Best of April
The Trouble with Robots
by Michelle Mohrweis
Robotics club means everything to Evelyn, who is secretly autistic and can't understand why Allie won't take anything seriously, never realizing what's going on beneath the surface. This classic middle school drama is further complicated by the intersections of disability, orientation, and the occasional racial tension, creating a perfect storm and the perfect opportunity for both protagonists to grow. I love all the characters, and I'm even intrigued by robotics after reading this book.
So Let Them Burn
by Kamilah Cole
Being the chosen one comes with its perks, but now that the war is over, Faron is stuck dealing with politics—until her sister is claimed by an enemy dragon and taken over the sea. Faron is willing to do whatever it takes to get her back, even if the cost might be too high. This young adult high fantasy book has everything I was hoping for from Fourth Wing with none of the awkward explicit content. It deals with colonialism in a fresh fictional way and doesn't hesitate to explore the intersection of race, class, and orientation. And there are dragons.
Hazel and Her Sun
by Farnaz Calafi
Hazel loves the sun, and she wishes she could keep it in her room. But what would happen if she really did manage to catch the sun in a bowl? This charming picture book is full of color, and it answers a silly question with a thoughtful answer.
Spindleheart: Trail of Shadow and Spool
by T.I. Avens
When an ancient artifact goes missing and animals start turning up dead from unexplained causes, two young heroes set out to do what they can to protect those they love. I love the brilliant world building and unique characters in this middle grade high fantasy, and although I'm unsatisfied with the ending, I am looking forward to book 2.
Negative Cat
by Sophie Blackall
One boy has always dreamed of having a cat of his very own, but when he finishes all his chores to convince his parents to finally agree, he ends up with a cat that doesn't like to play or snuggle or do all the fun cat things: it's rather a negative cat. I highly recommend this picture book to anyone who has ever loved a cat, particularly a grumpy cat, and whose love for animals has spurred a love of reading.
Morning Leaves
by Laing F. Rikkers
I knew a photographer once who told me that the world is full of unnoticed things. This book takes the time to notice, consider, and empathize. The poems are simple, generally choppy, filled with short phrases and impressions. But I feel them. I particularly adore the pea sprout, hibiscus, and buttercup poems, but I didn't find a single poem in this book that didn't make me feel something. I want this book on my shelf where I can read a little each day and revel in the feeling of being connected to something beyond myself, even if it's just a plant--especially if it's just a plant.
Excuse Me as I Kiss the Sky
by Rudy Francisco
Like every other book of poetry by Rudy Francisco so far, this one is full of thoughtful reflections on life. This collection is divided into sections that show the poet exploring different poetic forms, and I'm honestly inspired to try a few of these myself. I love the way Francisco creates a scene with wordplay and the lightest suggestions, never coming across too heavy-handed. Even though understanding some of these poems takes effort, it's rewarding.
Phoenix Down
by Brooke Hatchett
Remy is just an ordinary shop assistant, but he and his adoptive father have a big secret: phoenixes, who legally don't exist, live in their basement, and it seems certain criminals are willing to do whatever it takes to find them. This middle grade high fantasy is made up of the first 40 chapters of an ongoing web series on Kindle Vella, which means it feels largely unfinished. However, it remains one of the best self-published books I've had the pleasure of reading. It has gentle character moments, high-anticipation chase scenes, secrets, justice, escapes, betrayal, sacrifice, familial love, and a whole lot of things that just make it sparkle. I hope the next 40 chapters will come out in book form soon.
Best of March
The Dress in the Window
by Robert Tregoning
In this rhyming picture book, one little boy spots a beautiful dress, and he can't stop imagining how it would look on him. I fell in love with the bubbly rhymes and cheerful theme of this story and stuck around for the cozy message about acceptance and self-expression.
Inventor Adventure
by Selma Benkiran
This realistic fiction book follows a young man's attempts to keep his plants watered through experimentation and research, but he learns a lot about managing his emotions along the way. While this book is a little long for a picture book, I love that it brings together two very important story elements in a believable and rewarding way.
Library Monster and the Inexperienced Librarian
by Laurel Lorenzini
The school library is a mess of chewed papers, and the kids know it can only mean that there's another book monster on the loose! This third picture book in the Library Monster series is just as charming as its prequels and adds in a cozy message about kindness and eco-friendliness.
Not Your Typical Dragon
by Dan Bar-el
Crispin doesn't breathe fire like a normal dragon, and it takes an atypical knight to help him understand that everyone has something to give. I love the silly illustrations in this picture book and couldn't help but giggle at all the creative breaths Crispin brings to the table.
