It's Ellen's last summer before college, and all she wants is to spend the time with her best friends before everything changes. But Xiumiao seems like she's already moved on. Then Ellen gets grounded for the whole summer by her step-mother. Luckily her other best friend, Melissa finds a loophole. Ellen's parents are always on her about getting outside and exercising more, so Melissa convinces them to let Ellen out of the house for quidditch practice. At first Ellen only agrees to it because the alternative is being stuck indoors doing chores all day. But soon this all-gender, full-contact sport with a bunch of geeks running around with PVC pipes between their legs starts to grow on her. She finally understands the appeal of sports, and she starts to understand some more things about herself too. It wasn't the summer Ellen wanted or expected, but it will turn out to be one she will never forget.

There's a lot to love about this book full of enthusiastic geeks and misunderstandings. The relationships are complicated and authentic. The protagonists are on the cusp of adulthood and figuring out their identities and exploring their gender and sexual orientation in a way that will ring true to many teens. I am not a sports fan but Ellen's journey from hating exercise to enthusiastic team player was moving. As was the way the characters learned from their mistakes and false assumptions. A great summer read.

This is How We Fly by Anna Meriano
Erica's Picks
7th & 8th
​tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, friendship, LGBTQ, People of Color, SEL, sports, summer vacation

Robin loves her life in Seoul. She loves going to the cafes with her friends and talking about their favorite comics. So when a vacation to America suddenly turns into a permanent relocation after her mother gets married with no warning, she is devastated. English has never been her strongest subject so getting along in her new school is difficult. Trying to find friends she can trust is harder when even her step-cousins shun her. But things start to turn around when she finds a comic club. As Robin learns more about her mother and why she decided to move, she begins to adjust to her new life.

This comic memoir is full of heart and I enjoyed reading about Robin's experience as an immigrant and her life in both Korea and Alabama. I love how she describes her mom in the afterward as "a much more interesting character than I am" and her empathy for her mother's difficult decision shines through, even as it caused her a lot of pain at the time. An insightful and moving comic.

Almost American Girl by Robin Ha
Erica's Picks
6th - 8th
​tags: art, character driven, comics, family life, global perspectives, people of color, school stories

Henri is a charming, popular student, star debater, and dog walker extraordinaire. He's passionate about taking care of his neighbor's dogs, but he knows they'll trust a corporation more than some kid, so he makes a fake dog walking company complete with its own website. No one suspects he's the only employee, except for his neighbor Corinne. She has problems of her own. She knows recommendation letters can make or break a college application and hers keep saying that she's too intense and doesn't fit in socially. She promises Henri she'll keep his secret as long as he uses his popularity to reform her image. At first it's a grudging arrangement, but as they get to know each other better Henri's feelings change. Which is why it's so devastating when he has to decide between his dreams for his future and betraying Corinne.

Ben Philippe is just as charming as his protagonist, judging from this and his other book. Reading a book of his is always a pleasure. This book is a classic rom-com premise but with thought-provoking messages of society's expectations for its main characters and academic integrity. 

Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
Erica's Picks
7th & 8th
​tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, friendship, people of color, romance, school stories

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

When Ada Ru's parents tell her they're moving to Scotland for the whole summer, she is not thrilled. But before long she's swept up in a local mystery. The city is by a lake, and not just any lake: Loch Ness, home of the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Ada Ru teams up with a fellow American transplant and a local Nessie enthusiast nick named Hammy Bean to find definitive proof that the monster exists. What follows is a summer that she'll never forget.

I loved this story, and not just because it's set in Scotland (although that certainly didn't hurt). There's a great sense of adventure as they embark on their quest and plenty of humor as well. All of the characters are great from the skeptical but loyal Ada Ru, the cool, guitar-playing Dax, and the always optimistic, blind Hammy Bean. (Not to mention Hammy's dog, Mac-Talla.) This is a perfect story of summer adventure and new friendships.

Nessie Quest by Melissa Savage
Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th grade
​tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, disability, friendship, global perspectives, humor, mystery, summer vacation

When Louie's father brings home a sickly, newborn mini donkey Louie makes it his mission to care for the pitiful creature. Everyone thinks that he won't last more than a day or two. His friend Nora thinks the baby isn't worth the heartache. But Louie won't be dissuaded. When the donkey defies everyone's expectations there's a new problem: keeping a loud donkey on a residential street.

This is a sweet story of triumph over impossible odds and not being afraid to risk your heart by loving. Of course the main attraction is  the adorable baby mini donkey. But Louie and Nora's friendship shines through as another highlight. A quick read with short chapters perfect for sensitive young souls.

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th grade
​tags: animals, character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, friendship, SEL

When Sunflower is orphaned, the poorest family in the village adopts her. They may not have much, but they shower sunflower with love and work hard to give her the best they can. No one is more excited to have her join the family than her new brother, Bronze. He has been mute ever since a horrible fire, but communicates with sign language. The two of them are inseparable, but when the crops are devastated by locusts they are forced to make hard sacrifices to survive.

It's easy to tell why this story is so beloved in China and I'm glad it was finally translated into English. Even though Sunflower and her family go through serious hardships, their love shines through so strongly and the simple joys of childhood are depicted so clearly that the ultimate effect is a sweet, heart-warming story. The language is simple but vivid and displays great wisdom through accessible stories and languages as the very best children's books do. Highly recommended.

Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan
Erica's Picks
4th - 6th grade
tags: 

Pepper may seem like she has it all, but her life is falling apart. Her parents' divorce created huge cracks in her family and now her older sister isn't talking to her mother. Her parents' fast food chain has gone national and she lives in a swanky apartment with her mother in New York City and secretly runs the company's twitter account while trying to keep up with school, college applications, and being the new captain of the swim team. Her only bright spot is the anonymous chat app where she's slowly falling in love, the problem is she has no idea who the person she's chatting to is. Jack has problems of his own. His family's small deli is struggling to get by and his more popular twin brother leaves him with all the work but none of the credit. When their signature sandwich is stolen by a big chain restaurant, he calls them out on twitter. What ensues is a messy conflict that has people all over the country picking sides and egging them on. Who will win the twitter war, and what will happen when the anonymous chat app reveals their secret identities?

This is a rom-com at its best. It's light and funny but still has a heart. The trope of enemies falling in love anonymously is well-trod from movies like You've Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner to the musical She Loves Me (a favorite of mine). But there's a reason why this story keeps getting retold and that's because it's so satisfying. This update captures the current world of social media and is sure to capture plenty of fans as well. 

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Erica's Picks
6th - 8th grade
Tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, humor, romance, school stories