyable pageturner. Readers should know that two side characters are gay.
59.
GREETINGS FROM WITNESS PROTECTION by Jake Burt
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This middle-grade book about a clever girl with kleptomania joining a family in witness protection is simultaneously brilliant, funny, and moving.
60.
INVISIBLE by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
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Five different students have yet to complete their community service for a school offense and must explain why (as well as what they did) to their principal in this powerful bilingual graphic novel.
61.
THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE by Dan Gemeinhart
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So many things about this story squeezed my heart so tight. From Coyote’s relationship with her dad, the misfits aboard their house bus, and of course, Coyote’s southern sass and humor, there’s a lot to enjoy here. Be prepared for all the feels though — this book also tackles grief.
62.
AVA LIN, BEST FRIEND
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This is a hilarious and adorable chapter book about 6-and-a-half-year-old Ava Lin and her exploits in the first grade, which involve finding treasures, a maybe-new best friend, and lots of “explanation points.” I loved it and smiled so much while reading it. It also features a mix of text, illustrations, and comic panels, which I enjoyed.
63.
POPPY & SAM AND THE LEAF THIEF by Cathon
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Set in a whimsical garden world, this delightful early graphic novel follows Poppy and Sam as they try to solve the mystery of who’s eating Basil’s leaves. After several failed tactics, they finally figure it out, with charming results. This book is adorably illustrated with short, easy-to-read text and a gentle mystery for kids who love a sweet story.
64.
MIA MAYHEM IS A SUPERHERO by Kara West
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Mia Macarooney is a regular eight-year-old girl who finds out that she’s A SUPERHERO! Her life literally goes from totally ordinary to totally super when she’s invited to attend the afterschool Program for In-Training Superheroes a.k.a. THE PITS! This book is so much fun and readers will have a blast watching Mia learn some serious superhero skills!
65.
THE PRINCESS IN BLACK by Shannon Hale
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Who doesn’t love a secret superhero, especially when she’s a princess too? Princess Magnolia has two identities. She’s a pink-wearing princess who drinks tea with the Duchess, but she’s also the Princess in Black, a monster-fighting superhero who saves the day at the ring of her monster alarm. Will the Duchess learn her secret? This is a fun romp of a series, and the pictures are charming.
66.
STARLA JEAN by Elana K. Arnold
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This is a gorgeous chapter book about a spunky young protagonist whose dad tells her that if she can catch a chicken, she can keep it. Well, Starla Jean catches herself a chicken. I loved the full-color pictures in this book. Just charming! Great for new readers ages 5-7.
67.
ELFIE UNPERFECT by Kristin Mahoney
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Elfie Oster is ready to leave Cottonwood Elementary. She doesn’t have any friends at the school and she’s tired of having to do group projects all by herself. Thankfully, she’s been admitted at Hampshire Academy, a swanky private school where she knows everything will be different. Unfortunately, after a misunderstanding, Elfie is swiftly expelled from Hampshire and has to return to Cottonwood. This is a realistic, poignant, and FUNNY middle grade book about letting go of perfectionism and embracing the messiness of real life.
68.
A ROVER'S STORY by Jasmine Warga
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A Rover’s Story is the story of a Mars rover (a robot sent to survey the planet, find another out-of-service rover, and help determine whether Mars is suited to human living. The story is told from several perspectives, including that of the rover (whose name is Res, short for Resilience) and Sophie, the daughter of one of the programmers who’s building the rover. This is a fresh, heartwarming middle grade sci-fi book about family, science, coding, and robots.
69.
MEET ME ON MERCER STREET by Booki Vivat
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Soon-to-be 6th grader Kacie Sithiwat finds that something in her neighborhood has changed when she returns from her summer holiday. Worst of all, her best friend, Nisha, is nowhere to be found. She also discovers that a new store has replaced Nisha’s family’s grocery store. This graphic novel isn’t your typical mystery, but readers will love following Kacie as she unravels what really happened with Nisha using her sketchbooks and observational skills.
70.
THE LUMINOUS LIFE OF LUCY LANDRY by Anna Rose Johnson
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This charming young middle grade book is perfect for fans of classics and has serious cozy vibes for fans of The Penderwicks, The Vanderbeekers, and classic sibling stories. There’s also a lot of fascinating history about the lives of lighthouse keepers and I enjoyed learning lots about them.
