New Titles

Ground zero /

Gratz, Alan, 1972-,


School Library Journal starred, February 2021. Booklist starred, January 2021. Horn Book, March 2021. Horn Book. Kirkus Reviews. Booklist Starred Reviews, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal Starred, Brandon is visiting his dad on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 when the attack comes; Reshmina is a girl in Afghanistan who has grown up in the aftermath of that attack but dreams of peace, becoming a teacher and escaping her village and the narrow role that the Taliban believes is appropriate for women--both are struggling to survive, both changed forever by the events of 9/11.
Date Published:2021

School Library Journal starred, February 2021. Booklist starred, January 2021. Horn Book, March 2021. Horn Book. Kirkus Reviews. Booklist Starred Reviews, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal Starred, Brandon is visiting his dad on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 when the attack comes; Reshmina is a girl in Afghanistan who has grown up in the aftermath of that attack but dreams of peace, becoming a teacher and escaping her village and the narrow role that the Taliban believes is appropriate for women--both are struggling to survive, both changed forever by the events of 9/11.

Date Published:2021

The Interactive Class : Creation in a World of AI : Empowering Educators to Inspire Creativity and Innovation in An AI-Driven Classroom /

Merrill, Kristin,


"In "The InterACTIVE Class: Creation in a World of AI," Joe and Kristin Merrill invite educators on a transformative journey to cultivate creativity and innovation within their classrooms. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into our educational landscape, the Merrills provide practical strategies for empowering students to harness their imaginations and express themselves creatively. This book explores the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in an AI-driven world, offering educators tools to inspire students to think critically and innovate boldly. Teachers will learn how to create an environment where creativity flourishes and students become active participants in their learning through engaging examples, hands-on activities, and thought-provoking insights, and over 40 ready to use lesson plans. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just beginning your teaching journey, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to nurture the next generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators in an ever-evolving technological landscape"--
Date Published:2024

"In "The InterACTIVE Class: Creation in a World of AI," Joe and Kristin Merrill invite educators on a transformative journey to cultivate creativity and innovation within their classrooms. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into our educational landscape, the Merrills provide practical strategies for empowering students to harness their imaginations and express themselves creatively. This book explores the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in an AI-driven world, offering educators tools to inspire students to think critically and innovate boldly. Teachers will learn how to create an environment where creativity flourishes and students become active participants in their learning through engaging examples, hands-on activities, and thought-provoking insights, and over 40 ready to use lesson plans. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just beginning your teaching journey, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to nurture the next generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators in an ever-evolving technological landscape"--

Date Published:2024

Slugfest

Korman, Gordon,


Booklist, Horn Book Guide, Kirkus Reviews Starred, Publishers Weekly, Publishers Weekly, October 2023. Kirkus Starred, November 2023. Booklist, December 2023. Horn Book, March 2024. Yash is the best athlete at Robinette Middle School, and he's so good he's able to play on the high school's JV sports teams. So he's more than a little surprised when he learns JV practices have kept him from earning a state-mandated credit for eighth-grade PE which means he must take Physical Education Equivalency class also known as "Slugfest" during summer school in order to graduate. Now he and a motley group of classmates and Mrs. Finnerty, a retired Family and Consumer Science teacher, must find a way to survive the summer, but things get complicated when they uncover a scandal that could put all their time in summer school in jeopardy.
Date Published:2024

Booklist, Horn Book Guide, Kirkus Reviews Starred, Publishers Weekly, Publishers Weekly, October 2023. Kirkus Starred, November 2023. Booklist, December 2023. Horn Book, March 2024. Yash is the best athlete at Robinette Middle School, and he's so good he's able to play on the high school's JV sports teams. So he's more than a little surprised when he learns JV practices have kept him from earning a state-mandated credit for eighth-grade PE which means he must take Physical Education Equivalency class also known as "Slugfest" during summer school in order to graduate. Now he and a motley group of classmates and Mrs. Finnerty, a retired Family and Consumer Science teacher, must find a way to survive the summer, but things get complicated when they uncover a scandal that could put all their time in summer school in jeopardy.

