LIBRARY GIRL, by Polly Horvath, Margaret Ferguson Books, Sept. 10, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 9-12)

A girl learns that the real world is not as perfect as the stories she’s grown up with in Library Girl, a middle-grade novel by Polly Horvath.

Essie has grown up in the public library, raised in secret by the four librarians who found her abandoned as a baby in the children’s department. With four mothers and miles of books to read, Essie has always been very happy living there.

But now that she is eleven, Essie longs for a little more freedom . . . and maybe a friend her own age. She seems to get her wish when her moms let her go by herself to the mall. On her second trip there, she meets G.E., a mysterious boy who looks so much like her she can’t help but think they may be twins. Maybe he was raised by four dads in the appliance section of the department store. Maybe his story is intertwined with hers, and their happy ending is as one big family. But as she gets to know G.E. better, she learns that nothing is as simple as it seems in her stories — not even her own past. —Synopsis provided by Margaret Ferguson Books

First things first: If you are a reader, or your kid is a reader, then you/they will immediately be drawn to Library Girl, both for its cover and title. And the content inside lives up to the cover.

Library Girl is a whimsical story that teeters on the edge of possible.

At the center of the book is Essie, a girl who is very much a product of her rearing — four moms and a library full of books have opened multiple worlds of possibilities. But the world beyond the library is as unexpected as one found in a new book, and Essie learns she must be the protagonist in her own life. Essie is bright and curious and a joy to get to know.

The plot of Library Girl is unexpected, especially a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. Author Polly Horvath’s writing is warm and inviting. And her own love of books sings throughout. This gentle adventure is a lovely story about what makes a family and discovering where you fit in that family and the world at large.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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AS EDWARD IMAGINED: A STORY OF EDWARD GOREY IN THREE ACTS, by Matthew Burgess and Marc Majewski, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Learn about creative genius Edward Gorey in As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts, by Matthew Burgess and Marc Majewski.

Discover the unique childhood and life of the enigmatic and eccentric Edward Gorey whose artwork and books had a profound impact on creators such as Neil Gaiman, Lemony Snicket, and Tim Burton.

Even as a young boy, readers learn that Edward constantly forged his own path, passions, and pursuits never forsaking his individuality for fame.This brilliant picture book biography is paired with a whimsical art style that captures the unrelenting creativity Edward brought to his playfully macabre creations. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

I’ve been a fan of Edward Gorey since I was a kid, and my older sister gave the three of us still living at home Amphigorey: Fifteen Books. The book fascinated me, and it was read on repeat. So, I was very excited to see a picture book biography about this beloved writer/illustrator.

As Edward Imagined follows Gorey’s life from childhood up until his death in April 2000. It explores his motivations, personal flair and how he lived “the life he imagined.”

Author Matthew Burgess brings Gorey to life with his expressive prose:

“At three and a half, Edward
taught himself to read.

His father gave him permission
to prowl his personal library,

and Edward stalked the shelves
like an inquisitive cat,
pawing this and reading that.”

It would have been easy for artist Marc Majewski to emulate Gorey’s style. Instead, his illustrations are acrylic paintings on paper that truly tell Gorey’s story rather than copy the artist’s work. Majewski captures Gorey’s free spirit and creativity.

As Edward Imagined is a joy to read. I plan on passing it on to my daughter along with a new copy of Amphigorey (the old one was worn out years ago) so that she can fully delve into Gorey’s life and work.

About the creators:

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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ALL THE WAYS TO GO, by Jessie Janowitz, Sourcebooks Young Readers, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

A chess prodigy struggles to tell his mom he wants to quit the game in All the Ways to Go, a middle-grade novel by Jessie Janowitz.

Milo Bloom, chess prodigy, has a secret: he doesn’t want to play chess anymore. So, he blows a major tournament on purpose instead of telling anyone. If no one knows he wants to quit, then no one can be disappointed.   

The problem is, winning that tournament was a ticket to chess camp, and the loss means his summer plans are shot. Enter Roxie, a girl he’s never met, who shows up at his door to tell him he and his mom will be spending the summer at her house…what? 

Surprise! Before Milo knows what’s hit him, he’s living at Roxie’s house, where creepy cats rule, meat products are banned, and Roxie, who doesn’t seem to understand the concept of personal space, won’t give him a second alone.  

 But when Milo and Roxie stumble across two people playing a fascinating game they’ve never seen before, they become determined to learn the ancient game of Go. Between late-night library adventures and creating a Go club at their camp, Milo and Roxie form an unexpected friendship, but none of that matters if Milo can’t face his fears and tell his mom how he really feels. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Young Readers

Sometimes you’re really good at something, but your heart isn’t in it. Maybe you started out loving it, but something changes, making it a chore rather than a passion.

That’s what happens to Milo in All the Ways to Go. Milo’s life used to revolve around chess — the strategies, being in the zone. Chess is what defined him. Now, not so much. Milo’s predicament is relatable — both to kids and adults.

