Middle Grades

  • Firebird Waltz (Star Fire Academy)
    $17.99

    From New York Times bestselling author and former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland comes the first book in a middle grade series about a girl who must balance her ballet aspirations with her magical destiny.

    Twelve-year-old Josie can’t wait to start classes at the prestigious Star Fire Academy for the Performing Arts. She has been dancing ballet since she was three years old and hopes she can live up to the expectations of the school—and make her parents proud.

    When she arrives at the academy, it only takes one class for Josie to know she’s going to have to perform like never before to keep up with her talented fellow students, especially if she wants a shot at the coveted solo in the upcoming fall recital. As Josie digs deep for the confidence and inspiration required for the role, she grows closer to her ballet teacher, Miss Fiona, who tells Josie she’s destined for something far greater than a solo.

    According to Miss Fiona, centuries ago an evil sorcerer attempted to turn himself into the most amazing dancer in the world. Instead, his spell went wrong, transforming him into a monstrous being full of rage and envy—but also creating a beautiful dance spirit full of goodness: the Firebird.

    Ever since, the two timeless entities have been fighting for the souls of young artists. In every generation, the Firebird is embodied by a new hero, and Josie is next in line. Suddenly, Josie is faced with two roles of a lifetime. Can she rise to the occasion?

  • Fibbed
    $14.99

    "Elizabeth Agyemang smartly weaves culture, adventure, and a little magic into a dynamic story about stories. Agyemang's colorful illustrations breathe life into Nana's journey as she connects with her roots and learns to believe in her own voice. At its core, FIBBED is a bold reminder that stories—and those who tell them—have power." —Booki Vivat, New York Times bestselling author of the Frazzled series

    A magical middle-grade graphic novel about a girl who doesn’t lie but no one believes, and who winds up tangled in the web of a trickster spider of Ghanaian lore, Ananse.

    Everyone says that the wild stories Nana tells are big fibs. But she always tells the truth, as ridiculous as it sounds to hear about the troupe of circus squirrels stealing her teacher’s toupee. When another outlandish explanation lands her in hot water again, her parents announce that Nana will be spending the summer with her grandmother in Ghana.

    She isn’t happy to be missing the summer camp she’s looked forward to all year, or to be living with family that she barely knows, in a country where she can’t really speak the native language. But all her worries get a whole lot bigger—literally—when she comes face-to-face with Ananse, the trickster spider of legend.

    Nana soon discovers that the forest around the village is a place of magic watched over by Ananse. But a group of greedy contractors are draining the magic from the land, intent on selling the wishes for their own gain. Nana must join forces with her cousin Tiwaa, new friend Akwesi, and Ananse himself to save the magic from those who are out to steal it before the magic—and the forest—are gone for good.

  • Mexikid Dreams: A Graphic Memoir
    $14.99

    In this extraordinary graphic memoir companion to Newbery Honor winner Mexikid, hilarious family hijinks, immigration patrols, and musical daydreams shape a year of growth and change for a Mexican American boy and his family.

    Pedro Martín is sick of strawberries. Since he was seven, he’s spent every weekend and summer picking berries with his family under the hot sun. Sometimes it’s not so bad—Pedro’s an ace at “strawberry wars” with his siblings, and when a good song comes on the radio, the fields can come alive with music. But mostly, Pedro wishes he could just stay home watching Saturday cartoons, head to the beach like other kids, and not worry about immigration patrols. When his older brother gets a job away from the farm, freedom suddenly seems within arm’s reach: Pedro just has to prove to his dad that he’s ready to follow a different path! Maybe he can be a trombone player, or a cartoonist—if that’s even a real job. But as Pedro learns more about his parents’ and abuelito’s past, and the choices they made in order to open up more choices for him, he starts to understand that freedom isn’t just about leaving the fields—it’s about knowing where you came from and having the courage to draw your own life.

  • Huda F Would Love You?: A Graphic Novel
    $17.99

    In this funny and tender finale to the Huda F series, Huda has a plan to find love—but she might need to find herself first!

