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May New Releases

It’s May. In my neck of the woods that means it’s almost the perfect temperature for sitting outside and reading a book.
If that’s your idea of a perfect Spring day, we’ve got you covered with a great list of Middle Grade new releases.

 

The Bug Bandits by Jenni L. Walsh

Home Alone meets A Night in the Museum in this clever middle-grade heist story by USA Today bestselling author Jenni L. Walsh. When a science-loving girl and her friends overhear a plot to rob her dad’s insectarium, they embark on a mission to stop the burglary of the museum’s rarest insects. Inspired by true events, this STEM-based adventure is perfect for fans of hijinks and mysteries.

Without a mom and with her dad busy running the museum, Liberty Jacobs was practically raised by the tarantulas, leopard geckos, and rare butterflies of the Walnut Street Insectarium. She loves being the resident “Bug Girl,” but unless Liberty and her dad can snag a big investor, they’ll lose the museum, their home, and the funding Liberty needs to launch her dream business: a butterfly release program called Life & Liberty.

The investor meeting is a week away, but there’s a big problem: Liberty has reason to suspect there’s going to be a “buglary” of the museum’s rarest animals. But the police don’t believe her, and with Dad out of town for an insect convention, it’s up to Liberty and her friends (and her vast knowledge of bug defense mechanisms) to thwart the thieves and save the museum.

Into the Rapids by Ann Braden

Sometimes even a girl who likes to rely only on herself needs to be brave enough to ask for help.

When a super-storm hits Addy’s remote mountain town, knocking out the bridge and cutting her home off from the main road, she worries that she won’t be able to get to the survival camp she’s been looking forward to attending. The camp’s the place where her parents met, and where Addy plans to hone her skills and honor their legacy. But now there’s no power and it’s also like a light has been switched off in her mom, who’s been triggered by the raging river and memories of Addy’s dad dying in a similar storm. The two of them are feeling particularly stranded as they’ve never bothered to befriend any neighbors. But now Addy keeps running into her classmate Caleb on the hill above her house where they both go to get cell service. Caleb’s frantic about a missing neighbor, and Addy’s amazed to see how he’s able to connect with folks to get help. Then Caleb offers to help her get to camp–but can she trust him? She always thought of him as an enemy–but maybe she was partially to blame for his frostiness? The storm has brought so many questions swirling to the surface and has made Addy feel it’s time to take some leaps of faith. When she agrees to travel with Caleb by canoe, this sets off a remarkable string of events and the biggest test of her survival skills. More importantly, it sets Addy on a road to understanding that she’s not in this adventure of life alone–and that a good thing.

The Burning Season by Caroline Starr Rose 

In this riveting coming-of-age survival story in verse perfect for fans of Alan Gratz, a fire lookout-in-training must find her courage when a wildfire breaks out on her watch.

Twelve-year-old Opal has a secret: she’s deathly afraid of fire. Still Opal is preparing to become a fourth-generation lookout on Wolf Mountain, deep in the New Mexico wilderness. She, Mom, and Gran live at ten thousand feet in a single room at the top of a fire tower. They are responsible for spotting any hint of smoke before it becomes an uncontrollable blaze.

Instead of training for the lonely life of a lookout, Opal wishes she could be starting seventh grade in Silver City, attending real classes with kids her own age and even going to afterschool clubs like FFA. But Wolf Mountain has other ideas. When Mom makes the long trek to town for supplies and Gran goes missing, Opal is the only one to spot a tell-tale spiral of smoke moving up the mountainside. She’ll have to be braver than she’s ever been as she heads into the woods, beyond Wolf Ridge’s old blackened burn scar, to face down a fire on her own. But when a fire is what took her father away, and Opal herself knows the sting of smoke and lick of flames, how can she be brave enough when it really counts?

Creaky Acres: A Graphic Novel by Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder 

A heartwarming graphic novel about being the new kid in middle school, making new friends, and learning to trust yourself through the power of horseback riding—perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson’s Roller Girl.

Nora is a prize-winning horseback rider in a suburban area, with a tight-knit circle of best friends. But when her mom gets a prestigious new job in a poor, rural area, she has to adjust to a lot of change: to being the only Black kid in a new class and to a new barn called Creaky Acres, where her beloved horse, Hay Fever, will make his new home.

