New Releases

Adventures abound in October New Books!

This month’s new releases offer adventure, suspense, fairy tales, and a puzzling mystery. And, be sure to check out From the Mixed Up Files Founder Jennifer Swanson’s latest, a fantastic three-week scientific journey through the rainforest!
Links to all the titles to bookshop.org, which supports local bookstores!
Busted  written by  Dan  Gemeinhart,  Henry  Holt  and  Company,  352  pages,  October  7

When 12-year-old Oscar Aberdeen decided he would do anything to save the only home he’s ever known, he didn’t realize that anything would include theft, trespassing, gambling, a broken nose, grand theft auto, a federal prison, and a police chase. He had no idea it would be so dangerous…or so fun.

Oscar Aberdeen is a bit of an oddball. He’s an ace at playing bridge, loves Frank Sinatra, and attends a whole lot of funerals. He’s also the youngest resident of Sunny Days retirement home by more than a half-century—and he wouldn’t have it any other way. So when his grandpa’s suddenly served an eviction notice that threatens their place at Sunny Days, he needs to find some cash. Fast.

Enter Jimmy Deluca, a shady elderly man with a reputation for being bad news, who makes Oscar an offer he can’t refuse. He’s got the drop on riches hidden away on the “outside” and he’ll share the loot with Oscar on one condition: he busts him out of Sunny Days.

In this humdinger of an adventure, the ultimate odd couple, along with an uninvited stowaway, go from high-stakes escape to rollicking escapade as they search for the secret stash—and forge an unlikely friendship along the way. Will Oscar succeed in saving the only home he’s ever known? Or will he have to fuggedaboutit and return a failure?

 

 

The Invisible List of Lani Li written by Veeda Bybee, Shadow Mountain, 224 pages, October 7

A challenge from her little brother and a Chinese fable inspire Lani Li to hit every note of invincible bravery on her band trip to London.

Thirteen-year-old Lani Li has grown up with the tale of the Eight Invincible Brothers–Chinese heroes who use their superpowers to conquer challenges. Lani wishes she could be as brave as them, especially as she faces her own test of courage . . .

When Lani’s elite performance band is chosen to perform in London, she should be thrilled. But with too many fears to count and her little brother, Gavin, unable to join her due to a serious heart condition, the trip feels more daunting than exciting. Before Lani leaves, Gavin gives her a challenge: tap into her own hidden strength by embodying the Eight Invincible Brothers–and each of their special powers.

In London, Lani creates her own “invincible list” based on the fable, and as she checks off each quality, she discovers that these “superpowers” might not be as far-fetched as they seem. But when the final challenge demands that she face a daunting fear–running down the famous Cooper’s Hill in a wild cheese race–Lani wonders if she has what it takes to complete the list.

With her brother’s courage as her guide, can Lani conquer her fears and prove she’s invincible in her own way? Or will this last challenge be the one that defeats her?

 

Outside written by Jennifer Holm, Scholastic, 240 pages, October 7

From three-time Newbery Honor winner Jennifer L. Holm, a chilling but heartfelt story of a girl being raised in a compound who doesn’t understand how isolated and unusual her life is… until she must encounter the outside world.

Whatever you do, don’t leave home.

Razzi has always been told: Don’t go Outside. It isn’t safe. There are people and creatures out there that will harm you. The walls of the Refuge will protect you from them.

Razzi’s friend Ollie was curious about Outside… and it led to his death. So Razzi is trying to be on her best behavior. She is the oldest kid left, the one the younger kids look up to. She has to follow the rules.

But Outside has a way of getting in, and Razzi, guided by a dog she has a strangely close connection with, wonders what it’s like to run free beyond the walls.

If she steps away from everything she’s ever known… what will she find?

 

 

Three Weeks in the Rainforestwritten by Jennifer Swanson, Charlesbridge, 80 pages, October 14

A women-led team of scientists protect the Amazon rainforest from destruction as readers get a firsthand account of real-life fieldwork in action.

A compelling, nonfiction, photo-illustrated STEM read for 8-12-year-olds who aspire to be future scientists, environmentalists, and conservationists!

Over 22 years, a team of scientists from the Field Museum in Chicago has helped conserve 28.9 million acres of the Amazon rainforest. Follow the team as they race to gather data over three precious weeks in the field.

