Book Finder

A story told in two voices: siblings 12-year-old Josie and her older, disabled brother Abe each have dreams and aspirations. Based on the author’s experience growing up with a comparably challenged brother.

The author recalls 7th grade and the difficulty he had because of his size in this believable, ultimately empowering graphic memoir.

When a boy accidentally breaks a vase that holds unique words, his father doesn’t scold but helps him make something new and beautiful. Stunning illustrations evoke the Japanese setting and the beautiful philosophy of the value in words and kindness.

The unlikely friendship between a long-haired guinea pig and naked mole rat continues in three new stories sure to resonate with young readers. The humor first introduced in Otis & Peanut and Otis & Peanut Forever and Ever remains fresh and fun.

Spooky sounds from a maybe-haunted house inspires Tim’s sister to complete her creepy songs in this slightly scary story of mutual sibling support.

Wheetle, an expressive wagon presented in charming watercolors, is always ready to help others. His kindness is returned when he pops a wheel, still making it in time to see the sun rise.

Milly dreaded Show and Tell, that is until she made Arnold the talking robot. Arnold helped Milly find her passion and overcome her shyness. Expressive illustrations combine move this quiet story.

Knitting comes undone as a mouse family flees encountering huge obstacles before they stitch together another home. Photos combine with line drawings in this figurative tale of immigration, sure to spark conversation.

It’s the first day of Kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. Leo is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the first day. As it turns out, Leo’s classmates have lots of ideas about kindness: like raising your hand, never leaving anyone out, and apologizing if you hurt someone’s feelings. 

It’s time to get ready for Valentine’s Day! Kai’s whole class is busily preparing by making friendship cards, decorating homemade mailboxes, and sharing delicious sweets and treats! But Kai and their friends can’t help but worry … what if they don’t receive any cards at alll? Luckily, their teacher will help the whole class learn the true meaning of friendship. Includes a pull-out holiday sign for photo opportunities.

Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas are three siblings in seventh grade together in Park, Delaware. In 1986, as the country waits expectantly for the launch of the space shuttle Challenger, they each struggle with their own personal anxieties. They exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project — they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways. This heartfelt story of family and the bond of siblings is old in three alternating points of view.

The story of a boy who stays true to his biggest dream while finding the magic in every moment. Some people dream of perfect waves, fancy castles, or piloting a plane. Others dream of someone to laugh and play with all day long. Some just dream of having a meal for the next day. And little Miguel? As he and Abuelito work in the hot Oaxacan sun, selling cold coconuts and macrame dream catchers to earn a few coins, Miguel has only one simple wish — to have his parents by his side. But how can he keep the faith when the truth is that dreams don’t always come to pass? A Spanish edition, El atrapasueños, is also available.

A sweetly hilarious story of two Black teens preparing to take a huge first step in their relationship. In frank stream-of-consciousness prose, Reynolds rewinds the teens’ heartfelt romance to showcase its development in reverse: 24 hours before, Neon was avoiding his homework by scrolling through videos he’d recorded of his classmates. And 24 days earlier, Neon was strolling the neighborhood with Gammy and the family dog, Denzel Jeremy Washington. As events roll backward, Neon has conversations with numerous richly wrought supporting characters, including his effervescent musician friend Dodie and his open and loving sister Nat, all of whom regale Neon with their thoughts on sex and love (with varying degrees of embarrassment and enlightenment for Neon). 

It’s August 1999. For twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, life at Fox Run Apartments in Red Knot, Delaware, is as ordinary as ever—except for the looming Y2K crisis and his overwhelming crush on his sixteen-year-old babysitter, Gibby. But when a disoriented teenage boy named Ridge appears out of nowhere, Michael discovers there is more to life than stockpiling supplies and pining over Gibby. A story of time travel, friendship, found family, and first loves, this thematically rich novel is distinguished by its voice, character development, setting, and exploration of the issues that resonate with middle grade readers.

As seventh grader Tony was bullied, but eventually finds comfort and strength in art, anime, and friendship with other nerdy Black kids. This graphic memoir is honest in its portrayal of tough middle school relationships but is accessible and hopeful.

Sophisticated readers will appreciate the poetic examination of family and the life of one woman, her past, and the influence she’s had on the members of her family. These new poems by Nye remind us of that we all have family and a community, as we meet and empathize with the poet’s late mother.

What happens when a crackerjack softball player — and the only girl on the team — wants to give it up? Who is Elena Rueda without her brother and team buddies? Attractive art and a recognizable dilemma make this an appealing graphic novel. 

Isabel Beane is a quiet girl who lives with five siblings in a home with hubbub, hullabaloo, and “too muchness.” At school, Isabel feels anxious in class when a new girl behaves unkindly. Find out how Isabel learns to speak up for herself in this accessibly told novel. Resources about autism and anxiety are included.

Reluctantly, a child dons itchy winter clothes to accompany her mother to see ice sculptures being created. While there, she loses her beloved toy horse. Magic occurs when they return that evening to see the ice figures at night and the narrator’s horse is found. 

Evocative illustrations and lyrical language follow a young Cherokee child as she cheerfully moves from an urban area to a home where there’s “room to run.” 

A bear and cub share special moments throughout the day, beginning as the sun rises and continuing until a nighttime snuggle. 

Can a road trip to odd places, with a bit of adventure and a touch of friendship help Pia heal from the loss of her brother and her family problems? This poignant story told in graphic format is visually delightful, both sad and humorous.

Henry decides to share his love of dancing at the school talent show. A sweet, easier-to-read book just right for newly independent readers. Also available in Spanish: Las muestra de talentos (opens in a new window). Look for other titles in the Confetti Kids series.

Dan and Aki live different lives — one here on land, the other lives there at sea. While they may seem unalike, when they come together, they discover more than similarities. They find friendship and community, shown on a double gatefold complemented by warm-toned, slightly abstract illustrations.