Milo is smart, likeable kid with a great dislike of cats. Roxie is the kind of kid that would get labeled “odd.” She doesn’t understand social cues and has a great love for cats. The two of them make for a compelling pair. And though Milo is the star of All the Ways to Go, Roxie is as equally well developed. There’s a large cast of supporting characters that really round out the story, providing humor and heart.

Go becomes a metaphor for real life as Milo and Roxie progress, learn and teach the game. I’d never heard of the game before, but author Jessie Janowitz explains it in such a way that it’s easy to follow.

All the Ways to Go is a quieter contemporary fiction novel. There are no explosions or magical wizards. Janowitz, however, creates a kind of magic of her own with a story about friendships, family and choosing your own path.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS, by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A curious girl searches for the answers to all her questions in I Want to Read All the Books, by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Hana wants to know everything about the world around her. When she starts asking questions, her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, but now she has even more questions! She also has a big mission: she will read all the books—every single one! She reads every book in her house…and then her friends’ houses…and then the whole block. Nonfiction, fiction, romance, mysteries, and science fiction.

But when her mother takes her to the downtown library, she realizes there are a lot more books than she thought…way more. Maybe she can’t really read all the books—now what? —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

I Want to Read All the Books is a celebration of curiosity and reading.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s joyful story will appeal particularly to inquisitive kiddos who also want to know all the answers to all their questions. Ohi perfectly captures the love of reading through her expressive illustrations. And if you look closely, she provides little Easter eggs throughout. It’s the sort of book that will inspire kids to explore different options at the library, school or store.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE LIGHT OF HOME: A STORY OF FAMILY, CREATIVITY, AND BELONGING, by Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi, Orchard Books, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (Ages 4-8)

A girl struggles to feel normal after being forced from her home in The Light of Home: A Story of Family, Creativity, and Belonging, by Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi.

Nur has always loved her home by the sea, where water glimmers along a straight horizon. But when Nur and her family are forced to leave, they begin a long journey to an unfamiliar place. Here the horizon curves and twists, and the moonlight no longer glitters across the water. For Nur, nothing in this new place feels like home. 

Then one day, Nur’s mother brings her a new set of paintbrushes. Nur’s brushstrokes help her connect the place she’s lost to this new horizon, and she finds home again through her own creativity and heart. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books

The Light of Home is a tender story of carrying home with us wherever we may go. Diana Farid explains this in her author’s note: “It honors how new places can feel unfamiliar and strange, but the same sky and the same light imbue the world, unbound by lines on a map. … when our art reflects the beauty of the different horizons we’ve encountered, we find the home that always beats within — the love in our own hearts.”

That sentiment is clear in Farid’s text, which has a gentle sway to it, particularly when read aloud. Artist Hoda Hadadi’s paper collage illustrations are full of movement and texture. Her use of color ties in perfectly with the emotions expressed throughout.

Though The Light of Home is the story of a family forced to move, it will resonate with any child who has had to leave familiar surroundings. The idea of using art and creativity to reconnect with the past while embracing the future is one to be celebrated. It’s a lovely read.

About the creators:

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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A girl’s pesky little brother inspires her to fight climate change in Gracie Under Waves, by Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park.

Inspired by her own experience, author Linda Sue Park tells the story of a girl learning how to impact a cause she cares about while navigating the ups and downs of a sibling relationship and turning disappointment into opportunity.   

Gracie loves snorkeling! She loves it so much, she convinces her parents to let her plan a family vacation to Roatán, Honduras, where they can all snorkel together. She even makes a new friend there. Now, if only her irritating little brother would leave her alone, everything would be perfect. Then Gracie hurts her leg, and all her carefully made plans start to come apart. Worse still, she learns the reef itself is in serious danger. Gracie wants to help the reef . . . but she’s just a kid. What can she do to make a difference? Fortunately, her new friend has a few ideas!  —Synopsis provided by Allida

Gracie Under Waves is a warm novel with themes of climate change, family, friendship and sibling dynamics.

Gracie is a spunky main character who knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s got flaws, and a little brother who gets on her nerves, both of which will endear her to readers.

One of the book’s biggest draws is the snorkeling element, and Linda Sue Park does a great job transporting you to the ocean floor. Park incorporates a lot of science/environmental issues here that many readers will find fascinating and would work well with different units within school curriculums.

Gracie Under Waves is a fairly short novel (176 pages) that moves quickly. It will particularly appeal to kids that enjoy a good story without all the tween drama/angst.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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KAREEM BETWEEN, by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, Sept. 10, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

A seventh-grade Syrian American boy navigates middle school in Kareem Between, a novel by Shifa Saltagi Safadi.

Seventh grade begins, and Kareem’s already fumbled it.

His best friend moved away, he messed up his tryout for the football team, and because of his heritage, he was voluntold to show the new kid—a Syrian refugee with a thick and embarrassing accent—around school. Just when Kareem thinks his middle school life has imploded, the hotshot QB promises to get Kareem another tryout for the squad. There’s a catch: to secure that chance, Kareem must do something he knows is wrong.

Then, like a surprise blitz, Kareem’s mom returns to Syria to help her family but can’t make it back home. If Kareem could throw a penalty flag on the fouls of his school and home life, it would be for unnecessary roughness.