    It’s the summer after Huda’s high school graduation, and love is in the air! Or it’s about to be, anyway. Because Huda has the ingredients for a perfect love story: a butt-kicking girl power squad of new friends, and a plan to woo all the aunties into setting her up with their eligible sons. But when she finds herself caught between her friends and her heart, gender roles and ambitions, and her fears and dreams, Huda begins to realize that finding her own “happily ever after” might require changing herself—or her expectations.

  • Àkànní
    $14.99

    A young warrior in training and a team of unlikely-heroes-turned-friends set out to uncover a conspiracy that threatens their entire solar system—and challenges their idea of honor.

    This epic space-based graphic novel for 8-12 year olds is perfect for fans of Star Wars and Iyanu on Cartoon Network!

    All her life, Àkànní has dreamed of being an onija—brave in the face of danger, strong in the face of opposition, and honorable in the face of injustice. And as a student at the prestigious Onija Institute, she’s on her way to becoming part of the elite force that defends her solar system.

    But when a surprise attack decimates her home planet and the government refuses to respond, Àkànní no longer knows who to trust. She rushes home to Asa to search for survivors—and there meets a misfit group of rebels seeking answers.

    When they discover evidence that the attack on Asa was just the beginning, it’s up to Àkànní and her new friends to open the eyes of those in power to the real threat of war.

  • Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave
    $8.99

    Abandoned in a cemetery and raised in a funeral home, a girl who can see and smell the supernatural must solve the mystery of a priceless heirloom stolen from her family's business. Perfect for fans of Netflix’s Wednesday and Beetlejuice!

    "A new middle grade heroine you’re going to love."—BookRiot

    AN EDGAR AWARD NOMINEE • A BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE

    13-year-old Mystery—who was abandoned in a cemetery and raised in a funeral home—is plagued by sleep paralysis and the smell of ghosts, but she's used to that. Even though her life might seem "strange" on the outside, she loves it.

    That is until a priceless heirloom goes missing and her family's funeral home is in danger of being shut down. To clear her Tia's good name, Mystery embarks on an adventure to figure out what really happened to the misplaced necklace.

    But to do so, she must contend with the angry patriarch of the town’s wealthiest family, a sleep paralysis demon, a graverobber, and the ghastly half-vampire, half-ghost that’s lurking in the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery.

  • Jax Freeman and the Graveyard Forest
    $18.99

    Don't miss the epic conclusion to the Jax Freeman trilogy!

    From the award-winning author of the best-selling Tristan Strong trilogy comes a unique magic-school fantasy series packed with Black history, ghosts, friendship, non-stop action, and a lot of heart.

    In his first adventure in this series, seventh grader Jackson "Jax" Freeman learned that he's a summoner—someone who can call on the magical powers of his ancestors—and tries to clear his great-great grandfather’s name of a tragedy he didn’t cause. In his second adventure, Jax tests his newfound skills in a tournament against the most skilled summoners in the world while facing a mysterious foe and dangerous cryptids.

    In his final adventure, Jax sets out on a secret journey into the spirit realm to rescue his friend Two-Saint. But he unknowingly plays into the hands of the dreaded Wraith Queen who uses this event to escape the spirit world in an effort to defeat Jax for good.

    Follow Jax as he discovers what it truly means to form a community and that home is where you choose to plant roots.

  • Sol Goes for Goal!: (A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel)
    $14.99

    It's back to school for the Hillside Valley kids! Sol's trying out for the middle school soccer team but will a crush on the team captain distract her from her goals? Find out in this new Hillside Valley graphic novel—filled with friendship, first crushes, and some impressive soccer skills!

    Welcome back to Hillside Valley-this time it's Game On for Sol!

    Twelve-year-old Sol is a great friend, a model student, a beloved daughter and a star soccer player. At least that's what everyone always expects of her. But when the soccer team captain Lily walks by, Sol starts to lose focus. What's with this heart fluttering feeling she has around Lily?! And how can she stay the star player--the star everything--that people see her as if she can barely remember her name (much less how to play soccer) around Lily? Is Sol destined to let everyone down, including herself? Or can she figure out how to be the Sol she wants to be...on and off the field. Settle back into the cozy community of Hillside Valley in this second irresistible graphic novel! And don’t miss the first Hillside Valley Graphic Novel, Speak Up, Santiago!

