Jacob is Cassidy's best, and only, friend. He's smart, funny, cute and would probably be too popular to hang out with Cassidy. If it wasn't for the fact that he's dead and no one else can see him. Ever since Jacob saved Cassidy from drowning she's been able to part the veil between worlds and see the ghosts beyond. Mostly they just play out their final moments over and over again and are tied to the place where they died. But Jacob is different. Jacob can follow Cassidy wherever she goes, talk to her, and even read comics as long as Cassidy turns the page for him. Cassidy is still trying to figure out her new abilities when her parents surprise her with a trip to Scotland to film their supernatural investigations show. Of course, they have no idea their daughter can actually see ghosts and Cassidy has never met anyone else with her abilities, until she meets Lara in Edinburgh. But there are far more ghosts in a city as old as Edinburgh than her suburb back home in America. And not all of them are trapped in the veil or as friendly as Jacob.

I loved traveling the streets of Edinburgh with Cassidy! The characters are all well drawn (especially my favorite, Jacob) and while Cassidy's parents are oblivious to her abilities they're not complete idiots either and have a good relationship with her. It's classic middle grade spooky but not too spooky without a hint of romance and focused instead on issues of friendship and family. The most ghastly descriptions are safely ensconced in historical detail which adds a bit of distance but still not recommended for the super squeamish. Supernatural fans will find much to enjoy though.

City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1) by Victoria Schwab​

Erica's Picks 
4th - 7th
tags: friendship, fast-paced, global perspectives, horror, summer vacation, supernatural
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When Beatryce is discovered by a monk and a goat she is sick and doesn't remember any details of her life, but she does know how to read and write. This shocks everyone as it is illegal for girls to have this knowledge. The monk tries to protect her by shaving her head and dressing her in robes, but soon the king himself comes looking for her, the girl prophesied to dethrone him. Beatryce has a fierce protector in the goat and makes new friends along the way, but will it be enough to save her from the king?

This is an admittedly unusual premise for a children's book, but DiCamillo and Blackall are masters of their craft and they do not disappoint here. The story reads like a classic fairy tale and the cast of quirky characters is sure to draw fans. The moral at the heart about the power of love and story is definitely one I can get behind. My prophecy is that will become a classic and be read aloud by generations.

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th
​tags: adventure, animals, fairy tales, historical fiction

Miriam's life is changed forever when her father dies in battle and her mother marries the king. Miram grew up living modestly and hates the politics of court life. She would much rather climb trees in an patched dress than be weighted down in restrictive clothes and heavy jewels for a state ceremony. But even Miriam understands the importance of her baby sister's christening. Miriam adores Aurora, who is particularly vulnerable to the power of Dark Fae at this important moment. Despite everyone's careful plans a Dark Fae arrives to wreak havoc and endanger baby Aurora. When Miriam acts to save her sister, she discovers a hidden power. Miriam's life is changed again as she embraces her new powers and her role as protector to save her sister from whatever comes her way.

This is a great fantasy story full of the glamour of princesses, the adventure of knights, the magic of Fae, and the heart of a loving family. I particularly enjoy how it avoids common, outdated fantasy tropes by allowing for female knights, multiple perspectives, and a loving step-father. The sleeping beauty connection isn't the focus with Aurora remaining a baby throughout, though perhaps that will change in future installments. A refreshing fantasy, plus there's a unicorn and a dragon--what's not to love? 

Briarheart by Mercedes Lackey

Erica's Picks
6th -8th
​tags: adventure, animals, fairy tales, family life, fantasy

​Jordan loves her basketball teammates and playing with them at practice, but after she became paralyzed from the waist down she hasn't been allowed to play in official games. Jordan is having difficulty adjusting to life in a wheelchair, but things change when she comes across a wounded baby elephant on her way home from school. She takes the elephant home to her mother, a veterinarian, and quickly forms a strong bond with the animal. Soon Jordan is back to competing, this time in water polo, and what starts as a hard year turns out to be the most magical of her life.

I love Marshmallow! This sweet, intelligent creature is sure to win over animal lovers. Jordan's profound sense of loss when she can't play basketball with her team and her commitment to learning a new sport will resonate with sports fans as well. The drawings have a beautiful, dreamlike quality while remaining rooted in real-life, which is perfect for the magical realism of the story. I love that the author includes the occasional word in Indonesian and all the details of the setting. A great comic book with wide appeal.