Date Published:2024

The Sherlock Society

Ponti, James,


"Ages 8-12"--Back cover. School Library Journal starred, November 2024. Pub Weekly, June 2024. Kirkus Review, August 2024. Twelve-year-old Alex Sherlock, his thirteen-year-old sister Zoe, and their friends Lina and Yadi decide to spend their summer in Miami investigating the many "cold cases" their grandfather accumulated during his years as a reporter--first up, Al Capone and a buried treasure.
Date Published:2025

The Misfits : A royal conundrum /

Yee, Lisa,


Booklist, Horn Book Guide, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, School Library Journal, December 2023. Publishers Weekly, October 2023. Booklist, October 2023. Horn Book, January 2024. Kirkus Review, November 2023. An elite group of underdogs trained to fight crime must save their unique school from shutting down.
Date Published:2024

The Pumpkin Princess and the forever night

Banbury, Steven,


Booklist, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly Starred, School Library Journal, On Halloween night, a young girl escapes her unhappy life in an orphanage only to run into a terrifying creature known as the Pumpkin King. He is surprised when she is unafraid of him and offers to adopt her, bringing her back to his home in Hallowell Valley. There, she befriends all sorts of undead creatures, including a witch named Lyla and a vampire named Vlad. But someone is not happy she's there and begins causing trouble, forcing her and her new friends to band together to save the day.
Date Published:2024

Booklist, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly Starred, School Library Journal, On Halloween night, a young girl escapes her unhappy life in an orphanage only to run into a terrifying creature known as the Pumpkin King. He is surprised when she is unafraid of him and offers to adopt her, bringing her back to his home in Hallowell Valley. There, she befriends all sorts of undead creatures, including a witch named Lyla and a vampire named Vlad. But someone is not happy she's there and begins causing trouble, forcing her and her new friends to band together to save the day.

Date Published:2024

Popcorn! /

Harrell, Rob,


Review ALSC Notable Children's Books NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honor CLA/NCTE 2025 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts Children's Book Council Favorites Award 2025 ★ "Harrell’s illustrated novel shines with a humorous, authentic depiction of a middle school student with anxiety and OCD . . . The text and art provide relatable and creative descriptions of how anxiety feels in the body, as well as real coping skills . . . A must-purchase." —School Library Journal, starred review "Harrell’s conversational tone, snappy pacing, and realistic dialogue make each chapter eminently readable. The accompanying black-and-white doodles, notes, and comics lend humor to some serious situations. Harrell does a fantastic job of explaining the symptoms accompanying anxiety and panic attacks in simple terms . . . Readers will also appreciate the accurate depictions of talk therapy and of the tics that accompany Andrew’s OCD. Heartwarming, insightful, and surprisingly funny." —Kirkus " . . . beautifully combines first-person, self-aware narration with 'the Anxiety Files,' black and white (often very funny) comics drawn by the narrator that further elucidate his anxiety and OCD.” —BCCB “Readers who connected with Raina Telgemeier's Guts will appreciate this thoughtful story about managing anxiety delivered in an inviting, Wimpy Kid–like format.” —Booklist About the Author Rob Harrell is the author/illustrator of Wink and the Batpig series, created the Life of Zarf series, the graphic novel Monster on the Hill, and also writes and draws the long-running daily comic strip Adam@Home, which appears in more than 140 papers worldwide. He created and drew the internationally syndicated comic strip Big Top until 2007. He lives with his pup in Indiana. Wilson's Children. School Library Journal. Booklist.
Date Published:2024

Review ALSC Notable Children's Books NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honor CLA/NCTE 2025 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts Children's Book Council Favorites Award 2025 ★ "Harrell’s illustrated novel shines with a humorous, authentic depiction of a middle school student with anxiety and OCD . . . The text and art provide relatable and creative descriptions of how anxiety feels in the body, as well as real coping skills . . . A must-purchase." —School Library Journal, starred review "Harrell’s conversational tone, snappy pacing, and realistic dialogue make each chapter eminently readable. The accompanying black-and-white doodles, notes, and comics lend humor to some serious situations. Harrell does a fantastic job of explaining the symptoms accompanying anxiety and panic attacks in simple terms . . . Readers will also appreciate the accurate depictions of talk therapy and of the tics that accompany Andrew’s OCD. Heartwarming, insightful, and surprisingly funny." —Kirkus " . . . beautifully combines first-person, self-aware narration with 'the Anxiety Files,' black and white (often very funny) comics drawn by the narrator that further elucidate his anxiety and OCD.” —BCCB “Readers who connected with Raina Telgemeier's Guts will appreciate this thoughtful story about managing anxiety delivered in an inviting, Wimpy Kid–like format.” —Booklist About the Author Rob Harrell is the author/illustrator of Wink and the Batpig series, created the Life of Zarf series, the graphic novel Monster on the Hill, and also writes and draws the long-running daily comic strip Adam@Home, which appears in more than 140 papers worldwide. He created and drew the internationally syndicated comic strip Big Top until 2007. He lives with his pup in Indiana. Wilson's Children. School Library Journal. Booklist.