  • Aku: Journey to Ibra
    $9.99

    NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Blast off into a sci-fi adventure in this electrifying debut novel starring Aku—the groundbreaking 3D character who graced the cover of TIME Magazine.

    This special paperback edition features cosmic sprayed edges as well as interior covers displaying a curated selection of the same Aku fan art as the hardcover.

    "The plot is compelling and fast paced, with nonstop adventure....An entertaining sci-fi romp with grounded, real-world tween struggles."—School Library Journal

    Aku has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. It’s easier to picture life among the stars than deal with the bully at school—or the pain of his grandfather’s mysterious disappearance. But when a strange space helmet shows up in his basement, Aku is pulled into something far bigger than he ever imagined.

    The space helmet doesn’t just look cool—it teleports him to Ibra, a distant planet under siege. There, precious Lunaberries are being stolen by a ruthless space militia, and Aku’s grandfather may be the key to stopping them. With the help of his best friends and a few unlikely allies, Aku must dream bigger than ever before, find the courage to lead, and discover that bravery isn’t about having no fear—it’s about rising above it.

  • Jessi's Secret Language (The Baby-Sitters Club #16) (16)
    $8.99

    America's favorite series returns with a new look and a Netflix tv show.

    Jessi knows a secret language! She learned it from Matt Braddock, the BSC's newest charge. Matt's been deaf since birth, and he uses sign language to speak. Since Jessi is Matt's baby-sitter, she's been using sign language, too.

    Soon all the kids in Stoneybrook want to learn to sign . . . which keeps the Baby-sitters busy. Jessi's the busiest of all: she working on another secret just for Matt. Will she be able to keep the secret and pull off her special event?

  • Jessi's Secret Language: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #12) (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix)
    $12.99

    A brand-new Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adapted by Eisner-nominated artist Chan Chau!

    Jessi recently moved to Stoneybrook and is one of the newest members of The Baby-sitters Club. She's getting ready to start regularly sitting for the BSC's newest charge, Matt Braddock. Matt has been Deaf since birth and uses sign language to communicate, so Jessi has to use it, too. It's a secret language!

    Soon all the neighborhood kids want to learn how to sign, which keeps the BSC busy. Jessi's the busiest of all -- she's preparing for her dance school's big show, plus working on another secret, just for Matt. Will Jessi be able to keep the secret and pull off her performance?

  • Starting Now
    $19.99

    From New York Times-bestselling author Janae Marks comes a heartfelt middle-grade novel about a tween who uncovers a deep family secret after she moves into her estranged half-brother’s guardianship following their mother’s accident.

    Addy Thompson’s life is untangling: Her mom is in a coma following a car accident, and now she’s in the custody of her estranged half-brother—although Julian feels more connected by DNA than real family. On top of that, her two best friends, Thea and Luz, are fighting, and she’s not sure she’s ready for her first ever swim meet. Addy feels helpless in the middle of everything.

    As Addy gets to know Julian better, more questions arise. Why haven’t they spent time together before now? And why won’t he visit their mom in the hospital? When Addy discovers an old journal in her mom’s closet, it sends her on a journey to uncover the truth.

    But revealing the past comes with big feelings and bigger secrets, and when Addy gets Thea and Luz involved in her scheme, the ties of their friendship stretch to their limit. Even worse, Julian refuses to talk about their mom, and Addy’s search for the truth threatens their growing relationship.

    All Addy wants is to knit the people she loves back together. But what if she’s the one tearing them apart?

  • Here Lies a Ghost
    Sold out

    India Hill Brown meets Sharon Draper in a spooky, poignant, tour-de-force from Shakirah Bourne -- an ode to Black Boy friendships, the richness of Caribbean history, and the power that comes from reclaiming your past.

