Alex Wise vs. the Cosmic Shift By Terry J. Benton-Walker

No one ever said saving the world would be easy. In the second installment of this thrilling fantasy series all about finding your inner hero, a 12-year-old boy leads the charge against the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Alex Wise is no superhero. Or at least, he doesn't feel like one. Sure, he vanquished Death and saved his sister Mags—with the help of some new magic powers, his best friend Loren and demi-god Liam. But the apocalypse shows no signs of slowing down. Now, Alex and his friends will have to find new allies and face new dangers—from battling a giant snake in a literal ghost town and infiltrating the Horsemen’s new home base on the Vegas Strip…on the back of a dragon. 

With everyone looking to him for answers, Alex isn't sure he's cut out for this world saving thing. And the closer he gets to Liam, the farther away he feels from Loren and from Mags, who hasn't been the same since she was possessed by Death. How can Alex lead a team if he doesn't even feel like he deserves to be a part of it? 

“Never has the apocalypse been so fun!"
—Mark Oshiro, author of THE INSIDERS and co-author with Rick Riordan of THE SUN AND THE STAR: A NICO DI ANGELO ADVENTURE.

Are You Nobody Too? By Tina Cane

After years of discomfort as the only Chinese student at her private middle school, Emily transfers to Chinatown's I.S. 23 for 8th Grade and ends up feeling more disconnected than ever. In this coming-of-age novel-in-verse, will Emily be able to find her way or will she lose herself completely?

After a year of distance-learning, Emily Sofer finds her world turned upside down: she has to leave the only school she's ever known to attend a public school in Chinatown. For the first time, Emily isn't the only Chinese student around...but looking like everyone else doesn't mean that understanding them will be easy--especially with an intimidating group of cool girls Emily calls The Five.

When Emily discovers that her adoptive parents have been keeping a secret, she feels even more uncertain about who she is. A chance discovery of Emily Dickinson's poetry helps her finally feel seen. . . but can the words of a writer from 200 years ago help her open up again, and find common ground with the Five?

Daydreamer By Rob Cameron

An eleven-year-old boy copes with the challenges of his city life by weaving his reality into a magical realm of dragons, foxes, and trolls—until he must use the power of his creativity to save both of his worlds from destructive forces. This stunning debut is a profound exploration of imagination, community, and how the stories we tell both comfort us and challenge us to grow.

Charles’ life is split between two worlds: one real and one fantasy. In the real world, he is a lonely, bullied kid who can’t keep up with school when the letters refuse to stay still on the page, and is constantly in trouble for getting distracted. He lives with his mom in an apartment building, where Glory, the grumpy old superintendent, fills his head with stories about the Dream Folk.

In his fantasy world, the Sanctuary, Charles adventures with faeries and sprites and his two imaginary best friends. There, Charles's bullies become ogres, and Glory opens his arms wide to transform into a dragon. But when trolls move into Charles’ apartment building and bring with them a terrible secret, the stories he has been told and the ones he brings to life grow more complicated. To protect everyone he cares about, Charles must harness his imagination in ways he never dreamed, in this unique story of the spaces and narratives we create for ourselves, and the ways in which fantasy and reality collide and blur.

The Graveyard Gift By Fern Forgettable as told by Piper CJ

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER · Step into Fern’s School for Wayward Fae—where students are part human and part magical. A girl with peculiar abilities discovers nothing is what it seems when sinister forces causes one of her classmates to go missing. Perfect for fans of Wednesday.

A girl who knows how you die. Her banshee roommate who knows when it happens. And wishes that sometimes, maybe, come true. . . .

Rosemary Thorpe has always been a bit different. She has the uncanny and unfortunate ability to foresee people’s deaths, which tends to land her in hot water. Well, not actual hot water—where it lands her is a place between worlds called Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, where Rosemary learns that her powers come from being part fae.

At Fern's School, Rosemary meets others who are part fae—including Trym, her banshee roommate whose screams can kill, and Essie, a djinn who grants wishes. But just as Rosemary settles in, a student vanishes in thin air. And it’s up to all the kids to use their curious gifts to find their missing friend. . . .

Forever Twelve By Stacy McAnulty

What if you were twelve for all of eternity? From the award-winning author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl comes a magical mystery about a group of kids who have been alive for hundreds of years.

At the elite West Archer Academy, all the students are gifted, but four are exceptional. Though the Evers look twelve, they're actually centuries old, possessing knowledge and talents that make them extraordinary. And boarding school is the perfect cover for their brilliance -- and their secret. 

