Combined 2024-2025 Reading List
(Titles, published in 2023, suggested for students in grades 4-8)
A project of: Maine Library Association, Maine Association of School Libraries & Literacy Educators
Arango, Andrea Beatriz. Something Like Home. Random House. Poetic Narrative. Gr. 5-8. 248 pages.
Laura grapples with the decision to call 911 after finding her parents, fearing that life would have remained unchanged if she hadn't taken action. Instead, she finds herself in kinship care with a relative she barely knows, leading to uncertainty about her future. When Laura rescues an abandoned dog and gains permission to keep it, she discovers the concept of therapy dogs and decides to train her pet. Through this journey, she forms a new friendship and gains insight into the challenges others face.
Beck, Miya T. The Pearl Hunter. Balzer + Bray. Fantasy. Gr. 4-7. 302 pages.
Kai and her twin sister, Kishi, are skilled pearl divers, but while Kishi has earned her diving cap, Kai must patiently follow her mother's guidance to earn hers. As they compete to gather pearls, Kishi is taken by the ghost whale when she goes back for one more. Determined to rescue her sister, Kai strikes a deal with the Dragon King. She embarks on a journey to Sky Mountain to retrieve a pearl from a fox, encountering bandits and a warlord along the way. Japanese mythology enriches the narrative as Kai navigates challenges to save her sister.
Becker, Aaron. The Tree and the River. Candlewick Press. Science Fiction. Gr. 4+. 32 pages.
In an alternate past or potential future, a majestic tree stands sentinel on the banks of a meandering river, observing the passage of time and evolution. A family cultivates the rich valley, which eventually gives rise to a bustling village and later a thriving town. Through ingenuity and resourcefulness, inhabitants harness the elements—water, wind, and wildlife—to prosper. As the population grows, their industriousness and innovation lead them to manipulate nature, from rerouting rivers to logging and reshaping the landscape, and even extending daylight hours.
Bow, Erin. Simon Sort of Says. Disney Hyperion. Realistic Fiction. Gr. 5-8. 320 pages.
Simon O'Keeffe's notable moments could have been his father accidentally giving a squirrel a holy sacrament or the alpaca mishap that gained popularity on YouTube. However, the narrative that everyone seems eager to share about Simon is the one he wishes he could erase from memory: the story where he's the sole survivor of a school shooting in his class.
Davies, Jacqueline. The International House of Dereliction. Clarion Books. Scary/Horror. Gr. 4-7. 227 pages.
Ten-year-old Alice, a skilled fixer of broken homes, moves for the eleventh time and sets her sights on restoring a dilapidated mansion next door. However, she soon discovers the presence of three ghosts who enlist her help to resolve their unfinished business. As Alice delves into the mysteries of the house, she must unravel its secrets and find her forever home before it's too late.
Davis, Rachael. Over the Rainbow: The Science, Magic, and the Meaning of Rainbows. Flying Eye Books. Nonfiction. Gr. 4+. 64 pages.
Discover the enchanting allure of rainbows in this captivating guide, which explores the science and symbolism behind these colorful natural phenomena. Delve into their historical and cultural significance, from inspiring myths and literature to becoming symbols of hope, acceptance, and pride. With stunning illustrations, this book offers a fascinating journey into the world of rainbows, revealing the magic and wonder that they evoke.
Dimopoulos, Elaine. The Remarkable Rescue of Milkweed Meadow. Charlesbridge. Fantasy. Gr. 4-6. 181 pages.
Butternut resides in the burrows of Milkweed Meadow alongside her nine rabbit siblings, where they learn survival tactics and share tales. Raised to prioritize her own kind, Butternut's mindset shifts after forming friendships with a mischievous robin and an injured deer. When they encounter other creatures in need, Butternut faces a dilemma: adhere to her upbringing or summon the courage to assist and unite her loved ones, drawing inspiration from the heroic stories she holds dear.
Eggers, Dave. The Eyes and the Impossible. Alfred A. Knopf. Fantasy. Gr. 4-6. 256 pages.
Johannes, a free dog, serves as the Eyes of an urban park by the sea, with his animal friends, ensuring balance. However, when changes, including the arrival of Trouble Travelers and mysterious goats, disrupt the park, Johannes must confront a shocking revelation that alters his worldview.
Elliott, Laura. Bea and the New Deal Horse. Katherine Tegen Books. Historical Fiction. Gr. 4+. 384 pages.
In this middle-grade historical novel set during the Great Depression, Bea wakes up to find herself abandoned by her father with her sister. She must convince Mrs. Scott to take them in, even as the farm faces financial struggles. Bea forms a bond with a troubled horse, hoping his success in competitions will save the farm and earn her a place in Mrs. Scott's heart.
