A chill is in the air, and there is no better time to be immersed in a juicy middle grade series. Cozy pet stories, magic-gone-wrong, and harrowing survival are just a few of the topics covered in new or continuing series this fall.

Elementary

Cham, Jorge. Evolution Changes Everything! A Novel. 256p. (Oliver’s Great Big Universe: Bk. 3). Abrams/Amulet. Sept. 2025. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781419764066.
Gr 3-5–Oliver, a curious and energetic 11-year-old, has a problem: his hand-me-down computer from the Stone Age can’t handle his favorite video game, and now no one wants to play with him On a quest to raise funds for a new computer, Oliver agrees to help out his elderly neighbor, Dr. Beatrice, a retired paleontologist with a chaotic house full of cats and chickens. Frequent comedic illustrations, punny wordplay, and plenty of fart jokes serve as an engaging delivery mechanism for lots of in-depth information about the evolution of life on Earth (which some science-minded readers may find just as interesting as the farts). Oliver learns about evolutionary biology through many odd jobs and zany misadventures on his quest. VERDICT A high-appeal series for kids who have a special interest in science and want something beyond “Dog Man” or “Wimpy Kid.” Previous volumes feature astrophysics and Earth science.

★Donovan, Gail. Sparrow, Always. illus. by Elysia Case. 160p. (Sparrow Being Sparrow: Bk. 3). S. & S. Nov. 2025. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781665963299.
Gr 2-5–After finding homes for seven cats (plus a few kittens) and rescuing an injured pigeon in the previous volumes, the ever-enthusiastic Sparrow returns for a third adventure. A new tenant has taken up residence next to Sparrow and her family, and best of all, she comes with Toby, a sweet retriever who hopes to become a service dog. Sparrow is immediately taken with Toby and becomes fixated on helping him to ace his service dog qualification test. Unfortunately, this conflicts with her teacher’s expectation that she focus on a class project about weather. Through Sparrow’s internal thought processes and sweet accompanying illustrations, the author shines a light on neurodiversity, exploring Sparrow’s friction with social expectations and school rules while also highlighting her enthusiasm, creative problem-solving, empathy for others, and generosity. Sparrow and her family cue white, while her new neighbor and classmates represent many different identities. VERDICT These cozy pet stories are engaging, heartfelt, and help to normalize neurodiversity for an elementary school audience.

Ecton, Emily. Great Puppypalooza. illus. by David Motram. 288p. (Great Pet Heist: Bk. 5). Atheneum. Nov. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781665966467.
Gr 2 Up–Finding a home for a lost puppy is a tough task, even for a human. Finding a home for multiple lost puppies is almost impossible. In this whimsical canine caper, Butterbean and friends are up to the challenge. Butterbean, Oscar the mynah bird, rats Marco and Polo, and an amazing octopus named Chad team up to find solutions. By combining their strengths and talents, they develop a marketing plan like no other—complete with printed flyers. Hilarious antics ensue while they try to care for a ragtag bunch of furry friends and struggle to keep the mission a secret from their beloved Mrs. Food. Delightful illustrations of those big puppy dog eyes will charm readers and have them rooting for every lost dog to find the perfect home. The Spicy Food Couple or even the Doorman could offer amazing homes, but the conniving canines are desperate to avoid Mrs. Hates Dogs from the Sixth Floor. A fun bonus includes wordplay with phrases like “wearing too many hats” and loads of confusion over using “moose” as a hair product. VERDICT A solid choice for readers looking for something light and entertaining. This could be a good read-aloud for those rowdy times after lunch or recess to help students settle and refocus.

Kelly, Erin Entrada. Your Turn Marisol Rainey. 160p. (Marisol Rainey: Bk. 4). HarperCollins. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780063337213.
Gr 2-5–Marisol Rainey, an eight-year-old Filipina girl, returns in the latest volume by Newbery-winner Kelly. In this entry, Marisol and her best friend Jada are not looking forward to returning to school after spring break. Jada wishes she could be more athletic, while Marisol, whose timidity often masks an expansive internal world, longs to speak up more and take chances. When their beloved teacher, Mrs. Ruby, introduces a terrifying haiku project that requires Marisol to recite an original haiku in front of the entire class, it could be just the chance she’s been looking for to turn over a new leaf—or it could fail spectacularly. Marisol’s internal fight to mold herself into the “new Marisol,” who doesn’t cry and isn’t afraid of anything, will likely resonate with young readers. Simple illustrations portray Marisol’s creative and complex inner thinking and make this an incredibly engaging, heartfelt story. VERDICT Recommended for upper elementary readers, particularly for fans of the“Rica Baptista” series.