    Jermaine is NOT destined to be popular at his new elite school. First, he's the poorest kid in class -- no phone, no cool sneakers, no chance. Second, he loves science and can't keep himself from gushing about geology. But after being bullied at his old school, he's desperate for the status and protection that comes from joining the "Turbo Jets"... even if that means abandoning Brody, a fellow outsider who truly wants to be Jermaine's friend.

    As part of a hazing ritual, the Turbo Jets dare Jermaine to break into the notorious "haunted Chase Vault" -- the crypt that once housed one of the cruelest enslavers in Barbados and his family. Then they lock him inside as a "joke."

    Luckily, Jermaine makes it out unscathed. There's just one problem.

    Someone else left the crypt with him.

    Someone desperate to learn how she died... and get her revenge.

    Jermaine is relieved someone else can see the ghost: his ex-best friend Brody. But freeing her won't be easy. It means ditching the Turbo Jets, teaming up with Brody, and unearthing ugly secrets from the island's colonial past. Will Jermaine really risk everything to help the suffering spirit find peace?

  • The Girl Who Loved Monsters (A Devilfish Bay Book)
    $13.99

    A creepy, monster-filled graphic novel, perfect for readers of Summer Vamp and Hellaween!

    When Charlotte Bissett discovers a creepy cool book in her school library called Liber de Monstrum, she can’t help but take it home to investigate. Horror has always brought her comfort—as long as it’s safely within the pages of a book.

    That night she reads a few pages out loud before going to sleep. And the next day, some really weird things are going on in the small town of Devilfish Bay. There's snow outside for the first time in years, Charlotte's favorite teacher is missing, and the new substitute teacher, Miss Fell, is a little strange. She just might be a werewolf!

    Charlotte's worried she made a big mistake reading from the creepy book. She knows it's up to her to make things right—but to do so, she'll have to recruit her friends Molly and Griffin to help. But will they even believe her? And if they do, can this new crew of kid monster hunters actually defeat a real werewolf?

  • The Huntsman and the Witches (Everlasting Tales, 3)
    $19.99

    Everlasting Tales is a collection of multicultural fairy tales and folktales—honoring the stories passed down through oral tradition by refreshing and preserving them for new generations.

    THE VILLAGE ELDERS ALWAYS WARNED: WHEN AN OWL HOOTS AND A CAT HISSES, DANGER IS NEAR.

    Once upon a time, greed drove a Huntsman deep into the woods in search of a wild boar. As darkness and rain crept in, he ignored each sign to turn around.

    When he stumbled upon a hut, the Huntsman kicked open the door and left a mess within.

    HOO? HOO? HISSS! HISSS!

    The sounds grew louder; something was coming. Then suddenly . . . all went silent.

    The Witches had arrived.

    And they were hungry.

    In the third book of the Everlasting Tales collection, Pura Belpré Award Winner Abraham Matias retells the darkly whimsical Mexican folktale of an arrogant hunter who ends up in a cabin full of hungry witches—with illustrations by Caldecott Honor-Winning illustrator Molly Mendoza. Back matter includes an author's note and a condensed tale in Spanish for bilingual readers, perfect all year and during Latinx heritage month and spooky season celebrations.

  • Opting Out
    Sold out

    From the award-winning author/illustrator of GENDER QUEER and a bright new talent, the story of a kid named Saachi, who is navigating friendship woes, sister issues, a new crush, and a resistance to blue-and-pink binaries.

    Bodies are the worst. I wish I didn't have a body.

    Saachi is a storyteller. At school, she's surrounded by kids she's known forever -- including her best friend, Lyla, who shares Saachi's love of fantasy novels and creating new worlds.

    But as seventh grade starts, kids are changing. Suddenly, it matters who you like and if you can find a boyfriend or girlfriend. Even Lyla seems more interested in hanging out with her new boyfriend than in writing and drawing with Saachi anymore. Saachi's not interested in any of that boy/girl stuff. Why can't things just stay the way they were?