During rapid inventory, information is gathered in two ways:

Biologists trek through mud and rain and count every animal and plant they see, recording everything that flies, swims, crawls, slithers, or walks. They then look at key plant and animal groups to assess the health of the ecosystem.

Social scientists visit villages, speaking with local people about their desires and goals for the land, as each community has developed its own way of taking care of its environment.

The team then makes a compelling, evidence-based case for conservation.

Developed in partnership with the Field Museum, this action-packed book focuses on Rapid Inventory 30, which is conducted in Colombia with the help of local and Indigenous scientists and community members.

Photographs from the scientists themselves give readers a glimpse into real-life fieldwork in the Amazon that will captivate STEM readers and the next generation of scientists.

Ivy and Forest Rewrite the Worldwritten by Hannah West, illustrated by Jennifer Bricking, Holiday House, 288 pages, October 14

Fairy tale heroes and fantasy villains chase one another across the multiverse in this clever middle grade debut that sparkles with bookish magic and quick-witted humor.

Ivy is an isolated, daydreaming girl in the “real” world. Forest is a scrawny, unlikely hero in Ivy’s “pretend” story.

Never the two shall meet . . . until Forest unexpectedly walks through a portal and finds himself in Ivy’s queendom. All Forest wants to do is talk to the author of his story about a few edits to his character arc—he has no idea what kind of narrative stakes he is up against.

As soon as Ivy and Forest try to rewrite Forest’s story, the pair gets caught in an evil wizard’s plot for world domination. They must travel through the multiverse of Ivy’s imagination—along with a mishmash cast of abandoned characters, including junior superheroes, an intrepid Victorian girl detective, and even a rough draft version of Forest himself—to foil their dastardly foe. If they don’t succeed in their heroic quest, each and every world (possibly even Ivy’s own!) could be obliterated with just two short words: “The End.”

Each story splinters into the next in this brilliant spin on classic storytelling tropes that celebrates the power of imagination and creativity during uncertain times. Bursting with energy, Hannah West makes a fresh middle grade debut that is perfect for bookworms and kids with big imaginations. Features spot illustrations and a map of Ivy’s multiverse destinations.

 

Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Questwritten by Chris Grabenstein, Random House Books for Young Readers, 272 pages, October 14

Say this title five times fast!

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Mr. Lemoncello series comes a race across the country full of rousing riddles and laugh-out-loud humor as two brothers try to solve the million-dollar puzzle of an eccentric genius!

Benjamin and Ethan Broderick don’t fit together. Twelve-year-old Ben loves retro arcade games and puzzles, while his older brother would rather play sports and hang out with his friends. The only thing they have in common is how much they resent being forced to go on a summer road trip.

But at the quirky diner where the brothers make their very first stop, they discover a clue leading to a giant puzzle race with a million-dollar prize! Along with five other families, the Brodericks are thrust into a high-stakes competition along the famous Route 66.

Can Ben and Ethan put their heads together—and put aside their differences—to beat out the other families and solve Ms. Pennypickle’s ultimate puzzle?

 

 

 

The Tear Collectorwritten by R.M. Romero, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 336 pages, October 14

Set after the end of the world, this darkly fantastical climate change tale explores hope, memory, and what really makes a monster.
Climate change culminated in the Flood, an enormous wave that wiped out entire countries. Malka and her younger brother Ezra survived and now live with Dr. Jonas Hollman on the Island, the only piece of land left on Earth. Scavenging useful things from the shoreline under the watchful eye of the Island’s sinister leader Mr. Gray, Malka and her family get by. Barely.

But an illness called the Sorrow is changing people into monsters when their memories of the Mainland grow too sad…and Ezra is the latest to get sick. Desperate not to lose her brother, Malka throws herself into helping “Uncle” Jonas with his research to find a cure.

Then her family’s dismal lives are turned upside down by the mysterious Olivia, who crashes a plane on the beach. More people are out there, she says. The world isn’t lost forever. To save Ezra and the other Islanders, Malka will have to uncover the secrets of her flooded world–and the lies even the people she loves have told her about the true nature of the Sorrow.

R.M. Romero tackles our fear and anxiety surrounding climate change and weaves it through with hope in this beautifully told adventure that will resonate with readers young and old.

 

 

Fooled, written by Susan Haas and Lexi Haas,  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 288 pages, October 21

In this fresh, funny, and fast-paced story, chaos ensues when a down-on-its-luck middle school comes to believe that fake magic is the real deal!
Magic loving, wheelchair user Lil Evers wishes she could start sixth grade at a real wizarding school, instead of the worst junior high in her district. But when she leads her friends in roleplaying their own magic school in the Exceptional Children’s (EC) class for special education, it helps the school days feel more bearable.