Kareem is stuck between. Between countries. Between friends, between football, between parents—and between right and wrong. It’s up to him to step up, find his confidence, and navigate the beauty and hope found somewhere in the middle. —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Kareem Between has been longlisted for 2024 National Book Awards, Young People’s Literature. And there’s good reason. Author Shifa Saltagi Safadi is a talented storyteller. Her main character loves American football. That’s what motivates him. It’s a sport I just don’t care about. But in Safadi’s deft hands, I cared about Kareem. I cared about his life. I cared about his story so much, that my apathy toward football fell by the wayside. That’s what good writing can do.

A novel in verse, Kareem Between, moves quickly. Safadi deftly explores friendship, community and family. Kareem is straddling that line between childhood and young adulthood where everything feels possible and impossible at the same time. His growth throughout the novel is beautiful to watch unfold.

Kareem Between is the type of book that you want your kid to read. It would be an excellent classroom resource, as well as appealing to independent readers.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WEIRDO, by Tony Weaver Jr., Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo, ‎First Second, Sept. 17, 2024, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 10 and up)

An awkward teen struggles with mental health issues and self-doubt in Weirdo, a middle-grade graphic novel memoir by Tony Weaver Jr.

Eleven-year-old Tony Weaver, Jr. loves comic books, anime, and video games, and idolizes the heroic, larger-than-life characters he finds there. But his new classmates all think he’s a weirdo. Bullied by his peers, Tony struggles with the hurt of not being accepted and tries to conform to other people’s expectations. After a traumatic event shakes him to his core, he embarks on a journey of self-love that will require him to become the hero of his own story. —Synopsis provided by First Second

Tony Weaver Jr. explores the painful experience of bullying and ostracism in Weirdo. This heartfelt and heartbreaking graphic novel celebrates differences and confirms that there’s a place for all of us.

Weirdo honors all the little quirks that make us who we are, and the joy that comes when we find “our people.”

Weaver’s story is deeply personal, and some parts — attempted self-harm — are difficult to read about. That’s not to say Weaver goes into great detail. In fact, this section of his book is incredibly emotional due, in part, to all the elements he leaves out. It is not graphic, but given the suggested reading age, parents should be aware and ready to have conversations.

On its face, Weirdo sounds like an unhappy story. And part of it is. But the bigger part is one of survival and self-acceptance. It will especially appeal to readers who find themselves on the “fringes” of the social hierarchy.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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MILLIE FLEUR’S POISON GARDEN, by Christy Mandin, Orchard Books, July 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A girl finds joy planting and caring for weird plants in Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, a picture book by Christy Mandin.

Garden Glen is a very bland place. Every house and every garden looks exactly like the other. That is… until Millie Fleur La Fae comes to town.

Up on a scruffy hill, beside a ramschackle house, Millie Fleur plants her marvelously strange garden, filled with Sneezing Stickyweed, Fanged Fairymoss, and Grumpy Gilliflower. Millie Fleur finds it enchanting, but the townspeople of Garden Glen call it poison!

But Millie Fleur is proud of her beloved little garden. So, if some townspeople want to be sticks in the mud, she’ll take matters into her own hands and find the kindred spirits who appreciate everything the garden has to offer. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books 

Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden is one of those books that will appeal to kids and parents — especially gardeners — alike. This charming picture book celebrates the unusual and daring to be different. Author/illustrator Christy Mandin’s text is straight forward and accessible. But it’s her fantastic and imaginative illustrations that really make this book exciting. Her quirky illustrations encompass curiosity and passion. It’s a joy to read.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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EVIDENCE!: HOW DR. JOHN SNOW SOLVED THE MYSTERY OF CHOLERA, by Deborah Hopkinson and Nik Henderson, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Aug. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Follow a doctor as he races to find the cause of a deadly outbreak in Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera, by Deborah Hopkinson and Nik Henderson.

Dr. John Snow is one of the most influential doctors and researchers in Western medicine, but before he rose to fame, he was just a simple community doctor who wanted to solve a mystery.

In 19th century London, the spread of cholera was as unstoppable as it was deadly. Dr. Snow was determined to stop it, but he had a problem: His best theory of how the disease was spread flew in the face of popular opinion. He needed evidence, and he needed to find it fast, before more lives were lost.

Taking on the role of detective as well as doctor, Dr. Snow knocked on doors, asked questions and mapped out the data he’d collected. What he discovered would come to define the way we think about public health to this day. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Deborah Hopkinson is an expert storyteller. Through her deft hands, Evidence! plays out like a great mystery, the likes of which only great detectives can solve. Her text is engaging and clear enough that young children won’t need a lot of explanation to understand.

Illustrator Nik Henderson uses graphite, charcoal and digital coloring techniques to masterfully set the tone. This is the type of book readers young and old will be drawn to. There are numerous classroom applications as well as just being fun to read.

Compelling backmatter provides more information about the Broad Street Pump, Dr. John Snow and a list of major infectious diseases and their causes.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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