    Saachi also doesn't love all the ways her body is changing. What if she doesn't feel like a girl -- or like a boy, either? In a world where there is so much either/or, Saachi is going to need to find her own options . . . and create her own story.

  • Girl from the Ashes
    $18.99

    Two friends must dig into their town's forgotten past and uncover the forgotten truth -- before their whole town goes up in flames. For fans of Small Spaces and Mary Downing Hahn, a spooky ghost story from the award-winning author of The Forgotten Girl and The Girl in the Lake.

    Burn it all down.

    Gianna and Carter John are best friends, but they couldn’t be more different. Gianna is small for her age, gets straight A’s, and is the teacher’s favorite. Meanwhile, Carter John gets in trouble no matter what he does, just because he’s tall and his voice is loud.

    Then one day while working on a class project in the town library, Carter John gets in trouble yet again and reaches his breaking point. As his anger builds, a stack of books flies off the shelf, hitting the librarian.

    Now everywhere he goes, strange things are happening. The smell of smoke hangs in the air. Sparks fly when Carter John gets in trouble. And he hears the voice of a young girl singing a song . . . a song about burning . . .

    When fires start breaking out around town, Carter John and Gianna are determined to figure out who’s responsible. They are certain that these are no normal fires . . . Something terrible once happened where the town library now stands, and someone’s trying to send them a message about it.

    But who is she―and why is she determined to get revenge?

    From the author of The Forgotten Girl and The Girl in the Lake, this is both a bonechilling ghost story, and a book about the history of segregated libraries.

  • Level Up
    Sold out

    From the author of Hide and Seeker comes a new thriller where an iconic childhood game turns creepy.

    Keenan is used to running. He loves it. He is good at it. He is a track star, after all. Now he and his mother are escaping his father, trying to start a new life in Tennessee.

    But he has never been on the run like this before. This new town has monsters of its own. The students in his school seem to be under some sort of trance, and Keenan is the only one who isn’t affected. Which means he is the only one who can do anything about it.

    It’s time for Keenan to stop running and face his fears.

    He cannot let the monsters win.

  • Jason Reynolds's Track Series Paperback Collection (Boxed Set): Ghost; Patina; Sunny; Lu
    $31.99

    Race through Jason Reynolds’s New York Times bestselling Track series, now in a complete boxed set.

    Ghost. Patina. Sunny. Lu. A fast but fiery group of kids from wildly different backgrounds, chosen to compete on an elite track team. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. Discover each of their stories in this complete collection of Jason Reynolds’s explosive New York Times bestselling Track series.

    This collection includes:
    Ghost
    Patina
    Sunny
    Lu

  • Grandma, Cho Cho and Me
    $19.99

    Some families gather for big dinners, but in my house we feast at breakfast! As Grandma and I cook our favorite Jamaican dishes, I learn why that is.

    The girl in this story and her grandmother are making breakfast for the whole family! Jamaican favorites like ackee and saltfish, fried dumplings and delicious cho cho are on the menu today. As they chop and stir, and the food simmers and sizzles, the girl has one big question for Grandma ― why does their family eat such BIG breakfasts?

    Through the process of cooking traditional foods, and through Grandma’s stories of life in Jamaica before their family emigrated to Canada, the girl learns more about the historical, economic and social reasons for their big breakfasts ― and she explores her culture as someone not born in Jamaica, but still connected to the island.

    Grandma, Cho Cho and Me is inspired by the author’s childhood experiences born to Jamaican migrant parents, and beautifully illustrated by Paulica Santos. Memories of tropical landscapes, garden-fresh greens and mouthwatering meals overflow in Paulica Santos’s lush, mixed-media illustrations.

    Key Text Features

    illustrations

    Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1

    With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3

    With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4

    Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6

    With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7

    With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3

    Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4

    Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7

    Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

  • The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class: Fia Hosein Finds Her Beat
    $6.99

    Meet the kids in Mrs. Z's wacky and wonderful third grade class! Fia Hosein loves life in Peppermint Falls, but when she notices her Trinidadian accent beginning to fade, she hits a few bumps in the road while regaining her voice. 