It's supposed to be a typical year in the anything-but-typical lives of these "kids" . . . until Ivy Stewart shows up. She resembles an Ever who went missing more than seventy years ago. And Ivy could be the key to unlocking their curse. 

But ambitious Ivy is at West Archer to achieve her own extraordinary goals, and nothing will distract her. Or so she thinks! With the desperate Evers determined to find answers, and her former classmate -- and laid-back cool guy -- Ronan determined to protect her, Ivy soon finds herself swept up in a mystery only she can solve. 

Will her life be changed forever . . . and ever?

Iveliz Explains It All By Andrea Beatriz Arango; illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez

How do you speak up when it feels like no one is listening? In this moving novel in verse, one girl takes on seventh grade while facing mental health challenges, and must find her voice to advocate for the help and understanding she deserves.

"Powerful." —Lisa Fipps, Printz Honor-winning author of Starfish

Listen up:
The end of elementary school?
Worst time of my life.
And the start of middle school?
I just wasn’t quite right.
But this year?
YO VOY A MI.

Seventh grade is going to be Iveliz’s year. She’s going to make a new friend, help her abuela Mimi get settled after moving from Puerto Rico, and she is not going to get into any more trouble at school. . . .

Except is that what happens? Of course not. Because no matter how hard Iveliz tries, sometimes people say things that just make her so mad. And worse, Mimi keeps saying Iveliz’s medicine is unnecessary—even though it helps Iveliz feel less sad. But how do you explain your feelings to others when you’re not even sure what’s going on yourself?

Powerful and compassionate, Andrea Beatriz Arango’s debut navigates mental health, finding your voice, and discovering that those who really love you will stay by your side.

Something Like Home By Andrea Beatriz Arango

The Pura Belpré Honor winning novel in verse, in which a lost dog helps a lonely girl find a way home to her family . . . only for them to find family in each other along the way. From the Newbery Honor winning author of Iveliz Explains It All.

“Trust me: this book will touch your heart." —Barbara O’Connor, New York Times bestselling author of Wish

Titi Silvia leaves me by myself to unpack,
but it’s not like I brought a bunch of stuff.
How do you prepare for the unpreparable?
How do you fit your whole life in one bag?
And how am I supposed to trust social services
when they won’t trust me back?

Laura Rodríguez Colón has a plan: no matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. Can you blame her? It’s tough to make friends as the new kid at school. And while staying at her aunt’s house is okay, it just isn’t the same as being in her own space.

So when Laura finds a puppy, it seems like fate. If she can train the puppy to become a therapy dog, then maybe she’ll be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe the dog will help them get better and things will finally go back to the way they should be.

After all, how do you explain to others that you’re technically a foster kid, even though you live with your aunt? And most importantly . . . how do you explain that you’re not where you belong, and you just want to go home?

The Stars Beneath Our Feet By David Barclay Moore

"The right story at the right time. . . . It’s not just a narrative; it’s an experience. It’s the novel we’ve been waiting for." —The New York Times

A boy tries to steer a safe path through the projects in Harlem in the wake of his brother’s death in this outstanding debut novel that celebrates community and creativity.

** WINNER OF THE CORETTA SCOTT KING–JOHN STEPTOE AWARD FOR NEW TALENT! **

SIX STARRED REVIEWS!

It’s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren’t celebrating. They’re still reeling from his older brother’s death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lolly’s mother’s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lolly’s always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward.
 
His path isn’t clear—and the pressure to join a “crew,” as his brother did, is always there. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed, joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escape—and an unexpected bridge back to the world. 
 
David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edge—of adolescence, of grief, of violence—and shows how Lolly’s inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors.

MORE PRAISE FOR THE STARS BENEATH OUR FEET:
A New York Times Notable Book
A Time Top 10 Children's Books of the Year
A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of the Year
A Shelf Awareness Best Children's Book of the Year
An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick
An ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book

“A fast and furious read in which we meet some amazing people, people that stay with us. David Barclay Moore is an exciting new voice. We definitely haven’t heard the last of his brilliance.” —Jacqueline Woodson, Newbery Honor and National Book Award–winning of Brown Girl Dreaming

“The Stars Beneath Our Feet is about the weight of the world on the back of a child, and the creative tools necessary to alleviate that pressure. I found myself rooting for Lolly, and you will too.” —Jason Reynolds, Coretta Scott King Honor Award Winner for As Brave As You

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman By Gennifer Choldenko

Everyone will be rooting for a happy ending for Hank, a boy struggling to hold his family together when his mom doesn't come home, in this gripping story from Newbery Honor winner Gennifer Choldenko.

