New Spring Middle-Grade

New Spring 2023 Middle-Grade & Chapter Books

Camp Creepy

Camp Creepy By Kiersten White

The third book in the middle-grade series that's part Scooby-Doo, part A Series of Unfortunate Events, and entirely genius! Follow the Sinister-Winterbottoms on their most outrageous adventure yet, when they find themselves at a normal summer camp!

After leaving the Sanguine Spa in pursuit of Edgaren't, the kids find themselves at a mysterious summer camp, Camp Creek. There are lake games and happy counselors, and there's even a tie-dye cabin. It's all very . . . normal.

But if Theo and Alexander know one thing, it's that normal doesn't always mean good. When everyone around her starts acting strange, Theo wonders if maybe the fumes from the tie-dye cabin are seeping into their brains, and she resolves to investigate what's really going on at Camp Creek.   

The third book in #1 New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White's Sinister Summer series continues the adventures of the Sinister-Winterbottoms and their aunt, who never saw a discount vacation destination she didn’t love.

The Fifth Hero #1: The Race to Erase

The Fifth Hero #1: The Race to Erase By Bill Doyle

CHOOSE YOUR PATH. CHANGE THE STORY. SAVE THE EARTH. From the creator of the interactive Escape This Book! series comes a new adventure series about climate superheroes in which YOU get to help save the planet by choosing which story line you think is the right one!

The Calamity Corporation is determined to end life on Earth as we know it. The company has built hotels that orbit Earth and small cities on the moon and has plans to move the human population to Mars. The sinister corporation knows if they destroy Earth, people will have no choice but to leave it. 

Not so fast! Four kids who secretly possess the powers of land, air, sea, and creatures are about to change the course of history. These kids may not be the likeliest of heroes, but they are determined to stop Calamity Corporation from destroying Earth. And they have a secret weapon: a fifth hero. YOU! 

Throughout the book, there are three chances for you to help change the course of the story alongside our fearless team. Choose incorrectly and it's game over. But choose wisely and you might save the planet!

A Mighty Long Way (Adapted for Young Readers)

A Mighty Long Way (Adapted for Young Readers) By Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier Page

Follow the story of Carlotta Walls LaNier, who in 1957 at the age of fourteen was one of nine black students who integrated the all-white Little Rock Central High School and became known as the Little Rock Nine.

At fourteen years old, Carlotta Walls was the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine. The journey to integration in a place deeply against it would not be not easy. Yet Carlotta, her family, and the other eight students and their families answered the call to be part of the desegregation order issued by the US Supreme Court in its 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case.
    As angry mobs protested, the students were escorted into Little Rock Central High School by escorts from the 101st Airborne Division, which had been called in by then-president Dwight D. Eisenhower to ensure their safety. The effort needed to get through that first year in high school was monumental, but Carlotta held strong. Ultimately, she became the first Black female ever to walk across the Central High stage and receive a diploma. 
    The Little Rock Nine experienced traumatic and life-changing events not only as a group but also as individuals, each with a distinct personality and a different story. This is Carlotta's courageous story.

The Enchanted Bridge

The Enchanted Bridge By Zetta Elliott; illustrated by Cherise Harris

Getting three baby dragons back home was just the beginning. Now Jaxon is on a mission to help all magical creatures from Dragons in a Bag! But things in the magical realm are more complicated than they seem in the fourth book of this critically-acclaimed series.

With their new special abilities, Jaxon and his friends are not the ordinary kids they used to be. No longer destined to become a witch, Jax finds himself caught up in a secret plan involving the Guardian of Palmara’s mysterious twin brother, Ol-Korrok. As the ambassador to the realm of magic, Jax must convince Sis that magical creatures should be free to return to the human world.

But to reach Palmara, Jax and his friends must cross Ol-Korrok’s enchanted bridge connecting the two realms. Is Ol-Korrok really the ally he pretends to be? Or has Jax set in motion a plan that will endanger both realms?

It takes strength to build a bridge. But sometimes even the strongest bridges must be burned.

Heroes of Havensong: Dragonboy

Heroes of Havensong: Dragonboy By Megan Reyes

This timeless fantasy debut follows four unlikely heroes—a boy-turned-dragon, his reluctant dragon rider, a runaway witch, and a young soldier—bound by the Fates to save their world, and magic itself, from being destroyed.

Blue, River, Wren, and Shenli grew up on different sides of a war they didn’t start. Their land has been torn apart over centuries of conflict, with humans taught to fear all things magical, dragons driven to near extinction, and magic under attack. But an ancient prophecy has put the four them on a collision course with destiny—and with each other—in a mission to heal the fractured realm once known as Haven. 

All of them must follow the threads of Fate, leaving behind the lives and homes they know to discover the truth about the seemingly endless war—and the truth about themselves. As the barriers between them begin to crumble, can they unravel the lies they’ve been taught to believe in order to restore the balance between humans, dragons, and magic before it’s too late?