    When Fia Hosein and her family moved from Trinidad & Tobago to Peppermint Falls, she was excited for everything new that awaited them, like snow days! But one cold winter day, Fia's voice starts to sound different and Ma and Grampy tell her it sounds like she has “snow in her throat.” Oh no! Did Fia catch a cold?

    Now, Mrs. Z has assigned Fia a verbal presentation to perform in front of the whole class. How is Fia supposed to speak in front of her classmates when her voice feels all wrong? With the support of her parents, friends, and teachers, Fia must find a new sound that rings true to who she is!

    Both sweetly poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, with black-and-white illustrations by Pura Belpré Honor artist Kat Fajardo, Fia's story invites readers into Mrs. Z’s class where friendship and fun rule the school, from New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste.

    Perfect for!
    ★ My Weirdtastic School fans
    ★ Reluctant readers
    ★ Classroom read-alouds
    ★ Andrew Clements fans
    ★ Young musicians
    ★ Anyone who’s had a big move!

    Read them all! The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class have plenty of stories to share!
    Emma McKenna, Full Out (#1)
    Rohan Murthy Has a Plan (#2)
    Poppy Song Bakes a Way (#3)
    The Legend of Memo Castillo (#4) 
    Wyatt Hill Brings a Lizard to School (#5) 
    Ayana Ndoum Takes the Stage (#6) 
    Olive Little Gets Crafty (#7)
    Synclaire Fields Knows the Score (#8)
    Theo Chang is Not a Cat (#9)—available for preorder now!
    Thunder Nelson Does the Impossumble (#10)—available for preorder now!
    Sebastian Metzger Solves a Sticky Situation (#11)—available for preorder now!
    Fia Hosein Finds Her Beat (#12)—available for preorder now!

    The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class is an innovative series where every book is written by a different all-star author and features a different kid in the same third-grade class. They can be read in any order!

  • How to Survive on the Moon : Lunar Lessons from a Rocket Scientist
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    A humorous guide to living on the Moon by astrophysicist Joalda Morancy, timed to coincide with the NASA Artemis Moon missions

    An illustrated guide to lunar survival for kids from astrophysicist Joalda Morancy, timed to coincide with the NASA Artemis Moon missions.

    Humans are heading back to the Moon. But once we get there, how on the Moon will we stay alive? In this practical guide, future astronauts will learn how to dodge meteorites, shield themselves from dangerous radiation, and grow the food they’ll need to survive life away from our home planet.

    As well as practical tips, Morancy lifts a lid on some of the coolest developments in lunar science—including the possibility of building underground cities in lava tubes and the giant catapult that could be used to get stuff back to Earth.

    Like Andy Weir’s The Martian everything in this space book is based on real, groundbreaking science. And no one is better placed to write it: when they’re not writing kids’ books, Joalda Morancy is building the lunar lander the Artemis missions will use to take astronauts—including the first woman and first person of color —to the surface!

    Hilarious illustrations by award-winning artist Aaron Cushley, including graphic novel elements, convey the wonder and excitement of future space travel and give this book a key point of difference from other solar system books.

    Don’t leave Earth without it!

  • Olive Oakes and the Haunted Carousel
    $17.99

    The first book in a new middle-grade mystery series by Kalynn Bayron.

    Olive Oakes loves a good mystery. She keeps a notebook with her at all times, ready to jot down observations about anything that seems out of the ordinary. Along with her cousin Eli, Olive is always looking for her next chance to sleuth!

    When Olive and her family visit a town called Whispering Woods, she uncovers a mystery linked to the traveling circus that comes through the area once a year. With rumors of missing kids and ghost sightings, it’s the perfect opportunity for Olive to investigate! But the people of Whispering Woods are very secretive, and Olive must tread carefully if she hopes to solve the mystery of the haunted carousel.

  • The Vanquishers: Rise of the Wrecking Crew

    Kalynn Bayron

    $8.99

    In the heart-stopping conclusion to the Vanquishers series by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron, it is time for the final stand against the undead.

