New Releases

June 2026 New Releases!

The Cat Prophecies: Claw Quest

A thirteen-year-old boy holds the fate of his family, his neighborhood, and the world in his hands when he discovers that his cat is from a secret realm of warrior cats facing a dangerous enemy.

The walls between worlds are wearing thin. On one side is the bustling neighborhood of San Antonio—home to thirteen-year-old Tito Rodríguez.On the other is a mythical realm where forces of darkness are looking for a way out. Standing between worlds are the guardians of humankind—a race of fierce warrior cats, who appear in our world as cute and furry companions.

When Tito follows a stray cat through a hidden portal, he finds himself at the center of this cosmic battle between the warrior cats and evil spirits that feed on negative emotions. And according to an ancient prophecy, Tito is the Chosen One who will lead the fight against the forces of darkness . . . probably.

It turns out that there are three possible Chosen Ones—Tito and his new friends and fellow outsiders Luisito and Isa, who have their own furry sidekicks (or wise mentors, if you ask the cats). And with the darkness slipping through the cracks to the human world, all three will have to train for the ultimate fight and prove who is the true hero.

 

Roxie in Color

By Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka

Roxie wants to blend in at a new school, which is hard to do when your parents are blind, in this remarkable novel about friendship, misperceptions, and family—plus a dog’s view of the world.

Roxie loves her parents, but other people can’t seem to see past the fact that they’re blind—and they don’t really see Roxie, either. To them, she’s just “the girl with the blind parents.” So when her family moves to a new town and Roxie starts seventh grade at a new school, she’s determined to be known for the other parts of who she is: an artist, an animal lover, and the kind of person who bakes cookies for people she cares about for no special reason. But that means keeping her parents’ blindness a secret from the kids at school and definitely not telling anyone that she might inherit the eye condition that caused her mother’s vision loss—at least until they get to know her.

For a while, Roxie is happier than she’s ever been. But when her lies and omissions lead to a visit from Child Protective Services, will Roxie find the courage to be fully honest with her friends, her parents, and herself? This heartfelt depiction of a girl establishing her own identity, with some chapters told from the perspective of her mother’s loyal guide dog, is an authentic portrayal of the joys, challenges, and everyday ordinariness of being raised by parents who have a disability.

Note: The novel is typeset in Atkinson Hyperlegible, a font developed by Braille Institute specifically for low-vision readers.

 

Glow

By Nancy Stone

Cordelia believes in facts. Frano believes in destiny. They’re as different as storm clouds and sunshine—until they discover three baby white storks that glow with mysterious light.

No one else can see the glow, just Cordelia and Frano—and she wants nothing to do with the new boy. Yet with a massive hurricane barreling toward Florida, the birds’ very survival depends on this unlikely pair.

Glow pulses with light and unforgettable characters. A magical realism story that aims for and captures the heart.

For anyone who loved Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet or Willodeen.

 

 

 

 

 

Sol Goes for Goal!

It’s back to school for the Hillside Valley kids! Sol’s trying out for the middle school soccer team but will a crush on the team captain distract her from her goals? Find out in this new Hillside Valley graphic novel—filled with friendship, first crushes, and some impressive soccer skills!

Welcome back to Hillside Valley-this time it’s Game On for Sol!

Twelve-year-old Sol is a great friend, a model student, a beloved daughter and a star soccer player. At least that’s what everyone always expects of her. But when the soccer team captain Lily walks by, Sol starts to lose focus. What’s with this heart fluttering feeling she has around Lily?! And how can she stay the star player–the star everything–that people see her as if she can barely remember her name (much less how to play soccer) around Lily? Is Sol destined to let everyone down, including herself? Or can she figure out how to be the Sol she wants to be…on and off the field. Settle back into the cozy community of Hillside Valley in this second irresistible graphic novel! And don’t miss the first Hillside Valley Graphic Novel, Speak Up, Santiago!