“A powerful cast of characters in an epic tale of dragons and magic.” —Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of The Unwanteds and Map of Flames

Totally Random Questions Volume 5

Totally Random Questions Volume 5 By Melina Gerosa Bellows

Do ligers exist in the wild? Can a goose get goosebumps? Which is longer on Venus, a day or a year? Discover the answers to these questions and more in the newest installment of this kid-friendly series packed with fun, fascinating Q&As!

Got a random question? This book has the answer! Packed with surprising facts and colorful photos, Totally Random Questions: Volume 5 presents snack-sized answers to a series of wacky, weird, but always amazing questions about our wonderfully wild world! Kids will love testing their knowledge and stumping their friends with the unlikely info they'll find inside, covering animals, science, sports, food, pop culture, and more.

Written and designed to make any kid an instant genius—and maybe even a few parents too!

Find more wacky Q&As in Totally Random Questions volumes 1-8, or tempt your trivia-loving kid with our fact-packed Totally Random Facts books!

White Bird: A Novel

White Bird: A Novel By R. J. Palacio with Erica S. Perl

Soon to be a major motion picture starring Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson!
 
Read the novelized version of the celebrated New York Times bestselling story of kindness and unrelenting courage in a time of war--inspired by the blockbuster phenomenon Wonder.


Sara Blum lives an idyllic life with her adoring parents in Vichy France. But her world comes crashing down when the Nazi occupation separates the family and forces the young Jewish girl into hiding. Her classmate Julien and his family will risk everything to ensure her survival, and, together, Sara and Julien manage to find beauty in a secret world of their creation. 
 
First published as a graphic novel and now a major motion picture starring Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson, R. J. Palacio’s unforgettable story demonstrates the power of kindness to change hearts, build bridges, and even save lives in the darkest of times. 
 
Includes an 8-page photo insert and a discussion guide.

Super Pancake

Super Pancake By Megan Wagner Lloyd; illustrated by Abhi Alwar

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a... pancake? Here is a delightfully clever and endearingly funny graphic novel about a pancake named Peggy, who accidentally develops superhero abilities and must defend her home of Breakfast Town.

    Life in Breakfast Town is pretty uneventful for Peggy Pancake. Her parents are always on her case, she's stuck in her perfect brother's shadow, and she just can't seem to avoid the Bacon Bullies at school. That is until one day, after an accidental mixup, Peggy finds herself with superhero abilities... Now, Peggy can flip! She can fight! She can FLY!
    With the help of her new friend, Luc Croissant, Peggy must master her newfound skills. But danger is lurking in the Maple Mountains where Dr. Evil Breakfast Sandwich and his evil Henchtoasts are plotting something sinister. Can Peggy harness her powers and save all that is dear? Find out in: SUPER PANCAKE!
 

The Treasure Test (Hide and Geek #2)

The Treasure Test (Hide and Geek #2) By T. P. Jagger

Four best friends have the chance to find the ultimate treasure! But someone wants to take down the GEEKS. . . . An exciting new book in the puzzle-filled, action-packed Hide and GEEK series!

The GEEKs:
After a wild treasure hunt that almost got Gina, Edgar, Elena, and Kevin killed in a secret vault hidden in an abandoned amusement park, the GEEKs thought life would go back to normal. They’d saved their town from ruin and secured their friendship forever, right? Man, were they wrong. The only thing that returned to normal was middle school lunch.

THE PROBLEM:
A company wants to reopen the abandoned amusement park, Bamboozleland, and it’s just what the town needs! But a blogger from the next town over starts spreading vicious rumors that the treasure was fake and the GEEKs are a bunch of frauds.

THE TEST:
The GEEKs are determined to prove their puzzle-solving prowess, and what better way than another treasure hunt? A local bigwig sets up a new set of clues for them to follow, and this time the hunt will be documented. The GEEKs have already saved their friendship. Now they must prove that they are true treasure hunters!

Lasagna Means I Love You

Lasagna Means I Love You By Kate O'Shaughnessy

What are the essential ingredients that make a family? Eleven-year-old Mo is making up her own recipe in this unforgettable story that's a little sweet, a little sour, and totally delicious.

Nan was all the family Mo ever needed. But suddenly she’s gone, and Mo finds herself in foster care after her uncle decides she’s not worth sticking around for.
     Nan left her a notebook and advised her to get a hobby, like ferret racing or palm reading.
     But how could a hobby fix anything in her newly topsy-turvy life?
Then Mo finds a handmade cookbook filled with someone else’s family recipes. Even though Nan never cooked, Mo can’t tear her eyes away. Not so much from the recipes, but the stories attached to them. Though, when she makes herself a pot of soup, it is every bit as comforting as the recipe notes said.
     Soon Mo finds herself asking everyone she meets for their family recipes. Teaching herself to make them. Collecting the stories behind them. Building a website to share them. And, okay, secretly hoping that a long-lost relative will find her and give her a family recipe all her own.
     But when everything starts to unravel again, Mo realizes that if she wants a family recipe—or a real family—she’s going to have to make it up herself.

