(2) 4-6 It's the summer before middle school, and all Esme Sun, twelve, wants is to have fun at Deep Woods Pool. Her vacation is off to a rocky start, however, after she mistakenly embarrasses new girl Kaya, who is Black, by assuming she needs rescuing from the pool. She also wavers in connecting with her white "cool girl" swim team teammate, Tegan, who is becoming more interested in boys and fashion. On the plus side, practice pays off when Esme, who often feels outshined by her sisters' music, math, and technology talents, becomes one of the fastest swimmers. As summer progresses, she grows closer to Kaya and helps improve her flip turns. When the team starts winning, Esme's mom makes dismissive remarks about Kaya and pushes Esme to be the best, forcing the tween to choose: individual success or camaraderie and good sportsmanship? Shang's (Bubble Trouble, rev. 7/23) realistic slice-of-life story, centering a Chinese American family, captures the joy and rush of summertime and does a great job of portraying pre-adolescent awkwardness alongside more serious topics such as racism, colorism, divorce, and negative parental pressure. A refreshing, nuanced tale about the importance of being kind, supportive, and yourself.

Reviewer: Michelle Lee | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2025

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Gabi Mendez. Color by Cai Tse. In this moving and memorable graphic novel, twelve-year-old Addie loves tortoises, outer space, and moon trees (planted from seeds that traveled with the Apollo 14 mission before germinating back on Earth). A prologue reveals that when Addie was ten, her mom was injured in a bicycle accident and had surgery; things got worse from there. The main narrative begins almost two years later, after a traumatic (and ambiguously shown) incident, with Addie and her futurist dad adjusting to a "new normal." The pair is now living on a college campus for the summer, her dad working with a fun-loving group of young researchers studying augmented and virtual reality. Thrust into a new environment, Addie makes friends (including Mateo, a kind, free-spirited neighbor kid) and has experiences that push her as she challenges assumptions, processes feelings, and grows in empathy, vulnerability, and confidence. Character, setting, dialogue, and plot are skillfully delineated, and the inclusion of sunny moments balance heavier, introspective scenes. Well-paced, deftly illustrated panels convey characters' emotions and experiences; especially striking are fanciful VR-related images superimposed over realistic settings. When Addie's family situation (involving addiction and incarceration) is fully disclosed, it is presented with care, compassion, and hope. Back matter includes notes from the creators and a link to additional resources, including augmented reality that can be integrated into the reading of the book.

Reviewer: Elisa Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) YA Shang finds the right blend of serious and comedic in this novel about friendship, grief, and tween romance. Musical theater fan Chloe Wong, still grieving the loss of her mother, an ER doctor who died from COVID-19, yearns to attend her middle school's Broadway trip, but she's afraid her widowed inventor father cannot afford the $375 ticket. Determined to pay her way to New York City, Chloe (with best friend Sabrina's help) brainstorms money-making ideas involving the Tea Palace, where her show tune–hating classmate/sometimes crush, Henry, happens to work. Several screwball events ensue when Chloe gets banned from the tea shop after confronting the local mean girl and eventually starts her own bubble tea business with help from friends and family. (Foodies will enjoy the detailed descriptions of the flavors and bubble tea–making process.) Some of the novel's strongest passages are also the most heartfelt: those focusing on Chloe missing her mother, the kindness Henry shows Chloe, and the epiphany our protagonist reaches at the end. "The house was never going to be like it was with Mom, but we could still have love, just a different kind, with different people and creatures. And happiness. And mistakes."

Reviewer: Michelle Lee | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) 4-6 Stead and Mass (Bob, rev. 7/18) pen an entertaining lightly fantastical and supernatural love letter to books, librarians, and little free libraries. Perspective rotates among a cat named Mortimer, rising sixth grader Evan, and a reclusive librarian known as Al. When Al erects a little free library, filled with former library books, it changes the trajectories of the protagonists' lives and brings to light secrets and mysteries about their small town. Evan takes home a book that he realizes was checked out by his father when he was a teen in 1999--and returned on the very day of the catastrophic fire that destroyed the town library. While he investigates, readers are also receiving details from Al's first-person narration, which is somewhat unreliable. Mortimer the cat, who had lived with his sister in the town library as a kitten, now guards the present-day little free library structure and is at first plagued, then assisted, by friendly mice who help solve the story's mysteries. There are enough twists to hold puzzle-loving readers' attention, along with great emotional authenticity throughout. Stead and Moss dedicate their book to "the librarians of the past, present, and future," and many readers will come away feeling inspired.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