“One of those rare and important books . . . Hank Hooperman may well be the most resourceful, courageous, and loving big brother in the history of children’s literature.”—Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan

When eleven-year-old Hank’s mom doesn’t come home, he takes care of his toddler sister, Boo, like he always does. But it’s been a week now. They are out of food and mom has never stayed away this long… Hank knows he needs help, so he and Boo seek out the stranger listed as their emergency contact.

But asking for help has consequences. It means social workers, and a new school, and having to answer questions about his mom that he's been trying to keep secret. And if they can't find his mom soon, Hank and Boo may end up in different foster homes--he could lose everything. 

Gennifer Choldenko has written a heart-wrenching, healing, and ultimately hopeful story about how complicated family can be. About how you can love someone, even when you can’t rely on them. And about the transformative power of second chances.

Turning Twelve By Kathryn Ormsbee; Illustrated by Molly Brooks

Turning twelve means big changes--first bra, first time babysitting, and a first crush not everyone will approve of . . . a pitch-perfect coming-of-age graphic novel from the creators of Growing Pangs.

A BOOKPAGE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

“Twelve cheers for Turning Twelve! Readers will root for Katie as she navigates seventh grade and stays true to her own heart.” —Megan Wagner Lloyd, author of Allergic

“This book will appeal to fans of Raina Telgemeier, Kayla Miller, and Shannon Hale who are searching for their next favorite read.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

What if a friend...is more than a friend?

Katie can't wait to turn twelve--pool parties! babysitting! friends! But sometimes it feels like there's so much new stuff she can barely keep up. First Job? (Yes!) Unfair dress codes? (No way!) Make up (Okay?!) Shaving? (Uh…!)

Maybe growing up isn't as much fun as she had expected. But one thing does seem right--her new friend, Grace. Could Katie have a crush on another girl? Katie knows not everyone around her will approve...which is kind of scary. She might not be ready to tell anyone yet, and that’s fine...but can Katie stay true to herself and embrace the person she's growing up to be?

Wrecker By Carl Hiaasen

Wrecker needs to deal with smugglers, grave robbers, and pooping iguanas—just as soon as he finishes Zoom school. Another wild adventure in Carl Hiaasen's Florida, now in paperback!

Valdez Jones VIII calls himself Wrecker because his great-great-great-great-great-grandfather salvaged shipwrecks for a living. 

So is it destiny, irony, or just bad luck when Wrecker comes across a speedboat that has run hard aground on a sand flat? The men in the boat don't want Wrecker to call for help—in fact, they'll pay him to forget he ever saw them. 

Wrecker would be happy to forget, but he keeps seeing these men all over Key West—at the marina, in the cemetery, even right outside his own door. And now they want more than his silence—they want a lookout.

He'll have to dive deep into their shady dealings to figure out a way to escape this tangled net. . . .

The Wrong Way Home By Kate O'Shaughnessy

Twelve-year-old Fern believes she's living a noble life--but what if everything she's been told is a lie? This is a huge-hearted story about a girl learning to question everything—and to trust in herself.

Fern’s lived at the Ranch, an off-the-grid, sustainable community in upstate New York, since she was six. The work is hard, but Fern admires the Ranch's leader, Dr. Ben. So when Fern’s mother sneaks them away in the middle of the night and says Dr. Ben is dangerous, Fern doesn't believe it. She wants desperately to go back, but her mom just keeps driving.

Suddenly thrust into the treacherous, toxic, outside world, Fern thinks only about how to get home again. She has a plan, but it will take time. As that time goes by, though, Fern realizes there are things she will miss from this place—the library, a friend from school, the ocean—and there are things she learned at the Ranch that are just...not true.

Now Fern will have to decide. How much is she willing to give up to return to the Ranch? Should she trust Dr. Ben’s vision for her life? Or listen to the growing feeling that she can live by her own rules?

Harold Hates to Hibernate By Vern Kousky

In the sweet and charming follow-up to the beloved picture book Harold Loves His Woolly Hat, little bear Harold is NOT ready to to go to sleep—and, just like kids everywhere, he makes every attempt to stay awake.

Harold loves the springtime flowers. And spending time with friends on summer days. In the fall, he loves the bright, bold colors. But now winter is coming, and Harold will have to go to sleep...only he really doesn't want to. 

Harold is determined to stay awake. So, with help from his friends the crows, he tries everything—from filling his belly with delicious berries to wearing cozy pajamas to keep him warm. Finally, snow starts to fall, and Harold finds he needs to rest his eyes, just for a minute. When he finally dozes off, the crows return—with his woolly hat—to snuggle up for some winter rest.