Everett, Sarah. The Probability of Everything. Clarion Books. Magical Realism. Gr. 4+. 336 pages.
Eleven-year-old Kemi Carter, a lover of scientific facts and probabilities, faces a profound shift in perspective when she witnesses an asteroid threatening Earth's destruction. As she grapples with the impending catastrophe and her family's dynamics, Kemi decides to create a time capsule to preserve their essence before facing the inevitability of saying goodbye.
Johnson, Janet Sumner. The Winterton Deception: Final Word. Pixel+Ink. Mystery. Gr. 4+. 384 pages. Thirteen-year-old twins Hope and Gordon enter a spelling bee hosted by the wealthy Winterton family to save their family from financial ruin. As they compete, they uncover a clue hunt set up by the late matriarch, Jane Winterton, offering a chance at a fortune. With tensions high and family secrets emerging, the outcome becomes unpredictable.
Klassen, Jon. The Skull. Candlewick Press. Folklore. Gr. 4-6. 112 pages.
In a desolate, abandoned house atop a barren hill, resides a skull. Otilla, a courageous girl fleeing imminent danger, seeks refuge in the eerie abode when she becomes lost in the dark forest. As Otilla and the skull form an unlikely bond, they both harbor fears of the unknown lurking in the shadows. Together, they must confront their deepest fears to find solace and safety amidst the darkness of the night.
Kuyatt, Meg Eden. Good Different. Scholastic Press. Poetic Narrative. Gr. 4+. 288 pages.
Selah follows strict rules to appear normal, but her suppressed emotions lead to an explosive outburst at school. Facing expulsion and losing her friends, Selah grapples with her identity and learns that being different doesn't mean being damaged. Now, she must convince her school to accept her true self before it's too late.
Lackey, Lindsay. Farther than the Moon. Roaring Brook Press. Realistic Fiction. Gr. 4+. 336 pages.
Thirteen-year-old Houston Stewart is thrilled to be accepted into the Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program, but his excitement is tempered by the fact that he can't bring his younger brother, Robbie, who has special medical needs. As Houston navigates the program's challenges, he grapples with his desire to include Robbie in his space journey. Despite the obstacles, Houston remains determined to honor Robbie's dream of reaching for the stars.
Latham, Irene. The Museum on the Moon: The Curious Objects on the Lunar Surface. Moon Shower. Poetry. Gr. 4+. 48 pages.
A captivating glimpse into the intriguing artifacts left on the lunar surface since humans first arrived in 1969. This unique blend of history and poetry, accompanied by stunning graphite illustrations, invites readers on a journey that is both heartwarming and haunting. Through its pages, readers explore humankind's enduring quest for knowledge and our profound connection to the universe.
Lewis, Cliff. We the Future. Jolly Fish Press. Science Fiction. Gr. 6-8. 288 pages.
In a future threatened by climate change, Jonah receives a mission from Sunny, a girl from that future: launch a climate strike before Halloween to rewrite history. With his asthma medication unable to save him, Jonah must overcome his fear of talking to others to rally his entire school. But why the rush? Sunny won't say, leaving Jonah to grapple with uncertainty as he embarks on this monumental mission.
Long, Ethan. The Death and Life of Benny Brooks. Christy Ottaviano Books. Humorous. Gr. 4+. 288 pages.
Benny's life is falling apart: his parents have divorced, his mom has moved away, and he's left with his chain-smoking dad, who's been diagnosed with lung cancer. Feeling lonely, anxious, and angry, Benny struggles to cope with fifth grade while battling sleepless nights.
Marsh, Katherine. The Lost Year. Roaring Brook Press. Historical Fiction. Gr. 6-8. 368 pages.
Thirteen-year-old Matthew feels overwhelmed as his journalist dad remains overseas, and his mom moves his great-grandmother in during the pandemic. When Matthew discovers a photo from his great-grandmother's past, he uncovers a family secret spanning generations and sheds light on the Holodomor famine.
Martin, Pedro. Mexikid. Dial Books for Young Readers. Graphic Novel. Gr. 4+. 320 pages.
Pedro Martín grows up hearing tales of his legendary crime-fighting grandfather, who was once part of the Mexican Revolution. Despite this, Pedro isn't thrilled when Abuelito comes to live with their already crowded family. However, Pedro joins his family on a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home. What unfolds is a journey filled with laughter and heartache, where Pedro bonds with his Abuelito and discovers the true meaning of growing up and finding his identity.
