This is the perfect rectangle to stare at while cuddling your feline friend. It's probably also good with dogs or stuffed animals, but further study is needed.
Shana
When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields? I read this book until three in the morning and could not tear my eyes away. This ripped-from-the-headlines story shook me to my core and was the most heart-wrenching story I've read in a long time. A vital book for the #MeToo era.
April
This beautiful picture book tells the story of Mary Walker, a woman born into slavery who didn’t get the chance to read until she was 116. This book teaches kids about history, while encouraging them to go after their dreams and believe in themselves. Also, Oge Mora’s art is truly amazing (keep an eye on the background signs as you go through the book!)
Katherine
Fifteen year old Phoebe is the most delightful character, but her opinion of love is not great. Is falling in love really like falling in a ditch? So she thinks, “that is” until she meets Emma. Upbeat and lol funny, this is the perfect book for these last weeks of winter.
Robin
This long awaited novel in verse illustrating the struggles of balancing two cultural identities felt like I was looking into a mirror in which I could see myself, my mother, my grandmother, my aunts, and every Indian woman in my life who had to assimilate into American culture. It is beautifully written and is semi-autobiographical. If you like Rajani's work, check out her other middle grade novels and picture books. She is incredible!
Janaea
Charlie Vega will absolutely charm you. Her voice is smart, funny, and heartbreakingly honest, and ALL of the relationships in this book--between mothers and daughters, best friends, and, yes, an incredibly sweet love interest--are so well-drawn. I wish high-school-me could have read this book!
Kate
A twisty page-turner set in a richly imagined fantasy world. The ending made me go WHAT, so pick this one up now--and grab the sequel as soon as you're through!
Rebecca
We all need more unicorns in our lives! I loved this gorgeously illustrated tale of perseverance, positive spin, and (of course) a fun dash of magic!
Caleb
I often find it hard to sink into a historical fiction MG title, but this one absolutely sucked me in. The Chernobyl disaster isn't something widely addressed in kids' lit, and this title handles it so well. The interwoven political and social dynamics are heartbreaking, but the friendship the two main characters develop despite everything is so lovely. (This is also now a Sydney Taylor Book Award Silver Medalist)
Stacey
This book says so much with absolutely no words. What the artist manages to convey with each scene and all of its little details is delightful. A cute, happy story to brighten your day.
Stacey
