Recommended Reads

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Locked Rooms, when a centuries old crypt key is lost—unleashing a dark force—it’s up to the son of the local crypt keeper to end the haunting for good.

"Follow the clues to X Marks the Haunt for a spookily good mystery!"—Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Heroes

Thanks to his mother’s job at a local graveyard, twelve-year-old Will Stone has some unique talents. For one, he knows exactly how a burial vault works and why they’re used. For another, he’s great at genealogy and can decode centuries old records. Not your normal every day after school activities, that’s for sure!

But when a centuries old crypt key is lost, his normally peaceful existence at Graceland cemetery is shattered. Trees wither and die. The lake becomes covered with a sinister green slime that threatens to choke out anything living in it. And suddenly, the graveyard’s reputation isn’t the only thing in jeopardy . . . Will and his friends' safety is, too.

Suddenly, Will is forced to consider that the lost key might be an even bigger problem than he originally thought. A dark force has been unleashed within the cemetery gates, and along with his friends Stash, Michelle, and Henry, Will must use his unique skill set to figure out which restless spirit is draining the graveyard of life, and how to end the haunting for good.

Return to the world of Indie Next Pick Inkbound in this exciting sequel that finds Meticulous "Metty" Jones in a race against time to save her family from a mysterious blackmailer. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and The Swifts.

Meticulous Jones knows the power of her name. Descended from the great Joneses, including the cofounder of New London, Majestic Jones, Metty also inherited the abilities that give them power over life and death.

When she is recruited to enlist in the mysterious League of Shadows, a secret society for others with impressive abilities, she's hesitant. After all, why should she join another group that seemingly wants to use her for her powers, especially after her Aunt Mag all but forbids her? Then a blackmailer threatens to reveal Aunt Mag's most dangerous secret--related to her adopted charge, Sundar--and Metty sees the League as her only chance to save him. She becomes determined to complete the three initiation tasks required to join in order to gain their protection.

But as the clock winds down, Metty is forced to come to terms with the consequences of magic and the limits of her powers.

Eleven-year-old Pinkie Starlight is having a not-great summer. Her best friend is off at camp to make pine-cone necklaces or maybe new friends. Pinkie' s Great Gran says friends are easier lost than found, but she doesn' t always remember her own friends, how to use the remote or that Pinkie isn' t her precious daughter who got run over by a car.When Jack, a snarky stray cat, slips uninvited into the house, GG seems like her old self. Turns out, Jack' s not just any cat and has mysterious memories tiedto GG' s past, more than nine lives, and magical abilities. Pinkie sets her sights on adopting him and must find a way to earn the money to keep him-- and his secret. Just when things are starting to fall into place, the bully Pinkie managed to avoid at school shows up where least expected and she makes one mistake after another, jeopardizing her chances to save Jack and GG.

An Instant New York Times Bestseller and Indie Bestseller

“Lucas DuBois is proof that a mere kitten can be the bravest of lions by always standing up for what's right.” —Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee

The acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an historical novel about an orphan during WWII who discovers unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the Resistance. 

Petit éclair. That’s what the other boys at the orphanage call Lucas DuBois. Lucas is tired of his cowardly reputation, just as he’s tired of the war and the Nazi occupation of his French village. He longs to show how brave he can be. 

He gets the chance when he saves a litter of kittens from cruel boys and brings them to an abandoned stable to care for them. There he comes upon a stranger who is none too happy to see him: Alice, the daughter of a horse trainer, who is hiding her filly from German soldiers.

Soon Lucas begins to realize they are not the only ones in the village with secrets. The housekeeper at the German maternity home and a priest at the orphanage pass coded messages; a young mother at the home makes dangerous plans to keep her baby from forced adoption; and a neighbor in town may be harboring a Jewish family.

Emboldened by the unlikely heroes all around him, Lucas is forced to decide how much he is willing to risk to make the most courageous rescue of all.

Perfect for fans of Alan Gratz, Ruta Sepetys, and Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, this accessible novel, told in short chapters, illuminates a little-known aspect of World War II history.

We are Dragon Girls -- hear us roar!

Selena and her friends Charlotte and Layla are shocked to discover they are all Flower Dragons. They have been called to the Magic Forest because each girl has special talents this unusual place needs to survive. Selena is a Sunflower Dragon--she has traded her human form for powerful wings, glittering scales, and a roar that shakes the ground.

