Prepared by
Tara S
Tara S
Revised
May 7, 2024
Fiction
Autumn Allen
All You Have To Do
2023
Intertwining the stories of two Black students decades apart, this novel follows Kevin and Gibran as they navigate similar forms of racism while discovering who they want to be.
Crystal Allen
Between Two Brothers
2024
When his older brother Seth is in a serious accident, 13-year-old Isaiah chooses to help him recover in the way only he can: by trusting in their bond and undying love.
Mary Averling
The Curse of Eelgrass Bog
2024
Dark secrets and unnatural magic abound when a 12-year-old girl ventures into a bog full of monsters to break a mysterious curse.
Lexile level
660L
Lexi B loved this! Find out why »
Brian Buckmire
Come Home Safe
2023
When two Black siblings, Reed and Olivia, are accused of crimes they didn't commit, they must find a way to prove their innocence.
Adam Gidwitz
Max in the House of Spies
2024
To find his way back to his family in Germany during WWII, Max Bretzfeld, with a kobold named Berg on one shoulder and a dybbuk named Stein on the other, sets out to do the impossible-- become a British spy.
Lexile level
680L
Veera Hiranandani
Amil and the After
2024
In 1948, 12-year-old Amil, who is both Muslim and Hindu, struggles to find his place in Bombay, India, until his twin sister suggests he tell his story through drawings meant for their late mother as he tries to find hope and a sense of belonging in a chaotic world.
Amalie Howard
Bumps in the Night
2024
Sent to her grandmother's estate in Trinidad, Rika meets a group of kids with elemental powers called Minders, who reveal that her long-lost mom is in danger, sending Rika on a magical adventure where she must learn to believe in herself to destroy evil.
Lexile level
730L
Beth Lincoln
The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels
2023
When someone gives Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude a deadly push down the stairs during the Swift family reunion, Shenanigan Swift, who has a penchant for mischief, decides to become a detective and solve this mysterious case.
Chaz C loved this! Find out why »
Sherri Winston
Shark Teeth
2024
Seventh grader Sharkita "Kita" embarks on a tumultuous journey to keep her family together while handling the consequences of her mother's alcoholism.
Jacqueline Woodson
Remember Us
2023
The summer before seventh grade, as the constant threat of house fires looms over her Brooklyn neighborhood, basketball-loving Sage is trying to figure out her place in her circle of friends, when a new kid named Freddy moves in.
Graphic novels
Jorge Augusto Aguirre
Call Me Iggy
2024
Crushing on a girl at school who doesn't know he exists, Ohio-born Colombian American teen Iggy finds his life unraveling when his grandfather's ghost decides to meddle in his love life, setting him off on a journey of self-discovery.
Breena Bard
Wildfire
2023
After her home burns down, Julianna moves to a new town to start over but learns that the boy who started the fire goes to her new school.
Saadia Faruqi
Saving Sunshine
2023
Muslim American siblings Zara and Zeeshan must learn how to stop fighting and support each other. When the twins find an ailing turtle, it presents a rare opportunity for teamwork, if the two can put their differences aside at last.
Jasmine Walls
Brooms
2023
It’s 1930s Mississippi. Magic is permitted only in certain circumstances, and by certain people. Unsanctioned broom racing is banned. But for those who need the money, or the thrills...it's there to be found.
Ray Xu
Alterations
2024
Kevin Lee feels invisible at home and in school, but longs to stand out. When his class plans a trip to a spectacular theme park, will he finally have a chance to turn his life around?
Nonfiction
Rebecca Donnelly
Total Garbage
2023
J 363.728 DON
Dumpster diving into the scientific and cultural history of trash, this book explores present-day innovations to answer some basic questions, such as "Why do we make so much trash?" and "How can we stop it from ruining our planet?"
Lexile level
1140L
Grace Lin
Chinese Menu
2023
J 641.5951 LIN
This visual and storytelling buffet takes readers to far-off times and marvelous places where they'll discover the mouthwatering history, legends and myths behind their favorite American Chinese food.
Morgan H loved this! Find out why »
Thien Pham
Family Style
2023
T 305.9069 PHA
Told through the lens of meaningful food and meals, this graphic novel chronicles the author's childhood immigration to America where food takes on new meaning as he and his family search for belonging, happiness and the American dream.
Recommended for
Tara S
I was a youth services librarian at Worthington Libraries, 2017-2024. I love rainy days spent curled up with a good book. I enjoy reading all genres, but my favorites are historical fiction and fantasy. I also love reading fan fiction! When I am not reading, I can be found binging TV shows, going for nature walks and brewing lots and lots of coffee.
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