True True by Don P. Hooper, deals with important topics in a realistic way. It perfectly encompasses being a teenager while having to struggle with adult real-world problems. Seventeen year old, Gil got a robotics scholarship into Augustain Prep,  a private predominantly white school, and upon his first few days he deals with racist hate speech which leads him to be blamed and put on probation because he was pushed into a bookshelf and broke it. He has to push back against the blatant racism of the students and alumni through social media and public events while having a grandma with Dementia, his dad in Jamaica, and trying equally to spread out his time to keep his friends back in Brooklyn as well as his friends at Augustin Prep. I love the realistic way it deals with relationships and racism. It doesn’t have an unrealistic surupy ending because realistically, it isn’t going to end like that when there are so many factors and so many people pushing back against change. There is a lot of representation throughout the characters and many complex characters and relationships. There is someone for everyone to relate to and see themselves in. I loved the bond between Gil and Kenya as well as the depth in Strech’s character. The well-developed plot of this non-fiction book was paced amazingly, there was always something attention-grabbing going on. This cultural coming-of-age novel will be of particular interest to those seeking a realistic, plot-packed, well-written contemporary novel. Readers who love plot-heavy or action books will love the fast pace of the novel. Readers who look for romance will appreciate the accurate semi-slow burn of the romance between Gil and Tammy as well as the nicknames between them. Readers who love the found family trope will love the friendships that are portrayed throughout the entire book with compound dynamics. All readers will love the representations throughout this book with culture, race, and sexuality. Readers who enjoy a healthy relationship with grandparents will fondly look at the relationship between Gil and his Grandmother. This review was written by a Washington Middle School student.

The vibrant graphic novel The Glass Scientists by S. H. Ctugno is a perfect retelling of old gothic folklore turned into a fun slice of life novel. Dr. Henry Jekyll grapples with his inner demon, Mr. Hyde while he goes through day-to-day life in a mad scientists society trying to gain the trust of normal people and cure Dr. Frankenstein of a deadly disease. What I love about this book is the art style. the art style is very colorful with a very simplistic-detailed character design. the colors are vivid showing emotion in every surface. The mostly leisurely story helps the story details the vast array of characters while still giving the hype and stakes when the plot is at full display. The unpredictable plot always keeps the reader in anticipation for the next event in the story. the comedic reimagining of old gothic fiction thrives in this new colorful graphic novel. Graphic novel lovers will love the vibrant pictures and the story while the old gothic fiction lovers will adore the new reimagining of the beloved characters from the old stories.

The Do More Club is a great middle-grades read that inspires students to take action. When Josh Kline, the main character’s school is the target of antisemitic slurs he is motivated to take action. Josh realizes he is not alone and with the help of his classmates takes a stand against the hate by promoting kindness. This book brings up important issues in a gentle and relatable way. This is an important book that helps readers to know that everyone can make a difference and take a stand no matter who you are.

Mascot is a lively set of conversations around the topic of racism/discrimination which spreads middle school-wide from an eighth-grade Honors English class outward and into the entire community.

Abraham Lincoln made a statement that can apply to the having of indigenous mascots for sports teams- ” You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” Or DeShanne Stoke’s statement- “Discrimination is discrimination even when people claim it’s ‘tradition’.”

So who is correct about allowing sports/school teams to continue to use (often derogatory) Indigenous-themed mascots – the team who has been using the mascot for generations or the Indigenous group who claims the mascot is disrespectful and hurtful to their people? Mascot gives a well-rounded set of views, both pro and con, to this very question. Six students, in pairs, are assigned this topic to debate in their Eighth Grade Honors English Class. They are not necessarily assigned the side of this question they favor. Will they be able to sympathize with the other side, at all? Will any of the students change their current position on the topic once their research is completed? Can middle schoolers make a change in their community? The school mascot in question won’t even be their mascot until next year when they graduate from the local high school. HIGH FIVE to authors Charles Waters and Traci Sorell for a job well done! Submitted by Mary Pong for Washington Middle School

Ghost by Jason Reynolds is a very impressive piece of writing with an excellent plot Castle Cranshaw lives a life with many hardships but finds his passion in running. The descriptive language and mood of the book were what made it engaging. The amazing literary devices in this book make it a captivating novel. A reader who likes to be motivated would love to read this novel, it could also interest people of diverse backgrounds. This book reviewed was the version translated into Spanish. Reviewed by a Washington Middle School student. 