When their magic wands end up scaring some bullies away in a chance encounter, the EC students’ standing at school does a total 180. Students think their magic is actually real–and that Lil and her friends can grant their wishes with good luck charms! Strangest of all, the charms seem to be working…

But it becomes clear that there’s someone lurking who doesn’t want the good luck to spread. Can Lil let go of her fantasy world to find her voice–and embrace her real  school–before Willow Street Middle falls victim to an evil plan?

From the co-authors of the critically acclaimed memoir The Year of the Buttered Cat comes an imaginative novel that shines a spotlight on the way the school system often fails students with disabilities–while showcasing the power of those very students to make positive change.

Interview with Debut Middle Grade Author Shafaq Khan

Craving action? Mystery? An international jewel heist across multiple countries?

Look no further than the newly-released Zeyna Lost and Found, the debut middle grade novel by Shafaq Khan. Twelve-year old Zeyna is itching for a real case, worthy of her detective skills. So far, the most exciting mystery of 1970 is where her mother misplaced their London Tube tickets.

But when Zeyna notices an angry man in a dark jacket and hat, maybe it isn’t a coincidence that he gets off at the same stop. Maybe she’s being followed! As the coincidences start to pile up, Zeyna becomes convinced that this is more than an over-active imagination: this is real. But before she can connect the dots, she and her younger brother Mahir are swept off to Pakistan for a family wedding.

It’s only when her parents disappear—accused of an international jewel heist—that Zeyna realizes her detective skills may be the only way to find the jewel and prove her parents’ innocence.

Cover of Zeyna Lost and Found by Shafaq Khan

Interview with middle grade author Shafaq Khan

Katie: Shafaq, thank you so much for chatting with us about your debut book, Zeyna Lost and Found. Congrats on it being named a Junior Library Guild Selection and an Indies Introduce pick!

First question, if you were stuck on the Tube with a student who loves mysteries and adventures, what would be your quick elevator pitch for why they should read Zeyna’s story?

Shafaq: Thanks for having me! If you want to read a story about a spunky twelve-year-old that is always looking for a mystery even when there isn’t one, asking questions no one wants to answer, being stonewalled by adults but then embarking on a quest to save an international jewel and her family, then Zeyna is your girl. Zeyna Lost and Found will scratch your itch if you love mysteries, traveling, or jokes, and bonus points if you like all three!

Katie: Zeyna is such a fun and relatable character. Sure, she’s impulsive and a bit paranoid, but it all comes from such a deep and sincere place. Does Zeyna have much in common with you as a kid? If not, where did you find inspiration for her personality?

Shafaq: I share more in common with Zeyna than I will ever admit (except now, of course) because we both have a pathological need to figure things out, love and are loyal to our family, and make ill-timed jokes. Zeyna may have started off as a character that struggled with finding a balance between the Self and the World around her, just like I did and do, but she soon took on a life of her own. I really sat with her as a character to fully understand her. I wanted someone who did unimaginably daring things so I let my mind wander to scenarios and situations I wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole myself. I also did an exercise that NYT Bestselling author Sabaa Tahir recommended, which is to ask your character questions and role play their answers. It was critical in helping me flesh out who Zeyna exactly is.

Katie: I love that you created a Zeyna playlist on Spotify. Can you tell us a little bit about your process for choosing songs?

Shafaq: These songs are some of my favorite songs and I urge readers to take a listen while reading and after as well! Each one reminds me of Zeyna for different reasons. The Beatles songs are quintessential London living – the things that she loves about her city and her family. Some of the other songs evoke travel and mysticism that reminded me of some of the places that Zeyna visits (like the Badshaahi masjid and the song Doobne De), one song, Rozi, is about a girl forging her own path, and a few songs are about her hijinks and friendship with her brother and cousin (think: Kids, Dosti).

Spotify playlist opening for Zeyna Lost and Found by Shafaq Khan

Katie: Teachers often tell students to “Write what you know.” How have you been able to use “what you know” to write historical fiction involving so many different cities and countries?