Date Published:2024

On a wing and a tear

Smith, Cynthia Leitich,


Booklist starred, September 2024. Pub Weekly, July 2024. Kirkus Starred, August 2024. Horn Book, January 2025. Melanie "Mel" Roberts and Ray Halfmoon may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friends have become like siblings since their families moved in together. And they soon welcome a distinguished guest: Great-grandfather Bat, whose wing is injured, has taken refuge in their old oak tree. A rematch of the legendary Great Ball Game is coming up, with Bat as the star player. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon offers to drive Bat from Chicago down to the traditional playing field outside Macon, Georgia, and Mel and Ray are determined to help out. They all set off on a road trip on the way to the historic game.
Date Published:2024

Booklist starred, September 2024. Pub Weekly, July 2024. Kirkus Starred, August 2024. Horn Book, January 2025. Melanie "Mel" Roberts and Ray Halfmoon may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friends have become like siblings since their families moved in together. And they soon welcome a distinguished guest: Great-grandfather Bat, whose wing is injured, has taken refuge in their old oak tree. A rematch of the legendary Great Ball Game is coming up, with Bat as the star player. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon offers to drive Bat from Chicago down to the traditional playing field outside Macon, Georgia, and Mel and Ray are determined to help out. They all set off on a road trip on the way to the historic game.

Date Published:2024

The night war

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker,


Map on lining papers. Booklist, Horn Book Guide, Kirkus Reviews Starred, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal Starred, School Library Journal starred, April 2024. Booklist, February 2024. Kirkus Starred, February 2024. Horn Book, March 2024. In 1942 occupied France, twelve-year-old Miriam Schreiber lives in Paris with her Jewish German family after fleeing Kristallnacht. When her parents are rounded up, she flees with two-year-old neighbor Nora and is saved by a Catholic nun, who places Nora with a Catholic family and Miriam in a Catholic boarding school in Chenonceaux. After discovering that a pair of nuns are secretly smuggling Jews into neighboring safe territory, Miriam begins to help them and a mysterious older woman, at the risk of her own life.
Date Published:2024

Map on lining papers. Booklist, Horn Book Guide, Kirkus Reviews Starred, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal Starred, School Library Journal starred, April 2024. Booklist, February 2024. Kirkus Starred, February 2024. Horn Book, March 2024. In 1942 occupied France, twelve-year-old Miriam Schreiber lives in Paris with her Jewish German family after fleeing Kristallnacht. When her parents are rounded up, she flees with two-year-old neighbor Nora and is saved by a Catholic nun, who places Nora with a Catholic family and Miriam in a Catholic boarding school in Chenonceaux. After discovering that a pair of nuns are secretly smuggling Jews into neighboring safe territory, Miriam begins to help them and a mysterious older woman, at the risk of her own life.

Date Published:2024

The Night Librarian /

Lincoln, Christopher, 1952-,


School Library Journal, May 2024. Pub Weekly, April 2024. Kirkus Starred, May 2024. Booklist, June 2024. School Library Journal. Pub Weekly. Kirkus Starred. Kirkus Reviews. School Library Journal. "Twins Page and Turner know about the magic a library holds--they've been going to their beloved New York City public library for years, especially since their parents are always traveling for work. But a secret mission involving their dad's rare and valuable edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula uncovers a world they've never known, featuring a mysterious Night Librarian, famous heroes (and villains) that have broken free from classic books, and an epic battle to save the library from total destruction"--Amazon.
Date Published:2024

School Library Journal, May 2024. Pub Weekly, April 2024. Kirkus Starred, May 2024. Booklist, June 2024. School Library Journal. Pub Weekly. Kirkus Starred. Kirkus Reviews. School Library Journal. "Twins Page and Turner know about the magic a library holds--they've been going to their beloved New York City public library for years, especially since their parents are always traveling for work. But a secret mission involving their dad's rare and valuable edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula uncovers a world they've never known, featuring a mysterious Night Librarian, famous heroes (and villains) that have broken free from classic books, and an epic battle to save the library from total destruction"--Amazon.

Date Published:2024

Light and air

Wendell, Mindy Nichols,


Booklist, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Shunned for contracting tuberculosis in 1935, Halle and her mother are sent far from home and family to the J.N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital in the forested upstate New York. At first fearing it to be a prison, Halle comes to realize she is finally free of her worries over her difficult father, and in the peace and quiet she comes to learn the joys of family and friendship for the first time in her life. Then her Mama has a lung hemorrhage, and their whole future is put into question.
Date Published:2024

Booklist, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Shunned for contracting tuberculosis in 1935, Halle and her mother are sent far from home and family to the J.N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital in the forested upstate New York. At first fearing it to be a prison, Halle comes to realize she is finally free of her worries over her difficult father, and in the peace and quiet she comes to learn the joys of family and friendship for the first time in her life. Then her Mama has a lung hemorrhage, and their whole future is put into question.