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke will be a sure winner with early intermediate readers. Milo is sent on a mission to find his little sister’s sock and is taken into his basement to try and find it. Despite the multiple basement layers, Milo is determined to help his mom and find his sister’s sock.I loved how the book’s illustration details and the vivid and interesting text complement one another. The can’t Take Your Eyes Away plot makes this graphic novel a page-turner. 4-5th graders will love the illustrations that cover each page while middle school readers will how this story makes them want to never put it down. All readers will love how Ben Hatke compliments the text with illustrations. Reviewed by a Washington Middle School student. 

This DC graphic novel flawlessly presents a strong message of fighting injustices and coming into your own against all odds, paired with deep characters and gorgeous illustrations. Since she was young, Nubia has had superpowers but has always hidden her abilities because when people see her, they assume the worst of her. An entitled and hateful boy begins to threaten Nubia’s best friend, Quisha, Nubia begins to use her powers to fight injustices and become a superhero in a society that keeps trying to force her down. The colorful and vivid illustrations paired with the message of bringing up people who have been forced down create a complex, bold graphic novel of coming into one’s own against all odds. This brave and persevering graphic novel built of thoughtful and often witty dialogue and vivid illustrations encourages activism for equality in society for BIPOC, fighting for social justice, as well as showing people the importance of supporting each other for who you are. Comic-book readers and social activism readers alike will appreciate the powerful messages bringing awareness to the struggles of becoming a superhero when most of society is up against you. Reviewed by a Washington Middle School Student,

By Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, and Carlyn Greenwald

Time Out is a great novel for upper-middle to high school readers. Barclay Elliot is the high school basketball star that is expected to lead his team to the championship this year. He “walks on water” to all in his small hometown. Barclay decides that he is going to come out at the first pep rally and has a rude awakening when the town and his team do not have his back. Barclay learns what it means to be an upstander in his community. He learns that true friends can help a person get through hard times. This coming-of-age novel is a must-read for all who are navigating friendships and school. There are some rude homophobic remarks said by the basketball players and bad language throughout which makes it more appropriate for grades 8-12.

This brilliant fantasy novel uses bright and detailed decisive imagery to pull readers into the story along with the characters! In a spiraling world of danger after helping their father steal an outlawed book, Rachel and Robert Klein have to work to figure out the secrets that the Book holds, while a corrupt new leader tries to steal the information they have. The vibrant, well-imagined characters slip around this complex story illustrated with quick energy. The bright imagery grabs readers’ senses and imaginations, immersing the readers in truly experiencing this mysterious fantasy novel! Audiences with a taste for mystery will appreciate the quick and winding puzzle, the humor sprinkled in across the pages will leave readers with a smile on their faces, and the figurative language paints a story that will pull in readers of any age. Reviewed by a Washington Middle School student.

The book focuses in on the Dime novel Kids on Hatteras Island after a U-boat attack in World War 2. The kids then suspect there are German spies roaming around, and set out to catch them. The book illustrates a mysterious setting, all while adding small suspense in between. The action goes along great with the mystery, making it seem like you’re solving a real mystery. Readers will enjoy this book’s intense, but yet calming setting. However, this book is a great read for everyone, as the suspense and the pace at which information is given will surely keep everyone reading.  Readers who enjoy historical fiction and a good mystery should read this book. Book was reviewed by a Washington Middle School student.

by Katie Van Heidrich

The author, Katie Van Heidrich did a great job writing this memoir in verse. The In-between is a book about a teen trying to get through middle school and learn about themself as her family deals with financial struggles and divorce. While there are some places that might be hard to get through, stick with them because you will not be disappointed. Using descriptive and precise words and some repetition Heidrich was able to show emotion and let us see into the mind of the character. If you like novels in verse this book is for you. The review was written by a Washington Middle School student.

