Eleven year old Danny still believes in fairy dust, much to the dismay of his social worker. When Danny injures himself trying to fly, she has to find a new foster family for him. She urges him to forget about the fairy tales his older sister used to tell him before she disappeared. But Danny knows his sister is waiting for him in the world of Rio Luna, if he can only find a way there. No one believes him, until a field trip to the New York Public Library leads him to a copy of the original Rio Luna book that's glowing. There he finds a kid his age and her aunt, who agree to help him on his quest. Along the way they encounter fantastic creatures and sights and many dangers. But nothing can stop Danny on his quest to find his sister.

This will appeal to all book lovers who have ever wanted to escape into the world of their favorite story. There's a great cast of characters from Danny and Glory to Prince Llewelyn the Jackalope. The story is a bit slow to start, but once Danny finds the magical book and his quest begins the plot speeds along with fantastical creatures, magic, and adventure.

The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Córdova 
3rd - 5th
​tags: adventure, animals, fairy tales, fantasy, People of Color

An evil tsar, a misunderstood witch, a plucky orphan, and a wolf in disguise: get ready for a classic fantasy adventure that will transport you to a fairy tale Russia. Zima has never trusted humans, especially Baba Yaga, but when her pack is threatened she makes a deal with the witch and they trade bodies for a spell. Nadya also braves the woods to seek Baba Yaga's help, but doesn't realize it's really a wolf in Baba Yaga's body. Nevertheless they team up to fight the evil Tsar, save Nadya's friend, Zima's pack, and the magical woods they call home.

I love a good Baba Yaga story and this one certainly fits the bill. It has plenty of adventure but nothing too scary for younger students and a lot of heart. It would make a great read-aloud. The illustrations throughout capture the fairy-tale feel of the book. All the characters are great but my favorite was the wolf, Zima. I love how the author captured the world through her eyes and fellow animal lovers will appreciate her too.

A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton
Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th
​tags: animals, fairy tales, fantasy, retellings

Ever since they moved to Seattle, Cici has missed her grandmother back in Taiwan. With her 70th birthday coming up, Cici wants to buy her a plane ticket to visit. When she sees the flyer for a cooking contest for young chefs, she knows it's the perfect opportunity. Cici grew up cooking with her grandmother, but she only knows how to cook Taiwanese food. So she turns to Julia Child to expand her cooking skills. When she combines her Taiwanese food with classic French style she knows it will be a wining combination.

This is a great comic for anyone who loves to cook, or even those who love to watch other people cook. Reading about Cici's struggles adapting to life in America is eye-opening and reading about her dishes is mouth-watering.

Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte, Ann Xu (Illustrations)

Erica's Picks
3rd - 7th
​tags: comics, contemporary fiction, family life, friendship, global perspectives, People of Color

When Bea's adopted grandfather goes missing, she is determined to find him. He may be a powerful wizard, but he doesn't remember things like he used to and Bea is afraid for his safety. Along the way she meets Cad, the last of the Galudrians who is convinced that her grandfather holds the key to keeping the darkness at bay. Together, along with Bea's pet cat, they set off on a quest through a strange and dangerous world to find Bea's grandfather, the lost Galudrians, and the light.

This is a beautiful fantasy world and the full-color illustrations transport you into it. With lush landscapes and expressive characters, the comic has a cinematic quality. The story is a classic adventure tale with sacrifices, trials, tricks, and battles. Great for fans of Amulet and other fantasy adventures.

Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian by Tim Probert

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th
​tags: 

When their mothers are determined to send them to summer camp, Shirley and Jamila come up with a plan to convince their mothers to allow them to play together instead. Even though they just met, they are happy to hang out on the basketball court together all day. Jamila practicing her shooting and Shirley reading and meeting with the neighborhood kids. But when Jamila finds out that Shirley's an amateur detective, she's determined to help with her cases. Will they find the missing gecko and catch the pool thief? Or will their mothers catch them sneaking around and send them off to camp?

I love this new Sherlock and Watson duo. After some misunderstandings and leaps to judgement, they learn to work well together. The mystery was fun to piece together and every character's personality played an important part. Great for young mystery and comic fans.

