The Big Booklist - Summer 2025
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Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Publisher recommended ages: 8-12
e-book and audiobook previews on the publisher page, linked under the cover
★ “A magical world readers will want to visit, blended with contemporary themes. An excellent middle grade fantasy.”—School Library Journal (starred review)
★ “This thrilling debut…confronts privilege and prejudice even while delving into a world of wonder, humor, and adventure…a sure-to-please winner.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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by Ruta Sepetys, Steve Sheinken
Publisher recommended age 10 and up
Did you know - with the authors
e-book and audiobook samples on publisher website
“Break out your Enigma machines! Sepetys and Sheinkin have written a thrilling World War II code-breaking adventure filled with ciphers, secrets, and spies.”
~ Alan Gratz – New York Times bestselling author of Refugee
“With broad appeal to both WWII and mystery enthusiasts, this highly recommended title is a first purchase for all libraries serving tweens and teens.” ~ SLJ
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by a Scott Reintgen
Publisher recommended Ages 10-13, GR 5-8
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Dragons, Space, Adventures, Intrigue
*Heidi says: “The audiobook narrator for Last Dragon is AMAZING.”
“Reintgen’s latest balances fraught interpersonal drama with expertly choreographed action and gleefully imaginative worldbuilding. The keenly rendered, racially diverse cast boasts jocularity, heart, and derring-do, enthralling readers while illustrating the revolutionary power of forgiveness and teamwork.”
~ Publisher’s Weekly, STARRED review
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by Caroline Starr Rose
audiobook on publisher’s site, scroll down
★ A young wilderness lookout confronts family expectations and her fear of fire… Believable emotions, gripping action, and skillfully incorporated information about climate change and wildfire management make this a relatable and engaging read. A girl-versus-nature story that shines with evocative verse, a compelling protagonist, and a brisk plotline.
—Kirkus, starred review -
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by Geoff Rodkey
"A quirky sci-fi adventure with a surprising layer of political irony."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Rodkey explores heady concepts such as immigration, tolerance, culture shock, and relative humor in this slapstick-laden allegory"—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Whip-smart, wildly inventive, and truly important.” –Katherine Applegate, author of Newbery Medal winner The One and Only Ivan
"Who knew that giant talking mosquitos and brilliant marshmallow girls on a distant planet could provide such crucial insight into what is happening on our planet right now?" -Adam Gidwitz, author of Newbery Honor book The Inquisitor's Tale -
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by Erin Entrada Kelly
***Winner of the 2025 Newbery Medal***
“A teen time traveler from 2199 visits 1999 and befriends an endearing, anxious tween boy in this wholesome and splendidly entertaining middle-grade novel about embracing the unknown. Kelly has written one of the kindest boys in children's literature.”
~ Shelf Awareness
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by Aimee Lucido
★ “As Emmy learns Java, the language and structure of programming seep into her poems. Music and code interweave…. and readers will cheer to see them work collectively…to create something beautiful.”
~ Kirkus, STARRED review
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by James Ponti
Check out The Summer of Sherlock with author James Ponti.
“A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure."
–SLJ, starred review
“An environmental mystery featuring lots of clever detecting, a bit of danger, and real felonies to investigate.”
~ Kirkus
"With an eye for atmosphere, history, and lively humor, Ponti brings the South Florida setting, as well as its quick-witted inhabitants, to vivid life, making for a worthy successor to classic kid mysteries that’s entertaining, educational, and exciting."
–Publishers Weekly, starred review
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by Brian Selznick
Grades 5-8
Book Trailer & Interview with the Author, Brian Selznick
“—engrossing, intelligent, beautifully engineered and expertly told both in word and image—” ~ The New York Times
“This book was a joy, a challenge, and a puzzle to put together. I hope you enjoy meeting Ben and Rose, and joining them on their thrilling, dangerous and unexpected adventures in New York City.”
–Brian Selznick -
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All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team
by a Christina Soontornvat
***2021 Newbery Honor Book***
Winner, 2021 Kirkus Prize for Young People’s Literature
“Readers who already know the outcome will nonetheless be enthralled by this singular tale that captures the importance of STEM education, the beauty of Thailand, and the best of humanity—collaboration, innovation, sacrifice, family, and love.”
~Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
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by Donna Barba Higuera
SLJ: Gr 5 and up
***Winner of the 2022 Newbery Medal***
The Author on her Family’s Storytelling Influence
"Deftly blends Mexican folklore with science fiction in this thrilling and emotional post-apocalyptic novel."
~ Shelf Awareness, Starred review
"This is the work of a true cuentista: gripping, euphonious (“The wind carried it off far away into the stars”), and full of storytelling magic."
~ Publisher’s Weekly
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by Clare Edge
Accidental Demons Galley Letter.pdf - Google Drive
“The clever premise isn’t just a one-note joke; it’s the basis for a stellar story and a moving meditation on chronic illness.” — Booklist
“Deeply thoughtful, absurdly clever, and packed with heart.” — Rebecca Mix, New York Times bestselling author of The Mossheart's Promise
“Empowering.” — Kirkus
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by Bobbie Pyron
“An important purchase for all children’s and teen library shelves.”
—School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW“Pearl’s resilience, hope and bravery shine like her namesake.”
—Booklist“Perceptive, instructive, and hopeful.”
—Publishers Weekly“A full-bodied and authentic exploration of living with depression.”
—Kirkus Reviews“Pyron uses metaphor gorgeously in this compelling verse novel.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“Octopus Moon shines with resilience, hope and kindness. Oh, how I wish I’d had this book when I was a kid!”
—Newbery Award-winner Katherine Applegate -
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by Allie Millington
“ Millington’s writing does us a great favor.” - Tom Hanks, The NEW YORK TIMES
★ “Debut author Millington skillfully delivers a complex storyline that deals with heavy topics. With plenty of quotable wisdom, richly textured language, and dry humor, this work reads like a classic. An extraordinary journey that speaks to the “before” and “after” of life-changing events.” — Kirkus, starred review
A lively and tender story about language, archive, and family history, Millington’s debut will keep young readers on their toes. ... Formatted in alternating chapters between Ernest and Olivetti’s points of view, readers will be delighted by the book’s playfulness, as well as its bittersweet look at the power of memory, and how a family can be broken and then healed. A quirky, heartfelt novel."--School Library Journal
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by Laura Martin
“With its dynamic plot, engaging characters, and sci-fi/historical fiction blend, this title will pull in a huge variety of readers, all of whom will be racing to see how the story ends.”
~ SLJ, STARRED review