A fascinating review of the history of information dissemination, how misinformation/disinformation gets around, and, most importantly, what to do about it. This work looks at disinformation/fake news and all associated/related concepts that dominate the modern political and social landscape. There is a good analysis of definitions and there are reasonable recommendations for how to counter the impacts of disinformation. It is comprehensive and precise, richly grounded in social science research. Non-fiction, There is a good analysis of definitions and there are reasonable recommendations for how to counter the impacts of disinformation. Targeted at a young adult audience, Dr. Yasmin doesn’t tell kids what to think but helps them think about their own views and prejudices that make it harder to see the perspectives of others. Reviewed by a Washington Middle School Student

They Call Her Fregona by David Bowles brings up topics of Latinx and societal discrepancies with prose that keeps you coming back. The main character, Guero’s, girlfriend struggles with conflicts related to gender norms and the deportation of her family. Guero struggles with conflict related to how he will be a good boyfriend and how he will keep his friendships strong. This text is an important story of life in a border town from a voice that is rarely amplified. Hearing this story helps us to understand topics of judgment that readers might not have considered before. The use of verse as the main character’s journal entries makes this book an incredibly well-done piece. There are individual entries that are dedicated to characterization for supporting characters, there is a glossary in the back that helps the reader to access the name-calling, slights, and other Spanish terms that might otherwise go unknown. The prose has some elements of rhyme, but it isn’t overly used and helps to emphasize the importance of the topic the author is highlighting. Middle-grade readers will like the relationships and issues presented in the text. LGBTQ+ book fans will enjoy the seamless weaving in of societal topics related to gender norms and language. The representation of LGBTQ+ supporting characters confronts heteronormative literature.

Reviewed by a Washington Middle Show Teacher.

Ransom Riggs has another “non-fiction” companion volume to other guidebooks of the peculiar world. Museum of Wonders is a guidebook for new particulars. It provides background and advice for surviving the peculiar world. If you are a new peculiar and need information on “strange events in history,” or need to “locate hidden time loops” this book is for you. I love how the author takes actual black-and-white photos and incorporates a whole made-up peculiar story around them. Vintage photos and wood prints mix with Riggs’ peculiar voice – something akin to a turn-of-the-century spiritualist pamphlet. It reads like a non-fiction tour guidebook. Fans of the peculiar world will love it as well as folks that are just getting started. It reads like a non-fiction tour guidebook of a world you would be fascinated to visit. Review created by a Washginton Middle School Student.

by Claire Ahn

This realistic fiction novel will be a sure winner with early intermediate readers. Melody and her mother live together in New York City while her father works in South Korea. He visits Melody and her mother three times each year. All of the sudden, Melody is told that she and her mother will be moving to Korea for her senior year in high school. How will she ever survive leaving her new best friend while learning to love a culture that she does not feel a part of? Melody enters a whole new elite world in Korea that is vastly different than the life she left behind. Korean culture, Korean fook, and language are infused throughout the book which is absolutely wonderful.

The novel The Road To After by Rebekah Lowell written in verse with beautiful illustrations will surely be a wonderful hit among middle-grade readers. Lacey and her sister and mother have long been kept captive by her father without realizing it, and now that her grandparents are here to set them free from his grip, Lacey now has the opportunity to explore outside with nature and maybe even make some friends. The wonderful descriptive language found in this novel, and the pictures alongside that are truly a marvel. It is a powerful story that will touch the emotions of readers. Review was written by a WMS Middle School student.

By Lauren Wolk

This story, My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk, the sequel to a dashing book will pull you straight into the world it tells of and changes the way you perceive your own. Following the events of Wolf Hollow, My Own Lightning brings about summer to the story once more; with a tremendous storm to come with it. The story following the storm tells of growing up and finding ways to cope with change or to be the change. The figurative language and fantastical imagery leave your mind spinning with beautiful pictures created by the brilliant words in My Own Lightning A brilliant historical fiction gives you not only an intriguing image of the past but deep and wonderful characters to pull you into the words with them. If the intriguing image of the past is created by this historical fiction, the thorough figurative language will strike even the most reluctant readers as simply beautiful!