It’s there she meets sweet and geeky Laura, goofy and fun-loving Wilson, and fearless Dolores (aka Dizzy). With her ragtag team of equestrians, Nora learns it’s okay to stand out and steps into her power as a leader, realizing that being a rider isn’t just about winning—or maybe that winning just might look different than what she’d thought.

A Field Guide to Broken Promises by Leah Stecher

In this heartfelt follow-up to her critically acclaimed novel The Things We Miss, Leah Stecher explores the pressure of living up to perfection.

When Evie Steinberg’s family moves right before seventh grade, she promises her dad that she’ll make sure everything goes perfectly. Maybe if she keeps her promise, he’ll finally forgive her for accidentally ruining the biggest moment of his cryptozoology career last spring.

Perfect means taking care of her little sister, fitting in at her new school, and never complaining or causing problems. Perfect definitely doesn’t mean being bullied by a girl who’s turning the whole school against her and failing math class.

Evie needs to fix her life before anyone finds out she’s struggling. When she uses her cryptozoologist skills to figure out the real reason her bully decided to target her, Evie realizes that she holds the key to fixing everything. She just needs proof. But how far is Evie willing to go to reveal the truth?

This tender and imaginative middle grade novel combines a fast-paced plot and reluctant reader appeal with explorations of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and bullying.

 

 

 

 

The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin 

From award-winning and bestselling author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Grace Lin comes a gorgeously full-color illustrated story about a lion cub and a girl who must open a portal for the spirits, based on Chinese folklore.

Jin is a Stone Lion–one of the guardians of the Old City Gate who is charged to watch over humans and protect the Sacred Sphere. But to Jin, those boring duties feel like a waste of time.

What isn’t a waste of time? Perfecting his zuqiu kick, scoring a Golden Goal, and becoming the most legendary player of all the spirit world.

But when Jin’s perfect kick accidentally knocks the Sacred Sphere out through the gate, he has no choice but to run after it, tumbling out of the realm he calls home and into the human world as the gate closes behind him.

Stuck outside the gate, Jin must find help from unlikely allies, including a girl who can hear a mysterious voice and a worm who claims he is a dragon. Together, they must find the sphere and return it to the world beyond the gate…or risk losing everything.

Award-winning and bestselling author Grace Lin returns with another gorgeously illustrated adventure story about duty, love, and balance–expertly written in the vein of the Newbery Honor winner and modern classic Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Based on Chinese Folklore, this beautiful novel features ten full-page pieces of stunning full-color art, as well as intricate chapter header illustrations.

 

 

 

The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter

Magic and mayhem collide in beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter’s hilarious children’s book debut, perfect for fans of Sarah Mlynowski and Wendy Mass.Emma Rockford knows it will take bonafide magic to make middle school everything she wants it to be. Luckily, before Emma’s beloved Nana died, she left detailed instructions on how to access an ancient, secret, magical wishing well. Emma follows each step and plans out every moment…except for the one where the obnoxious new kid, Jackson, tosses in wishes of his own that literally knock her wishes off course. When seventh grade starts, Emma discovers that her wishes are starting to come true, alright. But not for her…for Jackson.

Which, the two quickly discover, could have disastrous consequences for both of their families, and cost Emma her best friends. Can they set everything straight in time to prevent full-blown catastrophe?

With the trademark wit and heart that have earned her legions of fans, #1 New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter delivers a laugh-out-loud story of friendship, family, and wishing–with a delightful dash of magic.

 

 

 

 

 

Someone’s Gonna End Up Crying by Jo Knowles and Glynnis Fawkes

In this authentic and heartfelt middle-grade novel, Maple uses her artwork to help sort through sibling relationships, school drama, and her parents’ increasingly fraught marriage.

Ten-year-old Maple can’t wait for summer: No more math! Adventures with her friends! Best of all, she and Dad are finally going to build a real treehouse. Or are they? Lately Dad has been quick to storm off when he argues with Mom, which happens more and more. Maple seeks refuge in her sketchbook, filling it with comics and other drawings and posing the questions she can’t bring herself to ask anywhere else. She imagines “Dadlandia,” a place that Dad whooshes off to when he’s gone. Maple confides in her favorite tree—her namesake—that she wishes Dad would come home for good. But eventually, Maple will need to step outside her imagination and confront what’s happening for real. For that, she will need support from friends and family—and strength and courage from within. Celebrated author Jo Knowles delivers complex characters and emotions with care, while illustrator Glynnis Fawkes’s powerful illustrations perfectly capture Maple’s creative spirit, her struggles, and her capacity for hope.