Mlynowski, Sarah. Mirror Mirror. illus. by Sarah Mlynowski. 192p. (Whatever After). Scholastic. Oct. 2025. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781339002804.
Gr 3-5–Whatever After has been in publication for over a decade, chronicling the light-hearted adventures of 10-year-old Abby and her little brother Jonah as they visit classic fairy tales through a magic mirror in their basement. This installment finds the kids—for the first time—revisiting a fairy tale realm and the characters they’ve helped in the past. After Abby and Jonah’s parents reveal that they may once again be moving, the kids are faced with the prospect of losing access to their magic mirror forever. A return-trip to Snow White’s castle just in time for her wedding to Prince Trevor may help them find a way to access the fairy realm while also freeing a cursed fairy. Though early fans of the series may have aged out of its interest range, older readers may want to return to this volume that features not only a return to Snow White but also visits from characters spanning every quest that Abby and Jonah have completed so far. Fast-paced fairy-tale dilemmas solved through a modern lens are sure to enchant, and silly situations amuse, but it’s Abby and Jonah’s strong sibling bond at the heart of these books. Abby and Jonah are Jewish. VERDICT A wonderful addition to a charming series that’s still going strong.

Tarshis, Lauren. I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935. 144p. (I Survived: Bk. 25). Scholastic. Oct. 2025. pap. $6.99. ISBN 9781338891829.
Gr 2-5–The best-selling “I Survived“ series chronicles its 25th historical ordeal in this milestone publication. Ray and his best friend Dolly are tweens growing up in Windy Plains, Texas, during the Great Depression. Tarshis gently introduces readers to the poverty, food scarcity, disease, and extreme weather of the Dust Bowl while maintaining an overall positive tone and ending on a very hopeful note. Though Ray and Dolly’s families are both negatively impacted by their circumstances, strong relationships with their families and community see them through. A harrowing opening scene featuring Black Sunday, one of the worst dust storms in history, sparks tension but then fizzles when it is resolved quickly and with little drama. Back matter includes information about the author’s research process as well as additional facts about the time. Occasional photorealistic illustrations support the text. All characters are cued white. VERDICT An adequate but unexceptional addition to the series; recommended only for libraries where these books are in very high demand.

Tobin, Paul. My Zombie Vs. Your Closet Monster. 272p. (The Versus Series: Bk. 3). Bloomsbury. Sept. 2025. pap. $10.99. ISBN 9781547615780.
Gr 2 Up–The world of Versus has loads of challenges. Can you trust your training partner? How can you outwit your opponents? Pensworth Training Facility is where monsters go to learn to assimilate into society. Trainers guide, observe, and facilitate that process with an eye toward building their own reputations in the Versus world. With a dizzying array of characters including a cyclops, witches, warlocks, and a return of the mummies, it can be tough to keep track of all the action, which is plentiful. Together, Joon and her partner Tradd tackle the task of training a seriously frightening candidate, a closet monster named Creak. The trainers seem to face as many challenges as the monsters. Luckily, magic medallions help repel zombie attacks, saving Joon on more than one occasion. Gory and gross descriptions of all things monster—like putrid zombie flesh—will keep readers’ adrenaline flowing. Comical scenes of monster friendships like cyclops cheering on a werewolf during swimming lessons will provide some necessary comic relief. Younger readers who struggle with nightmares might do well to avoid this volume in the series. VERDICT Fans of R.L. Stine will rejoice in this addition to the scaries in the stacks. Readers who are looking for a bridge from graphic novels into more text-based narratives will enjoy this series.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Beckett-King, Alasdair. Mystery at the Manor. illus. by Claire Powell. 288p. (Montgomery Bonbon: Bk. 3). Candlewick. Jun. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536241686.
Gr 3 Up–Mystery at the Manor is just plain fun. Charming and precocious Bonnie Montgomery is a pint-sized version of Inspector Poirot in this kid-friendly series reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s great works. It has all the necessary ingredients for a perfect whodunit: a murder, three likely suspects, an ever-present housekeeper, and a moody manor set in the English countryside. The characters, plot, and setting give readers everything they could possibly want in a cozy mystery. Bonnie methodically works her way through each possible suspect at a most satisfying pace. Readers experience all aspects of the sprawling manor and are entertained by the high jinks of the resident pet monkeys. Sprinkled with funny French phrases and bits of British accents, the narrative offers the chance to practice many different voices. Fantastically comical illustrations deliver insight into the characters’ personalities and keep the story moving right along. Readers are provided with diagrams of the manor and are even treated to glimpses of the detective’s notebook. She’s an expert crime-solver who somehow never blows her cover thanks to a little help from her best friend and her grandfather. VERDICT A perfect introduction to the mystery genre for young readers. Bonnie is hilarious, smart, and daring.