Reviewed by a WMS student

Fly by Alison Hughes is a novel in verse that is sure to leave a mark. Felix Landon Yarrow or more commonly known as FLY sits in a wheelchair at the age of 14. Although this makes life harder FLY sets out to save his crush from a drug-dealing boy named Carter. When his original plan falls apart he realizes it’s time to rock the boat. The creative format of the verses generates an interesting, more inventive way of understanding the words on the page. This book would appeal to fiction and YA readers. The representation of FLY’s feelings as a teenager is both relatable and comforting. Even for readers who aren’t attracted to young adult fiction, the adventure in verse will pull them in. (Reviewed by a WMS student)

The F.A.R.T. Diaries is an adventurous comedy that will entice anyone looking for some wacky fun! A diabolical plot by a group of parents and teachers (also known as F.A.R.T.) to brainwash kids into obedience is discovered by FP, and it’s up to a tween boy to figure out how to stop it. The boundless humor and wacky characters were bound to interest anyone who lay a finger on this book! This daring book takes the character vs. society conflict above and beyond with unmatched creativity! People who dislike reading could pick up this book and immediately be engrossed, dystopian readers will appreciate the challenge of authority, but all the action and comedy can be enjoyed by all!

Cloud Town by Danial McCloskey represents a dystopian world with monsters and crazy events. This book is perfect for readers that enjoy science fiction and exploring a whole different world. Two friends, Olive and Pen forever head each other backs, until a giant android that protects their town from huge monsters almost steps on them. Only one of them can drive the android to protect the townspeople. Their friendship then becomes threatened by abandonment, and feelings of betrayal. The miraculous creativity and imagination the author used to create this crazy adventure of a story were compelling. This Dystopian graphic novel mixes adventure, contemporary art, and ridiculous characters all to create this masterpiece.

A fantastically riveting and fast-paced read, this nonfiction thriller, Fallout, by Steve Sheinkin, will entertain readers who enjoy topics from real wartime heroes to readers of the espionage genre, alike. Strangely enough, during the Cold War, a paperboy’s tip leads to the discovery and dismantling of a Russian spy ring, and even the unexpected and the undetected will drive the world forward, even through the surmounting crises of the Cold War. In Fallout, the use of pictures to give readers a window into the physicality of the fantastic people and characters is merely brilliant! The fast-paced high-tension story, following the “how it happened” of selections of the Cold War! Whether you read quickly or slower, this book will keep you on edge and turning the page! Fun and fast, never a dull moment, but thoughtful and contemplating, showing the subject due consideration!

Set Me Free is a page-turning novel about courage and compassion by Ann Clare Lezotte. It is a sequel to Show Me A sign which was inspired by the true history of a deaf community in Martha’s Vineyard. It is sure to be a wonderful hit among middle-grade audiences. Mary Lambert has been tormented by the memory of being kidnapped as a specimen of cruel experiments to determine the cause of her deafness, and she is now growing tired of her life in Martha’s Vineyard and of her beloved writing and decides to the teacher an 8-year-old deaf girl how to communicate with no past language experience, which will prove to be much more complicated than originally thought. The descriptive language allows the reader to feel hope and courage. Those who loved Ann Clare Lezotte’s novel “Give Me a Sign” will honor how much time went into making this book just as good as the first.

by Frances O’Roark Dowell

Hazard written in verse by Frances O’Roark Dowell may just be the new hit among middle-grade audiences. Hazard, is a boy filled with rage and dealing with a father newly home from the Afghanistan war. He is being forced to go talk to a therapist about his father and the rage he keeps inside, strongly feels like it will do nothing. The amount of effort that was put into representing the families that have had very similar experiences as shown in the book makes one appreciate the story even more. Some families can relate to the events of the book and that makes this wonderful realistic fiction story worth reading. Others will enjoy the struggle that the characters experience throughout the book while others will love the realistic part of it. Though everyone will love the story that Frances O’roark Dowell told.