The thing about jellyfish is a book about a girl whose best friend drowns while they were 'fighting' and she never gets to say goodbye. She is determined to find out what happened to her friend, and it leads her to a conclusion--without much evidence. This book is full of flashbacks. For example, she lets us know what happened with her and her friend's friendship through a series of flashbacks. The main character is quite academic, and gets bullied for not only caring about fashion and boys. This story is very sad, but I would still recommend this book for fourth and fifth graders.

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
Grades 4-6
Genres: friendship, mystery, realistic, tear-jerker
Reviewed by Isa

Book #1 of this awesome trilogy is amazing! It's about a kid named Arlo Finch who moves to a place called Pine Mountain in Colorado. He and his sister and mom (not dad because he's hiding from the FBI) move in with Arlo's Uncle. He starts Rangers (Scouts) like his Uncle did and Pine Mountain is a very special place because there's mystical creatures and a whole other world! He finds out that he's not safe and that those mystical creatures want him dead! There's so many secrets that he has to uncover. Will he find out why they want him or will he be murdered!?

Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire by John August
Grades 3-4
Genres: adventure, fantasy, humor, mystery
Reviewed by Grant

This is a book with magic and victory. It is about a boy named Alex, his friends, and his evil twin. If you like Harry Potter or Land of Stories, this is a book you'd love. As you cheer for you favorite characters and boo your enemy's experience becoming unwanted and learning magic. This book is great mix of friendship, betrayal, and loyalty.

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
Grades 4-5
Tags: Adventure, Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Friendship, Mystery
​Reviewed by Hannah

It is a mix between an adventure of a high school kid and a legendary basketball player that no one has heard of before and the high school kid in basketball games. The mystery part is figuring out who the legendary player is.

True Legend by Mike Lupica
Grades 4-7
Tags: adventure, mystery, sports
Reviewed by Sammy M.

This book is a combination between math and mystery. It grabs you by page 50 and does not let you go. Read this book if you like math or mystery.
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Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation by Stuart Gibbs
Grades 4-6
Tags: mystery
Reviewed by Ria

This is a book I couldn’t put down (and, bonus, there are quite a few books in the series). It was set in the 1930s, at an English boarding school. When someone is murdered, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong’s Detective Society now has a real case to investigate. A puzzling mystery and intrigue made this book one of my favorites. The author keeps the book turning corners and adds suspense very effectively. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery with clever and diverse characters.

Murder is Bad Manners by Robin Stevens
Grades 4-6
Tags: historical fiction, mystery
Reviewed by Chloe K.

Aven has a great personality that will make you laugh. Dusti Bowling does a great job of show how it is to be a middle schooler. Don't forget Aven is disabled, so that puts a lot on her shoulders. 

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Grades: 5th & 6th
Tags: adventure, contemporary/realistic, friendship, mystery
Reviewed by: Kate B.

Six high schoolers are trapped on a private jet that is going drastically off course. Soon it is made clear that the plane has been hijacked. But by who? Suspicion throws the teens into a high intensity situation that no one is safe from. Will they be able to stop the plane and find out the hijacker before they go down?

Skyjacked is perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying. It is just as fast-paced and entertaining, yet remains unique from Karen McMannus’ book because of the interesting setting. Murder mystery romance lovers alike will find this book as a new favorite. 

Skyjacked by Paul Griffin
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
Tags: Adventure, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Fast-Paced, Mystery, Romance
Reviewed by: Charlotte D.