Ophie learns she can see ghosts on the night her father dies. He warns Ophie to take her mother and hide, saving their lives, but their house is burned down by the same thugs who killed him for daring to vote. Ophie and her mother flee the South to Pittsburgh, where family takes them in. Although not everyone is thrilled at their arrival.

Ophie goes to work with her mother in a large mansion full of ghosts and secrets. She is determined to get to the bottom of what happened there, even though she must hide that she can see the dead residents of the house. But restless dead are dangerous, and secrets can't stay buried forever.

This is a great ghost story for middle grade readers, striking a perfect balance between supernatural horror and the all-too-real horror of life in 1922 for a young black girl. Ophie is a strong protagonist and readers will enjoy getting to the bottom of the mystery at the heart of the story with her. Young readers will be moved by the injustice she faces and the resilience she shows in the face of it.

Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland

Erica's picks
4th - 6th grade
​tags: character driven, family life, historical fiction, horror, issues fiction, mystery, People of Color, supernatural

Etan loves spending time at his grandfather's shop. Ever since his mother went to stay in the hospital, he hasn't felt like speaking much. Etan's grandfather understands and doesn't try to pressure him or make him feel guilty. So he's happy to help his grandfather's friend by making a grocery delivery to a house on the outskirts of town. When he gets there, he discovers it's the home of "the creature," a girl with a skin condition who was bullied so badly she's now home-schooled. Etan quickly befriends her, even when his classmates tease him for it. Everyone is excited for The Battle of the Bay with the A's pitted against the Giants in the World Series, but soon something will happen that will take everyone's minds off baseball and their own problems as they have to face the power and brutality of nature.

There's so many aspects of this book to love from the incorporation of Jewish folklore and the golem to the way Etan and Malia's friendship blossoms. There's just a hint of magical realism but it's mostly grounded in history. Of course people familiar with Bay Area history will know what to expect as the Battle of the Bay looms closer, but for many readers it will be a surprise. A novel in verse, it is a quick but impactful read that I highly recommend, especially for locals.

​The Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron

Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th grade
​tags: character driven, disability, family life, friendship, historical fiction, magical realism, mental illness, novels in verse, People of Color, SEL

Vira was never supposed to be queen so young. How can she be expected to hold her country together when she can't even keep her family in tact? Her sister has run away from court to join a group of outlaws living in the forest. Her half brother is in the dungeon, accused of assassinating Vira's mother, the former queen. Her other brother isn't even talking to Vira, convinced their half brother is innocent. The whole kingdom is angry at her because they think she's hoarding magic and not letting the people have their fair share. But if the truth came out, that the magic reserves are almost gone, there would be nothing to stop their enemies from invading and occupying her country. Each sibling has their own skill set, and despite their estrangement Vira can't trust anyone else. They agree to put aside their differences to find the legendary Ivory Key and restore the land's magic, but each of them have their own plans for what to do with the magic once they find it.

This is a fantastic, Indian-inspired fantasy full of adventure, puzzles, and political intrigue. The chapters alternate among the four siblings and each are well drawn with their own unique perspectives and motivations. I love that the main focus is on these sibling relationships, and the Indiana-Jones like adventure full of dangerous, ancient traps and complex puzzles only adds to the thrill of the story. 

The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman

Erica's Picks
7th +
​tags: adventure, family life, fantasy, fast-paced, global perspectives, People of Color

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

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