Elatsoe can raise the spirits of the dead. When her faithful dog died, she called him back and his ghost has been by her side ever since. The knowledge and talent for this ritual has been passed down by her Lipan Apache ancestors from her grandmother who has a ghost mammoth companion to her famous six-great grandmother who battled supernatural creatures. But one important imperative has been passed down as well: never raise the spirits of dead humans. So when her cousin dies in mysterious circumstances, she can't bring him back. But she can make sure that he gets justice. With her powers and the help of her friends and family she discovers the secret of a powerful cabal that has been exploiting people for centuries. Her cousin is the most recent of their victims, and she is determined to make sure he's their last.

I loved the world that Little Badger created in this novel. The supernatural elements blend seamlessly with elements of the author's own heritage to create an engaging story. The main character is asexual so there's no romance slowing down the pacing. Just one intrepid teen with laser focus. All the characters are layered and well-developed and what's not to love about a spirit dog that can be by your side forever? Highly recommended. 

Elatsoe ​by Darcie Little Badger

Erica's Picks
5th - 8th grade
​tags: adventure, animals, family life, friendship, LGBTQ, mystery, People of Color, supernatural

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

Far away in the north pole lives a polar bear named Duane. He loves icicle treats, naps, adventures, and making new friends. There's C.C. the wise owl who lives on a sunken ship. Magic the playful arctic fox who loves playing tricks. Handsome the vain musk ox who loves his own reflection. Major Puff the puffin who comes from a long line of military heroes. Twitch the energetic rabbit who loves to dig. Boo the shy reindeer and Sun Girl who goes everywhere with her pack of wolves. Join Duane and his friends and soon they will be your friends too.

I adored this book which reminded me of Winnie-the-Pooh in the very best way. All the characters have their own unique quirks and the way they learn to work together is both endearing and insightful. Perfect for a read-aloud with even the youngest of children, this book is sure to become a beloved classic.

The Very, Very Far North
by Dan Bar-el, illustrations by Kelly Pousette
Erica's Picks
1st - 4th grade
​tags: animals, character driven, friendship

Edie never imagined that when she went into the attic with her friends looking for popsicle molds, she would uncover a mystery that would change her life. Edie's mother is Native American, but she was adopted by a white couple and claims to know little of her native roots. Which is why Edie is shocked when she uncovers letters and photographs of a native woman from the past who looks like her and shares her name. Who is this woman? Did her mother name her after this other Edith? Why have her parents kept this all hidden? As she investigates the mystery with her friends, Edie will learn who she can really trust and the secret history of her family.

This is a sweet, gentle story about a girl uncovering her family past and navigating friendships. I loved learning about Coast Salish Indians along with Edie. The premise is unique, but the basic themes of finding out who your true friends are, standing up for yourself, and learning how to have hard conversations with your family are all universal. A great story for young readers.

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day
Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th grade
​tags: 

Muiriel was left at the John Muir Medical Center as a baby. She has taken her namesake as a role model and has spent her life bouncing from one foster home to another, only feeling truly at home when she can go for a walk outside. She is prepared to age out of the foster system without any attachments, until she moves to a small island in Washington for her Senior year. There she meets people who seem to truly understand her and she starts to break her rules and open her heart to them. But her eighteenth birthday is fast approaching and she knows that soon she'll be on her own. What will happen when she has to leave the island, and everyone on it, behind?

This book was inspired by the author's daughter who lived in three different foster homes before being adopted. It works hard to portray a balanced picture even as it points out the inequities inherit in the system. Seeing how foster care as affected Muir is heartbreaking but watching her slowly come out of her shell and bloom warms your heart back up and puts it together again.

What I Carry by Jennifer Longo
7th & 8th grades
​tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, friendship, issues fiction, romance, school stories, SEL, social justice, tear jerker

Ware is the type of kid who would much rather spend time on his own creating a model medieval village and learning about the knight's code of chivalry than playing a game in a loud group of kids. Which is why he hates it when his parents decide to sign him up to spend his whole summer at the community rec center. But one day he escapes from the noisy, crowded building and jumps the fence to the partially demolished church next door. There he meets Jolene who is planting her own secret garden. Ware decides to join her, and transform the church into a castle. The abandoned lot becomes their secret oasis until the real world comes crashing in.

This is such a tender, moving novel. Introverted and imaginative kids will see themselves in this book and extroverts will perhaps gain some empathy for their quieter peers. The ingenuity of the kids and their maker's ethic is admirable. This magical summer story of growing up and coming into yourself is meant to be shared and treasured.

Erica's Picks
4th - 6th grade
​tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, friendship, makers, summer vacation

Mia's comfortable life in the forest is changed forever when one of her siblings gets rabies, forcing her to flee for her life. Along the way she will encounter dangers from traps to badgers to humans. But she will also encounter a new friend. Uly has never had a comfortable life. Born with a twisted paw, he has always had to fight to survive among his cruel older sisters. But his life takes a turn for the worse when the fabled Old Scratch turns out to be real. Will two fox kits be able to survive the woods together? Or will they fall prey to one of the hundreds of dangers lurking in the dark?

This is a deliciously creepy story that is also beautifully narrated and has the potential to become a classic. The fact that the main characters are foxes and the framing device that it's all a story prevents it from being too scary but it's still pretty intense at times. The black and white illustrations only add to the atmosphere. After reading this you will never look at foxes or Beatrix Potter the same way again.

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker 
Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th grade
tags: animals, disability, fast paced, friendship, horror

Asha and Yesofu were both born in Uganda, but their lives have always been different. Asha lives with other families with Indian heritage in a big, beautiful house with all the modern conveniences. Yesofu's mother works as a servant for Asha's parents and his family lives in a two room shack with no running water. Despite their differences, they have always been best friends. Until the day that Uganda's president announces all Indian people have 90 days to leave the country. The controversial move spikes tensions and ignites violence across the country as neighbors who lived together peacefully now find themselves at odds. Will Asha and Yesofu's friendship be able to survive? Will Asha's family make it to safety before the deadline? With every day that passes the deadline gets closer, and life for those left behind becomes more dangerous.

This story switches between Yesofu and Asha's perspectives and does an excellent job presenting multiple viewpoints. I was moved to read Asha and Yesofu's story and glad to learn about a period of history I knew next to nothing about. The book follows the 90 day timeline and it's shocking how fast the situation in the country changes.

Orange for the Sunsets by Tina Athaide
Erica's Picks
4th - 7th grade
​Tags: character driven, friendship, fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, people of color, SEL, tear-jerker

Miles Morales is done being Spider-Man. His spidey sense has gone haywire and got him in trouble at school. He has enough to worry about with a confederacy-obsessed history teacher who has it out for him and the nightmares about his uncle that have been plaguing Miles ever since his death. His best friend thinks he should just use his powers to pull stunts and make money. But when people from his neighborhood start disappearing, he discovers a supernatural conspiracy designed to keep Miles and his family down. Miles knows he has to don the suit once more and fight for what's right.

I love how this story has a solid grounding in real-life issues that teens can relate to. As an educator, I hated every moment reading about Miles's awful history teacher obsessed with teaching the lost-cause propaganda of the civil war. Unfortunately, teachers like that do exist and I love how Miles and his fellow students stand up to him. I love all the supporting characters from Miles's mom to his best friend Ganke. A great mix of real-world social justice and super hero justice.

Miles Morales Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds
Erica's Picks
5th - 8th
​Tags: adventure, family life, friendship, issues fiction, people of color, school stories, social justice, supernatural