Date Published:2024

Heroes /

Gratz, Alan, 1972-,


"A note to the reader: In order to accurately reflect the historical time period, some characters' dialogue in this book includes racially offensive language that was used in the United States during the 1940s"--T.p. verso. Booklist starred, January 2024. Publishers Weekly, January 2024. Horn Book, March 2024. Kirkus Review, January 2024. Booklist Starred Reviews, Horn Book Guide, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly, "December 6, 1941: Best friends Frank and Stanley have it good. Their dads are Navy pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and the boys get a front-row view of the huge battleships and the sparkling water. Yes, World War II is raging in Europe and in Asia, but the US isn't involved in the war, and the boys are free to dream about becoming comic book creators. They've even invented a superhero of their own, in the style of Batman, Superman, Captain America, and other stars of the Golden Age of Comics. Maybe they'll even get their comic published someday. December 7th, 1941: Everything explodes. That morning, Frank and Stanley are aboard the battleship the USS Utah when Japanese planes zoom overhead and begin dropping bombs on the ships below. Chaos ensues as everyone scrambles to dive for safety. Frank and Stanley realize what's happening: Japan is attacking America! The war has come to them. As the boys fight to make their way home amidst the carnage, it's clear that everything has changed. Stanley's mother is Japanese American and he is suddenly facing a terrible prejudice that he's never known before--he's now seen as the 'enemy,' and Frank, who's white, cannot begin to understand what Stanley will now face. Can their friendship--and their dreams--survive this watershed moment in history?"--Provided by publisher.
Date Published:2024

"A note to the reader: In order to accurately reflect the historical time period, some characters' dialogue in this book includes racially offensive language that was used in the United States during the 1940s"--T.p. verso. Booklist starred, January 2024. Publishers Weekly, January 2024. Horn Book, March 2024. Kirkus Review, January 2024. Booklist Starred Reviews, Horn Book Guide, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly, "December 6, 1941: Best friends Frank and Stanley have it good. Their dads are Navy pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and the boys get a front-row view of the huge battleships and the sparkling water. Yes, World War II is raging in Europe and in Asia, but the US isn't involved in the war, and the boys are free to dream about becoming comic book creators. They've even invented a superhero of their own, in the style of Batman, Superman, Captain America, and other stars of the Golden Age of Comics. Maybe they'll even get their comic published someday. December 7th, 1941: Everything explodes. That morning, Frank and Stanley are aboard the battleship the USS Utah when Japanese planes zoom overhead and begin dropping bombs on the ships below. Chaos ensues as everyone scrambles to dive for safety. Frank and Stanley realize what's happening: Japan is attacking America! The war has come to them. As the boys fight to make their way home amidst the carnage, it's clear that everything has changed. Stanley's mother is Japanese American and he is suddenly facing a terrible prejudice that he's never known before--he's now seen as the 'enemy,' and Frank, who's white, cannot begin to understand what Stanley will now face. Can their friendship--and their dreams--survive this watershed moment in history?"--Provided by publisher.

Date Published:2024

Carter Avery's tricky fourth-grade year

Buyea, Rob,


Kirkus Review, No teacher has ever liked Carter Avery, so he doesn't expect Ms. Olivia Krane, his new fourth-grade teacher, to be any different, especially since she's nicknamed the Owl, supposedly due to her ability to twist her head all the way around to catch any kid who's up to no good. He has a hard time sitting still and not blurting things out, so Carter is surprised when Ms. Krane knows just how to handle his energy, showing his classmates another side of him. Things are finally starting to look up when Carter finds out that Ms. Krane at risk of being replaced because some parents don't approve of her choice to have a baby as an unmarried woman. Carter sets out to save his teacher and stick up for her as she has stuck up for him.
Date Published:2024

Kirkus Review, No teacher has ever liked Carter Avery, so he doesn't expect Ms. Olivia Krane, his new fourth-grade teacher, to be any different, especially since she's nicknamed the Owl, supposedly due to her ability to twist her head all the way around to catch any kid who's up to no good. He has a hard time sitting still and not blurting things out, so Carter is surprised when Ms. Krane knows just how to handle his energy, showing his classmates another side of him. Things are finally starting to look up when Carter finds out that Ms. Krane at risk of being replaced because some parents don't approve of her choice to have a baby as an unmarried woman. Carter sets out to save his teacher and stick up for her as she has stuck up for him.

