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BRANDI Brandi, when not escaping the pesky paparazzi, enjoys reading and buying books for the Children's and Young Adult sections. When she's not reading picture books and middle grade or YA fantasy, she likes humorous fiction and the occasional memoir. She is an advocate for cats and giraffes, enjoys swing dancing and anything that lets her hone her inner child. She especially loves matching young readers with books they will love. |

Rot is the cutest, bravest potato in the whole world! Kids will love Rot's determination and positive self image as he faces the slippery and slimy, grim and gross SQUIRM! This whole series is an absolute delight and I'm so excited for Rot's latest adventure.

This book is absolutely fantastic! I was hooked by line one and haven't been able to stop reading. Only long enough to say, I LOVE The Swifts. I can't wait to put this in the hands of every child I meet. It's charming and silly. The main character's name is Shenanigan. That alone tells you just how genius this novel is. It will join the ranks of Mysterious Benedict Society, Skulduggery Pleasant, The Name of This Book is Secret, and more! Look out world and prepare to laugh yourself silly as you read Beth Lincoln's witty debut.

I sense an award winner here! I absolutely adore this book. It's a beautiful story set in Honduras and told in alternating POVs of two girls, Barana and Abby, from different worlds and personalities coming together to save a leatherback sea turtle named Luna. With a hint of magical realism, this middle grade novel is truly remarkable.

This intense, important novel is a must read for everyone. Gupta brings sex trafficking into stark relief with her debut novel in a way that's accessible and suitable for teens. Heera is fierce and brave. I love her determination to fight for herself and those she loves. It's an important message to young girls, and everyone, that they deserve to be safe.

A stunning novel, inside and out. Kai and Kishi are twin pearl divers who do everything together, until the day Kishi is swallowed by a ghost whale. And Kai is willing to risk everything to bring her twin back home. Kai is complex, imperfect, fierce and loyal. Along her journey she learns she's not just the "disobedient twin" she claims herself to be, but is capable of so much more. Japanese folklore and traditions are beautifully woven through this story to give the reader a cultural adventure great for fans of the Rick Riordan Presents novels. The Pearl Hunter will capture your heart and leave you thoughtful.

A wonderfully, haunting mystery, perfect for anyone who is intrigued by ghosts, likes surprises, but doesn't like to be scared. It's spooky, in a good way, and reminds me of my favorite ghost story from childhood, The Doll in the Garden by Mary Downing Hahn. I love how both books play with reality and time. If you also enjoy books like that, then you will love Cotter's The Dollhouse.

The adult edition was fantastic. I'm thrilled there is a young reader edition. I know it's not fiction, but I think kids who liked Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein will like this too. Molly is a very cool dog.

An ownvoices modern day fantasy-murder mystery with indigenous legends, ghosts and a young woman determined to protect her family. There is so much in this book, I don't quite know where to start. I have a cautious interest in ghost stories and murder mysteries as I hate anything scary, but Darcie Little Badger does a great job of giving you a thrilling mystery without the nightmares. My favorite aspect of her book was the indigenous legends. I think it was clever the way the author was able to weave in stories from her culture, along with fantastical monsters and ghosts. It was a fun read and I look forward to seeing more from her.

Do books have souls? This one certainly does. I love the blurred, soft illustrations that set off the gentleness of the story. I love that the little girl is so patient and accepting of Albert. In short, I love this book and I think you will too

Fascinating. I was not able to stop reading. Even at the end I wanted more and kept on reading through the back cover text! This book has the best to offer: beautiful illustrations, a character to connect with and lots of fun, interesting facts. This adorable and informative book will keep kids and adults alike gripped as they learn about the history of the moon.

The most stunning book of the year goes to The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars. I got literal chills reading this gorgeous picture book about the light we shine. This book will be good for graduates, new babies, children, adults, everyone. Rachel Montez Minor and Annie Won are the perfect team to bring this luminous book to life. I love it to the stars and back.

This book is so cool! I thought it was going to be a novel, an illustrated novel, of course, but it's much more than that. A kaleidoscope of stories that collectively tell one story of love and grief between two people. Beautifully done, as only Brian Selznick does.

What a wonderful story. I was a slow reader as a child too and still find I take longer than many people to get through a book. But a slow reader is still a reader and I love that this book honors that.