As a Dragon Girl, she must help break the evil spell that the Fury Queen has cast over the Magic Forest. The forest's animals are deep in a sleep they can't wake up from, unless the Flower Dragons can collect all the ingredients for a special perfume. Selena's hope glows as bright as the tallest sunflower and she's determined to lead her friends to success.

Read all the books in the Flower Dragon arc!

#19: Selena the Sunflower Dragon

#20: Charlotte the Rose Dragon

#21: Layla the Water Lily Dragon

Best friends Jasper, Mo, and Ruby try out for the flag football team and learn what it means to be a part of a team in the first installment of this action-packed, fully illustrated early chapter book series!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Nine-year-old Jasper is the best football player ever... when he's playing in his living room with his dad. But when he tries out for his town's flag football team, along with his friends Mo and Ruby, he realizes he might not be as skilled as he thought he was. Will Jasper help lead his team to victory in their first game? Or will Coach Sanders keep him on the sideline?

Engaging black-and-white artwork appears on every page, and game-time scenes are told through graphic novel-style panels. Nonfiction sidebars are also scattered throughout, introducing young readers to sports legends and other fun facts. Kids will learn all the flag football rules and terms as they read this book, and they won't be able to put it down because of its action-packed, relatable story!

Which tunes could save a life, and which should come with a health warning? How do talking drums tell the history of Africa? What happens in your brain when you listen to music? Find the answers to these questions and more in 100 Things to Know about Music - an exciting book exploring all corners of the diverse world of music.

Ideal for fact loving readers aged 8+.

Each book in this best-selling, award-winning series presents 100 bite-sized topics, with bold, graphic illustrations and clear text. Perfect for dipping in and out of, and for sharing with family and friends.

Discover all the titles in the 100 Things to Know series:

1. 100 Things to Know About Science
2. 100 Things to Know About Saving the Planet
3. 100 Things to Know About Music
4. 100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers & Coding
5. 100 Things to Know About Food
6. 100 Things to Know About the Human Body
7. 100 Things to Know About Space
8. 100 Things to Know About the Oceans
9. 100 Things to Know About Planet Earth
10. 100 things to Know About History
11. 100 things to Know about the Unknown
12. 100 things to Know about Sport

Discover prehistoric animal battles in this exciting bindup featuring four action-packed Who Would Win? books!

Which prehistoric creatures would win in a head-to-head battle? What if there was a dinosaur tournament? Which pterosaur will be the champion?

Find out all this and more in this awesome bind-up of four books in the popular Who Would Win? series. The collection features a range of prehistoric battles to satisfy all kinds of dinosaur fans, including Triceratops vs. Spinosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex vs. Velociraptor, Ultimate Pterosaur Rumble, and Ultimate Dinosaur Rumble.

Kids will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more alongside photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts.

A vividly rendered graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018, with text adapted by Georgia Ball and art by Cassie Anderson.

All across California, deadly wildfires rage . . .

Still reeling from the life-changing challenges that propelled him and his mother across the country, Josh finds solace in the California wilderness and in the newfound friendship with his cousin Holly.

But on a trip into the nearby forest, Josh and Holly suddenly find themselves in the middle of a frighteningly powerful firestorm, one which threatens to burn down everything in its path. Josh needs to confront the family issues burning him up inside, but first he'll have to survive the flames roaring all around him.

Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I SURVIVED series blazes to life in this graphic novel edition. Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series, these graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep readers turning the pages. Includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.

From the team behind the New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Medal–winning Creepy Carrots! and its sequels comes the second entry in a spin-off chapter book series in which Jasper Rabbit tells the story of a badger who discovers broccoli can bite back!

Jasper the Rabbit is back! A little older and wiser, he collects creepy stories to share as cautionary tales. If you’re ready for some chills and chuckles alike, tune in as Jasper weaves the yarn of Thadeus Badger and the sticky situation he found himself in.

Now, Thadeus is a typical badger. He and his best friend, Oliver Possum, love burgers as much as they dislike exercise. And they hate eating veggies even more. But when they make a deal with Oliver’s parents to eat an entire salad…well let’s just say the chompers might soon become the chomped. This is a creepy tale after all and even the healthiest things can turn on you.

Join Jasper and Thadeus in this second Creepy Tale chapter book and learn from Thadeus’s mistakes before it’s too late!

X-Men meets Spy Kids in the seventh and final installment of The Forgotten Five middle-grade fantasy/adventure series by the New York Times bestselling author of The Unwanteds.