All kids will see themselves reflected in this sweet, cozy read aloud about bears (ahem, kids) who are NOT ready to go to sleep.

The Bakery Dragon By Devin Elle Kurtz

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The heroic tale of a tiny dragon with a heart of gold and a taste for treats! A scrumptious picture book for fans of funny fairytales and fantastic beasts.

Ember has always been different from the other dragons. His fearsome roar sounds more like a polite sneeze, and when he breathes fire, the villagers just pat his head and say awwww.

Ember fears he’ll never collect a respectable hoard of gold until a chance encounter with a baker causes his fortunes to turn (and his stomach to grumble). As the little dragon soon discovers, the gold you make is way better than the gold you steal—and gold that is shared? That’s best of all.

Magic shimmers on every page of Devin Elle Kurtz's feel-good picture book that celebrates baked goods, dragons, and generosity in equal measure. Filled with adorable illustrations, this is a perfect read aloud for bedtime or brunchtime!

Tamales For Christmas By Stephen Briseño; illustrated by Sonia Sánchez

Before the first Christmas light is strung, Grandma is hard at work, making thousands of tamales to sell so she can buy gifts for her family! This heartwarming tale, based on a true story, explores a grandmother's boundless generosity, and the irresistible magic of tamales.

A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

When the weather changes, but way before the Christmas tree is decorated, Grandma begins her preparations. With so many children and grandchildren in her family, she finds a way to put gifts under the tree-- she sells as many tamales as she can! Masa in one hand, corn husks in the other, Grandma’s just getting started. 15 dozen tamales. As Halloween passes, and Thanksgiving, Grandma is still toiling away in the kitchen: 150 dozen tamales, 700 dozen tamales, 850 dozen tamales. When it’s time to string the lights for Christmas, she’s inching closer to 1000 dozen tamales! Enough to give some to those in need and enough to sell to earn money for Christmas gifts.

Based on the author’s own grandmother, who was the heart of the familia, here is a warm story about Christmas, generosity, and, yes, tamales.

Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights By Charlotte Offsay; Illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt

A warm and yummy Hanukkah-themed picture book about the joys of coming together to celebrate with family and food.

It's time to start counting sleeps—Hanukkah is coming! Shimmering, shining, sparkling. Eight sweet nights, a festival of lights.

Set in a cozy house full of latkes, applesauce, sufganiyot, and other Hanukkah holiday treats, this warm and emotional story highlights the importance and joy of passing along traditions from one generation to the next, and making new traditions too.

Children can also learn about the meaning of their holiday, with informative side notes on each page to give a brief explanation of words found at Hanukkah, such as Maccabees, hanukkiyah, shamash, and gelt. An afterword from the author provides even more historical background to the holiday, making this a book to take from the shelves year after year.

Christmas Forever By Elysa Dutton; illustrated by Manu Montoya

Who doesn't want Christmas to last forever? Well, the tree ornaments certainly do and they plan on escaping their storage boxes for a year-round Christmas at the North Pole! But a surprise guest disrupts their grand escape, teaching them that perhaps family is the true magic of the holiday.

The spirit of Christmas lasts all year long... unless you are an ornament, stuck in a dusty box in the closet 11 months out of the year!  This December 26th, it's gonna be different. The ornaments know of a place where they can be free to sparkle, where life is a 24-hour, 365-day Christmas buffet ...the North Pole! But when the family cat gets involved, their plan hits a snag. And soon the ornaments come to realize that togetherness is the best gift, and it can't be Christmas forever without family.

Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: The Grinch Takes a Vacation By Kaeti Vandorn

He's a little mean, definitely green, and now Dr. Seuss's beloved and iconic character, The Grinch, is starring in his very own chapter book graphic novel! Everyone's favorite holiday grump is back in a brand-new adventure and he already needs a vacation!

It's vacation time in Whoville but The Grinch doesn't understand...what is a vacation? 

Determined to learn what the Whos seem so excited about, The Grinch decides to give a vacation a try! Unfortunately the mountains are too snowy, the beach is too sandy and the theme park is too loud . . . vacations just might not be something that Grinches do? Thankfully, his dog Max isn't letting the Grinch give up that quickly!

Will there be some fun in the sun for everyone's favorite Grinch or is the Whos' favority grumpy neighbor doomed to stay home?