(2) 4-6 Shang (coauthor of Not Your All-American Girl, rev. 3/21) takes the little-known fact that several Asian American men fought in the Civil War and works it into a contemporary story about bullying, cultural acceptance, and forgiveness. Evan Pao, twelve, is the new kid in (fictional) Haddington, Virginia. His family has relocated from California for a fresh start after his father's get-rich-quick scheme nearly bankrupts them. Although Evan makes some new friends, he is constantly harassed by a classmate. He also wonders about his place in this small, mostly white, Southern town where many students take pride in their Confederate ancestors. While preparing for "Battlefield Day," a Civil War reenactment celebration, Evan excitedly shares information with his class about Chinese Union soldiers. His house is shot at the next day, seemingly in retaliation. In the aftermath of this harrowing event, the characters explore any possibility of reconciliation. The novel's strongest parts occur when Evan questions why "the whole history" of the Civil War isn't widely represented: Shang includes short passages on glossing over slavery in the classroom, honoring women who fought in the Civil War, and debating the removal of a Confederate statue.

Reviewer: Michelle Lee | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2022

(2) 4-6 This follow-up to This Is Just a Test stars Lauren Le Yuan Horowitz, sister of the previous book's protagonist. In 1984 suburban Virginia, Lauren is starting sixth grade secure in the "Royal We" of herself and her best friend, Tara. Auditioning for the school musical, Lauren--a talented singer who nails her "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" rendition--is disappointed to be cast in the ensemble while Tara snags the lead. The show is about a 1950s "All-American Town," and according to the drama teacher, Chinese and Jewish Lauren doesn't fit the part. Casual racism and microaggressions abound through Lauren's day-to-day interactions with friends, community members, and even '80s pop culture (i.e., squirming her way through Sixteen Candles). Her growing love for country music (with an extended vignette about mistaking Patsy Cline for Jewish) helps boost her confidence, as do new friendships with her ensemble-mates. A side story about Lauren's paralegal mom contemplating law school--and our protagonist's bratty reaction--leads to support and understanding. Lauren's two peppy grandmothers, in continual competition for matriarchal domination, are back, providing generational wisdom and snappy comic relief. A button-making business, a Sun In hair mishap, a Hula-Hooping janitor--all add levity and scene-setting detail to this entertaining and thoughtful coming-of-age story.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Daniel Egnéus. Lubna befriends a pebble when she and her father arrive at a refugee settlement, telling it about her family, the war, and her prior home. When Daddy finds them a new home, Lubna gives Pebble to newcomer Amir. Meddour's short, simple sentences pack a punch; the cool-palette illustrations, with their frequent use of curved lines, offer a sense of security. This tender story honors the emotional resilience of young people.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2019