 

Midsummer Sisters

Kenzie and Quinn aren’t just stepsisters – they’re best friends. They’re spending the summer with their grandmother, kayaking in the marshy coastal islands she calls home. The Outer Banks are also home to a herd of wild ponies, and the girls fall in love with a fragile newborn foal that they name Starling.

But even blue skies and sandy beaches can’t distract from what’s going on back home. Things between their parents aren’t the way they used to be, and the constant fights have left Kenzie and Quinn anxious and confused. They can’t remember a time when they weren’t a family. If their parents divorce and Quinn and her mom move away, will they even still be sisters . . . or will they be nothing?

As their world shifts around them, the girls swear to do the one thing they can: keep Starling safe.

Award-winning cartoonist Niki Smith delivers a stunning story set during a summer of change. Filled with gorgeous and expressive illustrations, Midsummer Sisters is a celebration of the beauty of wild horses, as powerful as the unbreakable bond between sisters.

 

 

Lightmare

Book #2 of The Incorruptibles

Fiora’s world has been turned upside down in this second book in the exciting upper middle grade fantasy series The Incorruptibles, for fans of Keeper of the Lost Cities and The Marvellers.

Still reeling from recent tragedies, Fiora and her Thistle teammates are on the run and living in seclusion. Times are difficult, and the Thistles are more vulnerable to the sorcerer threat than ever. But all is not lost. The Thistles are forming a plan to fight back.

But when terrible truths are revealed, deep fractures form within the team. When one of their own makes a choice Fiora never saw coming—and cannot possibly understand—Fiora and her friends are forced to reexamine what is good and what is evil…as well as the gray space between.

 

Just Ask Elsie

 

Elsie Parker is having a totally normal fifth grade year.

Fractions and conjunctions—check.
Stressing about middle school—check.
Body-positive puberty class at church that also covers feelings and identities—check.

Okay, maybe that last one isn’t so normal. It’s a little weird (and awkward) to spend her Sundays talking periods, B.O., and pimples. But Elsie’s also learning a lot more than she’s heard in her public-school health class — like the difference between sex and gender, and what consent is, and what it might mean that she can’t stop blushing around a certain cute girl at her school.

When her puberty lessons become the school’s latest gossip, Elsie’s totally humiliated… until she finds an anonymous note in her locker from a classmate who wants to know more, and realizes that other kids might have embarrassing questions of their own.

Starting an underground advice board wasn’t exactly in her plans, but Elsie won’t pass up a chance to turn her reputation around — or to share words and labels that have not-so-accidentally been left off their curriculum. But when the principal tries to shut down the unauthorized puberty talk, Elsie has to decide what she’s willing to risk to tell the truth to kids who really need to hear it.

 

Stream

It’s finally summer—heck, yeah!

With eigth grade done, Elio Solis plans to lock in on his gaming and show the fellas what he’s got.

Celi Rivera and her bestie are headed to Hawaii to sun, skate, and search content for her channel.

But those dreams end when a catfishing incident rocks their Oakland community. Suddenly, parents are nosing in posts, taking phones, and laying down lectures about screen-time safety and well-being. Suddenly, Celi and Elio find themselves sent to rural Mexico, without internet, electricity, or even running water save for a dying stream that could wipe out the whole pueblo in the coming summer rains.

Helping curanderas in a healing clinic…
carting sticks to rehabilitate the arroyo…
turn summer dreams to misery!

But day by day, in nature, beauty, and community, with crushes blooming, can they find their way to each other—and slowly back to themselves?

 

 

The Replay Trap

A girl stuck in a time loop repeatedly relives an awkward sleepover at a wildlife center with a wolf-like monster in the woods in this fun and creepy middle grade adventure.