71.
MY LIFE AS A POTATO by Arianne Costner
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This book about a boy who secretly becomes the school mascot is FUNNY, fast-paced, and thought-provoking. It also includes a sweet first romance.
72.
IT AIN'T SO AWFUL, FALAFEL by Firoozeh Dumas
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Firoozeh Dumas's hilarious historical fiction book is loosely based on her experience moving to California in the 1970's and dealing with many awkward assimilation stories.
73.
THE LINE TENDER by Kate Allen
The Line Tender is an achingly beautiful middle-grade novel (more suited to adults). This book portrays death and grieving realistically, spotlights awe-inspiring marine life, and features an unforgettable female protagonist. If you enjoy reading about sharks, are on the hunt for a book about grief, or love books set in the summer, you’ll enjoy The Line Tender.
74.
FREE THROWS, FRIENDSHIPS, AND OTHER THINGS WE FOULED UP by Jenn Bishop
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Free Throws, Friendship, and Other Things We Fouled Up is a fast-paced and compelling book about true friendships, family secrets, forgiveness, and basketball. With a lovable cast of characters, an immersive Cincinnati setting, and impressively woven multiple-perspective narration, this one is sure to hook middle grade readers and young teens alike.
75.
THE UNFORGETTABLE LOGAN FOSTER by Shawn Peters
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The Unforgettable Logan Foster #1 is a superb, fast-paced superhero fantasy about identity, self-worth, and finding community. I’m glad that this is the first in a series of books and I’m sure that readers who enjoy superhero books and films will LOVE this one. It’s also fantastic on audio and showcases foster care in a positive light while highlighting the challenges some kids (especially those of certain races or with a disability) face.
76.
AVERIL OFFLINE by Amy Noelle Parks
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This hijinks-filled story is reminiscent of classic stories where kids run away to save the day as Max and Averil stay on their town’s college campus, eating at the cafeteria and sleeping in the library for the 2-3 days needed to accomplish their plan. I love the gentle mystery, STEM angle, and theme of childhood autonomy this book explores. I think it has major kid appeal — and it’s only 208 pages long!
77.
DRAGON HOOPS by Gene Luen Yang
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This memoir is packed with history, stats, thrilling stories, and the hunt for glory, making it a perfect choice for 8th graders who love sports or graphic novels.
78.
THE DAVENPORTS by Krystal Marquis
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This is a full-on historical romance for teens, BUT it’s squeaky clean in terms of language and features four Black sisters who stumble into love in different ways. It’s also about the Davenport family business and features side characters who are dealing with compelling issues, like a maid trying to start a business and a best friend whose parents are forcing her to form a relationship with the Davenport’s only son.
79.
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green
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This classic YA romance is swoony and heartbreaking all at once. Prepare to CRY!
80.
KIND OF SORT OF FINE by Spencer Hall
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Kind of Sort of Fine is written from two perspectives, that of — overachiever-who-just-had-a-nervous-breakdown — Hayley Mills and Lewis Holbrook. Lewis is a fat teen who has decided that this will be his year. He will take charge of his life and perhaps even lose weight and ask the girl he likes to go out on a date with him. Rife with mistakes, witty banter, and relatable, lovable protagonists, this novel will tug at your heart and make you smile.
81.
THE DO-OVER by Lynn Painter
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After a horrific Valentine’s Day, Emilie Hornbie is ready for a do-over — or so she thinks. Her boyfriend is cheating on her, her dad is planning to move away without asking how she feels, and her car is totaled after an accident with a schoolmate. But she feels better after arriving at her grandma’s house that evening. Except… when she wakes up the next day, it’s Valentine’s Day again! This is a charming romance with substance that delves into grief, family, and perfectionism. The time loop will appeal to readers who enjoy that element.
82.
THE FAINT OF HEART by Kerrilynn Wilson
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The Faint of Heart is set in a dystopian world where no one but high schooler June has a heart. When a scientist (known simply as The Scientist) discovers that removing your heart takes away negative emotions like heartbreak, sadness, and anxiety, everyone undergoes the procedure. Unfortunately, the procedure also takes away the positive feelings. This is perfect for teens who love a good dystopian story and enjoy graphic novels.

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