READ-ALIKES The School for Thieves by Peter Burns Evanovich, Alex. Keeper Chance and the Conundrum of Chaos. Florence, Debbie Michiko. Last Chance Academy. Gerber, Alyson. The Liars Society. Gibbs, Stuart. Spy School. Gratz, Alan. [continue reading]
September 2026
Mind vs. Machine Review:
Sheinkin, Steve. Mind vs. Machine: The Chess Match that Changed the World. Thien Pham, Illus. Addl. Creator Maurice Ashley. Roaring Brook, 09/2026. 240pp. Graphic. PLB $22.99. 978-1-250-33477-0. Paper $14.99. 978-1-250-33476-3. GRADES 4–9. HIGH ADDITIONAL. For [continue reading]
Mexikid Dreams Review:
Martín, Pedro. Mexikid Dreams: A Graphic Memoir. Pedro Martín, Illus. Dial, 09/2026. 320pp. Graphic. PLB $24.99. 979-8-2170-0248-1. Paper $14.99. 979-8-2170-0249-8. GRADES 4–8. OUTSTANDING. The 1971 San Fernando earthquake uproots Pedro’s family, forcing them north to [continue reading]
Wish With Wings Review
Guillory, Sarah. Wish with Wings, A. Roaring Brook, 05/2026. 288pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-250-34939-2.GRADES 4–7. OUTSTANDING. Twelve-year-old Evan believes a good day means coming home dirtier than when she left, a view not shared by her mother and great aunt, who worry about strong-willed [continue reading]
We Are Joy Review
Giles, Chrystal D. We Are Joy. Kitt Thomas, Illus. Random House, 06/2026. [31]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-64773-8. GRADES Kindergarten–8. OUTSTANDING. We Are Joy is an uplifting picture book for African American families that celebrates the simple moments that bring happiness. Through food, family, books, nature, blue [continue reading]
Weather Keeper Review
Buchet, Nelly. Weather Keeper, The. Elizabeth Haidle, Illus. Enchanted Lion, 09/2026. [30]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-59270-495-8. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL. See what it is like being a weather keeper: a person who lives far to the north, away from everyone, keeping track of and reporting on the [continue reading]
Year Without Home Review
Bidania, V.T. Year Without Home, A. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen, 01/2026. 409 [+14]pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-69720-7. GRADES 4–6. OUTSTANDING. Based on real-life experiences, Bidania’s novel-in-verse takes the reader to Laos following the Vietnam War as her multi-generational family flees their home country to find safety [continue reading]
Can Mud Be That Review
Markle, Sandra. Can Mud Be That?! Alexandra Colombo, Illus. Charlesbridge, 09/2026. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-638-0. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. When is mud more than simple mud? Apparently all the time, as this informative picture [continue reading]