Quintessence
by Jess Redman
Until Alma can face her parents' disapproval and admit to having a mental illness, she may never discover the truth behind her Alma-ness and how to save an endangered fallen star. This middle grade magical realism combines poetic prose with a charming tale about friendship and hope.
Sterling Fierce and the Lost Dragons
by Lori Tchen
Dragons have disappeared all over the land, and it's up to Sterling to figure out how to stop a twisted wizard and bring hope back to the kingdom in this thrilling YA fantasy. Sterling might be my new favorite fantasy protagonist; brilliantly written with a lot of heart.
The Tragical Tale of Birdie Bloom
by Temre Beltz
Labels mean everything in the storybook world of Wanderly, but one little girl dares to ask if it really has to be that way. I love the way this book points out that a label is only good if it's helpful for understanding rather than restrictive. I laughed and cried and obviously couldn't wait to read more books by this author.
The Triumphant Tale of Pippa North
by Temre Beltz
Pippa is not pleased when her destiny is changed, but perhaps she's the only one who can remind the triumphants of Wanderly what it really means to be a hero. This book is a bit more pompous than its predecessor, but it still makes some brilliant points that had me cheering and hugging the novel as I read. Both Birdie Bloom and Pippa North are middle grade fantasies set in the same world, you can read them in any order.
Untangling Hope
by Johnna Stein
When Hope has to introduce herself to yet another foster mom, she feels the familiar sensation of getting tangled up inside; but unlike last time, Hope has an exit plan and a sure way of finding a forever home if she can just get around a few pesky rules. This middle grade contemporary is written with keen insight and an excellent understanding of character.
Best of February
Beasts and Beauty
by Soman Chainani
This is a collection of fairy tales told from a little different perspective. While I didn't love every story, I appreciate the insight each one brings.
Greetings from Witness Protection
by Jake Burt
A middle school girl moves from endless foster homes to become the fourth person in a family running from the mafia in this middle grade contemporary thriller. I love Nicki as a character; her voice and character traits are refreshing and brilliantly crafted.
Julián Is a Mermaid
by Jessica Love
This playfully-illustrated picture book follows Julián as he experiments with clothing and jewelry. I love the way Julián receives support from his family, and honestly, if the cover art doesn't get you, you might want to check if your heart hasn't turned to stone.
The Little Green Goose
by Adele Sansone
Mr. Goose really wants to be a dad, but when he finally gets the chance to adopt an egg of his own, the creature who hatches is the strangest goose anyone has ever seen. This clever picture book reminds me that dads are just as important as moms, and adoptive families are real families too.
The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck
by Matt Phelan
Three of the cleverest animals ever to float in a hot air balloon set out to save the world in this epic illustrated chapter book. I laughed out loud and learned some awesome historical facts. If you read no other book on this list, please read this one.
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon
by Patty Lovell
Molly Lou Melon is short and a little quirky, but in this picture book, she doesn't let the school bully get her down but instead teaches her whole class to be proud of themselves. I loved the way Molly Lou stays positive in this story, and although she relies heavily on Grandma's advice, Molly Lou is the one who steps up to make changes in her life.
The Witchwood Knot
by Olivia Atwater
In this adult historical fantasy, one former orphan arrives at Witchwood manor to try to dispel the fairy curse that's been haunting it but learns that a much more sinister beast lurks within. Like all Atwater's books so far, this one is full of insightful commentary, delightful banter, and clever prose.
Best of January
To Night Owl from Dogfish
by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer
In this middle grade novel, told entirely in emails and text messages, two girls meet when their dads are considering getting married, and they aren't happy about either situation, so they set out to take control of their family destinies. I loved everything about this book: the characters, the authenticity, the chaotic twists, the random events, the thoughtful morals, and the insight on life and friendship.
The Runaway Pea
by Kjartan Poskitt
In this playful rhyming picture book, a pea escapes the dinner plate and goes on an ill-fated adventure. After months of wading through bad poetry, this book was an absolute delight with its bouncy rhythm and natural rhymes. The ending made me smile.
The Boy Who Dreamt the World
by Jethro Punter
This one is more of an honorable mention; with a few more rounds of proofreading, it could have been truly amazing, but I'm an editor and can't ignore a sentence with five adverbs in it (one is enough!).
In this middle grade portal fantasy, Adam discovers that he can "wake up" in a dream world in which he has amazing powers. But a terrifying enemy is stalking the otherwise idyllic land, and it's up to Adam to figure out whose nightmare is causing it and wake them up in the real world. The premise, while not truly original, is well done, and the writing style is humorous and clever. I love the characters and the setting and would love to see this book polished.