Bell, Jennifer. Magicalia. illus. by David Wyatt. 352p. (Magicalia: Bk. 1). Walker . May 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536241600.
Gr 2 Up–This series starter—part mystery, party fantasy—brings a breath of fresh air to a popular genre. Quiggles, Scutterflixes, Jubs, and Grudgernauts are just a sampling of Magicalia’s magicores, the creatures willed into existence by concentrating on strong emotions and memories of a cherished time and person. Bitsy and Kosh discover their exotic powers accidentally and find themselves drawn into a rescue mission that takes them around the world. With the help of a root network and fantastical transportation provided by ozozes, they whirl through the secrets of Bitsy’s mother’s journal trying to unravel the dangerous secret behind Arkwright’s Gyrowheel. With surprise twists and shape-shifting excitement, this series opener will have readers turning the pages faster than a Fidglit. Expertly paced with detailed and vivid descriptions, this is a perfect introduction for readers who are just beginning to explore the world of fantasy and adventure. Each chapter begins with illustrations of a magicore, which is sometimes delightful and cute, and other times scary and vengeful. It’s an excellent choice for bedtime reading for the whole family. VERDICT An absolute winner and new classic.

Egan, Catherine. The Experiment. 320p. (The Factory: Bk. 2). Scholastic. Oct. 2025. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9781546111092.
Gr 4 Up–A dark, dystopian cautionary tale about the potential of AI and cloning technology. What if someone else held complete control of all of your memories and could make them disappear in an instant? After 20 years “asleep,” Asher wakes to find his friends and family have all moved forward in time without him. As he works to recover from his ordeal and piece together the answers to two decades worth of questions, he begins to discover the sinister truth behind the operations at TimeLabs. To shield his identity, Asher and his sister adopt new names. Those names and the introduction of new characters throughout may be a bit confusing for some readers. Strands of time are suspended in glass tubes after they’ve been extracted from willing, perhaps naive, test subjects. What uses lay in store for those powerful experiences and information? The Experiment offers many excellent opportunities to discuss medical and corporate ethics and the implications of technology for the future. VERDICT Many readers may be intrigued by the concepts of bending time, but others new to the genre may find some of the concepts abstract and farfetched.

Evanovich, Alex. Keeper Chance and the Dubious Doppelgänger. 336p. (Evil Villains International League: Bk. 2). S. & S. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781665960076.
Gr 3 Up–This entry in a cozy mystery comes with a side of glitter and sequins. Two opposing alliances, E.V.I.L and H.E.R.O., vie for the allegiance of new members who seem normal but boast unique superpowers. Some control time. Others can create clone-like identities: doppelgangers. Readers will relate to the dynamics of this trio of friends. Keeper, Toby, and Y are just like any other kids, only they find themselves in some wild and crazy situations while trying to sleuth out the story of the mysterious key discovered at the Cat’s Curiosity shop. Never before have feline characters stolen the show from the superheroes while creating such havoc. With just the slightest hint of a budding romance, full of twists and turns, Keeper’s mission will keep readers alert and scrambling for answers. A satisfying reveal of a surprise mastermind tidies up the action and leaves readers ready to dive into the next installment in the series. VERDICT For readers who are clamoring for more adventure in the vein of Alex Rider, Artemis Fowl, and Percy Jackson.

Foley, Melissa & Misa Dessalines. Hopscotch Girls Presents: Spotlight on Zari. illus. by Valentine Luna. 144p. (Hopscotch Girls: Bk. 3). Andrews McMeel. Oct. 2025. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9781524898892.
Gr 3 Up–Friendships are hard. Few books focus on positive communication and solutions but many focus on toxic drama between frenemies. This volume series tells the story of real friendship challenges, including jealousy and competition, while also providing an empowering road map for navigating those hazards. Zari is a multi-talented student who loves ballet but is also expanding her horizons into musical theater. She loves her small clique but is also open to widening her circle of friends. Zari keeps an exhaustive schedule of extra-curricular activities that hardly leaves time for friendship. When she discovers trying to do it all has hurt her best friend, she’s forced to do some introspection to find a way to make amends. Delightful, vivid descriptions of theater rehearsals and costumes provide a lovely change of setting from many middle grade novels. Aspiring ballerinas will fall in love with the series, but even readers with no dance background will relate to Zari’s experiences. Minimal illustrations add just the right degree of character and plot enhancement. Readers who are looking for stories with Black main characters where Blackness is honored and embraced will revel in this series. VERDICT Young readers will embrace this series with its fresh portrayals of girl power and strong role models; it’s a great choice for those searching for realistic friendship stories without excessive drama.

Heart, Lee. Playing for Keeps. 160p. (Spotlight Sprinkles). S. & S. Aug. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781665979368.
Gr 5-8–Tweens looking for a gentle introduction to romance will find lots to love in this swoon-worthy series. Because each volume follows a different set of characters, readers can begin with any of the books available, including this one which follows Aaliyah and Travis, seventh graders who have been best friends since birth. Having spent all summer apart, Aaliyah is shocked to discover that Travis is now about a foot taller and is suddenly the most crush-worthy boy at their middle school. Worse, he apparently has a girlfriend that he never told her about and has no time even to return her texts. An earnest exploration of the fraught feelings, miscommunications, and changing relationship dynamics inherent to adolescence will resonate with many young readers, and the tension of Aaliyah and Travis’s growing feelings for one another is highly engaging. Short, simple chapters and chaste romantic interactions make these perfect for middle schoolers with hearts in their eyes. VERDICT A perfect addition to any middle school library. Have this series handy for tweens looking to dip their toes into romance.

Kid, Cube. Hour of Enchantment. illus. by Saboten. 208p. (Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior: Bk. 2). Andrews McMeel. Oct. 2025. pap. $19.99. ISBN 9798881603410.
Gr 3 Up–Going into debt to the tune of 15,000 emeralds to buy an incredible sword with the potential for loads of enchantments, Runt shows his true character and burning desire to become a Minecraft Warrior. A classic struggle of good vs. evil, this story will have readers rooting for Runt and his friends to succeed in their quests and efforts to protect Herobrine. In between waffle-eating contests and sipping glowberry tea, Runt manages to level up to copper in this action-packed adventure sure to be a hit with gamers. Alternating font sizes and boldness capture readers’ attention and enhance interest. Illustrations are true to game graphics and will keep readers flying through the pages. Adding to the adventure’s appeal are the fanciful character names and imaginative, evocative place names. Searching for ways to defend Herobrine against slimes and creeper chickens, Runt encounters gnomes, elves, zombies, and even fancy dresses made of enchanted spidersilk. Loaded with understated lessons about friendship and teamwork, this title is destined to please fans of this genre. VERDICT For parents and teachers looking for ways to connect tweens’ love of gaming with reading, this series is a perfect bridge.

lanzing Jackson & Collin Kelly. Fires of the Forgekeep. illus. by Billy Yong. 280p. (Thor Quest). Random. Oct. 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781368076401.
Gr 5-8–Pint-sized versions of Thor and Loki venture into the dark reaches of Asgard and learn important life lessons in this visually appealing but otherwise unremarkable series. Narrated by Fandral, a young bard who has had just about enough of Thor’s tantrums, and Sif, an Asgardian warrior with a wise feline companion, this second book takes place immediately after the party was captured in book one. Rich lore and visual details enhance the portrayal of these legendary characters, who appear as adults in many Thor comics and films. However, the focus on inspirational life lessons does bleed some of the bright, irreverent energy from these iconic Asgardians. Thor and particularly Loki lose their capricious, larger than life zeal when they’re positioned as role models for kids. The illustrations invigorate the text and will likely serve as a huge draw for developing readers seeking a fast-paced reading experience similar to “The Bad Guys” or “Big Nate.” VERDICT Recommended as a secondary purchase or where emerging readers are clamoring for more Marvel.

Lucido, Mikaela. Danica dela Torre, Dream Detective. illus. by Joanna Cacao. 208p. (The Unofficial Official Renley Crow Detective Club). Annick. Oct. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781773219776.
Gr 5-8–Sixth grader Dani comes from a long line of Filipino ancestors who communicate with the spirit realm. With her best friends Jack and Kennedy, she solves mysteries both mundane and mystical in their small Canadian town. Though Dani’s dream-walking ability is only growing, her guardian, Tita Mary, and parents still seem hesitant to teach her anything about her powers. However, when her relikaryo, a protective talisman, is stolen, and a mystery unfolds with strong ties to her family’s past, Dani and the detective club must investigate their most dangerous case yet. On top of this, mean girl Jennifer Lam is spreading rumors that Dani is behind an anonymous bullying campaign, complicating her social standing at school. Though the pacing of the mundane bullying mystery stutters and stalls, the larger ancestral mystery is compelling and carries the narrative to a satisfying conclusion. Lucido succeeds in building strong characters in Dani and her extended friends and family, and key scenes are supported by illustrations from Cacao. A burgeoning queer romance between Jack and Kennedy is presented gently and is largely accepted by Dani and her family. VERDICT Infused with Tagalog and Filipino mythology as well as realistic tween drama, this series is recommended for middle school libraries.

Mcdaniel, Tiffany. Mummy Snatcher Curse. 368p. (The Wand Keepers: Bk. 2). S & S. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665955348.
Gr 4-6–Bursting with imaginative detail, this whimsical fantasy series follows Spella De-broom Cauldroneyes, a blue-freckled magical foundling and her very extensive family. Discovered in the bottom of a cauldron as a baby, Spella lives with centuries-old Aunt Cauldroneyes, a mummified cat named Egypt, and a vast assortment of anthropomorphic hats. An unfortunate accident that turns her best friend’s feet purple at the beginning of the book sparks a journey that eventually leads the crew to visit Mummy City, where dastardly smoke heart Stonescare may once again be up to no good. In addition to the densely detailed text, this book contains footnotes about various flora and fauna, articles by Madam Millith Muddles, an advice columnist for mummies, and illustrations, which were not complete at the time of this review. This lengthy ingredient list comes together to make a vibrant reading experience that can also be overwhelming. The major conflict doesn’t fully arrive until very late in the text, stalling the action, and sweet plot lines and themes centering found family, kindness, and loyalty are at times difficult to follow against the elaborate worldbuilding. Major characters cue white. VERDICT Recommended as a secondary purchase or for libraries where complex fairy tales are popular.

Pau preto. Nicki. The Forbidden Room. 336p. (The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents: Bk. 2). Viking. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593528549.
Gr 5-8–A charming cast of magical underdogs find their place in this captivating series. Lavinia “Vin” Lucas wound up at the Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents after her unruly powers got her expelled from one too many mainstream magic schools. At the conclusion of the first book, Vin harnessed her “chameleon” magic ability to absorb Headmistress Ava Hope’s warding powers, an action that saved her life but also raised alarms within the magical community. Hope’s notorious brother, Adam, had a similar ability and became addicted to stealing others’ powers before he died. True to her name, Headmistress Hope remains positive that Vin will remain uncorrupted, but her opinion is undermined when a group of school board inspectors moves into Last Hope and seems intent on shutting it down and catching Vin in a misstep. Through strong support from a colorful group of other delinquents and a mysterious new student, Vin investigates a historical mystery, dodges school board bureaucracy, and struggles to fully trust her nascent powers. VERDICT Recommended for readers who love The School for Good and Evil or The Marvellers.

Ponti, James. Hurricane Heist. 320p. (The Sherlock Society: Bk. 2). S. & S./Aladdin. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781665932561.
Gr 5-8–Opening mid-action with a wild chase along the Florida coast, this follow-up to The Sherlock Society once again finds the team hot on the trail of another historical mystery. Sixty-one years ago, a young Grandpa Pete was devastated when Ignacio “Doc” Gonzalez, the Bell Captain of the ritzy Moroccan Hotel, went missing and was subsequently blamed for a multimillion-dollar jewel heist. Now, when a hurricane reveals Doc’s remains buried on the grounds of the hotel, it’s up to the Sherlock Society to set the record straight. Though meeting becomes complicated with the start of their final years in middle school, Zoe, Alex, Lina, and Yadi are joined by the investigated reporting skills of the always-enthusiastic Grandpa Pete as well as a team of retired federal agents from a local Miami retirement home. Effortlessly weaving in kid-friendly information about hurricanes, fact-checking strategies, and logical deduction, this series is a celebration of intellectual reasoning power to solve problems and build connections with others. Though at times light on action, it will appeal to readers who enjoy puzzles and heartwarming family dynamics. They will relish the slow-building suspense and gratifying conclusion. Yadi is Cuban American, while the other characters are white. VERDICT Highly recommended for middle school libraries.

Reintgen, Scott. Rise of Neptune. 432p. (The Dragonships Series: Bk. 2). S & S. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781665946544.
Gr 5 Up–Earth and Mars have renewed an alliance that allows 500 Earthers to begin a new life on the red planet. A shuttle arrives carrying one too many passengers and the story takes off from there. With an obvious connection and appeal to fans of mythology and science fiction, this title will please readers of diverse genres and offers an invitation to tackle such universal issues as war, colonization, and immigration. Scenes full of force fields, shape-shifters, and dragons that can manipulate time and space will take readers on a roller-coaster ride of interplanetary competition. Triton is an evil and crafty foe who makes keeping Mars safe from Neptune an exciting, extraterrestrial challenge. At over 400 pages, the action is plentiful, and the humor breaks up the tension to keep readers at ease. Those unfamiliar with the series may find the combination of dragon lore and science fiction a little tough to follow, but the relationship between Lunar and Dread will win them over. VERDICT This will be a hit with sci-fi and fantasy fans. At this installment’s close, they’ll be clamoring for more.

★Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk. Standoff. 288p. (Kidnapped from Ukraine: Bk. 2). Scholastic. Oct. 2025. Tr $25.99. ISBN 9781546104568.
Gr 4 Up–A brilliantly written and sensitive portrayal of the reality facing innocent children and families in a war zone. With historically accurate quotes and events interwoven, Rada’s story shows the world what Ukrainians faced in the early days of Russian attacks. Rada becomes separated from her family after missile attacks destroy their apartment building. She shelters with neighbors in the basement of a steel plant while her dad rushes to help defend their city. With limited communication, she’s left to wonder about the fate of her mother and twin sister. Time after time, Rada and her bunker family plan to evacuate during planned ceasefires only to find themselves under attack when the Russians violate the agreements. They fight to survive on meager bits of food stored in their emergency backpacks. After weeks underground, their clothes are moldy. They drink a cup of hot water for breakfast and supper. Rada and her schoolmate, Viktor, risk their lives to gather items to help them survive. Readers will be in awe of Rada. She rejects cruelty even living in the most dire conditions and manages to face each new devastation with courage and humanity. Rada’s indomitable spirit, her refusal to give in to despair in the face of outrageous cruelty, shows readers how heroism takes many forms. Readers will fly through the pages to stay with Rada’s story and try to find out the fate of her family. This second title in the series offers a horrifying look inside the conditions in war-torn Ukraine while also inspiring hope for heroes and survivors. VERDICT Purchase for all middle grade shelves. Readers who have firsthand experience with refugee camps and war zones may especially benefit from support while reading.

Swanson, Matthew. Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny. illus. by Robbi Behr. 320p. (Cookie Chronicles: Bk. 7). Knopf. Aug. 2025. Tr $13.99. ISBN 9780593704684.
Gr 4-7–Married creative team Swanson and Behr spent a year road-tripping across the United States with their four kids and two dogs—a trip that surely inspired Japanese American Ben Yokoyama’s seventh adventure. Ben’s parents are moving the family to California, and they’re being very cagey about why. Even more mystifying, they’ve decided that the family will road trip there in a rundown, budget camper with a broken bathroom. The trip initially seems doomed when Ben doesn’t even get to say goodbye to his best friend, Janet, and when his meticulously organized mother clashes with his free-spirited aunt Nora. As always, a fortune cookie delivers a life lesson to Ben that consumes his thoughts, this time declaring that “everything happens for a reason.” Through a series of humorous high jinks, Ben grapples with this concept in absurd and often surprisingly poignant explorations. A delightful mix of text and illustration, with dialogue often appearing in speech bubbles, makes these books incredibly approachable for developing readers. VERDICT Recommended for philosophically minded fans of “Tome Gates” or “Dork Diaries.”