The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers)

The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers) By Heather McGhee

The New York Times bestseller, adapted for a new generation of young readers, leaders, thinkers, and activists. A groundbreaking call to action that examines how racism affects and harms all of us and how we need to face it head-on, together.

The future can be prosperous for everyone, but only if we address the problems of racial and economic inequality.

McGhee believes that all people, of all ages and all backgrounds, need to rethink their attitude toward race and strive together to create opportunities that benefit everyone. 

This book is a call to action. McGhee examines how damaging racism is, not only to people of color but also to white people. She offers hope and real solutions so we can all prosper. An expert in economic policy, McGhee draws lessons both from her work at a think tank and from her travels around the country talking to everyday Americans fighting for a more just and inclusive society.

The people she meets prove how the stories we tell ourselves about race and belonging influence the policies that determine our shared economic future.

The Sum of Us provides hope that with understanding and open-mindedness, the world can be more united and equitable than it is today.

Hilo Book 9: Gina and the Last City on Earth

Hilo Book 9: Gina and the Last City on Earth By Judd Winick

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES!

Is Gina the hero the world needs? Gina, D.J., and Hilo are back with an epic time-turning adventure in the New York Times bestselling graphic novel series that kids and critics love!

"An action-packed page-turner with heart!" --Dav Pilkey, author of DOG MAN


Sometimes the world needs to be saved and there's only one person brave enough to do it. This time . . . that person is Gina. With the help of D.J., Hilo, one warrior cat, one warrior cat's annoying little brother, one flying Bearacat, lots of magic, lots of action, lots of laughs, and a whole world that believes in her, Gina is ready to save the world once and for all!

Prepare for a Hilo with more twists, more turns, more monsters, and more shocking surprises than ever before--because sometimes we all need to be reminded who we've always been.

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind By Misa Sugiura

A thrilling fantasy series about a twelve year old girl who sets out to save her Shinto goddess mother—and the world—by facing down demons intent on bringing chaos.

“A grand adventure.” —Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven

“A wild ride of a novel…hilarious.” —Sayantani DasGupta, New York Times bestselling author of The Kingdom Beyond


All Momo wants for her twelfth birthday is an ordinary life—like everyone else's. At home, she has to take care of her absentminded widowed mother. At school, kids ridicule her for mixing up reality with the magical stories her mother used to tell her.

But then Momo’s mother falls gravely ill, and a death hag straight out of those childhood stories attacks Momo at the mall, where she’s rescued by a talking fox . . . and “ordinary” goes out the window. It turns out that Momo's mother is a banished Shinto goddess who used to protect a long-forgotten passageway to Yomi—a.k.a. the land of the dead. That passageway is now under attack, and countless evil spirits threaten to escape and wreak havoc across the earth.

Joined by Niko the fox and Danny—her former best friend turned popular jerk, whom she never planned to speak to again, much less save the world with—Momo must embrace her (definitely not "ordinary") identity as half human, half goddess to unlock her divine powers, save her mother’s life, and force the demons back to Yomi.

Not an Easy Win

Not an Easy Win By Chrystal D. Giles

FOUR STARRED REVIEWS! Twelve-year old Lawrence is new to chess--can he find a way to get on the board, even though the odds are stacked against him?

Find out in this powerful novel about family, forgiveness, and figuring out who you are when you don’t make the rules—just right for middle-grade fans of Nic Stone and Jason Reynolds.

*“Essential middle grade and tween realistic reading.”—School Library Journal, starred Review


Lawrence is ready for a win. . . .

Nothing’s gone right for Lawrence since he had to move from Charlotte to Larenville, North Carolina, to live with his granny. When Lawrence ends up in one too many fights at his new school, he gets expelled. The fight wasn’t his fault, but since his pop’s been gone, it feels like no one listens to what Lawrence has to say.

Instead of going to school, Lawrence starts spending his days at the rec center, helping out a neighbor who runs a chess program. Some of the kids in the program will be picked to compete in the Charlotte Classic chess tournament. Could this be Lawrence's chance to go home?

Lawrence doesn’t know anything about chess, but something about the center—and the kids there—feels right. Lawrence thought the game was over . . . but does he have more moves left than he thought?

The Terribles #2: A Witch's Last Resort

The Terribles #2: A Witch's Last Resort By Travis Nichols

The Terribles might be monsters, but they're also kids just like you! Well, sort of. This hilarious peek into the world of vampires, mummies, swamp things, and bigfoots is perfect for fans of the Hotel Transylvania movies.

There’s a NEW WITCH in town. And everyone wants to be her friend! She lives at the local island resort and gets to enjoy all the perks. Dolphin acrobats! Enchanting spa! Portal to the Underworld!

Meanwhile, THE TERRIBLES hold a class election for the next Line Overlord (that’s like their student leader or whatever), and the results are TERRIFYING! Then Frankie (you know, the daughter of an INFAMOUS SCIENTIST) helps Quade the SASQUATCH build a greenhouse. Finally, YOU (as a wereskunk) go to a sleepover in an INVISIBLE HOUSE.

They may be TERRIBLE, but these kids make some pretty great pals!

Want to be a little more TERRIBLE? This series is told in alternating chapters, activities, charts, and crafts so you can read about monsters AND be just like one! Neat!

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookies of Chaos

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookies of Chaos By Matthew Swanson; illustrated by Robbi Behr

It's a cookie catastrophe when Ben receives five conflicting fortunes and doesn't know which advice to follow! Another hilarious Cookie Chronicles adventure that middle grade readers who love Wimpy Kid and Dog Man will gobble up with gusto.

When Ben finds a lost wallet, he's determined to do the right thing instead of spending the money on sweets. But what is the right thing? Ben seeks the guidance of one fortune cookie after another—yet none of the fortunes make sense!

In his chaotic quest to track down the wallet’s owner, Ben puzzles his way through five baffling fortunes in rapid succession while feuding with a vengeful librarian, battling a terrifying toilet, and gaining a new appreciation for ducks, cardamom, and his best friend, Janet.

From the husband-and-wife, author-and-illustrator duo that brought you Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom comes a tale about trusting your heart when your head can’t make sense of things.

The Moth Keeper

The Moth Keeper By K. O'Neill

Being a Moth Keeper is a huge responsibility and a great honor, but what happens when the new Moth Keeper decides to take a break from the moon and see the sun for the first time? From the author of the beloved Tea Dragon Society comes a must-read for fans of the rich fantasies of Hayao Miyazaki and the magical adventures of Witch Hat Atelier.

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn’t exactly what Anya thought it would be?

Night after night, it is lonely in the desert, with only one lantern for light. Still, Anya is eager to prove her worth, to show her thanks to her friends and her village. But is it worth the cost? And yet something isn’t right. When Anya glimpses the one thing that could destroy what she’s meant to protect, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences.

K. O’Neill brings to life a beautifully illustrated fantasy with lush, gorgeous art and intricate world-building. A story about coming of age and community, The Moth Keeper is filled with magic, hope, and friendship.

“Expressing quiet resilience, this story lifts up nature’s symbiotic relationships and the power of community.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review

The Notorious Scarlett and Browne

The Notorious Scarlett and Browne By Jonathan Stroud

"Stroud is a genius." —Rick Riordan

The now notorious outlaws Scarlett and Browne are back in their second death-defying adventure—and this time it’s not just their own lives on the line. . . .


Albert and Scarlett are a formidable pair. With his ability to read minds and her way with a weapon, no bank can keep them out and no jail can keep them in.
     But their notoriety may have spread a bit too far. Now old enemies from Scarlett’s past and a sinister new threat from Albert’s world are boxing them in—and holding their friends hostage.
     To win their freedom, the outlaws Scarlett and Browne are charged with pulling off an impossible mission.
     And the clock is ticking . . .

Fans of Jonathan Stroud's The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne won't want to miss their next adventure.

Eb & Flow

Eb & Flow By Kelly J. Baptist

A ten-day suspension has tweens De'Kari and Ebony seeing the world with a fresh perspective. Don't miss this poignant novel in verse from the award-winning author of Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero.

Two kids. One fight. No one thinks they’re wrong.

Flow

I don’t even hit girls . . . is what I’m thinking.

I roll my eyes, turn them to my shoes.

Shoes I’ma wear every day till they fall off my feet.

Eb

It was all just an accident!

Nobody was trying to mess up

his Stupid Ugly Shoes.

Now I’ve got my third suspension of seventh grade.

Ebony and De’Kari (aka Flow) do not get along. How could they when their cafeteria scuffle ended with De'Kari's ruined shoes, Ebony on the ground, and both of them with ten days of at-home suspension? Now Eb and Flow have two weeks to think about and explain their behavior—to their families, to each other, and ultimately to themselves.

Award-winning author Kelly J. Baptist delivers a novel in verse that follows Eb and Flow as they navigate their parallel lives. Single-parent homes, tight funds, and sibling dynamics provide a balancing act for the growing tweens. And whether they realize it or not, these two have a lot more in common than they think.

The Sister Split

The Sister Split By Auriane Desombre

A pair of soon-to-be stepsisters creates a plan that will stop their parents from getting married—but they soon learn that matters of the heart can surprise you! This is a fresh sister story evocative of The Parent Trap with LGBTQ themes for the modern reader.


Autumn is looking forward to summer vacation. She and her best friend plan on going to all the best ice cream places their stomachs can handle—and in NYC, the possibilities can’t get any sweeter. 
 
Linnea is still not over the fact that her dad has found love after her parents' divorce. Luckily, she can take out all her feelings on the tennis courts for a winning summer.