Elmore the Christmas Moose By Dev Petty; illustrated by Mike Boldt

A hilarious and heartwarming Christmas story about a moose who wants to be one of Santa's reindeer. This charming picture book comes from the comic minds of the the duo that brought you I Don't Want to Be a Frog and Don't Eat Bees.

Dear Mr. Claus,

I am writing to apply for the temporary Christmas reindeer position . . .

When Santa places a job listing in the North Pole newspaper for a replacement reindeer, Elmore the moose eagerly applies. Sure, he can't actually, you know . . . fly, but how hard could it be??

In scene after scene of hilariously dedicated trying . . . and failing, Elmore perseveres in his dream to become a part of Santa's trusted team. Young readers will love Elmore's wry, funny letters to Santa as he continues on his quest. And they will shed a happy tear when the perfect opportunity arises for Elmore to shine simply by being himself. 

Families at Christmas (and many Christmases to come) will love sharing this heartfelt, hilarious tale about a can-do moose who embodies the true spirit of the holiday.

A Stickler Christmas By Lane Smith

A holiday picture book from award-winning author/illustrator Lane Smith that features the woodland character, Stickler, who wanders the forest delivering Christmas presents. In a picture book that’s both silly and sweet, readers will be inspired by this story of holiday kindness.

Happy-go-lucky Stickler, an original character covered in sticks, is celebrating Christmas by passing out presents for all his friends.  He has carefully selected the right stick for each of them, including: a Hop-Higher Stick for Rabbit, an Idea Stick for Crow, an In-a-Pear-Tree Stick for Partridge. But Doug-the-Fir doesn’t want a present, he is too worried about being covered with decorations and lights and being the center of attention. So, Stickler promises to think of a solution and finds the perfect stick. But in order to help his shy friend, Stickler needs to be the one to shine.

     A Stickler Christmas encourages empathy and kindness with a joyful, lighthearted touch. Lane Smith, the award-winning author and illustrator of recent picture books, including A Gift for Nana (where Stickler first appears) and Stickler Loves the World, brings imagination and laughter to a clever story featuring a delightful character.

Let's Celebrate Korean New Year! By Michelle W. Park; illustrated by Hyewon Yum

Ring in the Lunar New Year with this sweet picture book by Emmy-winning TV host Michelle W. Park. This heartwarming story follows two sisters as they explore the Korean traditions of Seollal while learning about the importance of family. The author's own dumpling recipe and a fun activity are included at the end!

새해 복 많이 받으세요 Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!

Madeleine and Eloise are getting ready for their family's Lunar New Year party, and there's so much to do before the guests arrive! From putting on colorful outfits called hanboks and making Korean dumplings called mandoo, to setting up yutnori, a traditional board game, Madeleine shows her younger sister how to prepare for the holiday. But when Madeleine forgets to write a poem to share with the family, Eloise offers to help—and the girls realize that although each tradition is special, what matters most is spending the day together.

This festive picture book is a perfect way to learn about Korean New Year traditions, and features a glossary of Korean terms at the back, the author's own mandoo recipe, and a craft activity to create your very own charae-sang tablescape!

Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever! By Stephen Shaskan

Have Pizza and Taco been naughty or nice? These foodie besties are getting ready for the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER in this hilarious graphic novel chapter book!

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME....in a few months!!! But Pizza and Taco have decided it's never too early to make their Christmas wish lists and check them twice. Now all they need to do is make sure they’re super nice and well-behaved because Santa Slaw is always watching! Taco has no problem helping neighbors and doing his chores...but Pizza, on the other hand...! Will Pizza and Taco get all the presents they ask for?

This hilarious young graphic novel—with chapters—will tickle the funny bones of kids ages 5-8 and bolster their reading confidence. It's the perfect stepping stone for readers who are transitioning to longer chapter books and graphic novels.

Readers will be hungry to collect all eight books in the series! Here are a few titles to look out for:
Who's the Best?
Super-Awesome Comic!
Too Cool for School (A Parents Magazine Best Book!)
Dare to be Scared!
Wrestling Mania!

A Sweet Diwali By Harshita Jerath; illustrated by Geeta Ladi

Join a young girl and her dog in this Step 2 reader as they joyfully prepare to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights! Perfect for readers ages 4-6.

Raina is excited to celebrate Diwali, a Hindu holiday that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Along with her family and her best friend, Lion (a little dog with a big sweet tooth!), Raina helps prepare for the celebration. She decorates the house with clay lamps called diyas, makes beautiful rangoli designs with sand, watches colorful fireworks, and shares sweet treats with Lion. It’s a Diwali to remember!

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories, for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story.

Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree By Freddy Wexler; illustrated by Fanny Berthiaume

Celebrate friendship, giving, and the true meaning of Christmas with Everett Green, the palm tree with plenty of personality!

The tiki torch is lit, the hula dancers are ready, the stage is set. It's...Christmastime in Hawaii!

Everett Green is a singing, dancing palm tree waiting for his big break. He dreams of being a star, yet has no idea how to make it happen--until he sees the Rockefeller Tree on TV. Determined to become the most famous Christmas tree ever, Everett is ready to hightail it out of Hawaii and make his big debut in the Big Apple.

But it's not all clear skies for Everett when a New York snowstorm grounds his flight.

Stuck in the airport with hundreds of disgruntled travelers, Everett must dig deep for holiday spirit if he wants to become a real Christmas tree!

From grammy-nominated songwriter Freddy Wexler comes a modern Christmas classic: the story of a would-be Christmas tree who comes to see that Christmas is not what or where you are, but who you're with.

The Champions By Kara Thomas

“An engrossing, thrilling…. mystery with a likable protagonist.” —Kirkus Reviews

From the author of The Cheerleaders comes another dark YA thriller set in the same town of Sunnybrook. When a mysterious accident befalls a member of the all-star high school football team, the town’s deadly history stands to repeat itself—and the price of discovering the truth is higher than anyone could imagine.

It was the deaths of five cheerleaders that made the town of Sunnybrook infamous. Eleven years later, the girls’ killer has been brought to justice, and the town just wants to move on. By the time Hadley moves to Sunnybrook, though, the locals are more interested in the Tigers, the high school’s championship-winning football team. The Tigers are Sunnybrook’s homegrown heroes–something positive in a town with so much darkness in its past.

Hadley could care less about football, but shortly after she gets assigned to cover the team’s latest championship bid for the school newspaper, one of the Tigers is poisoned at a party, and almost immediately after, Hadley starts getting strange emails warning her to stay far away from the football team.

It’s becoming clear Sunnybrook’s golden boys have secrets, and after a second player is mysteriously killed, Hadley’s beginning to suspect that someone wants the team to pay for their sins. Or does this new target on the football team have something to do with what happened to the cheerleaders all those years ago?

As an outsider in Sunnybrook, Hadley feels like she’s the only one who can see the present clearly, but it looks like she’s going to have to dig up the darkness of the past to get to the bottom of what’s happening now. Luckily, there are still some Sunnybrook High grads who never left—people who were around eleven years ago—and if she can just convince them to talk, she might be able stop a killer before another Tiger dies.

The Cheerleaders By Kara Thomas

A YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
A Goodreads Best Young Adult Book of the Year Nominee

“At times eerie, exciting, and even frightening…this deliciously deceptive thriller and provocative drama is a must-have.”—SLJ
 
“Keeping the audience guessing until the very end…[The Cheerleaders is a] satisfying, whodunnit with a solution as complicated as its premise.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Thomas builds her novel around an appealingly gruesome case…beset by herrings, and it keeps the pace moving at a solid clip….A solid pick for mystery fans.”—Booklist

From the author of The Darkest Corners and Little Monsters comes an all-new edge-of-your-seat thriller set in upstate New York about an eerie sequence of seemingly unrelated events that leaves five cheerleaders dead.

There are no more cheerleaders in the town of Sunnybrook.

First there was the car accident–two girls dead after hitting a tree on a rainy night. Not long after, the murders happened. Those two girls were killed by the man next door. The police shot him, so no one will ever know his reasons. Monica’s sister was the last cheerleader to die. After her suicide, Sunnybrook High disbanded the cheer squad. No one wanted to be reminded of the girls they’d lost.

That was five years ago. Now the faculty and students at Sunnybrook High want to remember the lost cheerleaders. But for Monica, it’s not that easy. She just wants to forget.

Only, Monica’s world is starting to unravel. There are the letters in her stepdad’s desk, an unearthed, years-old cell phone, a strange new friend at school. . . . Whatever happened five years ago isn’t over. Some people in town know more than they’re saying. And somehow, Monica is at the center of it all.

There are no more cheerleaders in Sunnybrook, but that doesn’t mean anyone else is safe.

Little Monsters By Kara Thomas

A Junior Library Guild Selection

“An eerie and masterly psychological thriller…[that] culminates in a shocking and disturbing ending. Thomas expertly captures the pointed nuances and the fickle, manipulative bonds of adolescent girls’ friendships.”—SLJ

“Taut and suspenseful...this gritty page-turner will easily hook a broad range of readers”—Booklist

“An intense psychological thriller that all but ensures the lights will be left on between dusk and dawn.”—Publishers Weekly

“Gritty and realistic…this mystery will leave readers in awe.”—VOYA

For fans of Pretty Little Liars, comes a psychological thriller about about how when you’re the new girl in town, you can’t trust anyone, especially other teenage girls.