Estero is in an uproar following corrupt President Fuerte's most brazen move yet in his quest to stay in power: his election night ploy, with the help of his superpowered henchman Hector, to hypnotize the country into believing that he—and not Magdalia Palacio, the rightful winner—received more votes. Luckily, Cabot escapes Hector's trance and uses her own mind-controlling ability to help her team of supers see the truth about the stolen election; together they begin the process of slowly un-brainwashing the citizenry.

When the president and Hector launch another attack, it becomes clear they won't go away quietly. With the inauguration looming, the Forgotten Five and their allies will need to undertake a daring raid on the presidential palace that requires all of their smarts and supernatural abilities to execute, and go face to face with a super more dangerous than any they've fought before. Can they knock Hector and Fuerte out of commission, ensure Magdalia takes power, and make Estero safe for its supernatural citizens, once and for all?

Eliza has a second adventure on the other side of the fairy door--and must call on her wits when a band of impish hobgoblins follows her home--in this enchanting tale by the award-winning author of the Judy Moody series.

What's that? Eliza hears faint music coming from behind the teeny-tiny fairy door she created low on the wall. So she presses her ear to the door and--shwoosh!--is whisked into the red, rocky land of hobgoblins, leaving behind the heaps of toys and books that were strewn around her room (along with her mother's orders to clean them up). Luckily, Eliza discovers that the pointy-hatted hobs love to play, love a mess, and can grant wishes! But when she wishes that Hobby, Nobby, and Tobby would help her with her room, she learns that what hobgoblins actually love is playing tricks--and as they burst into her space, it's clear that she's fallen for their trickery. Can she outrun their mischief before they decorate all of her walls with crayon and turn her ceiling fan into a hobgoblin merry-go-round? Just maybe . . . but only if she can come up with a few tricks of her own! Megan McDonald's follow-up to Eliza and the Flower Fairies, illustrated in glowing full color by Lenny Wen, is sure to be happily devoured by every child who fervently believes in fairies and other magical folk.

Middle School meets Percy Jackson in this exciting adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson, where Greek gods task an ordinary twelve-year-old with a big mission. 



Nick Andino isn't exactly "hero" material. He's perfectly happy working at his family's Greek diner, pining over his crush, and avoiding his bully. His life isn't very exciting...until destiny comes calling.



Dr. Zeus, the over-the-top king of the gods, zooms into town with a quest that Nick must complete to save Andinos past and present from being erased from history. Accompanied by a fast-talking Hermes, Nick journeys back to ancient Greece, where his ancestors await--along with new friends and a whole host of Greek gods and monsters. Can Nick be the hero the Andinos need, or will his story be another Greek tragedy?



This fast-paced, feel-good adventure from the world's favorite storyteller has black-and-white illustrations throughout, and amphitheaters full of humor and heart.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman comes the funny and heartwarming sequel to the word-of-mouth hits UNGIFTED and SUPERGIFTED.

School has never been a problem for twelve-year-old super-genius Noah Youkilis--at least not until he gets an admission letter to the prestigious Wilderton University. The last thing Noah wants is to go straight from eighth grade into college. Will his life ever just be normal!

Meanwhile, Noah's best friend, Donovan, has been looking forward all year to a summer of doing nothing. But when Wilderton allows Noah to bring a friend for the summer term, Donovan's parents jump at the chance. Suddenly, Donovan's summer of slack has turned into hanging with Noah and working as a summer camp counselor for professors' kids.

Once they arrive on campus, Noah's determined to fit in--and to him, that means joining the top-secret Society of the Gavel. But becoming a Gaveler is harder than it seems, and it's made all the harder when Noah and Donovon smuggle Wilderton's mascot, a two-hundred-pound pig named Porquette, into their dorm. Now Noah and Donovan must combine all their middle-school smarts to keep their pig-sized secret, fix a haywire AI program before it pretty much ends the world, and keep track of Donovan's campers.

It's going to be a summer to remember in the newest book from #1 New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman.

A young empath spending the summer with her grandfather stumbles upon a bit of magic in this middle grade novel about letting in the light—perfect for fans of Barbara Dee and Jamie Sumner.

Sixth grader Lucy thinks people are seriously overrated. People come with feelings, and Lucy can’t escape them because of her so-called “gift” of empathy. She can feel the tension when her parents fight and can’t escape the truth of what went wrong in her relationship with her former best friend. So when Lucy’s parents suggest spending her summer vacation with her reclusive grandfather at his isolated cabin on Prince Edward Island, she jumps at the chance to get away from people, feelings—all of it.