But then Autumn and Linnea discover the news: their parents are getting married. Autumn will be moving to the suburbs to live with her soon-to-be stepdad and stepsister, which means kissing the fun summer with her best friend goodbye. For Linnea, she knows her dream of getting her parents back together is officially over. 
 
Devastated, the two of them come up with an idea: if they can split up their parents, their lives can go back to normal. As Autumn and Linnea secretly try to sabotage everything from date nights to wedding planning, the two of them discover that having a sister is not the worst thing after all . . . but will they learn about love in a whole new way?


"A sweet and compelling story on the many unexpected and wonderful shapes love and family can take.”—Rachel Lippincott, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Five Feet Apart

Turtles of the Midnight Moon

Turtles of the Midnight Moon By María José Fitzgerald

When poachers threaten the island they love, two girls team up to save the turtles—and each other. An eco-mystery with an unforgettable friendship story at its heart from a fresh new voice in middle grade.

Twelve-year-old Barana lives in a coastal village in Honduras, where she spends every spare minute visiting the sea turtles that nest on the beach.

Abby is feeling adrift in sixth grade, trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs after her best friend moved away from New Jersey.

When Abby’s papi plans a work trip to Honduras, she is finally given the opportunity to see his homeland—with Barana as her tour guide. But Barana has other plans: someone has been poaching turtle eggs, and she’s determined to catch them! Before long, Abby and Barana are both consumed by the mystery, chasing down suspects, gathering clues, and staking out the beach in the dead of night. . . . Will they find a way to stop the poachers before it’s too late?

A heart-pounding mystery with a hint of magic, María José Fitzgerald’s debut novel explores the power of friendship, community, and compassion to unite all living creatures.

Meesh the Bad Demon #1

Meesh the Bad Demon #1 By Michelle Lam

A tale of unlikely heroes and myths is made real in this debut graphic novel series about a “bad” demon trying to find her place in the underworld. But she’ll have to save it first!

Meesh is a bad demon. “Bad” in that she always sees the good in those around her—which isn’t how a demon is meant to feel or act. 

Bullied by the other demons, twelve-year-old Meesh is more likely to be found reading magazines from Plumeria City—the fairy realm—and fangirling about the fairy princesses.

But when disaster strikes and all of demon-kind is threatened, Meesh must journey to other worlds in search of help.

As luck would have it, she meets a fairy princess right away. Things in the fairy realm aren't so perfect either, though. As Meesh makes surprising new friends and unites a band of outcasts, she learns there's much more to being a demon than she ever realized. And learning to love herself might just uncover the secret to saving her home.

Muzoon

Muzoon By Muzoon Almellehan with Wendy Pearlman

“Muzoon takes readers on her perilous and ultimately hopeful journey from refugee child to advocate for others in need.”
—Malala Yousafzai, bestselling author and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize

When her family had to flee Syria, 14-year-old Muzoon was told to pack only the most essential things—and so she packed her schoolbooks.

This is the inspiring true story of a Syrian refugee who fought hard for what she needed—and grew into one of the world's leading advocates for education.


This eye-opening memoir tells the story of a young girl's life in Syria, her family's wrenching decision to leave their home, and the upheaval of life in a refugee camp. Though her life had utterly changed, one thing remained the same. She knew that education was the key to a better future—for herself, and so that she could help her country. She went from tent to tent in the camp, trying to convince other kids, especially girls, to come to school. And her passion and dedication soon had people calling her the "Malala of Syria."
     Muzoon has grown into an internationally recognized advocate for refugees, for education, and for the rights of girls and women, and is now a UNICEF goodwill ambassador—the first refugee to play that role.
     Muzoon's story is absolutely riveting and will inspire young readers to use their own voices and stand up for what they believe in.

Pacey Packer, Unicorn Tracker 4: Dragon Rider

Pacey Packer, Unicorn Tracker 4: Dragon Rider By J.C. Phillipps

Calling all unicorn lovers! Pacey and Slasher (the world's grumpiest unicorn) are flying high with dragons in this graphic novel series with plenty of attitude, humor, and heart! Perfect for anyone who loves—or hates—unicorns!

The battle begins for Rundalyn, the land of unicorns! To protect everyone, Pacey and Slasher MUST collect the pieces of the magic horn before the evil Alpha Unicorn does. Piece of cake, right? And everything goes to plan . . . until Pacey’s sister, Mina, gets taken by a DRAGON—hold on, there are dragons in Rundalyn?!
 
Pacey isn’t afraid of some dragons . . . but she IS afraid of some heights. (Hey, it’s scary being up high!) With flying dragons taking little sisters, how are Pacey and Slasher going to save Mina? And with the Alpha Unicorn on their tail, can they still get the magic horn first? Find out in the fourth adventure of the Pacey Packer, Unicorn Tracker series!
 
Bonus: Includes instructions for how to draw a dragon!