Kacey is the new girl in Broken Falls. When she moved in with her father, she stepped into a brand-new life. A life with a stepbrother, a stepmother, and strangest of all, an adoring younger half sister.

Kacey’s new life is eerily charming compared with the wild highs and lows of the old one she lived with her volatile mother. And everyone is so nice in Broken Falls–she’s even been welcomed into a tight new circle of friends.

Which is why it’s so odd when her closest friends, Bailey and Jade, start acting distant. And when they don’t invite her to the biggest party of the year, it doesn’t exactly feel like an accident.

But Kacey will never be able to ask, because Bailey never makes it home from that party. Suddenly, Broken Falls doesn’t seem so welcoming after all–especially once everyone starts looking to the new girl for answers.

The Darkest Corners By Kara Thomas

An International Thriller Writers Award Finalist
An ABC Best Book for Teens
A Junior Library Guild Selection

★ “Thomas carefully crafts the suspense, leaving present-tense narrator Tessa—and readers—to doubt even those she loves the most…An unsettling story of loss, lies, and violence lurking in the shadows of a small town.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★ “On the heels of Making a Murderer and The Jinx comes a psychological thriller strongly rooted in the true-crime tradition… Expertly plotted with plenty of twists and turns—never mind a truly shocking conclusion—this gritty thriller is sure to find a wide audience among teens and adults alike. Equally concerned with a quest for the truth and the powerful motivation of guilt, this compelling novel won’t linger on the shelf.” —Booklist, Starred Review

★ “Thomas keeps it real with a jaded heroine from the have-nots societal segment who holds onto her humanity, and a frank illustration of failure in the justice system. Hand this one to older teens who love dark mysteries or fans of Netflix’s Making a Murderer.”—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

“Clearly drawn…[and] alive until the twisty end.“—The Bulletin
 
“Strong character development and thrilling reveals…this novel is a sure bet.“—SLJ

For fans of Gillian Flynn and Pretty Little Liars, The Darkest Corners is a psychological thriller about the lies little girls tell, and the deadly truths those lies become.

There are secrets around every corner in Fayette, Pennsylvania. Tessa left when she was nine and has been trying ever since not to think about what happened there that last summer.

She and her childhood best friend Callie never talked about what they saw. Not before the trial. And certainly not after.

But ever since she left, Tessa has had questions. Things have never quite added up. And now she has to go back to Fayette—to Wyatt Stokes, sitting on death row; to Lori Cawley, Callie’s dead cousin; and to the one other person who may be hiding the truth.

Only the closer Tessa gets to what really happened, the closer she gets to a killer—and this time, it won’t be so easy to run away.

That Weekend By Kara Thomas

“Quick-fire pacing, sharpened dialogue, and clever reveals make for an addictive read.” —Publishers Weekly

“Effortlessly compelling, That Weekend will thrill you from start to finish, leaving you breathless as you learn what truly happened on the mountain.” —Rachel Strolle, Teen Services Coordinator, Glenside Public Library District

From the author of The Cheerleaders comes a thriller about best friends on a weekend getaway that goes horribly, dangerously wrong.

THREE BEST FRIENDS, A LAKE HOUSE, A SECRET TRIP—WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

It was supposed to be the perfect prom weekend getaway. But it’s clear something terrible happened when Claire wakes up alone and bloodied on a hiking trail with no memory of the past forty-eight hours.

Now everyone wants answers—most of all, Claire. She remembers Friday night, but after that . . . nothing. And now Kat and Jesse—her best friends—are missing.

What happened on the mountain? And where are Kat and Jesse? Claire knows the answers are buried somewhere in her memory. But as she’s learning, everyone has secrets—even her best friends. And she’s pretty sure she’s not going to like what she remembers.

Witchwood: A Ravenfall Novel By Kalyn Josephson

The third book in the “spellbinding” (Kirkus Reviews) Ravenfall series follows Anna and Colin, two kids with supernatural powers, into the magical town of Witchwood, where local witches have gone missing—and Anna might be next.

Everything is changing at Ravenfall, the magical inn that best friends Anna Ballinkay and Colin Pierce call home. The leaves are turning golden, the air is as crisp as a harvest apple, and Anna’s older twin sisters are leaving for college… but at least Anna and Colin have finally reunited after a summer apart, just in time for a new magical mission.