Martial Arts Star by A. Y. Chan 

Mo travels to Hong Kong to shoot her movie and unexpectedly comes across another ancient book of martial arts secrets in this fast-paced, high-kicking sequel to The Legendary Mo Seto.

After rescuing her dad, martial arts film star Cody Kwok, and the ancient Book of Joy from a big player in the notorious Five Claw crime organization, Mo is on to her next challenge: filming a movie with Cody! Mo and Dax are whisked away to Hong Kong to start work on The Protégés. It’s Mo’s first overseas trip, and she is awestruck by the glitz and glamour of the international film experience.

Soon after they arrive, they attend a party at Cody’s house, where Mo and Dax meet Cody’s younger sister, Fiona, who appears snobby and cold. Mo is shocked when Cody’s father gives Cody a familiar-looking book: the Book of Sorrow, a piece in the trilogy of books that holds ancient techniques that have been passed down for generations. She is even more shocked when a thief steals it while the party is in full swing and not even her martial arts skills can stop them!

With no leads on the identity of the mysterious thief, Mo recruits the help of a reluctant Fiona, dons her detective hat, and, in between filming, sets out on a mission to find her ancient ancestors’ Book of Sorrow. Can she find and protect the book and make her martial arts movie dreams come true?

 

 

 

The Unforgettable Leta “Lightning” Laurel by R. L. Toalson 

A determined girl athlete deals with food insecurity and a new rivalry challenging her feminist ideals in this “resonant” (School Library Journal, starred review) upper middle grade coming-of-age story from author of The First Magnificent Summer, R.L. Toalson.

Eighth-grader Leta “Lightning” Laurel is a big sister, a problem solver, and the star of her track team. Her dad’s been out of the picture for more than a year, and food’s gotten scarce at home.

When Leta learns her mom’s financial struggles are even worse than she’d thought, she hatches a plan to bring her dad home: she’ll win district champion in the 400-meter dash, the newspaper will write about her, her mom will send the clipping to her dad, and her dad will remember he has daughters who need him. Because she’ll be unforgettable.

It should be easy; no one can beat her in the 400. But a new runner shows up, threatening Leta’s top spot and her budding feminist beliefs about sisterhood. She works harder and harder in practice, trying to ensure the new girl won’t ruin her perfect plan…until an injury sidelines her.

How will she ever prove to her dad and the world that she’s unforgettable? How will she prove it to herself?

 

 

 

A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya

Reality proves more epic than fantasy in this family road trip story starring a reluctant young hero and his curmudgeonly grandfather.

Gonzalo Alberto Sánchez García has never considered himself the hero of his own story. He’s an observer, quietly snapshotting landscapes and drawing the creatures he imagines emerging from them. Forced to spend the summer with his estranged grandfather, Alberto William García—the very famous reclusive author—Gonzalo didn’t expect to learn that heroes and monsters are not only the stuff of fantasy.

But that’s precisely what happens when Gonzalo’s CEO mother, Veronica, sends Alberto on tour to promote the final book in his fantasy series for children and Gonzalo must tag along, even though he feels no connection to his grandfather or the books. Together, they embark on a cross-country road trip from Mendocino to Miami in a classic 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible named Mathilde. Over the course of ten epic days on the highway, they will slay demons, real and imagined; confront old stories to write new ones; and learn what it truly means to show up for your family.

 

 

 

 

 

Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan 

A rising seventh grader visits his grandmother in San Francisco for a whirlwind summer of spelling bee training, only to begin suspecting she has Alzheimer’s, in this witty and compassionate middle grade novel for fans of Al Capone Does My Shirts.

Ben Bellini didn’t mean to become a champion speller—after all, he’s not a nerdbut he sure does like spelling bee glory now that it’s found him. He might even be good enough for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC! And what better way to prepare than to train with a professional spelling coach in San Francisco, where his nan lives?

Through his adventures, Ben gets to know the city—and competitor Asha Krishnakumar, who’s equally determined to spell her way to victory. But Ben also starts having odd interactions with his nan that leave him feeling like he’s missing something. Where is Nan’s forgetfulness coming from? And will anyone even believe him if he tries to get help?