Amelia Gray Is Almost Okay

Amelia Gray Is Almost Okay By Jessica Brody

When you can choose to be anyone, how do you know who you really are? From the author of Better You Than Me and I Speak Boy comes another fun and relatable book about new experiences and how staying true to yourself is the best way to be okay.

Twelve-year-old Amelia Gray has changed schools thirty-nine times (!!!) because of her dad’s job, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for making friends. But that’s okay. Amelia loves her “life on the go” with Dad and their adorable supermutt, Biscotti. She’s been in enough middle schools to know that friendships are messy, and who needs that?

But when her dad announces that he wants to stay in their new town for the whole summer—maybe even forever—Amelia realizes she’s going to have to do the one thing she’s never had to do: fit in.

So she gives herself not one but three total makeovers, to try out a few personalities and hopefully find her “thing.” Is she Amie, a confident track star? Mellie, a serious journalist? Or Lia, a bold theater kid?

Juggling three identities is hard, and Amelia soon finds herself caught in the kind of friendship drama she has always managed to avoid. Yet despite her best efforts, she still can’t answer the most important question of all: Who is the real Amelia Gray?

Grace Needs Space!

Grace Needs Space! By Benjamin A. Wilgus and Rii Abrego

To the moon and back! A sci-fi middle-grade graphic novel about a young girl's long-awaited summer trip across space with one of her moms. But when her relationship with her mom goes sideways, so does her trip. Will Grace be able to save her summer vacation before it ends?

Grace is SO EXCITED to fly a freighter from her home space station (and away from her BORING mother Evelyn) to a faraway moon! Plus, she’ll get some quality time with her FUN mom Kendra—something Grace definitely needs. Finally, a real adventure that Grace can get excited about while the rest of her space station friends go away for their summer vacations.

But when Kendra is too focused on work, Grace’s first big trip suddenly becomes kind of lonely. Grace had so many plans for fun. But all it takes is one quick decision to explore the moon by herself before Grace’s adventure suddenly becomes not so out of this world at all. With her mom mad at her, Grace wants nothing more than to return home. Then their ship breaks down. Will Grace be able to get through to her mom and save their trip in the end?

Come See the Fair

Come See the Fair By Gavriel Savit

Now in paperback! A story of what to do when you get burned by the magic you’ve been looking for all your life from the author of the National Book Award finalist The Way Back.

Twelve-year-old orphan Eva Root travels the country pretending to channel spirits at séances. Her audiences swear their loved ones have spoken to them from beyond the grave. This, of course, is impossible.

But one day, Eva experiences another impossibility: she hears a voice in her head telling her to come to the World’s Fair in Chicago. There, she meets a mysterious magician who needs her help to bring magic to life. But as their work progresses, Eva begins to suspect that the project's goals may not be as noble as they seem. And when tragedy strikes, Eva will have to reach beyond death itself to unravel the mystery of the magician's plan—before it’s too late.

Fox Point's Own Gemma Hopper

Fox Point's Own Gemma Hopper By Brie Spangler

A heartwarming graphic novel about a baseball-obsessed 7th grader, trying to find her place in the sports world and her family.

In their tiny corner of Fox Point, Rhode Island, Gemma Hopper’s older brother, Teddy, is a baseball god, destined to become a Major League star. Gemma loves playing baseball, but with her mom gone and her dad working endless overtime, it’s up to her to keep the house running. She’s too busy folding laundry, making lunches, getting her younger twin brothers to do their homework, and navigating the perils of middle-school friendships to take baseball seriously. 

But every afternoon, Gemma picks up her baseball glove to pitch to Teddy during his batting practice--throwing sliders down and away, fastballs right over the middle (not too fast or he’ll get mad), and hanging curveballs high and tight. 

Could baseball be Gemma’s ticket to the big leagues or will it mean the end of her family as she knows it?

Marshmallow Martians: Show and Smell

Marshmallow Martians: Show and Smell By Deanna Kent; illustrated by Neil Hooson

Meet the Marshmallow Martians: a group of curious aliens who can’t get enough of planet Earth! This hilarious, fast-paced graphic chapter book will tickle young readers’ funny bones!

In this adventure, the Martians--along with their space cat, space dog, and marshmallow robot assistant--learn about something called "show and smell." (Does that sound right? It sure doesn't smell right!) They go in search of Earth's smelliest smells to bring back to their home planet, Moop. Where will they find the best smells? An amusement park, of course!

This silly graphic chapter book, with its ensemble of lovable Martians, will have kids ages 5 to 8 laughing out loud while gaining confidence in reading. Graphic chapter books serve as a great bridge to graphic novels and longer chapter books.

The Piper's Promise

The Piper's Promise By Leah Cypess

The Pied Piper’s little sister is determined to rat out the truth behind her brother’s bad behavior—and save the children of Hamelin! The third book in the Sisters Ever After series, perfect for anyone who loves fairy tale retellings about sisters and magic!

"The Piper's Promise is one of those rare books I will gladly read over and over again and love it more every time."—New York Times Bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen


Clare's brother, Tom, also known as the pied piper, has stolen away the children of Hamelin. But Clare knows that’s only half the story. Tom isn’t the easiest person to love, but she’s certain that he couldn’t be so cruel. There has to be a good reason why he stole the Fae Queen’s magic pipe and led the children to a faraway land, never to be seen again.

Together with Anna, the mayor of Hamelin’s daughter, Clare embarks on a journey into the Faerie Realms. In order to succeed, she will have to dodge faerie traps and stay out of the evil Rat Prince's claws. Only she can save the children of Hamelin and clear her brother's name.

But who will she have to betray to do it?

Mapmakers and the Enchanted Mountain

Mapmakers and the Enchanted Mountain By Cameron Chittock and Amanda Castillo

After saving the Valley from the Night Coats, is the newest Mapmaker ready to take the next step and save the rest of the world?

Being a Mapmaker is just as adventurous and magical as Alidade thought it would be. With the help of Lewis and Blue, they’re ready to restore magic to the rest of the world outside the Valley and find out what happened to the Memris, the guardians that disappeared when the Night Coats took over.

When the trio comes across Cado, a young boy who brings them to his hidden Mountain village, they soon learn that not everyone is as happy to meet a Mapmaker or a Memri as they thought they would be. Things go from bad to worse when the Night Coats show up nearby, and Alidade realizes she is running out of time.

Alidade is determined to prove her worth as a Mapmaker and bring balance to the Mountain . . . but at what price?

Shannon in the Spotlight

Shannon in the Spotlight By Kalena Miller

After Shannon accidentally lands a lead role in the summer musical, she realizes she has bigger things to worry about than stage fright in this contemporary middle-school novel about strained friendships, the positive power of theater, and the realities of being a tween with OCD.

Shannon Carter never considered herself much of a theater person. Not like her two BFFs, Elise, an actress, and Fatima, a techie. Shannon’s always been content to stay backstage, helping wherever she can. But when the director of the summer musical hears Shannon singing, he encourages her to step out of the wings and into the spotlight. 

At first, Shannon is hesitant. As a twelve-year-old with obsessive-compulsive disorder, she depends on routine. But when she braves the audition, she discovers that center stage is the one place where she doesn’t feel anxious. She lands a lead role, and everyone in her life is ecstatic . . . except Elise.

To make matters worse, Shannon’s eccentric and opinionated grandmother moves in with her and her mom after a fluke house fire. As opening night approaches, Shannon feels pressure to save her friendship with Elise, to make Mom and Grandma Ruby act like grown-ups, and to follow the old theater adage The show must go on.

Songs of America: Young Reader's Edition

Songs of America: Young Reader's Edition By Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw

An adaptation for young readers of the outstanding adult bestseller by Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Jon Meacham and Grammy Award–winning artist Tim McGraw celebrating America and the music that shaped it.

Songs of America explores the music of important times in our history—the stirring pro- and anti-war music of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, World Wars I and II, and the Vietnam War; the folk songs and popular music of the Great Depression, the fight for women’s rights, and the Civil Rights movement; and the music of both beloved and lesser-known poets, musicians, and songwriters from Colonial times to the twenty-first century. Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jon Meacham and Grammy Award–winning artist Tim McGraw present the songs of patriotism and protest that gave voice to the politicians and activists who moved the country forward, seeking to fulfill America’s destiny as the land of liberty and justice for all.
     Readers will recognize pages from the American songbook—examples include “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,”  “We Shall Overcome,” and “Born in the U.S.A.”—and will be introduced to lesser-known but equally important works that have inspired Americans to hold on to the tenets of freedom at the roots of our nation.
     Adapted from the adult bestseller, Songs of America: Young Readers Edition highlights the unique role music has played in uniting and shaping a nation.

Winnie Zeng Vanquishes a King

Winnie Zeng Vanquishes a King By Katie Zhao

With chaos on the rise, one girl stands in the face of all evil . . . and we're not talking about homework! The action-packed sequel to the epic fantasy series inspired by Chinese mythology.

"A hilarious tussle between homework, family, and heroism." —Kwame Mbalia, #1 New York Times bestselling author

As shamans, Winnie Zeng and her archnemesis, David Zuo, have accepted their roles in guarding the world from evil spirits. But with Halloween around the corner, the balance between realms grows fragile—and so yet another shaman is assigned to help Winnie and David protect the town of Groton, Michigan.

The catch? The new shaman is just the worst. Not only is she way too perfect—she also has an ego to match, and thinks she’s the best thing that’s happened to Groton since Winnie’s red bean brownies. Plus, she's confident she can save the world all on her own.

With evil spirits growing in number, Winnie and David find themselves in quite a pickle. While the newest shaman isn’t convinced there’s a storm brewing, this town is going to need all three of them on the same team . . . or there might not be a town left to defend.