    San Antonio is on lockdown, taken over by the new hive. No one can deny that the undead are back now, but the Vanquishers found out the hard way: when they learned that an old friend is behind the latest string of attacks.

    As the Squad hide out at an abandoned combat training facility, honing their vampire-butt-kicking skills, they begin to suspect that they're not alone. And when a vial of Dracula's blood--able to give unrivaled power to the vampire that consumes it--is stolen from the bunker, the Vanquishers race to recover it before it falls into the wrong hands.

    The Vanquishers have always been Boog's family, the ones she trusts the most. But what does it mean when a former Vanquisher, one of her heroes, is now the enemy?

  • From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun

    Jacqueline Woodson

    $8.99

    A Coretta Scott King Honor Book

    Three-time Newbery Honor author Jacqueline Woodson explores race and sexuality through the eyes of a compelling narrator

    Melanin Sun has a lot to say. But sometimes it's hard to speak his mind, so he fills up notebooks with his thoughts instead. He writes about his mom a lot--they're about as close as they can be, because they have no other family. So when she suddenly tells him she's gay, his world is turned upside down. And if that weren't hard enough for him to accept, her girlfriend is white. Melanin Sun is angry and scared. How can his mom do this to him-- is this the end of their closeness? What will his friends think? And can he let her girlfriend be part of their family?

  • My Grief Comfort Book: Creative Activities to Help Kids Cope with Loss and Keep Memories Alive

    Brie Overton and Jesse White

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    *Ships/ready for pick up in 5-8 business days*

    This creative activity book belongs in the hands of every child who has lost someone special in their lives to help them heal through play and art therapy with stickers, coloring sheets, keepsakes, and comfort cards.

    Whether a child has lost a grandparent, a pet, or an important person in their life, My Grief Comfort Book offers them space to process their emotions through hands-on art, play, and storytelling. From Writing a Goodbye Letter on the stationary in the book to creating a Memory Box to hold and share memories, the projects help kids heal after a death. Kids are encouraged to sketch Before and After Drawings, put together a Comfort Kit to cope when they're sad, or make an Activity Jar of things a loved one enjoyed before they died. The 25 prompts, games, exercises, and keepsake crafts were designed by author Brie Overton, the clinical director at the Experience Camps for grieving children. My Grief Comfort Book invites kids to take a creative break from the heaviness of their loss. As they draw, paint, share a story, or play a game, they build coping skills, manage their emotions, develop resilience, and make peace with their grief.

  • Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z

    by Irene Latham, Charles Waters, and Mehrdokht Amini

    $19.99

    *Ships in 7-10 business days*

    How can we make the world a better place?

    This inspiring resource for middle-grade readers is organized as a dictionary; each entry presents a word related to creating a better world, such as ally, empathy, or respect. For each word, there is a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, a personal anecdote from the authors, and a "try it" prompt for an activity.

    This second poetic collaboration from Irene Latham and Charles Waters builds upon themes of diversity and inclusiveness from their previous book Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship. Illustrations from Iranian-British artist Mehrdokht Amini offer readers a rich visual experience.

    "Latham and Waters's personal stories are plainspoken and relatable . . . and the suggested actions, accessible. . . The approach creates multiple pathways for engagement. Extensive supplementary materials include an index of poetic forms."―starred, Publishers Weekly

  • Futureland: The Nightmare Hour

    by H.D. Hunter

    from $8.99

    The theme park of your dreams is back in this action-packed sequel as Cam Walker and his friends take on creepy carnivals, insidious tech, and a nightmarish new enemy to save the world. An electrifying illustrated series for fans of Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

    The most spectacular theme park in the world is headed to the Big Apple.

    After Atlanta, Cam Walker and his family are ready to turn over a new leaf with Futureland. This is where dreams literally come true, and the Walkers are going to show the people of New York City that their park is back and better than ever.

    But trouble isn’t done with the Walkers yet. Glitches keep happening with the park attractions. There's a creepy carnival in town that gives Cam goosebumps. Plus, he just can’t shake the feeling that his family is being watched. And it may be his imagination, but are the people around him acting . . . stranger than usual?