McAnulty, Stacy. Forever Twelve. Random House. Science Fiction. Gr. 4+. 368 pages.
At West Archer Academy, the Evers, who appear twelve but are centuries old, lead extraordinary lives. When Ivy Stewart arrives, resembling a missing Ever, she becomes entangled in their secret. With the Evers seeking answers and Ronan protecting her, Ivy is drawn into a mystery she alone can solve. Will her life be forever changed?
McCullough, Joy. Code Red. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Realistic Fiction. Gr. 6-8. 240 pages.
Former gymnast Eden feels lost after an injury. Embarrassed by her mom's career day presentation about period products, Eden's suspension leads her to volunteer at a food bank, where she learns about period poverty. Inspired to make a difference, Eden joins advocacy work, despite conflicts with her mom. Determined to stand her ground, Eden fights for fair treatment.
Melki-Wegner, Skye. Deadlands: Hunted. Henry Holt and Company. Adventure/Survival. Gr. 4+. 285 pages.
After the Fallen Star strikes, some dinosaurs survive and evolve, leading to a war between two kingdoms. Exiled prince Eleri teams up with unlikely allies in the treacherous Deadlands to uncover the truth behind the conflict and save their kingdoms from destruction.
Miller, Kalena. Shannon in the Spotlight. Delacorte Press. Realistic Fiction. Gr. 4+. 272 pages.
When Shannon unexpectedly lands a lead role in the summer musical, she discovers that her stage fright is the least of her worries. In this contemporary middle-school novel, Shannon navigates strained friendships, the transformative power of theater, and the challenges of being a tween with OCD.
Moulton, Deke. Don’t Want to be Your Monster. Tundra Books. Scary/Horror. Gr. 6-8. 291 pages.
Ten-year-old Adam feels he has a greater purpose than drinking blood, while fourteen-year-old Victor embraces his vampiric nature. However, when bodies start appearing in town, indicating a vampire hunter is on their trail, Adam and Victor must overcome their differences and unite to stop the killer before it's too late.
Murray, Lily. How Old is a Whale? Animal Life Spans from the Mayfly to the Immortal Jellyfish. Big Picture Press. Nonfiction. Gr. 4+. 64 pages.
This book explores the wide range of life spans in the animal kingdom, from the shortest to the longest. Readers will learn about fascinating creatures like the monarch butterfly, axolotl, and Galápagos tortoise, discovering the incredible diversity of life on Earth.
Nijkamp, Marieke. Ink Girls. Greenwillow Books. Graphic Novel. Gr. 4+. 288 pages.
In a vibrant city, two girls from different backgrounds unite to combat censorship. Eleven-year-old Cinzia, a printer's apprentice, seeks to prove her mentor's innocence after she's imprisoned for speaking out. Meanwhile, Elena, confined to her rooms, discovers her own strength and joins Cinzia's quest. As they follow clues, the girls uncover secrets and gain supporters, realizing their power to change history.
O'Meara, Mallory. Girls Make Movies. RP Kids. Nonfiction. Gr. 4+ 144 pages.
In "Girls Make Movies," you take charge of creating a fictitious zombie blockbuster and are guided through each stage of production, learning about the processes, techniques, and people involved in making a Hollywood hit. You'll make choices that affect the outcome of the movie, such as shooting on location or on a studio lot, using practical or special effects, and hiring specific crew members. The choices are yours to make!
O'Shaughnessy, Kate. Lasagna Means I Love You. Alfred A. Knopf. Realistic Fiction. Gr. 4+. 368 pages.
After losing her Nan and ending up in foster care, Mo finds solace in a handmade cookbook filled with family recipes and stories. As she delves into cooking and collecting recipes, Mo discovers a sense of purpose. Hoping to connect with family, she builds a website to share her culinary discoveries. But when her life takes another unexpected turn, Mo learns that true family is something she must create for herself.
Ormsbee, Kathryn. Vivian Lantz’s Second Chances. Harper. Fantasy. Gr. 6-8. 320 pages.
Vivian Lantz is cursed, experiencing terrible things on her first day of school every year. Despite her plan to conquer eighth grade, it turns out to be her worst first day yet. Vivian finds herself stuck in a loop, reliving the catastrophic day over and over again. However, she realizes this is an opportunity to get her perfect plan back on track. As she experiences multiple chances, Vivian must let go of her dream of the perfect day and make surprising choices along the way.
Pla, Sally J. The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn. Quill Tree Books. Realistic Fiction. Gr. 6-8. 336 pages.
Maudie looks forward to her summer in California with her dad, but she carries a troubling secret about her home life. When a wildfire forces them to evacuate to her dad's beach town, Maudie finds solace in the ocean and discovers a desire to learn surfing. Despite her fears, she makes friends and realizes her autism isn't as big a deal as her mom thinks. However, her secret continues to weigh on her. Will she find the courage to reveal the truth and stay with her dad before summer ends?
Polonsky, Ami. World Made of Glass. Little, Brown and Company. Historical Fiction. Gr. 6-8. 288 pages.
At school, Iris tries to maintain a sense of normalcy, but inside, she struggles with the impending loss of her father to a virus that's taboo to discuss. As she grapples with anger and grief, Iris decides to confront the fear, misinformation, and prejudice surrounding AIDS. Through this journey, she discovers new facets of herself and learns more about her father than she ever knew before.
Rudd, Maggie. How to Stay Invisible. Farrar Straus Giroux. Adventure/Survival. Gr. 4+. 240 pages.
Twelve-year-old Raymond is abandoned by his parents in a new state, leaving him to fend for himself with only his dog, Rosie. Living in the woods behind his school, Raymond relies on his survival skills and keeps his situation a secret. As winter approaches, he forms unexpected friendships, including with a curious coyote, learning that trust is key to his survival.
Rundberg, Johan. The Night Raven. Amazon Crossing Kids. Mystery. Gr. 6-8. 187 pages.
In 1880 Stockholm, twelve-year-old Mika faces a harsh winter in her orphanage. When a mysterious boy leaves a newborn baby with a cryptic message, Mika's curiosity is sparked. With the arrival of a detective investigating a murder, Mika assists him using her keen eye for detail, hoping to make a difference despite the danger.
Salerni, Dianne K. The Carrefour Curse. Holiday House. Scary/Horror. Gr. 4+. 224 pages.
Twelve-year-old Garnet longs to know her family, but her mother has kept them apart, living far from their magical Carrefour clan and their eerie mansion, Crossroad House. When Garnet finally visits, she finds her relatives strange, the house decrepit, and the rules confusing.
Santat, Dan. A First Time for Everything. First Second. Graphic Novel. Gr. 6-8. 320 pages.
A humorous and touching coming-of-age memoir by Dan Santat, based on his awkward middle school experiences. Through humor and heartwarming moments, Santat navigates the universally challenging and life-changing aspects of adolescence.
Santiago, Elizabeth. The Moonlit Vine. Tu Books. Magical Realism. Gr. 6-8. 368 pages.
Fourteen-year-old Taína just learned that she is a descendant of a long line of strong Taíno women, but Will learning about her Taíno heritage help Taína bring peace and justice to her family and community? Despite her initial doubts, Taína's life takes a surprising turn when her grandmother reveals her direct descent from Anacaona, a revered Taíno leader. With newfound knowledge and ancestral artifacts, Taína begins to question whether she can step into her power and make a difference, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Schmidt, Gary D. The Labors of Hercules Beal. Clarion Books. Realistic Fiction. Gr. 4+. 352 pages.
Hercules Beal, named after the mythical hero, is anything but superhuman. As the smallest kid in his class, he's skeptical when his teacher assigns him the task of replicating Hercules's legendary feats. Missing his parents and wishing for more time with his brother, Herc embarks on his own journey with the help of new friends, both human and animal. Along the way, he discovers that he doesn't have to face challenges alone, unlike his mythological counterpart.
Sheinkin, Steve. Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe. Roaring Brook Press. Nonfiction. Gr. 6-8. 256 pages.
This is the gripping true story of two Jewish teenagers during the Holocaust—one hiding in Hungary, and the other in Auschwitz, determined to escape. It highlights the bravery of one of the most famous whistleblowers, whose daring escape ultimately saved over 100,000 lives.
Souders, Taryn. The Mystery of Radcliffe Riddle. Sourcebooks Young Readers. Mystery. Gr. 4+. 304 pages.
When Grady and his dad inherit an old piece of cloth from the town oddball, Eudora "Kooky" Klinch, they're disappointed until they discover it's a treasure map. With the help of friends and clues, Grady sets out to find the riches. But when danger lurks and mysterious incidents occur, Grady realizes they're not alone in the hunt, and the treasure may come with unexpected risks.
Tavares, Matt. Hoops. Candlewick Press. Graphic Novel. Gr. 4+. 224 pages.
In 1975 Indiana, the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team faces numerous challenges in their rookie season. Despite being undefeated, they lack proper facilities, uniforms, and support compared to the boys’ team. With determination and the guidance of a committed female coach, they overcome these obstacles to achieve remarkable success. This illustrated story highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in sports with honesty, bravery, and heart.