Marshmallow & Jordan by Alina Chau

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th
​tags: animals, character driven, comics, magical realism, disability, friendship, global perspectives, People of Color, school stories, sports

Del and Alma are cousins and best friends and soon they will live in the same building, above the Curious Cousins Secondhand Shoppe. Alma is excited to live closer to her family, but at first it feels like she doesn't belong. Del can't wait for Alma to move in, but she wishes Alma believed in magic like she does. When the best friends get in their first big fight and Del's magical earrings go missing will they be able to work it out or will the move turn out to be a disaster?

I love the family relationships in this book between the cousins but also the grandmother and great-aunt who run the shop and all the other relatives that live in the building. The story switches between Alma and Del's perspectives so you can see both sides of the story and understand where their disagreement is coming from. I love the way it depicts life in a big city and the hints of magic throughout. A warm, wise, wonderful book for the early chapter book crowd

Hand-Me-Down Magic #1: Stoop Sale Treasure by Corey Ann Haydu, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Erica's Picks
2nd - 4th
​tags: character driven, family life, People of Color

Charise has always been a bad sister. From the moment her younger brother was brought home, she was jealous of how much attention he got. As he got older and ruined her drawings, tried to steal her cat, and made her look bad with his natural ease around others she only grew to resent him more. And yet he kept coming back and trusting her. But when a game goes too far and he gets really hurt Charise tries to change. Can she be the big sister she wants to be? Or is she destined to be bad forever?

I've read a lot of stories about "bad" siblings, but they usually aren't from that sibling's perspective. This one is even more unusual because it's a memoir. It's brave of Harper to tell this story where she isn't shown in the best light and I really appreciate that she did. Harper gives insight into what was going on in her head when she did the things she did and it's a great exercise in empathy. This is an excellent choice for anyone who has experienced a difficult sibling relationship and fans of memoir comics in general. 

Bad Sister by Charise Mericle Harper, illustrated by Rory Lucey 

Erica's Picks
4th - 7th
​tags: character driven, comics, contemporary fiction, family life, SEL

Tola is the youngest of three, but don't underestimate her! Even though she is smaller than her siblings her kindness, bravery, and determination help her to do great things. From standing up to mean older kids to helping neighbors in need with her amazing number skills, Tola saves the day again and again. Get to know Tola and her neighbors in Lagos, Nigeria in this sweet, realistic story.

I love a character who is small but mighty so I naturally love Tola! This early chapter book has ample illustrations and three short stories that are quick to read and entertaining. With great lessons and a wonderful setting this is a perfect read-aloud book.

Too Small Tola by Atinuke, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu 

Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd
tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, global perspectives, People of Color

When Jo gets bored one summer day, she is delighted to discover a dog walking around town with a basket and shopping list. Jo decides to follow the dog as it stops in at various stores and and the clerks check the list and fill his basket. When Jo is mistaken for the dog's owner and finally makes some friends, she doesn't correct them. But when people complain about dogs walking around without a leash the town is divided and Jo is caught in the middle. Will her new friends still like her when they discover the truth? And will the friendly shopping dog end up behind bars?

This comic is great for fans of realistic comics, especially dog lovers. Both Jo and the reader learn a great lesson in empathy and understanding other perspectives as the issue of whether off-leash dogs should be allowed is debated and finally brought to a resolution.

Pawcasso by Remy Lai 

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th grade
​tags: animals, character driven, comics, contemporary fiction, family life, friendship, summer vacation

At first when Sona hears that she's going to have a baby brother or sister, she is not excited. Everyone in her family is talking about the new baby and hardly paying any attention to her. She doesn't want to share her favorite baby clothes and toys and make space for another person in her family. But when she learns about the special naming ceremony she is determined to find the perfect one. Can Sona go from reluctant older sister to being the very best?

This story follows a large and loving family in India as they prepare for a new baby. Learning about the cultural traditions around this event is fun and everything is clearly explained and celebrated with adorable illustrations, sweet characters, and a relatable plot for anyone who has experienced changes in their family. A great story for new chapter book readers.

Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister by Chitra Soundar illustrated by Jen Khatun 

Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd
​tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, global perspectives, People of Color

When Christine first meets Moon, she's heard the rumors of her fighting and is afraid she's bad news. But when Moon and her mother move in to the small in-law unit on her family's property she quickly gains an appreciation for Moon's creative spirit and rebellious ways. When tragedy strikes and Moon needs a friend more than ever, will Christine be able to rise to the occasion?

This is a sweet comic about friendship perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier (it even has an endorsement from her on the cover!) Inspired by events from the author's childhood, the story is authentic and heart-felt

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Stargazing by Jen Wang 

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th
​tags: character driven, comics, contemporary fiction, family life, friendship, People of Color