Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

This summer, beware of sharks...

Brooklyn girl Kaylani McKinnon feels like a fish out of water. She's spending the summer with family friends in their huge house on Martha's Vineyard, and the vibe is definitely snooty. Still, there are beautiful beaches, lots of ice cream, and a town full of fascinating Black history. Plus a few kids her age who seem friendly.

Until the shocking death of a popular teenage boy rocks the community to its core. Was it a drowning? A shark attack?

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares

Here is the dramatic coming-of-age graphic novel memoir of 12-year-old Carlos (who would grow up to become the author’s father), his life during the Cuban Revolution, and his family’s harrowing escape to America.

A Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) Outstanding Comics Award Honor for Best Children's Nonfiction

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: NPR, Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, School Library Journal

This funny, feel-good middle-grade graphic novel about change and acceptance will be a hit with fans of Guts by Raina Telgemeier, Pizza Face by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza, and Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang.

How does it feel to start all over in a new country? Lia leaves behind Romania and has to figure everything out in a new country, new home, new language, and even a seemingly new body as she struggles with getting her period for the first time.

Rialto by Kate Milford

A standalone mystery from a New York Times bestselling, Edgar Award-winning author set in a contemporary world tinged with magic, in which two sisters spend summer vacation in a small town in the shadows of abandoned amusement park that is not what it seems.

The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The Newbery Honor–winning author of Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All explores the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering in this heartfelt middle school novel.

★ "Genuine and poignant; has the makings of a modern classic.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes

From Pura Belpré Honor recipient Angela Cervantes and perfectly timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy follows 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada on a high-stakes case as he tracks down the tournament's stolen trophy in time for the championship match.

Sleepless by Gordon Korman

From the #1 bestselling author of RESTART, the story of five kids who are up all night every night... and desperate to find out why.

You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This by Aaron Starmer

There’s always more to the story.

In the latest middle grade speculative novel from Spontaneous author Aaron Starmer, Roman follows the twisted threads of bizarre family legends and magical secrets to write his own chapter in his peculiar family narrative.

"A triumph of imaginative storytelling…"—Booklist, starred review

The Lion's Run by Sara Pennypacker 

A New York Times and Indie Bestseller * Six starred reviews

"A page-turning and ultimately triumphant tale of heroism."** "Thrilling and gut-punching."***

An orphan during WWII discovers unexpected courage within himself when he joins the Resistance. From the acclaimed author of the classic PAX.

Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi

From the acclaimed author of The Strongest Heart comes a stirring new novel from the perspectives of three very different kids who are navigating the waters of fear and friendship through the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. 

The Sweet Spot by Elaine Vickers

A home run of a novel about baseball and belonging, from the acclaimed author of Half Moon Summer.

A World Without Summer by Nicholas Day

The true story of how a massive catastrophic eruption plunged the world into darkness, altering the global climate and inspiring the likes of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein—from the award-winning author of The Mona Lisa Vanishes and featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout.