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

​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

Sarah had no way of knowing that when her father hired a dragon, it would change her life forever. An ordinary girl in a small farming town, she soon found herself in the middle of a prophecy and a deadly conflict that would leave ripples across dimensions. In a world of dragons the real danger comes from humans twisted by both faith and hate into their own powerful forces to be reckoned with.

I absolutely adored this story from its unique, genre-bending premise to the layered characters and the history that is both our own and something different. The rich characterizations kept me fully engaged in the story while the twists in the plot kept me eagerly turning the pages. I have come to expect great things from Patrick Ness, but this may be my favorite of his so far. Not only because it contains dragons, but that certainly doesn't hurt!

Burn by Patrick Ness

Erica's Picks
7th +
​tags: adventure, character driven, fantasy, fast-paced, historical fiction, LGTBQ, People of Color

When Beatryce is discovered by a monk and a goat she is sick and doesn't remember any details of her life, but she does know how to read and write. This shocks everyone as it is illegal for girls to have this knowledge. The monk tries to protect her by shaving her head and dressing her in robes, but soon the king himself comes looking for her, the girl prophesied to dethrone him. Beatryce has a fierce protector in the goat and makes new friends along the way, but will it be enough to save her from the king?

This is an admittedly unusual premise for a children's book, but DiCamillo and Blackall are masters of their craft and they do not disappoint here. The story reads like a classic fairy tale and the cast of quirky characters is sure to draw fans. The moral at the heart about the power of love and story is definitely one I can get behind. My prophecy is that will become a classic and be read aloud by generations.

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th
​tags: adventure, animals, fairy tales, historical fiction

As the youngest of four sisters, Primrose is used to being forgotten. She isn't expecting a huge celebration for her sixteenth birthday, but even she is surprised when her family doesn't acknowledge it at all. When her mother informs her that she will not be allowed to come out into society until her older sister is married, she contemplates a plan she would never have dared before. Prim and her best friend decide to sneak out in disguise and go to the infamous Vauxhall Gardens for their own birthday celebration. But when the night turns dangerous and Prim becomes entangled with a snooty gentleman she isn't sure whether it will turn out to be the best or worst night of her life.

This book is light, fluffy fun for those looking for a historical romance in the style of Jane Austen but with a more modern sensibility. Great to read over a cup of tea and a tray of biscuits.

Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan

Erica's Picks
7th & 8th
​tags: historical fiction, romance

Valora Luck worked as a servant for the crotchety Mrs. Sloane. Mrs. Sloane purchased tickets for them both on the maiden voyage of the Titanic, but died before it could leave port. When Valora attempts to take their first class room alone, she is turned away for being Chinese. But Valora needs to get on that ship. Her last living relative, her twin brother, is a passenger in third class on his way to a job in Cuba. Valora knows that if she can get on board and find him, they can convince the circus magnate on board to hire them as acrobats and start a new life in America together. But fate has other plans, and there's more danger aboard the Titanic than Valora could have ever dreamed.

I should perhaps confess that I never saw the famous movie, but even if I had I'm sure this would still be my favorite fictionalized account of the Titanic. With a large cast of characters, constant schemes, layers of deception, and stunning fashions this is a story I can get behind. Inspired by the eight Chinese passengers of the Titanic who really existed and about whom so little is known due to the racism of the era. A not-to-be-missed historical drama.

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee 

Erica's Picks 
6th - 8th
​tags:  family life, fast-paced, historical fiction, People of Color, survival, tear-jerker

In Chilmark, everyone knows sign language. Even hearing people use it to communicate regularly, which comes in handy when neighbors can talk across distances with the use of a telescope. Most families on the island are a blend of deaf and hearing. Mary has never left her island and sees all this as normal, so she is shocked when a scientist arrives and says it's rare to be deaf. She starts to understand how deaf people are treated on the mainland by observing how this outsider treats them. But nothing could prepare her for the shock of leaving her island and seeing for herself.

I absolutely adored this historical fiction novel. It blends together so many fascinating aspects of history from the prevalence of deaf people on Martha's Vineyard and the sign language they created, to the history of the native Wampanog people. Mary is a great protagonist and I eagerly followed her adventures and was grateful for her insight. Highly recommended for fans of history or those want to learn about Deaf culture.

Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

Erica's Picks
4th - 7th
​tags: disability, family life, historical fiction, mystery

Meera longs to learn how to read and write, but when her father sees her spying on the boys' lessons, she is punished. Meera's life has been focused on learning how to be a good wife. Her thirteenth birthday is approaching, and when it arrives she will move out of her parents' house and into her husband's. She dreads the day, but when it finally comes something even worse happens, and she is forced to flee for her life. She finds work in the house of a British officer. She is safe, but his contempt for her people is clear. When she gets a chance to join the revolution will she risk that safety to fight for her people, or will her husband's family find her before she even gets the chance?

Meera is a strong and resourceful heroine fighting her way out of impossible situations. A lot of fascinating historical detail is included but it's revealed naturally. The plot is both fast-paced and thought-provoking as Meera is faced with difficult decisions. Highly recommended. 

Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame by Supriya Kelkar 

Erica's Picks
5th - 8th
​tags: ​fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, issues fiction, People of Color, social justice

Charlie had a lot of friends in London, but now that they've moved back to the small town where her father grew up, she only has Dizzy. They're both outcasts: Charlie because she doesn't act the way a girl "should", and Dizzy because Polio left him with a permanent limp. Johnny takes a particular delight in tormenting them, but one day he takes it too far. He lures them into the woods with a plan to scare them, but soon all three are lost. As night descends they become trapped in a nightmare where the normal rules don't apply. If they want to survive to dawn, they'll have to rely on each other and keep their wits about them. The woods have more than one trick in store for them, and the morning seems like it will never come.

This is a short and fast-paced adventure that plays with time and history as well as secret codes and science. Great for anyone looking for a spooky mystery to crack.

The Longest Night of Charlie Noon
by Christopher Edge

Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th
​tags: adventure, fast-paced, historical, mystery, science fiction