Between showing up for his loved ones and pursuing his own dreams, Ben will need to spend this summer figuring out what he owes others…and what he owes himself.

 

 

 

 

El Niño by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Joe Cepeda 

From the New York Times bestselling author of Esperanza Rising comes a riveting story that blends myth, fantasy, and reality into an entrancing adventure, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Meg Medina.

Sometimes the only way to hold onto what we love is to let go.

Kai Sosa is so passionate about swimming he is practically a fish. This summer, he’s determined to become the athlete he once was on an elite swim team.

But something invisible holds him back. His race times are off. Dreams of his sister Cali haunt him. And he hasn’t found her missing gold cuff, her last request. Mom is still talking about grief, even though it’s been two years since she disappeared. He’s fine now, isn’t he?

When Kai discovers a library book Cali had checked out multiple times–about an underwater realm and a mysterious place called the Library of Despair and Sorrow–details from the story begin to appear in his own life: dolphin pods, imposing rock towers, unusual sea creatures, and even Cali’s beloved bracelet. As myth and reality collide, El Niño unleashes its fury, and Kai is swept up in a storm of events that will change his understanding of love, death, grief, and how best to honor those we’ve lost.

Exquisitely packaged with breathtaking illustrations by award-winning artist Joe Cepeda and printed in blue ink.

 

 

Where There Be Monsters by Alby C. Williams 

For fans of AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS and THE MARVELLERS, Alby C. Williams’ debut middle grade fantasy is a sweeping adventure filled with monsters, mysteries, and mischief.

Eleven-year-old Glory Brown is desperate for adventure far from her family’s quaint, quiet life at The Light Inn. Generations of Browns have been stewards of this humble hotel, which acts as a sanctuary in the stretch of monster-filled land called the Seam. But Glory wants nothing more than to learn how to use her Moxie, a special magic only kids have, and to train to become a Spherinaut like her mother, exploring and documenting the perilous depths of the Outersphere.

When a mysterious boy named Marcus appears one day on a top-secret mission for the Parliamentarium – the school for aspiring Spherinauts – Glory packs up her beloved books and sets off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that will shuttle her across time and space…and reveal new dangers lurking in the worlds beyond the Seam.

For there’s mischief afoot that’s threatening the balance between the worlds, its magic, and its monsters. And it’s up to Glory to find a solution before it’s too late.

 

 

 

 

 

Zarina Divided by Reem Faruqi 

From the award-winning author of Unsettled, Reem Faruqi, comes a stirring coming-of-age story about a Muslim girl who, during the Partition of India, must learn to cope with loss, guilt, and change in order to grow. Perfect for fans of Amil and the After and The Partition Project and inspired by real-life events.

You can notice differences

if you look really close,

which lately everyone

seems to be doing.

Zarina loves her life in Poona, India. She spends her days happily hanging out with her best friends, Geeta and Jahana, and playing with her three brothers. However, Zarina and her family are given unsettling news: Muslims and Hindus are to separate by religion. Hindus are expected to stay in India, while Muslims are expected to move to a new land, Pakistan.

Zarina is heartbroken at having to move away from all she knows and loves, and after the frightening journey to Pakistan, she feels unsure that the unfamiliar country will ever feel like home. When an accident happens that leaves Zarina grappling with extreme guilt, she decides it’s best to attend boarding school far away, much to the protest of her mom. Will a fresh start at a new school give Zarina the chance to thrive in Pakistan, or will the divisions within herself and her family continue to widen?

From award-winning author Reem Faruqi comes a heartening coming-of-age story, inspired by her grandmother’s life, that reminds us that through overwhelming change can come the most beautiful growth.

 

 

Meet Me at Wonderland by Julia Devillers

A girl with a summer job at her family’s amusement park crushes on a coworker who’d rather be working anywhere else in this fun and flirty middle grade rom-com.

Fourteen-year-old Coco is Morty the Moose for the summer—the official mascot for her family’s business, Wonderland Adventure Park. Her first shift in the claustrophobic and stinky moose costume comes in the middle of a heatwave, and of course it’s when she emerges a sweaty mess that her manager introduces her to the new hire, Henry…the cutest boy Coco has ever seen.

Henry can’t believe his parents are forcing him to work at this dorky theme park. He’d much rather be hanging with his friends and working on his soccer game, but recovery from a bad injury would have kept him sidelined anyway. Being deathly afraid of heights, Henry hopes he can at least do his job without going on any of the rides.