Lucy arrives at her grandfather’s with a small suitcase and the only thing she really needs: her camera. From behind the lens, she can watch the world without having to feel any of it. While exploring her new home, Lucy finds her grandmother’s old camera and a darkroom that hasn’t been used since Nana passed away five years ago. Lucy starts taking pictures of the people in her grandfather’s town and developing photos the old-fashioned way.

The finished photos reveal everything about the subjects—their deepest fears and hidden desires. Along with a quirky neighbor and her reluctant grandfather, Lucy sets out to get to the bottom of the photographic magic. But can she uncover the truth of her grandmother’s legacy and figure out what to do with the magical photos before summer ends?

Jack Frost and his goblins have stolen Juliet the Valentine Fairy’s three magical objects, and now Valentine’s Day will be ruined! Can friends Rachel and Kirsty help Juliet get her Valentine magic back?

It’s Valentine’s Day, and Jack Frost and his goblins have stolen Juliet the Valentine Fairy’s magical objects that make the day so special. Now sweethearts, friends, and family are arguing! Even best friends Kirsty and Rachel aren’t getting along. Can the two friends work together to help Juliet find her magical objects so she can bring love back to Valentine’s Day? This Rainbow Magic special edition includes three stories full of Valentine’s Day adventures!
 
Get to know the Rainbow Magic series!
With more than 40 million titles of the Rainbow Magic series sold worldwide, this beloved children’s series is back with a fresh new look and ready for a new audience. Experience the friendship and adventures in Fairyland with these fantastic, introductory illustrated chapter books. This wonderfully engaging series features highly accessible stories, simple language, and black-and-white illustrations, perfect for newly independent readers. A fan favorite for decades, the series has thousands of positive reviews attesting to the fact that the Rainbow Magic series turned their child into a confident and dedicated reader.
 

An Amazon February 2026 Best of the Month Pick

Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney and Terri Libensen, A Kid Like Me is a timely exploration about finding your place in the ever-evolving social landscape that is middle school, written and illustrated by award-winning graphic novelist Norm Feuti.

Ethan doesn't want to stand out, he just wants to fit in. But fitting in is tough when your peers call out your ancient cell phone, busted backpack, and discount clothing. To make matters worse, his best friend, Ricky, insists on hanging out with a group of guys who just don't get him . . . they're more interested in playing pranks than playing his favorite card game Bio Battle. Things start looking up, though, when Ethan befriends Aiden, a new kid in school, but it's only matter of time before even that goes sideways.
Can Ethan figure out where he belongs without forgetting who he is and who he wants to be?
 

A cross-disciplinary look at the history, mystery, and facts of left-handedness

Most of us define ourselves as lefties or righties based on the hand we use for writing. But what makes people prefer one hand over the other? And what if handedness doesn't tell the whole story? Do we also favor one eye, one ear, or one foot? What about people who use different hands for different activities?

That's where this book comes in. It examines all things lefty--from handedness in our ancient ancestors to lefty myths to current theories about the roles of genetics, environment, and brain structure. It also tackles intriguing questions: Why and when does someone become a lefty? Are humans the only left-handed animals? And what is it like to live a left-handed life in a right-handed world?

With a blend of pop culture, sports, history, and STEM, this middle-grade nonfiction book tackles these questions and more, while celebrating the traits that make us unique, no matter which hand we use.

The Professional Wrestling Encyclopedia introduces readers to a variety of wrestling stars, exploring their gimmicks, storylines, and accomplishments. In addition, the book offers an in-depth introduction covering the origins and history of professional wrestling. Features include a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Encyclopedias is an imprint of Abdo Reference, a division of ABDO.

New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner invites you to Camp Monster in this fun-filled young middle-grade graphic novel series perfect for fans of InvestiGators.

Tasha's family has run Camp Yeti for generations, but these days there just aren't enough Yetis to fill the bunks. This summer they are rebranding as CAMP MONSTER--a superfun summer camp experience for ALL of monster-kind. Tasha can't wait to show off all the camp traditions she loves!

But things get off to a rocky start--the goblins are causing a ruckus, the ogre is a total diva, and the werewolf keeps disappearing. This is not the perfect summer Tasha had hoped for. Then a series of mysterious mishaps occurs . . . someone is trying to sabotage Camp Monster! Can these monsters set aside their differences to find out who is behind the hijinks?