Chapter Books

Pizza and Taco: Rock Out!

Pizza and Taco: Rock Out! By Stephen Shaskan

Besties Pizza and Taco are ready to rock out! They have a cool band name! And some instruments—sort of. Songs? Well, even without mad musical skills, how hard can it be? This super-silly graphic novel series by Stephen Shaskan hits a new high note!

Pizza and Taco love music! They make lists, and they have tryouts to get more band members. They think they have all the ingredients to rock the scene. But maybe this garage band should stay in the garage!!

This hilarious young graphic novel—with chapters—will tickle the funny bones of kids ages 5 to 8 and bolster their reading confidence. Young graphic chapter books are a great step on the way to graphic novels and longer chapter books.

Readers will devour all the books in the series:
Pizza and Taco: Who's the Best?
Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever!
Pizza and Taco: Super-Awesome Comic!
Pizza and Taco: Too Cool For School

Rhinos at Recess

Rhinos at Recess By Mary Pope Osborne; illustrated by AG Ford

The #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series is ready to whisk you away across the world with Jack and Annie--this time to the African savanna!

Jack and Annie are on the playground at recess when they feel the magic tree house calling them. They sneak away and are whisked off on an adventure to South Africa, where a majestic rhino needs saving! With a hovering helicopter, watchful park rangers, and the chilling presence of poachers, rescuing one of Earth's greatest giants in the sprawling savanna won't be easy. Jack and Annie are going to need a little bit of magic for this mission!

Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid?

  • Magic Tree House: Perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
  • Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
  • Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures

If you're looking for Merlin Mission #37: Dragon of the Red Dawn, it was renumbered as Merlin Mission #9 when the series was rebranded in 2017.

Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

Sunlight on the Snow Leopard By Mary Pope Osborne; illustrated by AG Ford

The #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series is ready to whisk you away through time with Jack and Annie--this time to the snowy mountains of Nepal!

The magic tree house has whisked Jack and Annie to the Himalayas in Nepal. They’re searching for the mysterious Gray Ghost. Well, they’re supposed to be. Jack does not want to find a ghost. But he and Annie are excited about all the amazing animals they see. So excited, in fact, that Annie and Jack get lost in the mountains! Can they make their way to safety before the Gray Ghost finds them?


Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid?
Magic Tree House: Perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures

If you're looking for Merlin Mission #36: Blizzard of the Blue Moon, it was renumbered as part of the rebrand in 2017 as Merlin Mission #8.

Dragon Storm #4: Mira and Flameteller

Dragon Storm #4: Mira and Flameteller By Alastair Chisholm; illustrated by Eric Deschamps

Summon the power of a dragon! A girl and her dragon have a knack for mechanics in this action-packed chapter-book fantasy series, perfect for readers of Dragon Masters and Unicorn Academy!

Mira and Flameteller are handy when it comes to machines. Their skill is needed now more than ever when the machine that powers the Dragonseer Guild Hall breaks. The Guild Hall protects young dragonseers and their dragons, like Mira and Flameteller. And if the machine isn’t fixed, anyone will be able to break in! An angry mob of people who dislike dragons is hunting for the secret location, so the pressure is on to get the machine fixed quickly. It’s up to Mira and Flameteller to save their friends... before it’s too late!

Soar into more Dragon Storm adventures!
#1 Tom and Ironskin
#2 Cara and Silverthief
#3 Ellis and Pathseeker

Spooky Sleuths #3: Don't Go Near the Water!

Spooky Sleuths #3: Don't Go Near the Water! By Natasha Deen; illustrated by Lissy Marlin

A strange woman seems to have eerie control over people. Is it science . . . or strange and ghostly? Find out in this new spooky chapter book series, Spooky Sleuths.

Asim's field trip is freaking him out! His class is on a boat, exploring the Salish Sea, when he sees a pale, scowling woman staring at him from under the water. Asim's friend Rokshar thinks it's just a seal. She always finds a scientific explanation for the strange things that happen in town.

But when Asim's dad hears otherworldly music coming from the water, he feels so drawn to it that he tries to throw himself in! Could a fairmaid—a mermaid from Guyanese folklore—be to blame?

Find out . . . if you dare! Don't miss this new series based on ghost stories from Guyana.

Honest June: Secrets and Spies

Honest June: Secrets and Spies By Tina Wells; illustrated by Brittney Bond

After a run-in with her fairy godmother, June must always tell the truth. Which is a lot easier when you’re not dealing with friendship, first love, and the fallout from a big family secret. An enchanting trilogy readers won’t want to miss. Honestly.

June’s school musical ended with a surprising finale—her private blog was revealed for everyone to see. Now the whole town knows her real thoughts, and they aren’t too happy.  

Things only get worse when June makes a surprising discovery about the history of Featherstone Creek…and her own family. With a secret this big, will June ever be able to keep from blurting out the truth?

Random House Teachers and Librarians