Date Published:2024

And then, boom! /

Fipps, Lisa,


Booklist Starred Reviews, Horn Book Guide, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly Starred, Poverty-stricken Joseph bravely rides out all the storms life keeps throwing at him.
Date Published:2024

Mallory and the Trouble with Twins /

Nopra, Arley,


"Based on the novel by Ann M. Martin"--Cover. A graphic novel based on Ann M. Martin's original novel in which Baby-Sitter Club member Mallory perseveres when faced with caring for troublesome twins.
Date Published:2025

The attacks of September 11, 2001 : Graphic Novel /

Ball, Georgia,


"Based on the novel ... by Lauren Tarshis." When Lucas's parents tell him he needs to quit football because it is too dangerous, he skips school to go and talk to his football hero and uncle, Benny. That day was September 11, 2001, and Lucas is trapped in the city when the planes hit the towers.
Date Published:2021

I survived the Nazi invasion, 1944 / : Graphic Novel /

Ball, Georgia,


Based on: I survived the Nazi invasion, 1944 / Lauren Tarshis. School Library Journal, April 2021. School Library Journal, "It's been years since the Nazis invaded Max Rosen's home country of Poland. All the Jewish people, including Max's family, have been forced to live in a ghetto. At least Max and his sister, Zena, had Papa with them--until two months ago, when the Nazis took him away. Now Max and Zena are on their own. One day, with barely enough food to survive, the siblings make a daring escape from Nazi soldiers into the nearby forest. They are found by Jewish resistance fighters, who take them to a safe camp. But soon, grenades are falling all around them. Can Max and Zena survive the fallout of the Nazi invasion?"--Provided by publisher.
Date Published:2021

Based on: I survived the Nazi invasion, 1944 / Lauren Tarshis. School Library Journal, April 2021. School Library Journal, "It's been years since the Nazis invaded Max Rosen's home country of Poland. All the Jewish people, including Max's family, have been forced to live in a ghetto. At least Max and his sister, Zena, had Papa with them--until two months ago, when the Nazis took him away. Now Max and Zena are on their own. One day, with barely enough food to survive, the siblings make a daring escape from Nazi soldiers into the nearby forest. They are found by Jewish resistance fighters, who take them to a safe camp. But soon, grenades are falling all around them. Can Max and Zena survive the fallout of the Nazi invasion?"--Provided by publisher.

Date Published:2021

I survived the Japanese tsunami, 2011

Ball, Georgia,


In 2011, while visiting his father's hometown in Japan shortly after his death, Ben finds himself and his family being swept away by a terrible tsunami that leaves him stranded and alone in a strange country, far from home.
Date Published:2025

The battle of D-Day, 1944 /

Ball, Georgia,


"Based on the novel ... by Lauren Tarshis." Eleven-year-old Paul struggles to survive the Nazi occupation of his French village during World War II. When he finds an American soldier who needs his help, he finds himself in the heart of a battle that would be the largest seaborne invasion in history as the Allied troops invaded Normandy.
Date Published:2024

Jessi Ramsey, pet-sitter

Crenshaw, Ellen T.,


"Based on the novel by Ann M. Martin"--Front cover. Volume number from spine. "The Mancusis don't have any kids... but they sure do have a lot of pets! So when they're desperate for a sitter, who do they call? The Baby-sitters Club! Kristy feels pretty sure that the BSC does not pet-sit. But Jessi has always liked animals, and she talks Kristy into being okay with her taking the job. With snakes on the loose and sick hamsters, Jessi's got plenty of pet-sitting troubles, and things don't get any easier when she and her friends get into a big fight. Will Jessi be able to handle her pet-sitting job when things are going wrong with the baby-sitters, too?"--
Date Published:2025

"Based on the novel by Ann M. Martin"--Front cover. Volume number from spine. "The Mancusis don't have any kids... but they sure do have a lot of pets! So when they're desperate for a sitter, who do they call? The Baby-sitters Club! Kristy feels pretty sure that the BSC does not pet-sit. But Jessi has always liked animals, and she talks Kristy into being okay with her taking the job. With snakes on the loose and sick hamsters, Jessi's got plenty of pet-sitting troubles, and things don't get any easier when she and her friends get into a big fight. Will Jessi be able to handle her pet-sitting job when things are going wrong with the baby-sitters, too?"--

Date Published:2025