When Sydney heads to a sleepover birthday party at a wildlife center, she’s sure it’s a terrible idea. Not only because she’ll be staying in a creepy cabin surrounded by wolf enclosures, but because she wasn’t actually invited to the party. Instead, her mom asked Ari’s mom if Sydney could join, and now she’s crashing the event with a group of kids she barely knows. Ugh.It turns out she isn’t the only party crasher when a strange, wolf-like creature bounds out of the woods and throws the night into chaos. In the rush to escape, Sydney hits her head, is knocked out cold…and wakes up back in the car, headed to the party.

Sydney realizes she’s living the same night again and again and again. Why is the evening stuck in a loop, and what is the creature prowling around the center? And—most importantly—how can she break the loop and finally see the morning?

Fifth Grade Top Dogs

By Jerry Spinelli

George, aka “Suds,” is about to start the fifth grade, where he, his best friend Joey, and the rest of his classmates will be the top dogs of the whole school. They are ready to collect on the respect they now deserve and leave their lasting legacy at Gotwals Elementary . . . but that’s easier said than done.

Between bullies on the playground and a prankster sister, Suds is being undermined, ignored, and even challenged everywhere he turns.

Suds knows this could finally be his year, if only he works on his walk, perfects his image, and his annoying little sister stays out of his way. He has been preparing to be a top dog his whole elementary school career. Does he now have what it takes?

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoy these exciting new releases. Have a great Summer!

Author Interview – Angela Cervantes – The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy

From Pura Belpré Honor recipient Angela Cervantes and perfectly timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy follows 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada on a high-stakes case as he tracks down the tournament’s stolen trophy in time for the championship match. Also available in Spanish!

book cover of mystery of stolen world cup trophy - character all in black running down the stairs holding the world cup trophy

Photo of author angela cervantes sitting at a table

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diez Espada—named after the jersey number of his soccer-obsessed father’s favorite player, Lionel Messi—would rather be chasing clues than soccer balls. When the World Cup trophy disappears at a glitzy party in Miami, he’s suddenly at the center of the most thrilling match of his life—a race to find the trophy before it’s gone for good.

Teaming up with his crush, Rio, and the world-famous Detective Enzo, Diez dives headfirst into a one-night whirlwind of secret tunnels and a squad of suspicious suspects: a spoiled son of a Miami tycoon, a famous sportscaster, and even Rio’s two prankster younger brothers.

The clock is ticking, the suspects are slippery, and the stadium lights are ready to shine. Will Diez find the trophy in time for the World Cup championship match?

 

Let’s get the big question out of the way at the beginning: I’m guessing you’re a huge Messi fan? Or is there another player/team you admire?  

AC: That’s so funny you ask that. At all my school visits, the second I reveal that I love soccer. Students ask me who’s the GOAT? Messi or Ronaldo. It’s a dangerous question and I try to avoid answering it because it means I’ll lose half of the audience. But I’m happy to reveal the truth with you: For me, Messi is the GOAT. I’ve been a fan of Leo Messi since his days at Barcelona. And I’ve been lucky enough to see him play twice: once in Barcelona at the legendary Camp Nou. The second time his team Inter Miami came to Kansas City to play our home team Sporting KC. He even scored a goal during the game which was a dream to witness. There are many other fútbol players I admire like Marta from the Brazilian national women’s team, Vini Junior from Brazil, but Leo will always be my fave! On and off the pitch, he’s an inspiration.

I loved all the little details through your novel – the lobster costume, the squawking bird, Al Capone’s tunnel, etc. What was the research like for writing this book? 

AC: Thanks! I love the talking bird! The green parrot, Soledad, and the lavender poodle, Spice, were so much fun to write. Inspiration for both came from an article I read about an exclusive hotel in Miami and Las Vegas that had a popular mascot that everyone treated like celebrities. I thought that was an over the top and fun detail! Research for this book was one of my favorite parts of writing this book. Miami has such rich history and culture that I wanted the city to feel like a real character, not just a backdrop. I started digging into Al Capone’s connection to Miami. He really did live there, and at the time, Miami’s city officials were not happy about it. Also, my dive into the history of the Jules Rimet trophy, kept feeding the story. Every new discovery opened another secret tunnel. 

