Just Lizzie, by Karen Wilfrid (Grades 3-7) (Realistic)
Feeling left behind since her friends became more interested in dating than dolls, eighth grader Lizzie, who has zero interest in boys, girls, or even “flirting,” learns about asexuality in science class, which leads her on a journey of self-discovery and self-advocacy.
The Portal Keeper, by David Robertson (Grades 4-6) (Fantasy)
Led to a new village where the animal beings who live there are going missing, Morgan, Emily, and Eli vow to help after discovering who’s responsible, until the details of a traditional legend change everything.
Sweetness All Around, by Suzanne Supplee (Grades 4-6) (Historical/Mystery)
In 1974, almost 11-year-old Josephine moves into the Happy World trailer park where she investigates the kidnapping of her would-be next-door neighbor with the help of a colorful cast of characters with whom she forms friendships sweeter than she’s ever known.
Forever Twelve, by Stacy McAnulty (Grades 4-7) (Fantasy)
When twelve-year old Ivy attends West Archer Academy, she is determined to graduate in two years and eventually follow her hero Ruth Bader Ginsberg to the Supreme Court, but after her roommate introduces her to a group of students who are hundreds of years old, she is forced to reexamine her priorities.
Tagging Freedom, by Rhonda Roumani (Grades 4-8) (Realistic)
Set in the early days of the Syrian Civil War, cousins Kareem and Samira living in Massachusetts navigate the growing conflict in Syria, new friendships, and the use of art to express themselves.
The Night Raven, by Johan Rundberg (Grades 4-8) (Mystery/Historical)
It’s 1880, and in the frigid city of Stockholm, death lurks around every corner. Twelve-year-old Mika knows that everyone in her orphanage will struggle to survive this winter. But at least the notorious serial killer the Night Raven is finally off the streets . . . or is he? Drawn in by Mika’s unique ability to notice small details, the gruff Detective Hoff unwittingly recruits her to help him with his investigation into a gruesome murder. Mika knows she should stay far, far away, and yet…with such little hope for her future, could this be an opportunity?
Once Upon a Time in the North, by Philip Pullman (Grades 5-12) (Fantasy)
American balloonist Lee Scoresby and the great armored bear Iorek Byrnison meet when Lee and his hare daemon Hester crash-land their trading balloon onto a port in the far Arctic North and find themselves in the middle of a political powder keg.
The Sinister Secrets of Singe, by Sean Ferrell (Grades 6-8) (Fantasy) Eleven-year-old Noah, raised in isolation with only a robot boy for company, embarks on a quest across the sea to find his exiled father, only to lure trouble back home.
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