(4) K-3 Spot Mighty Machines series. Each slim early reader opens with a photo glossary highlighting four truck-related vocabulary words, accompanied by instructions: "Look for these words and pictures as you read." The following spreads are organized by these keywords, with bright stock photos and a smattering of basic facts. The volumes lack substance but effectively reinforce the meaning of a small number of relevant terms. Also available in Spanish. Review covers these Spot Mighty Machines titles: Big Rigs, Fire Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Pickup Trucks, Tanker Trucks, and Tow Trucks.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Spot Mighty Machines series. Each slim early reader opens with a photo glossary highlighting four truck-related vocabulary words, accompanied by instructions: "Look for these words and pictures as you read." The following spreads are organized by these keywords, with bright stock photos and a smattering of basic facts. The volumes lack substance but effectively reinforce the meaning of a small number of relevant terms. Also available in Spanish. Review covers these Spot Mighty Machines titles: Big Rigs, Fire Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Pickup Trucks, Tanker Trucks, and Tow Trucks.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Spot Mighty Machines series. Each slim early reader opens with a photo glossary highlighting four truck-related vocabulary words, accompanied by instructions: "Look for these words and pictures as you read." The following spreads are organized by these keywords, with bright stock photos and a smattering of basic facts. The volumes lack substance but effectively reinforce the meaning of a small number of relevant terms. Also available in Spanish. Review covers these Spot Mighty Machines titles: Big Rigs, Fire Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Pickup Trucks, Tanker Trucks, and Tow Trucks.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Spot Mighty Machines series. Each slim early reader opens with a photo glossary highlighting four truck-related vocabulary words, accompanied by instructions: "Look for these words and pictures as you read." The following spreads are organized by these keywords, with bright stock photos and a smattering of basic facts. The volumes lack substance but effectively reinforce the meaning of a small number of relevant terms. Also available in Spanish. Review covers these Spot Mighty Machines titles: Big Rigs, Fire Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Pickup Trucks, Tanker Trucks, and Tow Trucks.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Spot Mighty Machines series. Each slim early reader opens with a photo glossary highlighting four truck-related vocabulary words, accompanied by instructions: "Look for these words and pictures as you read." The following spreads are organized by these keywords, with bright stock photos and a smattering of basic facts. The volumes lack substance but effectively reinforce the meaning of a small number of relevant terms. Also available in Spanish. Review covers these Spot Mighty Machines titles: Big Rigs, Fire Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Pickup Trucks, Tanker Trucks, and Tow Trucks.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Spot Mighty Machines series. Each slim early reader opens with a photo glossary highlighting four truck-related vocabulary words, accompanied by instructions: "Look for these words and pictures as you read." The following spreads are organized by these keywords, with bright stock photos and a smattering of basic facts. The volumes lack substance but effectively reinforce the meaning of a small number of relevant terms. Also available in Spanish. Review covers these Spot Mighty Machines titles: Big Rigs, Fire Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Pickup Trucks, Tanker Trucks, and Tow Trucks.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) PS Illustrated by Joan Rankin. In this humorous read-aloud with a "House That Jack Built" cadence, African animals--including an elephant, kudu, monkey, jackal, zebra, and lion--are scared out of their wits by cascading actions that start with thecheep of a guinea fowl chick. Finally, a wise owl explains the cause of the havoc. Energetic, excitement-packed illustrations in watercolor and ink invite repeated viewings. Simultaneously published in South Africa.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Twelve-year-old Sargent Singer aspires to be an artist like his famous namesake. When his estranged gallery-director father invites Sargent for a summer visit, Sargent discovers that figures in the gallery's paintings can interact with one another--and with him. Full-color art reproductions may inspire art-history buffs, though explanations of art terms and history somewhat bog down a mystery plot involving art theft.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) 4-6 Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories series. Illustrated by Katie Wood. These sports-themed stories starring girls highlight important skills necessary for success at a skate park (Longboard), a ranch (Cowgirl), on the ice (Ice Rink), and with the cheer squad (Squad). Fast pacing and black-and-white digital illustrations keep the predictable plots focused and easy to follow. Discussion questions, writing prompts, and facts about the sports are appended. Glos. Review covers these Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories titles: Cowgirl Grit, Ice Rink Rookie, Longboard Letdown, and Squad Struggles.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) 4-6 Twice upon a Time series. Set in the year 2336, this absorbing science-fiction twist on the legend follows Robin, who lives on a spaceport, and Marian, who's from a barren, nature-less Earth. In search of King Richard, they crash-land in a medieval world with animals and plants--as well as Little John, Friar Tuck, and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Snappy alternating chapters give equal weight to Robin's and Marian's perspectives.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Nicholas Gannon. While visiting her grandmother in Australia, ten-year-old Livy rediscovers a weird, green, diminutive creature--Bob--and vows to help figure out who Bob is and how she'd forgotten him. Chapters alternate between Livy's and Bob's perspectives. The text is filled with warmth and humor, and occasional interspersed illustrations, monochromatic and golden-brown, provide an old-timey feel. Friendship, family, and ruminations on home--plus some magic--should appeal to creature-fantasy fans.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(4) YA Misfit mathematician Eva can't stand human contact, since touching another person reveals his or her secret emotional struggles--a "gift" Eva finds intense and disturbing. Then Eva meets Zenn, a boy whom Eva can touch without consequence. A crush turns into love, even after the teens learn they have a shared tragic past. Standard coming-of-age romance with a kinda-supernatural twist and a saccharine ending.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(4) K-3 Spot Backyard Animals series. This slim easy reader opens with a photo glossary highlighting four bat-related vocabulary words, accompanied by instructions: "Look for these words and pictures as you read." The following spreads are organized around these keywords, with bright, close-up photos and a smattering of basic facts. The volume lacks substance but effectively reinforces the meaning of a small number of relevant terms. Also available in Spanish.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox