If you like to read stories about magic and adventure among friends, you may be interested in reading this book. Follow Mac, Maisie, and Bird on a quest to save Cardboardia from the evil Gray Queen. I love the journey through Cardboardia alongside these friends, following them through this magical place where everything is made of cardboard. When Bird gets away from the Queen using his new-found powers, it was exciting to read. An amazing escape in a captivating book of wonder! -Sebastian, 9
Terry, a talented artist, is transferred to a school for rich children. He and the friends he meets along the way form a crew to win the talent show. But after he makes a promise to his mom that he will have good grades, he realizes he is failing, and it's too late to go back on the promise. What will happen? Read to find out! -Sai, 10
This book was fun to read. I enjoyed all the lists Nina made and how she described the meanings of the words she used. My favorite character is Priya. I think she understood Nina very well. I loved that she compared the snow to the sand and played with Jay and his cousins even though she didn’t know them. Who is M.P. (mystery person)? What is he doing at the Crump's house? Was he a thief? This book had me asking questions and they were often the same ones the characters were asking, so that was fun too. -Juliet, 10
This book AWESOME! It showed me a lot of stuff in art that I never saw before. There are optical illusions and puzzles which were super cool, and some showed me something awfully weird. I love art and puzzles so this was super cool for me. -Ofelia, 8
Gabe and Oliver are best friends, they have been since kindergarten, and nobody can change that. Gabe believes Oliver is hiding something from him, which is something he never does. On top of that, there's a new boy named Rueben who doesn't talk. Kids make fun of him, and Gabe knows it's not right. Gabe, however, does nothing because he doesn't want to stand out. But Gabe soon discovers a voice of his own. I relate to Gabe because although I know that someone is not doing something right, I don't want to draw attention to myself by saying something, and standing out. This book is different from others that I've read because the author sets a good example of who to be. This book was amazing. I could read it over and over, and I definitely recommend it. -Juliana, 13
If you like action and magic, and learning about New York, chess, and chopsticks, then this book that will suck you in. Three years ago, Nell’s brother went missing, and now Nell has a chance at finding him when she’s placed in the Second Chance Club. It's an after-school club where kids go to get a second chance instead of getting expelled. In this club, they are supposed to do community service. Instead, they learn about Magic and how they can use it to help the community. I loved how elaborate and creative the settings were. The settings were very different because it was like a knock-off version of New York—like the Statue Of Liberty was holding a remote control instead of a tablet. This is a very funny, exciting, and creative book I think you will love. -Zooey, 12
Looking at this book you might be wondering to yourself, I don't know if I want to read this. Let me tell you that it would be a big mistake. This book has twists and emotional moments. This book ends in a nail-biting fashion. The main character is about to be defeated by a white supremacist in his goal to kill a lot of people. Will the main character, Andrea, manage to take care of him, without blowing her cover? Even while falling in love with the target, Andrea manages to succeed in her work for The Factory. -James, 13
Have you ever read a book where you can’t believe the things the character can do? I was astonished at how well Giada Bellantuono can heal animals. Giada is part of the family Bellantuono, where her legacy will be to become a guartice. Guartices follow Apollo and help heal humans with a little magic. But Giada has always wanted to help the animals, not the humans, and looks towards Diana instead, who is a friend to animals. Her family doesn’t believe in her passion but Giada is willing to do many things to follow her dream. It’s amazing how much she can do with spider silk, unicorn tail, a small bottle of pureed melon, and a jar of immortal jellyfish goo. You would never imagine it would help heal a Gryphon! This book shows you to believe in yourself and follow your dreams and to have fun. -Sydney, 11
HOW TO HEAL A GRYPHON is a great book. It highlights themes of family and acceptance, and uses amazing characters with distinct personalities. For example, the cat Sinistro provides snark and humor to a tense story. This book is easy to pick up and hard to put down—you’ll be finished with the book before you know it! -Megan, 13
Have you ever read a book where you can’t believe the things the character can do? I was astonished at how well Giada Bellantuono can heal animals. Giada is part of the family Bellantuono, where her legacy will be to become a guartice. Guartices follow Apollo and help heal humans with a little magic. But Giada has always wanted to help the animals, not the humans, and looks towards Diana instead, who is a friend to animals. Her family doesn’t believe in her passion but Giada is willing to do many things to follow her dream. It’s amazing how much she can do with spider silk, unicorn tail, a small bottle of pureed melon, and a jar of immortal jellyfish goo. You would never imagine it would help heal a Gryphon! This book shows you to believe in yourself and follow your dreams and to have fun. -Sydney, 11
HOW TO HEAL A GRYPHON is a great book. It highlights themes of family and acceptance, and uses amazing characters with distinct personalities. For example, the cat Sinistro provides snark and humor to a tense story. This book is easy to pick up and hard to put down—you’ll be finished with the book before you know it! -Megan, 13
Zero has always dreamed of joining a saba guild, but his kobastickers are never powerful enough! But after a weird incident with a strange creature, he meets Camih and Ladi, who’ve come to recruit him. When his friend Zoe sends them on a quest to find a powerful relic, they have to race around the planet to find it before it gets into the wrong hands. What I really liked about this book was that when I read a scene it was so detailed that I felt like I was really there watching it play out in front of my eyes. This amazing, action-packed adventure will keep you at the edge of your seat. -Cece, 11
TALES OF A SEVENTH-GRADE LIZARD BOY is a very good book; the graphic novel style is amazing! Bonus points for being a sorta sci-fi book. It seems weird at first with -- weird names, weird food, and the people are lizards! But as you get into the book, it's much more complicated. For example, the lizard people are friendly and nice. The story has the usual drama, love, and action you might expect. Except for when he reveals his identity to the entire class! Very exciting! All in all this is a very good book for monster and graphic novel lovers. And also a good book for the rest of us! -Derek, 12
I really like the amount of diversity in this book from a lot of different cultures and also Lizard culture as well! I also like how at the end of the book everyone reveals their secrets. -Yash, 13
When Maggie is forced to go and spend time with her grandfather to help her overcome a stutter, she is dreading it and wishes she could just stay home. However, when she finds a baby snow leopard, she realizes her trip might not be so bad. This book is very descriptive, which helped me visualize its picturesque moments. I love the way the author described the forests, beaches, and countryside. I enjoyed Maggie's story because we have so many differences. For example, she was scared of speaking in front of her class, but I love to. The differences made it really interesting to read. I wanted to find out what she was feeling and what it was like for her. Overall, this was a really great book. -Zooey, 12
When the karate grandma adopts Machine Boy, he starts training and becomes super powerful! Then when he and some other people open the black crystal (why do heroes always open the box or push the button?!) something comes out of it and . . . [Removed for spoiler reasons]. Also, he had a cute pet that ate a car and then started turning into Godzilla. I liked how he was a villain but then turned into a hero! This book was good—very good, in my opinion. -Derek, 12
CUPCAKE DIARIES is a graphic novel with chapters. Katie is trying to deal with her bff being friends with the mean girls. Instead of joining the PGC (Popular Girls Club) she forms her own club, a “cupcake club”. She also finds her way with a group of nice friends. -Ofelia, 8
SERWA BOATENG'S GUIDE TO VAMPIRE HUNTING is filled with action, mythology, and many twists and turns. In this book you follow the story of the dynamic character Serwa as she finds an adze, or vampire, at her school. After her secret is revealed she gets some help from the kids that found out. This book is part of the Rick Riordan Presents series, so if you've read his stuff then you are going to love this book. The ending will leave you wanting to read the upcoming book in the series. -James, 13
I loved this book as it shows different things in an adventure aspect, like the vampire hunting, yet it has a greater meaning about racism when the main character soon discovers that she is an adze herself. This really brings to light some real world problems in a fantasy world. The ending was bittersweet. I personally think it was great and gives you as the reader something to think on. -Yash, 13
The cover of this book looks like it's animated, but that is from the talented artist. Most of the book is based off of episodes from the Big Nate TV Show. If you enjoy Big Nate books or have seen the show, then this book is for you. The artists have taken the original Big Nate comics and elevated them to a whole new level. The graphics in this book are amazing and the story is hilarious. If you enjoy comics, read this book. -James, 12