When their mission is interrupted by a mysterious attack that forces them to seek shelter, Anna and Colin head to Witchwood, a spooky lakeside town where magic doesn’t have to be hidden. Anna is excited to reunite with her aunt and cousin, who she hopes might teach her more about Jewish magic—except her cousin seems to hate her. Especially once Anna realizes that she’s a witch, just like them.

But rude cousins are the least of their problems, because they soon discover that witches are going missing in Witchwood. And if Anna and Colin can’t stop whatever sinister force is making them disappear, Anna could be the next target…

Alex Wise vs. the Cosmic Shift By Terry J. Benton-Walker

No one ever said saving the world would be easy. In the second installment of this thrilling fantasy series all about finding your inner hero, a 12-year-old boy leads the charge against the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Alex Wise is no superhero. Or at least, he doesn't feel like one. Sure, he vanquished Death and saved his sister Mags—with the help of some new magic powers, his best friend Loren and demi-god Liam. But the apocalypse shows no signs of slowing down. Now, Alex and his friends will have to find new allies and face new dangers—from battling a giant snake in a literal ghost town and infiltrating the Horsemen’s new home base on the Vegas Strip…on the back of a dragon. 

With everyone looking to him for answers, Alex isn't sure he's cut out for this world saving thing. And the closer he gets to Liam, the farther away he feels from Loren and from Mags, who hasn't been the same since she was possessed by Death. How can Alex lead a team if he doesn't even feel like he deserves to be a part of it? 

“Never has the apocalypse been so fun!"
—Mark Oshiro, author of THE INSIDERS and co-author with Rick Riordan of THE SUN AND THE STAR: A NICO DI ANGELO ADVENTURE.

Never Thirteen By Stacy McAnulty

What if you were twelve for all of eternity? From the award-winning author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl comes a magical mystery about a group of kids called the Evers who have been alive for hundreds of years.

Ivy Stewart thought West Archer Academy was the first step to everything she’d always wanted. The key to her entire future. But now…she might not even have a future.

It’s the start of a new semester, and Ivy’s very old friends and her very new immortality are at odds. The Evers, kids who are hundreds of years old and never age, are determined to save Ivy from suffering that same miserable fate…even if it means she won’t remember them. But what’s worse? Forgetting her family, her friends, her life or never turning thirteen?

Ronan is done running from his psychic powers. He knows he can help Ivy—once he figures out how—but he can’t shake the bad feeling he has around the rest of the Evers. Can he trust them? Can the Evers trust Ronan? Or are they all doomed to fight this centuries-old battle forever… and ever?

Sir Callie and the Witch's War By Esme Symes-Smith

In the third book of this thrilling fantasy series a twelve-year-old nonbinary knight-in-training, a reluctant crown prince, a fierce young witch, and her troubled twin brother fight for the heart of their kingdom in a medieval world of dragons and magic.

Being a hero is nothing like the ballads promised it would be. Scattered across the realm, Callie, Willow, Elowen, and Edwyn have learned that when the fate of their world is at stake, choices are hard and the consequences are harder, even when striving for good.

Hunted by both Helston and Dumoor, Callie and Willow flee to the walled city of Fairkeep in a last-ditch effort to find allies. Meanwhile, at Alis’s side, Elowen grapples with a battle between her heart and her ambition as the Witch Queen’s new protégé. Edwyn, desperate to prove himself as brave as his friends, accepts a mission that takes him back to the source of his nightmares: home. Helston.

Faced with the reality of a devastating war, all four champions are forced to confront the very parts of themselves they fear most, and each must do it alone. But how can they find the truth within a kingdom founded on lies?

Like a Curse By Elle McNicoll

The fight to save the human and magical worlds is ON...but witch (in-training) Ramya isn't much help unless she can learn her new powers--and fast. It's a race to the finish in the stunning conclusion to the Like a Charm duology from the award-winning author of A Kind of Spark.

Ramya thought discovering she was a witch would make life easier. But mastering her powers isn't going as smoothly as she thought. And while she is stuck in Loch Ness stumbling through spells, the wicked siren Portia is gaining control over the human and hidden worlds in the city. 

Time is running out, but the more Ramya presses, the more her family insists she isn't ready for the fight. Then an old friend is kidnapped, and Ramya can't wait any longer. Armed with a lot of bravery, a little magic, and a few new friends, Ramya hopes it is enough to take down Portia and the sirens forever--before everything she loves is lost forever.