Symes-Smith, Esme. Sir Callie and the Final Stand. 400p. (Sir Callie: Bk. 4). Random/Labyrinth Road. Oct. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780593711125.
Gr 6-9–This satisfying conclusion to the “Sir Callie” series follows the team as they reunite after betrayal, miscommunication, and tragic circumstances tore them apart in the previous installment. Peran, the narcissistic and authoritarian father of twins Edwyn and Elowen, has now been crowned king, and with Witch Queen Alis also in power, any hope for a return to normal now seems impossible. As many of the adults grapple with grief over the loss of their world, Callie, Edwyn, Elowen, and Will fight to kindle a new world where power is shared and differences are celebrated, despite the utter novelty of this idea in their medieval-inspired kingdom. Though the team’s reconciliation and trauma recovery slows the pacing in the lead-up to the final battle, the book largely succeeds, and readers will be gratified to see these beloved characters finally find peace and their own version of happily ever after. All characters are cued as white; many queer identities are represented. VERDICT From its stirring foreword to its quiet epilogue, this heartening conclusion is sure to please dedicated fans and is a great recommendation for readers who enjoy Tamora Pierce or Jennifer Nielsen.

Van Veen, Johanna. Witch of Hagstone Hill. illus. by Lagartos Raquel. 272p. (The Triplets Grim: Bk. 1). Atheneum/McElderry. Aug. 2025. Tr $13.99. ISBN 9781665973922.
Gr 5-8–Nell is the oldest triplet (by a whole 10 minutes) and feels a terrible sense of responsibility when her sisters become gravely ill. With their mother dead and their father away at sea, their only support comes from their overburdened aunt Lena. When Lena returns without a doctor, Nell takes desperate action by visiting the beldam of Hagstone Hill to barter for her sisters’ lives. Her sisters are magically restored, but the unexpected payment for their lives is incredibly steep: in exchange, the beldam takes Lena. Van Veen doesn’t hold back from including truly terrifying and gruesome blood-sucking ghouls, surprise amputations, near-death experiences, and other gross details like masks stitched from human skin. As the girls find allies and are forced to complete a numerous and meandering series of tasks to rescue Aunt Lena, the plot and pacing often lag; meaningful exchanges about letting go of guilt are buried underneath a surfeit of vivid quests and unique creatures. VERDICT A secondary purchase for libraries where gruesome fairy tales are often requested.

Wills, S.J. Cold Blood. 288p. (Bite Risk: Bk. 1).S. & S. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781665938068.
Gr 4 Up–Light on character development and heavy on plot, this series opener is for readers who thrive on complicated, otherworldly predicaments. Sel and Ingrid face challenges no one else can understand while simultaneously holding clues to mysterious powers and magical cures. Werewolf lore combined with a little science fiction and bits of scientific facts will have readers eagerly working their way through the maze of problems plaguing the main characters. With plenty of gore and gross descriptions, this book may need trigger warnings but will satisfy readers looking for scary suspense. The story has some compelling action but also some confusing twists and turns. It’s better suited for readers who are comfortable with the genre. There are some interesting themes involving friendship, loyalty, self-control and generational boundaries, but those are overshadowed by the formulaic story arc. VERDICT If there are readers begging for more fantasy horror, this is a solid choice for collection. Otherwise, this trilogy opener does not offer broad appeal or an exciting invitation to the genre.

Zargarpur, Deeba. Farrah Noorzad and the Realm of Nightmares. 320p. (Farrah Noorzad: Bk. 2). Random/Labyrinth Road. Nov. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780593564455.
Gr 3 Up–Farrah feels the weight of her mother’s sadness as well as the desire to win her father’s approval, but she only sees him one day a year. Against her mother’s wishes, Farrah accepts a summons to the jinn world. She longs to fit in and excel at the Al Qalam Academy for the Exceptional, but she also misses her mother and her best friend, Arzu, terribly. Farrah begins to understand the potential of her mysterious and unique powers as she works through a maze of challenges and questions. The learning curve is steep as she struggles to understand her powers. In one terrifying instance she loses control of her hands and the dark power that bursts from them crumbling everything they touch into dust. Dangerous shimmerfields, mystical orbs, faeries, and simurghs—legendary birds with extreme powers—add plenty of fantasy and suspense in an empowering story for children whose aspirations may have been pushed aside by their parents’ conflicts. VERDICT An excellent choice for readers with a love of fantasy and an interest in Persian and Afghan folklore.