Would you do anything to save your beloved brother or sister? That is the challenge that Lizzie faces. Her sister Minka means everything to her, and when Minka is kidnapped by a goblin in disguise and whisked away to the dark woods, what is Lizzie supposed to do? Lizzie had been trying to prevent Minka from falling in love with the goblin, but had no way to show her that the goblin was more than just a boy. You can tell from the book that Lizzie is undeniably loyal to those she trusts and loves, so anyone who has her as a friend would be lucky. This book made me appreciate how deeply people can care for one another, and what they are willing to do for that person. It shows how humankind can be deeply caring. -Sydney, 11
LUMBERJACKULA is a sweet and charming story of acceptance and self-exploration. Lumberjackula has to decide whether he wants to go to lumberjack school or vampire school, and doesn’t want to upset his parents with his decision. But neither of those schools seem right for him!! Until he meets a friend who tells him about a dancing school she goes to. This adorable graphic novel teaches an important lesson of following your heart! -Emerson, 16
Mimi is so sweet and kind she has a stuffed animal who is magic. This book is about being yourself. Mimi thinks she isn't cute but everyone thinks she is. Mimi tries to be: a superhero, a teacher and a cool kid. But when Mimi tries to be herself people call her . . . COOL!!! I liked this book because of the colors, characters, illustrations, and Mimi's wild imagination. -Ofelia, 8
LARK AND THE WILD HUNT is an enchanting adventure into a world bursting with magic and personality. Join Lark, a loyal sister, gifted tinker, and bold explorer, as she uses wit, determination, and a sprinkle of enchantment to navigate through the traps and schemes of an alluring fae kingdom. Lark’s deep bonds with her family, friends, and pets make for a heartwarming read. -Mikey, 15
CHESTER KEEN CRACKS THE CODE is an exhilarating and heartbreaking tale with unlikely friendships, puzzling clues, and some serious robbers. Chester Keen is determined to be a spy and meet his dad, who sends him spy equipment each year. When Chester gets a note in riddle form, he is sure it’s from his dad. This book taught me a lot about spies, and slowing down and observing what’s happening around you. It was really interesting for me to read a book through a child's perspective who doesn’t have a father around because it is different from my own experience. -Zooey, 12
I really liked this book as it shows a lot of themes, like re-discovering the past. It does a great job of talking about going through hard things. I also really like how each of the friends are very different from each other, and how the perspective changes. -Yash, 13
Onyeka is from Nigeria and only has her mom. At school she stands out because of all her hair. But unlike Cheyenne, her fox-eared friend, Onyeka doesn’t like to stand out. So, when she’s whisked back to Nigeria to an academy, she feels afraid. I was astonished at the amazing technology they have at her new school. If I was new at the academy I would want everyone to be welcoming, and not like how they responded to Onyeka. If you're a superhero kind of person, you will want to read this book. It has a cool new twist on superheroes and genetics. I hope you read this book and have the good time I did, exploring this cool world. -Sydney, 11
There is a rumor going around that eighth graders saw Bigfoot. Will Lily, her little brother, and the baby she was supposed to babysit, Oliver, find Bigfoot? One day her teacher is attacked by the Bigfoot. With these new leads they continue their search, trying everything to get to the bottom of what's going on. -Sai, 10
In the third installment of the Charlie Thorne series, Charlie is back at it looking for the treasure of Cleopatra. Just like all books by Stuart Gibbs, you'll be thoroughly entertained while still learning something about the famous Egyptian pharaoh. I was captured by the fantastic word choices and lively plot. The plot moves in a way that you'll never grow bored. I guarantee that you will enjoy the book, just as I did. Will Charlie be able to solve yet another mystery or will this one stump her for good? -Giuliana, 13
THE SUMMER OF JUNE is an absolutely marvelous masterpiece that catches your heart. When June gets out of school for the summer, she wants to make it a good one. She shaves her hair wanting to accomplish two goals. Number one: beat her anxiety and become her inner lion, and number two: after she accomplishes number one, she and her single mom will be strong independent females owning their power. But . . . nothing in life comes easy. June has to face her constant anxiety and overcome her fears. This is totally worth the read. -Sofia, 14
Hasani is just a normal girl with a goal of growing her followers on her YouTube channel, MakeupontheCheapCheap. When she gets sent off to a special boarding school for witches, her life changes. I think that it is cool that she used to just have a YouTube channel, but now she can do magic! I would like to be her because her magic is very cool. All witches have a signature flower and hers is a Morning Glory, which really fits her. At first she doesn’t fit in, but by the time camp ends, she has friends. Follow Hasani on her wild adventure! -Sydney, 11
SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF is a thrilling story. Skandar faces many emotional challenges as the book evolves. He meets unicorns and friends. And he meets an enemy, who unexpectedly becomes a friend. In this book, unicorns aren’t all fluffy and rainbows, they are bloodthirsty unicorns. If the island calls you to hatch a unicorn, you must answer their call, or have a wild unicorn born, who answers to no one. This sensational story will have you wanting to answer its call, every time your eyes land on it. Read this exciting story to find out more. -Sydney, 11
MAPMAKERS AND THE LOST MAGIC was a really interesting story about friends who don't give up on each other. Blue was my favorite character because he is a beautiful bird. I thought it was a really cool book and hope they make another story! -Ofelia, 8
Have you ever learned that something you always thought was true turns out to be wrong? Octavia has this feeling many times over the course of this book. She lives in a town that no one ever leaves and is heavily protected. Outside the walls of Vittoria there are Ferox; dangerous monsters that have a mind of their own. They can call out in a human’s voice and lure people to them. I was so engrossed in this novel I had a difficult time putting it down. I was surprised so many times by everything Octavia faced. Even when she didn’t know what to believe, she strived to find the truth. I liked that she was brave but trusting. As you read this book, you will follow her on her adventure. -Sydney, 11
BUG SCOUTS is a funny book, I liked it. The scouts meet a new friend at their campout and get into silly adventures together, and even get in a little trouble too. If you like reading Pea, Bee, and Jay or Narwhal and Jelly, you'll love this one! Bugs doing scout things is really silly and makes me laugh! -Ofelia, 8
THE NOT-SO-UNIFORM LIFE OF HOLLY-MEI is amazing for readers ages 10 and older. I really liked that this book was nothing like I expected. The main character moves to Hong-Kong from Canada because of her mom’s job. She dreads it because she's leaving the only place she's ever known, and has to meet new people and even face a bully. In the end, this book is a spectacular way to see through a middle schooler’s eyes and go through Holly-Mei’s Hong-Kong adventure with her! -Sofia, 14
WITCHLINGS is an enchanting book. It has a perfect set-up and the characters have amazing qualities. With Valley's skills, Seven's wits, and Thorn's determination, these three can do anything. I can't wait for the next in the series! -Belle, 12
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Crab and Snail are BBF's (best beach friends) who meet an invisible whale named Isabel after she was spraying water on them from her blowhole but they thought it was rain. They are really funny and have a hard time remembering how to say umbrella, which made me laugh a lot! They are friends with a seagull who says he knows everything but he really doesn't. This book made me crack up! -Ofelia, 8
THE BEST LIARS IN RIVERVIEW is a mystical book about friendship, lies, confessions, and being yourself. When Aubrey’s best friend Joel goes missing, they are determined to find him, but when people start asking Aubrey questions about Joel, things begin to get out of hand. I really liked this book because it teaches you about telling the truth and trusting the people you love. It has short chapters, so it’s a fast and easy read. This book will drag you in and won’t let go until you’re finished reading it. -Zooey, 11
This book was divine in every meaning of the word. Reading this was like riding a roller coaster. Going from the excitement of becoming so connected to the characters, to the suspense of of trying to discover why our main character is paralyzed and in a wheelchair permanently. I was truly amazed by this read. I found myself late at night, struggling to stay awake but saying, "just one more chapter!" This book has everything a reader could want: romance, suspense, mystery, ballet . . . and did I mention romance?? -Emerson, 16
LOYALTY is an exciting book. There aren't any action scenes or crazy chases, but the book leaves you yelling out "What will he do?!" The book is set during the American Revolution, written from the perspective of a loyalist, 12-year old boy. This offers a different view than adults writing about the topic and allows you to learn with the character. All of the characters have their own distinct, clear personalities that add flavor, but allow the reader to understand what is happening quickly. If you are looking for an interesting perspective, an easy read, and a fascinating book, check out LOYALTY. -Rocco, 12
I love this book! It's a really funny story with some pretty crazy characters. If you like to imagine your own creations coming to life, you'll love this book! Like me! My favorite character is Kip because she has a lot of imagination which makes the book interesting. -Ofelia, 8