 I had no idea the original world cup trophy had been stolen so many times and a couple never recovered! Was this your inspiration for the book and/or what inspired you? 

AC: Yes, the real history of the original FIFA World Cup trophy, known as the Jules Rimet, is what sparked everything. This extremely valuable and coveted trophy was stolen twice! The first theft was in London in 1966. The robbers took it while it was on display and demanded a ransom. Of course, FIFA refused to pay a ransom. With no other choice, the robbers dumped the trophy. Luckily, a sweet dog named Pickles found it wrapped in newspaper on his morning walk. Pickles deserves a hundred books about him! The second (and final) theft was in Rio De Janiero, Brazil in 1983. The trophy had been given to the country of Brazil after their team won the world cup three times—thanks to the legendary Pele.  

Sadly, this time there was no ransom note. No Pickles the dog to recover it. The trophy was never found, and no one arrested. To this day no one knows what happened to it. That unsolved mystery was the spark: what if the FIFA trophy went missing during the 2026 World Cup in North America? Once that idea took hold, the book followed.

I loved your Detective Enzo and the International Criminal La Lechuza.  How fun was it to write these characters? 

AC: Thank you. Detective Enzo and La Lechuza were completely inspired by classic Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes type detectives and villians. And I love the idea that we haven’t seen the last of these two characters. I wanted my young sleuth Diez to feel like he was out of his league and to doubt whether he truly belonged in the game or should stay on the bench. Of course, Diez knows he can’t sit this one out. No chance. Like he says, solving mysteries runs in his blood.  

What would you say is the hardest and easiest part about writing a mystery? 

AC: For me, the toughest part is managing the clues. I wanted to be sure to plant them carefully enough that a sharp reader could follow the trail, but not so obviously that the ending feels predictable. Personally, I despise a forced or predictable whodunit ending. I really aimed to avoid that by allowing my main character, Diez, to use his smarts to put the pieces together. For me, the easiest part of writing this novel was the momentum. Once the trophy is stolen and Detective Enzo shows up on the scene, the mystery takes off. Enzo’s arrival propels Diez’ desire to help despite every adult, including Detective Enzo, trying to keep him out of it. All this tension moved the story forward naturally. It made the writing exciting and fun. 

What are some of your favorite middle grade novels and why do you like them so much? 

AC: When I’m doing school visits, I always tell students about three books I absolutely loved! One is Charlotte’s Web by EB White, The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, and Mary Downing Hahn’s Wait Till Helen Comes.  I also had a fair share of mystery books that I loved too. One in particular that I continue to pick up every once in a while, is From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. I think I love these books so much because the main characters face real stakes and have so much emotional depth.

Now that this book is out in the world, what are some next steps for you? 

AC: Now it’s time to shift into promotion mode, which is my least favorite part of this job. But I believe in this book, and I know there are readers out there who need it. It won’t find them if I don’t do my part to get the word out. So, I’ll show up, talk about it, and trust that it lands where it’s supposed to.

Beyond that, I’m finishing Anomalies 53: Dragon Dreams, Book 2 in my fantasy series, which comes out July 2026. I’m also considering a new mystery for Diez and I have ideas brewing for fans of The Cursed Moon. Plenty to keep me busy.

Is there anything else you want to share about The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy for our audience of teachers, librarians, and middle grade authors? 

AC: I’m happy to share that it will also be released simultaneously in Spanish on May 5th 

This is a huge deal to me as with most of my middle-grade novels, the Spanish version has come out about a year later, and only if the English book did well enough to justify it. The implicit message of this is that Spanish-speaking readers were secondary. Seeing this change feels meaningful. And especially with this World Cup-inspired novel. As everyone knows, the World Cup tournament is watched by billions of people around the world. And a large chunk of that includes Spanish-speaking countries and communities. So, it seems only fitting it should be released in both languages straight from the first whistle. 