After their first awkward meeting, Coco and Henry start to warm up to each other, and Coco confides in him about the park’s financial struggles. Soon, she thinks she like likes Henry…a lot. As the weeks go on, Henry’s dad starts asking oddly specific questions about his job, and Henry starts to suspect there’s more to his parents insisting on him working at the park than he thought. When a malfunctioning new ride leaves Henry and Coco stranded at the top, Henry’s worst nightmare comes true and secrets get revealed.

 

It looks like we have a bunch of great books to keep us busy this month. Did any of the titles grab you? Let us know in the comments below.

The Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024

Unfortunately, access to books is still under serious threat in the U.S. as the American Library Association’s (ALA) annual report on the state of the nation’s libraries makes all too clear. The ALA reports that in 2024, a staggering 2,452 unique book titles were challenged, which is the third-highest number ever documented by ALA. For comparison, from 2001-2020, the annual average books challenged was 273 unique titles.

Censorship of books by the numbers, according to the American Library Association

Publishers Weekly writes that “the most common reasons for challenges were claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and dealing with topics of race, racism, inclusivity, equity and social justice.” The ALA says that the majority of book ban campaigns — nearly 3 out of 4 — are led by pressure groups or government sources.

For more insights, read the ALA’s State of American Libraries 2024 Snapshot and make your calendars for Banned Books Week 2025 October 5-11, 2025 to help support access to reading for all readers. 

The Top 10 most challenged books of 2024

1. All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson

2. Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

3. (Tie) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

3. (Tie) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

5. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Top 10 banned books of 2024

6. (Tie) Looking for Alaska by John Green

6. (Tie) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

8. (Tie) Crank by Ellen Hopkins

8. (Tie) Sold by Patricia McCormick

10. Flamer by Mike Curato

 

This Interview Stinks! (In a Good Way) Interview with Joan Holub, Author of Fart Boy and Reeky Dog

Today I’m interviewing Joan Holub, author of Fart Boy and Reeky Dog. This graphic novel for 7-10 year olds introduces readers to a smelly superhero and his dog sidekick as they fight to defeat an evil alien scientist plotting world domination!

I’m going to be honest. This blog is posting a few days later than I planned. Why? Because the moment Fart Boy and Reeky Dog arrived in the mail, my 8 year old snatched it out of my hands. He proceeded to read it three times in a row. It was his constant companion on the couch, in the car, and on the bus for several days. He kept giggling and showing me parts he found particularly hilarious. I believe his enthusiasm is the best testimonial for this action-packed, fart-powered adventure! But just in case you need a bit more persuading, here are a few additional reviews that are anything but stinky:

“My nine-year-old son loved this book. He kept stopping to tell me about the book, which is rare for him, and laughed the whole time. The graphics are well done and colorful.” — Ashley P, Reviewer (5 stars)

“My favorite part, though, was when the hokey pokey song was used to show how the beans made their way through his body to make extra strong farts. This book is lively, with fantastic, fun, bright pictures. Even the villain is fun and over the top.”
— Lisa D, Reviewer (5 stars)

And now, let ‘er rip!

Emily Starr: You have written more than 200 books for kids, but this is your first graphic novel! How was your writing process both similar and different for this format?

Joan Holub: Great question! Probably the most unique difference is that I drew sketches for the entire graphic novel even though I had no intention of illustrating the final book. (Can you say over-achiever?) I draw sketches for all of my picture books to better understand them. Therefore, it didn’t feel unusual to do it for my graphic novel. However at 140 pages, Fart Boy and Reeky Dog required a lot of drawing! The sketches helped me decide which words to keep and which to leave out. I also think they helped my editor understand my book right away when I submitted it. She could literally see the action!

Early Layout Sketches

Emily Starr: Wow! That sounds like a very involved, yet helpful process. So how much of the layout and illustrations did you ultimately direct (e.g., how many panels are on a page, what is shown in each image)? If you were very involved, what process did you use to figure out how each page should be divided? The book has an incredible variety of layouts!

Joan Holub: Illustrators have often told me that they like to see the picture book dummies I make because, instead of starting from zero, my ideas afford them a bit of a springboard. Some illustrators love to see my dummies, while others don’t want to be influenced. Either is fine with me. (By the way, I love what illustrator Rafael Rosado did with the story! He ultimately decided the color and layouts.)