    Can Cam get to the bottom of what’s going on before Futureland becomes a playground of terrors?

  • Not an Easy Win

    by Chrystal D. Giles

    $16.99

    *Ships in 7-10 Business Days*

    Can Lawrence figure out how to get on the board, even though the odds are stacked against him?

    Introducing a powerful novel about family, forgiveness, and figuring out who you are when you don’t make the rules—just right for middle-grade fans of Nic Stone and Jason Reynolds.


    Lawrence is ready for a win. . . .

    Nothing’s gone right for Lawrence since he had to move from Charlotte to Larenville, North Carolina, to live with his granny. When Lawrence ends up in one too many fights at his new school, he gets expelled. The fight wasn’t his fault, but since his pop’s been gone, it feels like no one listens to what Lawrence has to say.

    Instead of going to school, Lawrence starts spending his days at the rec center, helping out a neighbor who runs a chess program. Some of the kids in the program will be picked to compete in the Charlotte Classic chess tournament. Could this be Lawrence's chance to go home?

    Lawrence doesn’t know anything about chess, but something about the center—and the kids there—feels right. Lawrence thought the game was over . . . but does he have more moves left than he thought?

  • On Air with Zoe Washington

    by Janae Marks

    $19.99

    Bestselling author Janae Marks returns with a bighearted and empowering sequel to the critically acclaimed From the Desk of Zoe Washington, following Zoe and her recently exonerated father as they build their new relationship and work to open their own restaurant together.

    You are listening to On Air with Zoe Washington . . .

    Two years ago, Zoe Washington helped clear Marcus’ name for a crime he didn’t commit. Now her birth father has finally been released from prison and to an outpouring of community support. So, everything should be perfect. Right?

    With Zoe and Marcus now co-workers at Ari’s Cakes, it’s true life has never been better. But when Marcus reveals his lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant, Zoe becomes determined to help him achieve it—with her as his pastry chef of course. She still has a lot of new desserts to invent! 

    However, starting a new place is much more difficult than it looks, and despite being innocent—Marcus is having a harder time re-entering society than anyone expected. Determined to find a solution, Zoe starts a podcast to bring light to the struggles exonerees experience and fundraise for their restaurant.

    Between hosting her show, testing recipes, managing shifting friend dynamics, and trying to make sure Marcus and her stepdad each have enough time with her—Zoe is stretched thin. She knows the power of using her voice. But with waning public interest in their story, will anyone still be listening? 

  • Jada Jones: Dancing Queen #4

    by Kelly Starling Lyons

    $6.99
    Jada Jones is back for the fourth book of this popular, celebrated series perfect for STEM fans!

    "Readers who love Ivy and Bean or Katie Woo will want to meet Jada Jones." --School Library Journal


    When the student council decides to host a dance as their next fundraiser, Jada feels nervous and queasy. She's excited to give back, but she can't dance! Still, she's determined to help the cause and show she cares. She practices her moves, gets help from friends, and even does research at the library to prepare--but will it be enough to help her create change in her community?

    Praise for Jada Jones: Rock Star
    "Fast-paced, with supersimple vocabulary and a smattering of earth science to spark interest in young rock collectors everywhere." --Kirkus Reviews
  • Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist #3

    by Kelly Starling Lyons

    $6.99
    Jada Jones is back for the third book of this popular, celebrated series perfect for STEM fans!

    Jada is hosting her first sleepover, and she has lots of cool scientific activities planned: kitchen chemistry, creating invisible ink, and even making slime! But when her friends get tired of the lessons and just want to hang out, can Jada figure out the formula for fun and save the sleepover?

    Praise for Jada Jones: Rock Star
    "Fast-paced, with supersimple vocabulary and a smattering of earth science to spark interest in young rock collectors everywhere."--Kirkus Reviews

    "Readers who love 'Ivy and Bean' or 'Katie Woo' will want to meet Jada Jones."--School Library Journal

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