It will also be available in an audiobook format too, which is awesome for those who prefer that format.

May 2026 New Releases!

Hey, it’s May! And lots of shiny, new middle grade books are making their way into readers’ hands. Here are a few to check out!


Journey Through the Waterfall (Magic Gems #1) bookcover

Two books in the new Scholastic series: Magic Gems, by Payal Doshi

Journey Through the Waterfall (Magic Gems #1)

Lily the Water Gem helps her family take care of otters who splash around near the lake. When one of the baby otters is injured, Lily rushes to help. It soon becomes clear that the otter needs a special medicine made from flowers that grow beyond a powerful waterfall. The Gem who goes on the mission to collect the flowers must be brave, strong, and fast—because time is running out. Lily volunteers to make the journey. She’ll do anything to save one of her beloved otters!

 

Lost in the Crystal Caves (Magic Gems #2) bookcover

Lost in the Crystal Caves (Magic Gems #2)

Rio, an Earth Gem, is eager to earn his first gemstone in order to do more for his animal neighbors. One afternoon, a fox bounds up to Rio, clearly in distress. Another fox is lost inside the nearby Crystal Caves! Without waiting for his fellow Gems, Rio heads into the caves. Once inside, finding a lost fox proves trickier than Rio thought it would be. He’s worried he might get lost himself!

 

 


Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa bookcoverSqualo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa

A Graphic Novel by Kara Bodegón-Hikino

After losing her father in an attack by the evil Tikbalang, Mage and her best friend, Squalo, set off an important quest far from home to honor her father’s last wish—find the Bakunawa, the guardian of the sea.

But Mage and Squalo don’t know where to find the Bakunawa. And the evil Tikbalang was only one underling of Ventrolio, the nightmare maker, who is hunting Mage at any cost. Mage and Squalo’s journey takes them all over Mundo, facing monsters and possessed minions of Ventrolio until they hear news of an angry bakunawa that would rather destroy ships and summon storms than help sailors. Why would Mage’s father send them to someone so dangerous? Can Mage and Squalo uncover the truth before the Bakunawa unleashes her wrath and plunges all of Mundo into chaos?


My Name Is Harriet Mansoor (Not Hairy Man Suit!) bookcoverMy Name Is Harriet Mansoor (Not Hairy Man Suit!)

By Haleh Massey (Author) and Rashin Kheiriyeh (Illustrator)

Eleven-year-old Hangameh “Harriet” Mansoor really needs to catch a break. Puberty gifted her a big nose and bushy eyebrows, which make her stick out even more than being the only Iranian girl among all her blonde, blue-eyed classmates. But the sixth-grade camping trip to Camp Cottontail could be the perfect opportunity to turn her middle-school fate around. She’d finally have a little space from her over-protective parents and moody older sister; she’d have some serious fun with her best friend Cathy; and she’d maybe even gather up the courage to talk to her long-time crush, Jeremy.

Unfortunately, a string of terrible luck threatens everything. Her bully, Sarah Gill, starts to date Jeremy and when she catches a glimpse of Harriet’s unshaved legs, she gives Harriet an awful nickname: Hairy Man Suit. But worst of all, her parents announce that money problems might force them to move all the way back to Iran–and soon–sending her far away from her best friend and everything she knows. While Harriet usually tries to blend in as much as possible and keep the peace, she’ll have to speak up and stand up if she wants to solve any of these catastrophes. But can she do it before her family packs up everything to leave the country?


All about Us bookcover

All about Us: 20 True Tales of Courage and Disability

By Hannalora Leavitt (Author) and Stef Wong (Illustrator)

Meet twenty inspiring kids and adults living with disability today. Stefan Daniel is a Paralympian who began competing when he was 16 and won Canada’s first paratriathlon medal in 2016. Zamaan Jivraj, aka The Granola Kid, launched an online granola company and doesn’t let his diagnosis of Down syndrome define him. Stella Bartlett is a teen singer and performer from CBC’s Ukulele U, where she was the only performer on the show with a disability.

From journalists to NASA scientists to TikTok stars and kidpreneurs, young readers will be introduced to people who were born with a disability and others who became disabled because of illness or an accident. All About Us explores the basic categories of disability: intellectual, sensory, physical and invisible. Readers will discover how every disability, whether it’s deafness, blindness or neurodiversity, has its own unique set of adaptations to help manage the tasks of daily life. No two blind people, intellectually challenged people or people who use wheelchairs are the same.


One Ocean bookcoverOne Ocean: 7 Ways to Save the Seas

By Mark Leiren-Young (Author) and Bithi Sutradhar (Illustrator)

About seventy percent of our planet is ocean, and over 250,000 species call it home. But most of the animals that live in it–from the biggest whales to the smallest plankton–are being affected by the climate crisis.

In One Ocean, learn about practical ways to keep the ocean clean, the effects of the climate crisis, how to get political in your community and how small actions can have a big impact. Meet young activists and discover what inspires them, including Ta’Kaiya Blaney, a singer-songwriter and actor from the Tla’amin Nation, and Finlay Pringle, who fought to stop raw sewage from being dumped in the ocean near his home in Scotland. Come away with actionable steps to take because protecting the ocean is up to us. And, since all oceans connect, there is really only one ocean for all.


Song of the Yellow Dragon bookcoverSong of the Yellow Dragon

By Ying Ping Low

There is a secret that every child knows: Magic is real. But by the time children turn thirteen, they forget that magic is anything but make-believe. Mengyao wants to remember. Born in a village nestled in a secluded vale, Mengyao wants to hold on to magic and become a Divine Healer. But with her thirteenth birthday fast approaching, she is losing hope.

Young emperor Kai is on the run from traitorous advisors. He’s searching for the fabled Dragon’s Pulse, a magic capable of defeating his enemies. On the brink of his thirteenth birthday, Kai doesn’t have much longer. So when he meets Mengyao—the girl whose name is mentioned in his legend—he forces aside his instinctual distrust and recruits her to help him on his quest.

On their perilous journey, Kai and Mengyao find aid in unexpected forms like a jade hare, a moon goddess, and a handful of promises. But as enemies close in and time runs out, secrets that will reshape the fate of their kingdom forever come to light.


Wombat Waiting bookcoverWombat Waiting

By Katherine Applegate

Wombat isn’t actually a wombat—but when the homeless dog is discovered, singed and ash-covered after a terrible fire destroys a community, someone tags her with the nickname and it sticks. Wombat is a “destiny dog.” Something inside of her (she nicknames it “Voice’) keeps telling her there’s a special someone out there who is meant to be her person.

Surrounded by a devastated town, Wombat takes up residence on bench near the makeshift community center, an old brick warehouse that, for the most part, survived the flames. A small part of the community center evacuation site has been repurposed for the local wildlife rehab sanctuary that burned down. All of the animals were spared, and the temporary quarters include an elderly fruit bat and a young Northern saw-whet owl.

No matter what, Wombat refuses to move from her perch, despite the efforts of many humans. Clearly the dog is waiting for someone. But for whom? And what are the odds they survived?


The Last Immortals: Dawn of the Axolotl bookcoverThe Last Immortals: Dawn of the Axolotl

By Kit Brooks

There’s danger lurking in the depths of the lake. Ace learns this early–when his twin brother cruelly devours his tail and leaves him for dead. Separated from his family, Ace is cast into a perilous waterway. He is wary of trusting others, but his survival will depend on it as he navigates treacherous algae blooms and hunts for food while he waits for his tail to regenerate. And when he stumbles upon a glowing green axolotl named Ariel, he learns that, with training, axolotls can develop an incredible power: immortality. With high rewards come unspeakable risks, and Ace has been hurt before. But the potential to cheat death might be too hard to resist.

