King and the Dragonflies: A contemporary story of King, a gay Black boy in a small Louisiana town, dealing with his gender identity and the death of his older brother.
A New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year, Frankie & Bug (Aladdin Books 2021) by Gayle Forman is a must read. Ten-year-old Bug (Beatrice) lives in late-1980s Venice Beach with her mama and older brother Danny.
Loretta Little Looks Back is a moving and historically accurate account of how African Americans fought for the right to vote in Mississippi.
In Lotería (Knopf Books For Young Readers, Sept. 7, 2021), written by Karla Arenas Valenti, and illustrated by Dana Sanmar, Life and Death (who prefers to be called La Catrina) walk into Oaxaca City, Mexico, for their annual game of la Lotería. Before the game can begin, a child must be chosen by chance (or by destiny?) to be the pawn. If Life wins the game, the child will have a long and prosperous life. If Death wins, she will claim the child’s life. If neither win, these old friends will never meet again.
Not a big fan of possums? This middle grade book might just change your mind! Appleblossom the Possum by Holly Goldberg Sloan and illustrated by her husband, Gary A. Rosen, tells the story of Appleblossom, the smallest and most timid of Mama Possum’s first batch of babies.
When the True Blue Scouts learn that a gang of feral hogs is headed straight for the Sugar Man Swamp, it’s up to them to save the day.
Tristan Strong, a seventh grader, is supposed to be a boxer. He can hold his own in fights at school (no, his parents aren’t happy about school fights), but he loses his first official match, much to the chagrin of his father and grandfather, both champion boxers. So Tristan is not feeling strong, especially after he was unable to save his best friend Eddie. Over the summer, Tristan’s parents decide to send him to his grandparents’ farm in Alabama (without his input, of course!), hoping a change of scenery will help him process his grief. Tristan is dreading the trip, but he has no idea what he’s about to face.
Yet another exciting Rick Riordan Presents publication, The Last Fallen Star, the first in a series, introduces readers to the world of Korean mythology. Riley Oh was adopted into a family of healing witches from the Gom clan, descendants of the Cave Bear Goddess. Riley has memorized every healing spell she’s ever heard, but it’s not doing her any good because she has no magical powers. Like everyone, Riley just wants to fit in, but it’s hard when you’re the only kid without magic.
In Healer of the Water Monster, 12-year-old Nathan has two choices for his summer vacation. Go with his dad and girlfriend to Las Vegas or stay with his grandmother at her mobile summer home on the Navajo reservation.