Shafaq: Having studied some of the countries featured and traveled through others, I relied on what I knew or understood for some of the details but the real process was actually unlearning what I thought I knew. Relying on secondary sources but then following up on primary sources like photos and journal entries and other accounts, helped me flesh out the details, all while trying to be mindful of my own biases or preconceived notions. For example, with Iran, there is quite a bit of attention on the aesthetic of the seventies, but perhaps less of a discussion on the economic unrest or political prisoners that made the on-the-ground reality more complicated. Also, some of us (Pakistanis) may think about places like Lahore or Bahawalpur as quintessentially Pakistani, but they aren’t. They became Pakistani after an arbitrary line was drawn and so the book touches on this idea of shared culture and shared values amongst people despite the modern concept of a nation-state. What binds us together rather than what differentiates us.

Map of the Hippie Trail across south and central Asia

Map of the Hippie Trail at the time of Zeyna Lost and Found

Katie: That is such an important point for kids to think about, thank you.

Since this is your first middle grade novel, can you tell us a little about your path to publication? What led you to write for kids?

Shafaq: I knew I wanted to write a story I would have wanted to read, featuring a flawed, funny, brave Pakistani girl. I knew I wanted to feature her family in an unapologetic way that leaned into culture and tradition without orientalizing it. I wanted a fast-paced story that engaged me and uplifted me. When I pitched this idea to an agent, who I met through a completely random introduction, it probably sounded like it was doing too much but I’m grateful for being given the chance to do it. Once my agent started pitching it to publishers, I was stressed and anxious about it being out in the world and then absolutely over the moon excited when Lerner Publishing Group/Carolrhoda Books/Lab bought the book! I really felt the book had found its home in a publishing house that valued and understood the story.

Katie: What advice would you give to fledgling MG authors?

Shafaq: Just start writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect but get it all out there and then relentlessly edit those pages. Think about the plot but take care of your characters so you give readers a chance to imagine and feel their story. Seek out feedback and really consider it but be ok with rejecting it. You have to know where you are going but you need a lot of help getting there so the more eyes you can get on it, the better. Also, never stop reading other books and keeping your eyes/ears open to the stories around you. I ended up adding terms or conversation exchanges based on what I was observing/reading/consuming in my life. Be obsessed with your story so it becomes the lens through which you see the world around you.

Katie: What are some of your favorite middle grade books or series?

Shafaq: I love Sayantani Dasgupta’s Kiranmala series and the City Spies series by James Ponti, but perhaps, that will come as no surprise! Sayantani’s use of cultural storytelling/tropes and humor is truly a work of art and City Spies does a fantastic job with integrating clues with the physical surroundings so you feel immersed in the location.

Katie: Is there anything else that you would like readers to know about Zeyna or about your upcoming projects?

Shafaq: I’m working on a few things so be ready for some more characters poking around where they shouldn’t and please follow me on my Instagram Shafaq_khan_author or Tiktok at shafaqjk for updates!

No MUF interview is complete without a lightning round so …

Lightning Round!Yellow graphic lightning bolt

Chai, Nescafe, or Turkish coffee? A foamy, sugary Nescafe any day! And a Turkish coffee if I really need a jolt.

Sightseeing by taxi or by bus? Since I like people watching, I love being on a bus so you have a chance to observe the people inside and outside. I also like how bus sounds lull me to sleep.

Favorite kebab? This is a tough one because, like Zeyna, I will always opt for the kebab option. If I had to choose one, I would go with adana (sorry, Mama).

Dream job when you were a kid? I always wanted to be a lawyer. Advocating for people and issues to ensure fairness and justice, is the most fundamental part of who I am and how I approach work, relationships, and the world.

Superpower? Relentless and unapologetic prioritizing. Life is busy and complicated and one of my greatest fears is feeling like you are getting lost in the day to day. It’s good and ok and healthy to say no, to opt out of activities and take a beat so that you have room to think about and explore your passion and interests.

Connect with Shafaq!

Finally, where can readers find you if they want to reach out?

Check out my Instagram Shafaq_khan_author and my Tiktok at shafaqjk or my website shafaqkhan.com.

Katie: Thanks so much, Shafaq! Zeyna Lost and Found was published this week, and you can find it at a library, bookstore, or indie near you. You won’t want to delay, or the Fifteen might get their hands on your copy first!

Biography of Shafaq Khan

Headshot of author Shafaq Khan

Shafaq is a mom and a lawyer. Born to Pakistani parents, Shafaq grew up in a small port city along the Persian Gulf called Jubail Industrial City. It doesn’t make it on most maps but it shaped her worldview and cemented her identity as a third-culture kid.