This action-packed adventure explores the strength that develops through adversity as Ace confronts bullying, betrayal, poisoned waters, and vicious predators, all while forming lasting bonds with the courageous axolotls he meets along the way.

 


The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy bookcoverThe Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy

By Angela Cervantes

Diez Espada—named after the jersey number of his soccer-obsessed father’s favorite player, Lionel Messi—would rather be chasing clues than soccer balls. When the World Cup trophy disappears at a glitzy party in Miami, he’s suddenly at the center of the most thrilling match of his life—a race to find the trophy before it’s gone for good.

Teaming up with his crush, Rio, and the world-famous Detective Enzo, Diez dives headfirst into a one-night whirlwind of secret tunnels and a squad of suspicious suspects: a spoiled son of a Miami tycoon, a famous sportscaster, and even Rio’s two prankster younger brothers.

The clock is ticking, the suspects are slippery, and the stadium lights are ready to shine. Will Diez find the trophy in time for the World Cup championship match?


Listen to the Girls bookcoverListen to the Girls

By Chrystal D. Giles

Calla has always had smart-girl energy. She’s Josiah the track star’s practical younger sister. Charlee and Jacoby’s problem-solving best friend. Attorney Dionne Howard’s model daughter. So it’s nice when someone seems to see her for her, outside of all that. But what if that person is a grown-up who maybe isn’t as trustworthy as Calla thought? Calla’s mom likes to say “Always do what you know is right.” But what if you don’t know what the right thing is?

These are the questions Calla faces on the last day of seventh grade, when she finds out that her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct at his old school. Calla doesn’t know what really happened. She does know that people are saying mean things about the girls who have spoken out—and that can’t be right . . . can it? Inspired by her favorite newsblogger, EboniNews (whose motto is Amplify. Connect. Truth. ACT.), Calla has an idea. Can she find a way to ACT?


Diamond Fever! bookcoverDiamond Fever! A True Crime Story in the Wild West

By Steve Sheinkin

Late one night two travel-weary miners, Philip Arnold and John Slack, show up at a businessman’s office in San Francisco. The miners seem nervous. They’ve got something that needs to be locked in a safe overnight. What is it? Well, that really has to stay secret, but it’s… DIAMONDS! And lots of them. Had these two miners just discovered America’s first diamond mine? Well, this is the Gold Rush era after all. Plenty of people are striking it rich. Anything is possible.

When word of the find hits the streets, diamond fever sweeps the country. Wealthy investors are desperate to elbow Arnold and Slack aside and seize control—but can they persuade the miners to reveal the location of their bonanza? At the same time, thousands of prospectors fan out across the mountains and deserts of the West—will one of them find the site before greedy bankers grab everything for themselves?

 


The Second Life of Snap bookcoverThe Second Life of Snap

By Erin Entrada Kelly

Bright Valley Subsidized Camp #5 is not a perfect place to live. It’s dusty, there are no trees to provide respite from the beating sun, the trailers are falling apart, and the water supply is heavily rationed. But to twelve-year-old Zuzu Santos and her three best friends, Bright Valley is home.

When Zuzu’s dad loses his job at Lockwood, the corporation that controls everything from rations to education, he isn’t given money or food or water as severance, but a dated, first-generation robot. They do not provide a working charging station. Zuzu names the robot Snap, and he soon becomes part of the Bright Valley family. But Snap’s battery is dwindling every day, and though Snap is prepared for his inevitable reset, Zuzu isn’t. She would do whatever it takes to keep Snap alive. The problem is, Snap would do the same for Zuzu and her friends, no matter the cost.

 


Karen Latchana Kenney is a children’s author and editor who loves creating all kinds of STEM books and classroom content. Find her at https://www.karenlatchanakenney.com/.