Will loves turtles, but he hates being called turtle boy. The specimens he collects from the nature preserve behind his school are silent but supportive friends he can study and understand. The kids at school, on the other hand, only call him "turtle boy" because of his small chin. It turns out to be more than just a cosmetic concern, and the doctor says he'll need corrective surgery soon. But Will has been terrified of hospitals ever since his father unexpectedly died during a routine operation. Then his rabbi assigns Will to cheer up a RJ, a teen dying from an incurable illness, as his community service project for his Bar Mitzvah. Both boys seem to hate it at first, but Will's life changes in ways he never would have believed once he discovers RJ's bucket list and becomes determined to help him finish it.

This is such moving story that I didn't even mind the buckets of tears it made me cry. All of the characters are well drawn and learning about their interests from herpetology to drumming was fascinating as well. Highly recommended, but have the tissues ready.

Turtle Boy by M. Evan Wolkenstein 

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

Suraya never knew her grandmother, or that she was a witch. When her grandmother dies, she gets an odd inheritance: a pelesit. This dark spirit is tied to her family and bound to do her bidding. But Suraya is just a toddler, so she names the dark spirit pink and it serves as her secret friend and protector: catching her when she falls, keeping her safe at night. As Suraya grows older and makes her first human friend, she learns of the spirit's darker side: its jealousy and violent tendencies. How long can she keep her pelesit secret? And who can she trust to help her control its dark magic?

I adored this book. Both Suraya and Pink are spectacular protagonists and I grew to care about them deeply. There are chapters from both of their perspectives and the contrast between this dark magic being and the joyful toddler that becomes its master is brilliant. I also enjoyed learning about Malaysian culture and its folk traditions around demons and magic. The themes around friendship and family are powerful as well. This book works on so many levels and I cannot recommend it enough

The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf

Erica's Picks
​4th - 6th
tags: character driven, family life, friendship, global perspectives, People of Color, supernatural

Everything changes for Maya when the world drains of color one day. At first, she thinks it's just a weird fluke. But soon she discovers the truth her parents have been hiding from her: Orishas and the stories her father tells her are real, he's a guardian of the veil, and dark forces are threatening to invade her world. Not only is Maya a descendant of the gods, but her two best friends are too. And it's a good thing they are because Maya will need their powers as they journey across the veil into the Dark on a quest to save the world.

This story is based on the Yoruba gods from Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. Much like Percy Jackson, the main characters are children of those gods and mortals. The threat of the darkbringers and the Lord of Shadows is scary, although traveling through their land makes Maya seem them in a new light. I loved learning about Yoruba mythology through this book and the adventure kept me turning the pages. A promising start to a new series.

Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron 
Erica's Picks
​4th -6th
tags: adventure, fantasy, friendship, People of Color, retellings

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

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

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 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

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