Shafaq attended college in NYC and then went to law school. After graduating, Shafaq worked at NYC nonprofits in Manhattan and Brooklyn for nearly a decade as a legal services attorney, representing low-income people with disabilities facing eviction and benefits issues. As part of her representation, Shafaq met clients in their homes to understand their lives, and learned to hold their truths with compassion while being a passionate advocate on their behalf in court. Through this experience, Shafaq became acquainted with people’s stories – the ones we tell and the ones we don’t – and learned to listen to the stories beneath the surface.

Shafaq lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.

September New Releases

It’s back to school time. Lucky for us, we have a back pack full of middle grade new releases to carry us into the fall.

Take a look at what’s going to fill story and library shelves this September – including an old favorite with a new look, some interesting new heroes, and a bunch of mysteries.

 

Ravenguard: A Ravenfall Novel by Kalyn Josephson 

A girl with psychic abilities and a boy with mysterious powers must unravel secrets and battle dark forces in order to save their world in the final Ravenfall adventure.

As whispers of winter beckon, Anna Ballinkay and Colin Pierce brace for change. The Ravenfall Inn, a magical nexus between worlds, is bustling with preparations for the Winter Solstice ball, which will bring together a mix of otherworldly guests and festive enchantments.

Amid the festivities, a young boy named Declan arrives and claims his new identity as a Raven, sparking a mission to rebuild the legendary Ravenguard.

While the inn buzzes with excitement, a sinister mystery unfolds: Supernatural beings are found lifeless, drained of their magic. As suspicion mounts, Anna, Colin, and their allies must uncover the cause before Ravenfall is destroyed.

Can the Ravenguard rise in time, or will the magic of Ravenfall be lost forever? Ancient legends stir and loyalties are tested in Kalyn Josephson’s thrilling series conclusion.

 

 

 

The Better to Eat You With by Tehlor Kay Mejia

From award-winning author Tehlor Kay Mejia comes a spine-tingling tale of transformation, mystery, and the monsters we face—inside and out.

What big teeth…

For twelve-year-old Evan, summertime has always meant carefree days with her family and unlimited time with her best friend, Billie. This year, with her parents on the brink of divorce, she’s staying at Billie’s summer cabin. But Billie only seems to care about crushes these days, and to make matters worse, Evan’s mom’s health obsession has climbed to new heights. The more Evan tries to appease her mom and control her hunger, the sharper it seems to get, until it threatens to drag her under.

As Evan tries to cling to the good things in her life, a sinister presence in the woods begins to stir. Kids are scared, and adults think everyone should go home. Determined to stay, Evan starts hunting for the creature and begins to wonder—is it just her imagination, or is the monster inside her?

 

 

 

 

Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave by Ally Russell

Abandoned in a cemetery and raised in a funeral home, a girl who can see and smell the supernatural must solve the mystery of a priceless heirloom stolen from her family’s business. Perfect for fans of Netflix’s Wednesday and Beetlejuice!

13-year-old Mystery—who was abandoned in a cemetery and raised in a funeral home—is plagued by sleep paralysis and the smell of ghosts, but she’s used to that. Even though her life might seem “strange” on the outside, she loves it.

That is until a priceless heirloom goes missing and her family’s funeral home is in danger of being shut down. To clear her Tia’s good name, Mystery embarks on an adventure to figure out what really happened to the misplaced necklace.

But to do so, she must contend with the angry patriarch of the town’s wealthiest family, a sleep paralysis demon, a graverobber, and the ghastly half-vampire, half-ghost that’s lurking in the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery.

 

 

 

Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel by Natalie Babbitt and K. Woodman-Maynard 

Celebrate Tuck Everlasting’s 50th anniversary with the stunning graphic novel adaptation of this beloved and spellbinding children’s classic that has sold more than 10 million copies.

What if you could live forever?

In this timeless story about immortality, friendship, and growing up, young Winnie Foster learns of a hidden spring in a nearby wood and meets the Tuck family, whose members reveal their astonishing discovery of the spring’s life-changing power. Now Winnie must decide what to do with her newfound knowledge—and the Tucks must decide what to do with her. But it’s not just the curious girl who is interested in their remarkable tale. A suspicious stranger is also searching for the Tucks, and he will stop at nothing until he finds them and uncovers their secret.

