A introduced The Super Life of Ben Braver by Marcus Emerson, an action-packed, humorous adventure about an ordinary sixth grader who discovers he may have extraordinary abilities. After confronting a bully, Ben is invited to attend a secret academy for kids with superpowers, launching him into a world of mystery, danger, and unexpected challenges. With illustrations woven into the story, the book blends comedy, action, and superhero elements. It’s a great pick for readers who love fast-moving plots, humor, mystery, and stories about discovering hidden potential.

A shared Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate, a heartfelt realistic fiction story about a boy named Jackson whose family is struggling financially and may lose their home. When his imaginary friend, a large talking cat named Crenshaw, reappears, Jackson must decide whether he can accept help while trying to stay strong for his family. The novel explores themes of growing up, independence, family, and facing hard truths. Readers who appreciate emotional stories, thoughtful perspectives, and books about unlikely friendships will be especially drawn to this one.

R presented Booked by Kwame Alexander, a novel-in-verse about eighth grader Nick Hall, whose life revolves around soccer – until an injury and major family changes force him to rethink who he is beyond the field. Set in Texas, the story explores friendship, bullying, growing up, and the pressures of competition, all told through powerful, fast-paced poetry. This book is a strong match for readers who enjoy sports stories, emotional coming-of-age journeys, and writing that feels intense and immediate.

All student Book Talk slides can be found here. Families are encouraged to scroll through the slides together and use them as inspiration when choosing your next read!

The Baseball Card Adventures series was one of my favorite as a kid, so I was so excited when C wanted to share a Book Talk on Babe & Me by Dan Gutman! This is a historical fiction story that blends time travel with baseball history. He explained how Joey and his dad travel back to 1932 Chicago to witness Babe Ruth’s famous “called shot” at Wrigley Field during the Great Depression—and unexpectedly become part of the action themselves. Beyond the baseball excitement, the story explores family relationships, money struggles, and the bond between a father and son. This book is a strong match for readers who love baseball, enjoy learning about history in a creative way, and are curious about what it would be like to step into another time period.

C shared the classic story James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, a fantasy adventure about a lonely boy who escapes his cruel aunts when a magical peach grows to enormous size and carries him on a wild journey across the ocean. Along the way, James befriends a group of unforgettable insect companions and faces sharks, storms, and other dangers while learning about friendship and perseverance. This book will especially appeal to readers who enjoy imaginative adventures, quirky humor, talking animals (and insects!), and stories that feel both funny and a little nerve-wracking at the same time.

All student Book Talk slides can be found here. Families are encouraged to scroll through the slides together and use them as inspiration when choosing your next read!