Nina is a modern Lipan girl living in our world of highways and climate change. But she loves the stories of her ancestors, especially the ones of animal people. She knows that science can't explain everything, like her great-great-grandmother who lived 150 years or her many other long-lived relatives. And she's starting to suspect that there's something inexplicable about the old well on her grandmother's property.

Oli lives in the land of spirits and monsters and is a cottonmouth animal person. He can switch between snake and human forms and is setting out on his own to make a life for himself away from his family, as all cottonmouths do. He is intrigued by the strange artifacts that come from the other world. But as a strange illness sweeps the animal people, he is determined to get to the bottom of it and save his friend, even if that means venturing to the strange and dangerous other world of humans.

As Nina and Oli's paths cross, both of their lives will be changed forever as they discover that their worlds are more connected than anyone realized.

I loved getting lost in this world of modern Lipan storytelling! The alternating perspectives build slowly but as they begin to cross over and the stakes become clear the pacing picks up to a thrilling climax. Highly recommended for fans of animal stories, fantasy, and stories highlighting indigenous voices.

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

Erica's Picks
6th +
​tags: animals, fantasy, global perspectives, People of Color

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

Jo Jo's best friend at home is her cat Mimi. Jo Jo had a best friend at school, but she's afraid Fern doesn't want to be friends anymore. Which makes it even more important for Jo Jo to protect Mimi. That's why Jo Jo sneaks Mimi into her backpack and takes her to school when she overhears her mom is planning on taking Mimi her to get shots. What will happen to her cat at school? Will she make a new best friend? 

Jo Jo Makoons is a great addition to the cannon of fiesty and funny early chapter book heroines like Ruby Lu and Gooney Bird Greene. She lives on an Ojibwe reservation and some Ojibwe and Michif words are sprinkled throughout, which is a fun bonus. There's ample illustrations and short chapters which make it perfect for students just transitioning to chapter books.

Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend by Dawn Quigley illustrated by Tara Audibert

Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd grade
​tags: animals, character driven, contemporary fiction, friendship, global perspectives, People of Color, SEL

​The streets of 1926 Shanghai are dangerous, but Juliette walks them with confidence. As the heir of the Scarlet Gang she's untouchable, and if anyone were foolish enough to try and hurt her, she's more than capable of defending herself. The only one who came close is Roma, heir to the White Flower gang. Sure, his betrayal years ago stung, but it only served as a lesson in the dangers of allowing others, especially enemy others, to get too close. When rumors of a mysterious monster rise and people across the city start clawing their own throats out, Juliette knows she can't stem the rising tide of blood alone. Against her better judgement, she must put old grudges aside and work with Roma to get to the bottom of this mystery. Will the city be able to survive this gruesome threat? Will her heart be able to survive working with Roma?

This vivid and gory take on Romeo and Juliet is completely enthralling, but not for the light of heart. The gang violence is intense enough before adding in the supernatural horror. Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy the references hidden throughout, but will still be kept on their toes as the plot varies dramatically. The setting is practically a character in itself and is beautifully portrayed. Between the action scenes is strong characterization and a slow burn romance providing something for a wide range of readers.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

Erica's Picks
8th +
tags: character driven, fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, horror, mystery, People of Color, retellings, romance, supernatural

Aisholpan always had a connection to her father's eagle. Ever since she was a girl she'd heard stories of her ancestors' famed skill with eagles and she was proud to continue the nomadic traditions of her people. But she never could have anticipated the consequences of learning this traditionally male sport herself. From her first hunt to competing on a national stage to winning international fame through a documentary depicting her journey Aisholpan takes us behind the scenes to learn about her life and her journey.

I loved learning about Aisholpan's way of life and the changes that came with her unexpected fame. If you enjoy learning about other cultures or stories about human animal connection then this is a great choice for you!

The Eagle Huntress: The True Story of the Girl Who Soared Beyond Expectations by Aisholpan Nurgaiv & Liz Welch

Erica's Picks
5th +
tags: biography, global perspectives, People of Color

 As we lose those who suffered the horrors of World War II, it is more important than ever to preserve their stories and their voices. Lia Levi's Just a Girl is just one of those many sacred voices we look to uphold for future generations.

 Telling her experience of growing up in Italy during WWII, Levi invites the reader to experience her past through her lens as a young girl of Jewish faith. Perfect for younger readers, Levi's account communicates the collective fears and anxieties of living through the war -- in hiding at a Catholic boarding school, no less -- while still making room for the simple joys and miracles she witnessed during a complicated time where the world changed before her eyes. 

Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II by Lia Levi
​Jennie's Picks
4th - 6th
tags: biography, global perspectives, history, survival

Jacob is Cassidy's best, and only, friend. He's smart, funny, cute and would probably be too popular to hang out with Cassidy. If it wasn't for the fact that he's dead and no one else can see him. Ever since Jacob saved Cassidy from drowning she's been able to part the veil between worlds and see the ghosts beyond. Mostly they just play out their final moments over and over again and are tied to the place where they died. But Jacob is different. Jacob can follow Cassidy wherever she goes, talk to her, and even read comics as long as Cassidy turns the page for him. Cassidy is still trying to figure out her new abilities when her parents surprise her with a trip to Scotland to film their supernatural investigations show. Of course, they have no idea their daughter can actually see ghosts and Cassidy has never met anyone else with her abilities, until she meets Lara in Edinburgh. But there are far more ghosts in a city as old as Edinburgh than her suburb back home in America. And not all of them are trapped in the veil or as friendly as Jacob.

I loved traveling the streets of Edinburgh with Cassidy! The characters are all well drawn (especially my favorite, Jacob) and while Cassidy's parents are oblivious to her abilities they're not complete idiots either and have a good relationship with her. It's classic middle grade spooky but not too spooky without a hint of romance and focused instead on issues of friendship and family. The most ghastly descriptions are safely ensconced in historical detail which adds a bit of distance but still not recommended for the super squeamish. Supernatural fans will find much to enjoy though.

City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1) by Victoria Schwab​

Erica's Picks 
4th - 7th
tags: friendship, fast-paced, global perspectives, horror, summer vacation, supernatural
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​Jordan loves her basketball teammates and playing with them at practice, but after she became paralyzed from the waist down she hasn't been allowed to play in official games. Jordan is having difficulty adjusting to life in a wheelchair, but things change when she comes across a wounded baby elephant on her way home from school. She takes the elephant home to her mother, a veterinarian, and quickly forms a strong bond with the animal. Soon Jordan is back to competing, this time in water polo, and what starts as a hard year turns out to be the most magical of her life.

I love Marshmallow! This sweet, intelligent creature is sure to win over animal lovers. Jordan's profound sense of loss when she can't play basketball with her team and her commitment to learning a new sport will resonate with sports fans as well. The drawings have a beautiful, dreamlike quality while remaining rooted in real-life, which is perfect for the magical realism of the story. I love that the author includes the occasional word in Indonesian and all the details of the setting. A great comic book with wide appeal.

Marshmallow & Jordan by Alina Chau

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th
​tags: animals, character driven, comics, magical realism, disability, friendship, global perspectives, People of Color, school stories, sports

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

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