From Newbery Honoree and E. B. White Award winner Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting is a modern-day masterpiece that has been a staple on home bookshelves and in classrooms and libraries for half a century. Drawing closely from the original text, it is now brought to visual life in K. Woodman-Maynard’s gorgeous watercolor artwork. The perfect book for new readers and long-devoted fans alike, Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel is sure to be an all-time favorite for every generation.

 

 

 

Bridget Vanderpuff and the Great Airship Robbery #3 by Martin Stewart and David Habben 

Follow the brilliant Bridget Vanderpuff on another action-packed adventure as she sets off for Paris in this middle grade novel perfect for fans of The Great British Baking Show and Beth Lincoln!

Someone has stolen Mr. Vanderpuff’s golden whisk! If Bridget and her new friend Stacy don’t find it by midnight, the world’s best baker will never mix again.

And as the girls chase a chain of impossible puzzles through the secrets and shadows of Paris, Tom and Pascal find trouble in Belle-on-Sea…

Can Bridget and her friends crack the case and save the bakeshop in time?

 

 

 

 

 

The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell and Ashley Mackenzie 

Christopher Forrester woke to find a dragon chewing on his face—and his heart leapt for joy! He’d been dreaming of going back to the Archipelago, the secret cluster of islands where all the creatures of myth still live, and here was his summons.

But there is a poison spreading in the Archipelago. Rooting it out will involve a daring rescue mission on the back of a sphinx, a stealthy entrance to a dragon’s lair, and a death-defying plan to save a prisoner held in the heart of a castle. At the center of this storm is Anya: a small girl with a flock of birds at her side, a new-hatched chick in her pocket, and a ravenous hunger for justice.

Katherine Rundell’s second thrilling installment in the Impossible Creatures series involves castles, dragons, and revenge—the things of which great stories are made. The splendors within are brought to life with fifty illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures.

 

 

 

 

 

North for the Winter by Bobby Podesta

From Pixar star animator Bobby Podesta comes a middle-grade classic holiday story about Virginia, a girl who must help one of Santa’s reindeer back to the North Pole before Christmas.

What would you think if you saw a reindeer fly? When this happens to Virginia, she isn’t sure what to do – she’s just lost her mom, she’s in a new city, and everything seems so hard. But when she reluctantly confesses what she saw to her neighbor, Benny, he’s convinced that flying reindeer can only mean one thing: this is Santa business.

In this stunning graphic novel debut from Pixar director Bobby Podesta, two kids and a lost reindeer go up against obsessive hunters, suspiciously convincing department store elves, and radar operators for the Continental Air Defense Command Center. No matter the odds, Virginia’s going to get Christmas back on track!

 

 

 

 

Big Nate: No Harm Done!:  Volume 33 by Lincoln Peirce 

Sixth grade renaissance man Nate Wright is bombastic, enthusiastic, and larger than life–it’s why his friends call him “Big Nate.” But behind the bravado, Nate is a faithful friend whose antics crack up his classmates, impart life lessons to readers, and bring a smile to comics fans everywhere.

It’s back-to-school time for sixth-grader Nate Wright, and this just might be the best year ever! Rumors are flying that the villainous Mrs. Godfrey is now teaching EIGHTH grade. Chad is on the verge of destroying Gina in the race for class president. And could Nate finally realize his dream of changing the school mascot to . . . a sea cucumber? Hey, why not? He’s a can-do kind of guy. So when the Weekly Bugle needs a story, Nate’s happy to make headlines–by (allegedly) starting an epic food fight in the cafetorium! In this latest collection of gut-busting Big Nate comics, Nate’s always stirring things up, but at the end of every day, P.S. 38 is still standing. In other words: NO HARM DONE!

 

 

 

 

 

Roswell Johnson Saves the Galaxy! by Chris Colfer

Guardians of the Galaxy meets The Land of Stories in this sequel to Roswell Johnson Saves the World! Packed with humor, heart, and action, the second book in this adventure series will take middle grade readers on another epic journey, this time, to save the galaxy!

Something very strange is happening in our galaxy. People, spaceships, and whole stars are disappearing without a trace. The Milky Way Galactic Alliance can’t explain the bizarre phenomena, prompting Roswell and his alien friends to solve the mystery themselves. Along the way, Roswell discovers new technology that puts our entire solar system in grave danger, and he learns he’s closer to the problem than he ever thought possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See anything you like? Let us know in the comments.