MS English 

Francisco Jiménez

An honest and evocative graphic-novel version of Francisco Jiménez’s original memoir, this story presents a series of vivid childhood scenes showing what life was like as a migrant worker in California, told through a young child’s eyes. The tale follows his family’s journey from Mexico to the U.S., their back-breaking farm labor, and the constant moving—all while the boy’s longing for education shines through the beautiful illustrations. It’s a powerful and moving look at hope, survival, and the search for a place to belong, made all the more vivid by its graphic-novel form. 

Katherine Marsh

This survival story blends two timelines—present-day and the 1930s—to uncover a family secret tied to the Holodomor, the devastating famine that struck Soviet Ukraine. When 13-year-old Matthew discovers a mysterious old photograph among his great-grandmother's belongings, he embarks on a journey into her hidden past. Alternating between present and past, the novel reveals the courage and resilience of his ancestors, connecting a modern teen with a forgotten history. 

Deva Fagan

In a world where your worth is measured by magical games, orphaned Pia competes in the deadly Great Game to save her grandfather. With a ragtag team of misfits, she faces dangerous challenges and high stakes—not only from the game but from the legendary "Lady Death" herself.

This fast-paced fantasy is perfect for fans of daring competitions, creative world-building, and unlikely friendships—where winning means more than glory; it means survival and love.

Ginger Reno

Twelve-year-old Wren, who’s half-Cherokee, has been searching for her missing mother for more than five years. When animal corpses start turning up in her Oklahoma town, Wren’s detective instincts kick in. Teaming up with unlikely friends, she begins to dig deeper into a troubling mystery—and into heartbreaking truths about the disappearance of Indigenous women.

Combining suspense, cultural insight, and fierce determination, this novel is both a gripping mystery and an important call for justice and remembrance.

Rob Harrell

Picture Day is Andrew’s worst nightmare: a school bully, a science experiment gone wrong, even “juice snot” of all things. With anxiety and OCD swirling inside him, the smallest things feel massively overwhelming—especially when his grandmother goes missing.

Filled with funny comics, “Anxiety File” panels, and gentle coping tips, this illustrated middle-grade novel is both hilarious and heartfelt—a realistic and comforting look at anxiety, friendship, and finding help when you need it most.

Tracey Baptiste

When foster boy “Coal” goes out for a stroll with chalk, he never expected a potential tragedy to strike—or for himself to disappear, literally. Suddenly Camouflaged and invisible, Coal must navigate trust, family secrets, and his newfound powers while staying in a quirky foster home that might just be his best chance at belonging. 

This emotional, action-packed superhero origin story blends real-world issues with magical mayhem—and reveals how courage, art, and a little invisibility can help you find where you belong.

Scott Reintgen

Lunar Jones scrapes by as a tech scavenger on a dying human colony on Mars—until he stumbles into a military zone and discovers a living dragon. In a world where dragons power galactic ships, this ancient creature could change everything. Chosen by the dragon Dread, Lunar becomes a dragoon amid danger, secrets, and a possible rebellion.

This sci-fi/fantasy mash-up blends edge-of-your-seat action with unforgettable world-building—daring, dragon-fueled adventures amid a crumbling society.

Sophie Cameron

Isla and her family are still grieving the death of her sister Flora—until a secret trial brings her back as a lifelike AI robot, recreated using digital memories. As Flora returns home, the family must face their hopes, fears, and what it means to truly live together again.

This thoughtful coming-of-age novel, with a gentle technological twist, explores identity, grief, and the bonds we hold dear—perfect for readers who love thoughtful stories that make you feel deeply.

James Ponti 

In this laugh-out-loud, action-packed mystery, siblings Alex and Zoe Sherlock decide that opening a detective agency is a much better summer job than boring chores like babysitting (“boring”), lawn mowing (“sweaty”), or attic cleaning (“boring and sweaty”)—and they’re not wrong! With their friends Lina (the bookworm) and Yadi (the aspiring filmmaker), plus their retired reporter Grandpa aboard his aquamarine Cadillac and armed with a treasure trove of cold cases, these four sleuths set out on an unforgettable hunt.

Their first case? A long-lost treasure linked to Al Capone—and their search leads them deep into the Everglades, where they stumble on something far more sinister: hints of corporate corruption. Can their combined smarts, Grandpa’s experience, and some really cool gadgets crack the case? 

Maria Marianayagam

Ajay is living by strict rules set by his Tamil parents—straight A’s, no lazy days—until he steals a chocolate bar and discovers it holds a million-dollar prize. Suddenly stuck in a tangle of lies, culture, family expectations, and a budding crush, Ajay must figure out who he is—and what he truly values.

This warm, funny coming-of-age story explores immigrant identity, faith, sibling bonds, and doing the right thing—even when the right thing appears in a candy bar.

Victoria Williamson

After a boating accident leaves fourteen-year-old Max deaf, he’s struggling to adjust—until a mysterious wind farm arrives, offering internet and smartphones to the islanders. But with it comes strange changes and animal behavior. With the help of friends who also have special needs, Max must uncover the truth before the experiments spiral out of control.

A thrilling eco-thriller filled with adventure, empathy, and hope, this novel celebrates friendship, bravery, and the power of voices—heard or not.

Ruta Sepetys

In the summer of 1940, siblings Jakob and Lizzie Novis become part of wartime secrets at Bletchley Park—the legendary WWII codebreaking hub. Jakob must help crack the Nazis’ Enigma codes, while fierce Lizzie races to uncover the truth about their mother’s disappearance—dangerous riddles and spies included.

This fast-paced historical mystery blends true espionage, sibling loyalty, and hidden puzzles—perfect for readers fascinated by wartime bravery, cryptography, and untold secrets.

Lily Bailey

Ben’s brain makes him count to four, tap in fours, and avoid colors like red—he’s trapped in OCD rituals. A new school, an absent dad, a grumpy big brother, and a voice crowding his mind make life feel impossible. But when he meets April, she might just help him stand up to the thoughts in his head—and find peace, friendship, and control again.

An honest, #ownvoices story about living with OCD and the courage it takes to open up. It’s hopeful, heartfelt, and invites empathy by revealing how friendship can change everything.

Ross Montgomery

Told entirely from the point of view of a loyal farm dog named Rebel, this heartwarming tale follows a political rebellion against a greedy king. As Rebel embarks on a quest through forests, rivers, and mountains to save his boy Tom, he discovers friendship, courage, and the true meaning of loyalty as only a dog could express.

This touching animal adventure is full of humor, bravery, and heart—perfect for readers who love stories about friendship, courage, and the world seen through a dog’s eyes.

Alexis Kossiakoff

After fleeing Russia, Lucy has made a new home in 1920s China—but when her father is kidnapped by a cruel warlord, she must follow a magical feather into a realm of myth, danger, and friendship. Alongside her best friend Su and a mysterious gangster known as Vlad the Deathless, Lucy journeys through enchanted forests, ancient beasts, and a world shaped by folklore and hope. 

This sweeping historical fantasy weaves Chinese and Slavic folklore into a bold adventure—equal parts magic, bravery, and yearning for family—in a richly imaginative world grounded in history and myth.