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz

Erica's Picks
2nd - 5th grade
​tags: comics, friendship, mystery, People of Color, summer vacation

There are a lot of great things about being quadruplets. But it's hard for Becca when her three brothers all have something that makes them stand out, and she's still finding her path. Jammer is a sports star, KC is a science genius, and Bailey has a passion for music. Not only that, but there's something wrong with her. When her best friend needed her most, she wasn't there for her, and now she's moved away. When Becca comes across a sick piglet, she knows it's her chance for redemption. Becca loves the saucy pig. But it's surprising how much trouble even a small pig can get up to. And the vet says she could grow up to 600 pounds! It's clear that Becca can't keep Saucy forever, but she can't bear to part with her. When Becca finds more piglets in trouble, she knows she'll need the help of the whole community to save them.

Quadruplet or not, a lot of children will relate to Becca: her struggle to stand out, her guilt over betraying her friend, and most of all her love of animals. Saucy is the star however, and readers will fall in love with her as easily as Becca does. The pictures only sweeten the story and show off Saucy's personality more. An inspiring story about finding yourself and taking action to right wrongs.

Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata, Marianna Raskin (Illustrations)

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

Grace's aunt Lily is an author and Grace loves visiting her after school. When Lily gets writer's block, she posts an ad for an assistant. Soon a magician arrives at her door with Rex. Rex is a Labrador Retriever with secret talents. He can write messages with the help of Lily's computer and always seems to know just what everyone needs. Not only does he help Lily get over her writer's block, but he helps Grace discover that she's an author too. What can't wondrous Rex do?

This is a cute story with just a touch of magic perfect for young dog-lovers. The ample pictures and short sentences and chapters make it just right for kids starting to read chapter books.

Wondrous Rex by Patricia MacLachlan

Erica's Picks
k - 3
​tags: animals, character driven

Ryan always tries to make her parents proud, but her fourth grade year is a difficult one. Her family has to move to a new, smaller house. Her older brother doesn't want her around. She doesn't know how to show off her talent of cooking onstage in a talent show. And even her best friends present their own challenges. Despite it all Ryan finds ways to rise above and bring sunshine to even the stormiest of days.

This charming story follows a young girl struggling with, and ultimately triumphing over the kind of setbacks many kids can relate to. It's easy to root for Ryan in this slice-of-life story that is sure to please young chapter book readers and would make a great read-aloud with plenty of springboards for further discussion. 

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson

Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th grade
tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, friendship, People of Color

​Antonia has devoted herself to the study of magic and fought for her apprenticeship with Master Betrys. She can tell you all about the theory of magic and memorize long strings of spells, but she can still barely make a turnip dance. Which is why she's so upset when the kitchen maid, Moppe can animate a turnip on her first attempt without any training at all. She has so much natural talent, but none of the knowledge Antonia has worked so hard for. When they find out only one can be Master Betrys's apprentice, the rivalry escalates. But when Master Betrys is arrested after an attempted coup, they must put aside their differences to work together to prove her innocence and save their kingdom.

This book is filled with adventure and humor, yet doesn't slack off on the world-building or characterization. I loved all the magical creatures, the trials our protagonists have to face, and the relationship between the two. Neither is the side-kick as both take center stage in this unusual and refreshing fantasy novel. Highly recommended for young fantasy fans. 

Rival Magic by Deva Fagan

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th grade
​tags: 

Badger lives in a house owned by his aunt where he can focus on his Important Rock Work. He hates any distractions and never goes out to meet new people. Which is why he's shocked and upset when his aunt sends Skunk to live with him. Skunk makes friends with all the local chickens and invites them inside. Skunk makes breakfast and leaves a mess in the kitchen. Skunk interrupts his Important Rock Work. Clearly Skunk must go. But how can he makes Skunk leave? And what will he do once Skunk is gone?

This is a classic odd couple story that hits all the right notes. Badger is the perfect grump even though his desire to work uninterrupted is relatable, if extreme. Skunk brings all the right elements of chaos to shake up his life and ultimately improve it. Skunk's loyalty is admirable and the prejudice Skunk faces because of the occasional smell feels completely unjust. Short chapters with lots of laughs interspersed with beautiful illustrations make this a perfect choice for young chapter book readers or reading aloud.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake, Jon Klassen (Illustrations)

Erica's Picks
k - 3
tags: animals, friendship, humor