Emily Starr: Authors are often told to use difficult vocabulary words sparingly, yet you use complex words throughout and really went for it in the opening Warning. Why did you make that decision and was it questioned by your editor?

Joan Holub: Wow! You are sharp. I didn’t even notice I’d done that! My editor never called me out on word complexity, which I certainly appreciate. I think I might have felt stifled. When I was a kid reader, I would simply gloss over any words I didn’t understand. I could usually figure out the general meanings. At the same time, I’m always mindful of not writing book vocabulary that is too hard my audience to read. No words like “hyperbole”!

Emily Starr: Someone might think this is a simple book about a farting superhero, yet you expertly weave in science concepts, songs, history, cultural references, and even an “Are You Evil?” quiz. Why did you incorporate these elements?

Joan Holub: Many of my books incorporate a few learning components. It’s not my main goal to teach, but I do enjoy sneaking in the occasional scientific experiment as per the Gas Giant research. And I love, love, love the “Are You Evil” quiz! Since it’s one of my favorite things in Book One (and a favorite of kid readers), I’ve included more Comix for Fart Boy and friends to read in Book Two.

Emily Starr: What research notes or lists did you keep close by when writing? For example, did you create a list of different ways to say “fart” as part of your writing process? (Nuclear Air Bagel is my favorite!)

Joan Holub: I’m so glad to hear that you are a Nuclear Air Bagel fan! Yes, I went online and gathered a lengthy list of many sayings that incorporate the word “fart”, “stinky”, “smelly”,  or that allude to those kinds of words. Plus I made up some of my own. (Can you say, “Garbanzo Gas Buster?”)

Emily Starr: Was there anything you cut out of the book because it was too controversial or gross?

Joan Holub: In my head, I’m always writing what my inner kid would want to read, and that wouldn’t be something super-gross or controversial. However, some parents or kids might think that even simple farts are gross. So you never know. Whatever gets kids reading works for me.

Emily Starr: As a Mom and an educator, I love the prompts in the back that encourage creativity and set kids up for thinking about the next book. What inspired you to include that aspect and format it as a series of questions? (It sparked a memory of the Rocky and Bullwinkle previews.)

Joan Holub: That’s good to hear! When I finish reading a book that’s full of possibilities for the main characters to do more, I often wonder, “What’s next?” So, I  mean, kids probably wonder: “Will there be a Fartmobile?” “Will Carl ever get a cool sidekick name?” “Do Ninjas fart?” The questions are endless and as I reader, I’d like some to supply some answers! (Stay tuned for Book Two!)

Emily Starr: Any hints about Book Two you can share with our readers?

Joan Holub: Yes! In Book Two: Fart Boy and Reeky Dog: Dino Doom you’ll find:

  • More gadgets! More stanky explosions! More beans!
  • More Crazy Rich Superheroes and Villains comix.
  • Our main characters, Fart Boy, Carl, Liz, and Reeky Dog, and will meet (and learn about) long-ago dinos, plus “enjoy” some out-of-this-world travel.
  • And last but not least, the troublemaking Professor Groovypants-Gravypants-PerfumeLady is back, with a hilarious new minion!

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR and MULTIPLE AWARD WINNER JOAN HOLUB has written 220+ books for kids ages 2 to 13. Joan is co-author of the popular Goddess Girls middle grade series of 31 books and the Heroes in Training series of 18 books. Her best-known picture books include Zero the Hero, Little Red Writing, and I Am the Shark. She has written ten of the popular Who Was? series books, including Who Was Babe Ruth? and What is the Statue of Liberty? She’s the author of the This Little Trailblazer series of 10+ board books. Joan’s books have been named Junior Library Guild Selections and Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year among many other accolades. Her first graphic novel, FART BOY AND REEKY DOG, has garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly, among other awards.

Emily Starr

As a former fourth grade teacher and founder of StarrMatica, a STEM publishing company, Emily Starr has developed award-winning K-5 science curriculum and professional learning materials for 20 years. She is a member of the Iowa State Science Leadership Team, a peer reviewer for the National Science Teaching Association’s journal Science and Children, and a frequent presenter at state and national education conferences. Her debut middle grade nonfiction book will be released in 2025 from the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation.