“I’m Trying to Love Germs” by Bethany Barton is a must-have addition to any elementary library. In this engaging nonfiction picture book, Barton takes readers on a humorous and informative journey into the world of germs.

Through lively illustrations and witty text, Barton succeeds in making the topic of germs not only approachable but also fun. From exploring the importance of handwashing to debunking common myths about germs, this book is both educational and entertaining.

Young readers will delight in Barton’s playful approach to a typically misunderstood subject, and educators will appreciate the book’s ability to spark curiosity and promote healthy habits. “I’m Trying to Love Germs” is a valuable resource for teaching children about the science of germs in a way that is accessible, engaging, and memorable.

“Bear Finds an Egg” is a delightful new addition to the bear series by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman. In this heartwarming story, readers follow Bear as he discovers an abandoned egg in the forest and embarks on a gentle quest to find its rightful owner.

Wilson’s narrative is beautifully complemented by Chapman’s vibrant illustrations, which capture the essence of the forest setting and the endearing expressions of the characters. Through Bear’s journey, young readers are not only treated to a charming adventure but also learn valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and the importance of helping others in need.

With its engaging storyline and rich artwork, “Bear Finds an Egg” is sure to captivate the readers and spark meaningful discussions about friendship, problem-solving, and the joys of lending a helping hand. I highly recommend this heartwarming tale for its timeless themes and universal appeal.

“Dear Unicorn” by Josh Funk, illustrated by Charles Santoso, is a delightful addition to any elementary library. This charming story follows two characters as their class participates as pen pals. Connie and Nic’s friendship develops as they exchange letters and their artistic creations. 

One of the standout features of this book is its engaging format. The use of letters allows young readers to actively participate in the story, sparking their curiosity and inviting them to empathize with Connie’s heartfelt desire. Funk’s writing effortlessly blends humor and heart, making each letter a joy to read aloud or independently.

Complementing Funk’s delightful narrative are Santoso’s enchanting illustrations. From the vibrant hues of Emma’s world to the expressive faces of the characters, every page is a visual feast that enhances the storytelling experience. Santoso’s attention to detail brings the magical realm of unicorns to life, captivating young readers.

The book is filled with humor, heart, and a touch of magic, making it a perfect choice for children who love fantasy and friendship. With its engaging narrative, captivating illustrations, and timeless themes, this book is sure to become a beloved favorite in any elementary library or classroom. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a magical adventure that celebrates the power of friendship and the beauty of believing in the extraordinary.

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.

If you were the only one left one morning in your town, you might freak out a little. When ominous messages appear for you to find, you’d likely freak out more. Ally Condie’s The Only Girl in Town attempts to be more than it should though. Hooking the reader with a scary mystery setting, Condie uses alternating “Once” and “Now” chapters to bring the real story behind July Fielding’s loneliness. July found herself in a bullying triangle and she didn’t become the upstander that she should have been. There’s also a love interest that doesn’t work out. But the mystery is more confusing than thrilling. The repetitive message of “Get Th3m Back” could be seen July’s need for retribution and the reader must prod along to find out why. But it was also read as longing for companionship as July wondereds if she can wish people back into her life like she wished for her cat to appear and it did. July’s own mental state becomes the focus as a reader realizes the metaphor at play and then follows her as she literally runs to a possible suicide. So why set readers up in the initial form of a mystery? Is she getting the readers back because, shocker, she doesn’t jump? Saying this is a spolier, I know, but when would a publisher let the character’s suicide actually succeed in YA? Other reviewers have commented that if you haven’t experienced depression or severe loneliness, you won’t get this book. If the fault is all mine, I can own it. But I just can’t give it a high recommendation.

In Ali Hazelwood’s spicy romance Check & Mate, Mallory Greenleaf appears to be a confident, charismatic, and clever high school graduate stuck in her hometown working as a mechanic to support her mother and two sisters. But this characterization will be challenged by the very game that put her into her current situation: chess. Mallory was a child chess prodigy and her father a Grand Master. But at 14, events unfolded that made Mallory choose to quit playing. At her best friend’s request, Mallory joined a charity team tournament. Upon winning the tournament, which sent a minor earthquake through the chess world, Mallory’s own world opens to amazing opportunities through chess. Is she willing to endure the pain of the past and the conflicting story of the person she thought she had become? Readers need to know that Mallory is mature in her sexuality. Comments made by her younger middle-school-aged siblings might even shock some people. But Hazelwood’s exploration of the chess world and the game itself is fascinating. Even a person who has never played the game will love the tension Hazelwood produces. Add in a tantalizing romance that builds and builds over the whole book and this is a winner, much like Mallory.

A rom-com with Asian flair, Jennifer Yen’s Love, Decoded mixes the pressures of high school classes, friendships, and angst into a predictable yet modern melodrama. Gigi Wong is a super smart girl with nothing holding her back — she comes from a family with money, she has respect from her peers and teachers, and she has a school that offers the high-level classes to take her anywhere. But like most teens, Gigi doesn’t know where to go after high school. An app creation assignment in class that includes the option of being entered into a contest brings out Gigi’s natural drive to be the best, but this will create conflict in multiple friendships as the story plays out. Gigi is a nice girl that readers will want to succeed and they may get frustrated as they know the tripwire is coming…she will fall down. How she handles both the elements she is in control of as well as those she lost control of will be the make-or-break point for readers. They’ll either see her as authentic or not. This is recommended for all high school and public libraries.

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.

The Way I Am Now is a heartbreaking, realistic, and passionate story of two people with lost souls and their journey as they find themselves and each other. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and a breathtaking sequel to The Way I Used To Be. It depicts Eden’s and Josh’s journeys of trauma, pain, loss, relationships, love, freedom, and what it means to heal. It picks up with the impending trial, where Eden must face the wrongs done to her in the past. The best part of the book is that we now also get to hear the story from Josh’s perspective, who happens to be my favorite character, and Eden’s perspective. This rollercoaster of a story is a book I 100% recommend adding to your reading list. It’s a great addition to any shelf. – Madison Hom, THS 10th grader