Source: Publisher

Paola Santiago and the Sanctuary of Shadows by Tehlor Kay Mejia || Mexican Folklore With A Terrifying Twist

Paola Santiago and the Sanctuary of Shadows by Tehlor Kay Mejia || Mexican Folklore With A Terrifying Twist

Content Tags: Middle Grade     Fantasy     Adventure     Mythology     Diversity     Mexican     LGBTQ+     F/F Romance     Trauma     Generational Trauma     Character Death     Perfect for readers who want: Fantasy featuring Mexican Folklore Fans of other Rick Riordan Presents series. […]

Into the Sublime by Kate A. Boorman || Twisty Thriller Into the Darkness

Into the Sublime by Kate A. Boorman || Twisty Thriller Into the Darkness

Content Tags: Young Adult     Horror     Psychological Thriller     Claustrophobia     Panic Attacks     Perfect for readers who want: Unreliable narrator. “Monster in the darkness” type horror Atmospheric psychological horror Lots of plot twists and turns Open ending Many thanks to Henry Holt and Co. and TBR and Beyond […]

Last Gate of the Emperor #1 & 2 by Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen || Hilarious, Action-Packed MG Sci-Fi

Last Gate of the Emperor #1 & 2 by Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen || Hilarious, Action-Packed MG Sci-Fi

Content Tags: Middle Grade     Science Fiction     Adventure     Humor     Diversity     Black     Found Family     Squad Vibes     Perfect for readers who want: Fast-paced action and adventure set in space. Hilarious commentary and a sarcastic narrator. Super relatable 12-year-old that enjoys gaming. Very […]

Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann || Superhero Magic and Coming of Age

Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann || Superhero Magic and Coming of Age

Content Tags: Middle Grade     Contemporary     Magical Realism     Coming of Age     Diversity     Black     Hispanic     Disability Rep     Chronic Illness     Ménière’s Disease     Perfect for readers who want: Magical trains A diverse trio of protagonists learning to be friends […]

Next Door to Happy by Allison Weiser Strout || Featuring Friendship and Family Bonds

Next Door to Happy by Allison Weiser Strout || Featuring Friendship and Family Bonds

Content Tags: Middle Grade     Contemporary     Realistic     Neurodivergent     Sibling Bonds     Perfect for readers who want: Lots of emotion and feels Coming-of-age about acceptance and finding your place Friendship bonds Neurodiverse characters Super cute sibling vibes Slice-of-life contemporary story Many thanks to Margaret Ferguson Books and Rockstar […]

Egypt’s Fire by Tom Phillips || Diverse, Hilarious Action-Packed Mystery

Egypt’s Fire by Tom Phillips || Diverse, Hilarious Action-Packed Mystery

Content Tags: Middle Grade     Humor     Mystery     Action     Diversity     Black     Found Family     Perfect for readers who want: Fast-paced action adventure Character modeled after Sherlock Holmes, but for a middle grade audience Funny scenes with larger-than-life characters A crime-solving duo that will absolutely […]

A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin || Heartwarming Story About Doing What’s Right

A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin || Heartwarming Story About Doing What’s Right

Content Tags: Middle Grade     Contemporary     Realistic     Neurodivergent     ADHD     Friendship Bonds     Family Bonds     Perfect for readers who want: Realistic fiction about friendship and family A protagonist with ADHD learning coping mechanisms Heartwarming discussions about what it really means to be a friend […]

Verse Series by Sam Beck || YA Graphic Novel With Magic and Monsters

Verse Series by Sam Beck || YA Graphic Novel With Magic and Monsters

Content Tags: Young Adult     Graphic Novel     Fantasy     Diversity     Squad Vibes     Death     Mild Gore     Perfect for readers who want: Reluctant readers who enjoy graphic novels and less text Struggling readers who might be ready for more mature content Dark fantasy world filled […]

Secret of the Shadow Beasts by Diane Magras || Adventure Fantasy With An Unforgettable Squad

Secret of the Shadow Beasts by Diane Magras || Adventure Fantasy With An Unforgettable Squad

Content Tags: Middle Grade     Adventure     Fantasy     Diversity     Squad Vibes     Character Death     Perfect for readers who want: Diverse characters working together as a team to save the world Dark shadow creatures that need to be defeated An interesting (and dangerous) mystery that needs to […]

Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings by Leah Cupps || Mayan-Centered Mystery

Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings by Leah Cupps || Mayan-Centered Mystery

Content Tags: Middle Grade     Adventure     Mystery     Mythology     Diversity     Guatemalan     Mayan     Perfect for readers who want: Easy chapter book, perfect for reluctant or struggling readers Simple, easy-to-follow plot with an interesting mystery Lots of focus on Mayan culture (Though . . . […]