It Came from the Creek written by Amy Sarig King and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Set in 1980, the story follows Katy and her best friend, Joel, as they investigate a mysterious and troubling problem in their hometown, Lorane Creek has become contaminated. The water smells terrible, looks strange, and is making people sick. Joel can't stop getting sick, Katy's eyes burn, and the toxic backup is even making her grandmother's home unsafe. As Katy and Joel document the strangeness and discover a sinister man deliberately dumping pollutants into the water, they realize the problem mirrors the bullying they face at school. The bullies, both the man polluting the creek and their classmates, operate because they believe they can get away with their actions. As the contamination threatens to ruin the creek and the community, Katy, Joel, and their neighbors must find the courage to stand up to these bullies before it's too late. Woven throughout are excerpts from a school assignment Katy is working on that describe a future readers will recognize as contemporary, drawing connections between past, present, and future. The author layers multiple important themes: environmental justice, classism, corruption, sexism, and upstanding, into a narrative that feels both nostalgic and empowering.

Straight Talk for Librarians: King has a remarkable gift for tackling tough, real-world topics in ways that feel age-appropriate and authentic for middle grade and young adult readers. The dual storylines, the environmental mystery at the creek and the social conflicts at school keep readers engaged and curious about what will happen next. The characters of Katy and Joel are sympathetic and relatable; they're independent young people who also maintain supportive relationships with their parents and teachers, making them feel genuine and grounded. The 1980s setting provides rich historical texture, from references to the Phillies' historic World Series run to period-specific details woven throughout, giving the story nostalgic charm while remaining relevant to contemporary readers. There are a lot of themes here: environmental protection, consent, patriarchy, and social responsibility. I really thought it was just going to be about environmentalism and pollution.  Adding all the extra social justice issues is a lot for a middle grade reader.  The mystery itself is engaging, with genuine suspense that builds throughout, and the emphasis on friendship and collective action offers an affirming message about the power of standing together. Readers will find themselves invested in whether Katy and Joel can reclaim their creek, their homes, and their place in their community.

Huda #4: Huda F Would Love You? written by Huda Fahmy and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This fourth and final graphic novel in the beloved Huda F series by Huda Fahmy. Set during the summer after Huda's high school graduation, the story follows her as she begins community college and pursues her mission to find a husband. Armed with a plan to charm the aunties into setting her up with eligible sons and supported by a new squad of girl-power friends, Huda navigates the complexities of Muslim courtship and modern romance. However, as she encounters a seemingly perfect boy in her English literature class and stumbles through unspoken cultural rules and expectations, she discovers that finding her "happily ever after" requires more than external validation. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: At 256 pages, this coming-of-age story balances rom-com lightness with meaningful character growth, exploring marriage readiness, self-awareness, and the role of community in a young Muslim woman's life. Readers will connect will connect with this story because it authentically captures the confusion and excitement of navigating romance and identity during young adulthood. For Muslim teens, especially hijabi girls, the book offers rare and unapologetic representation that feels genuinely seen and understood. Readers consistently report that Huda's experiences mirror their own—from the awkwardness of gender separation in their communities to the constant pressure and judgment from aunties and uncles. The humor throughout makes serious topics feel accessible rather than preachy, allowing teens to laugh while processing real challenges.The graphic novel format keeps the story engaging and visually entertaining.  The book handles mature themes like grooming, passive-aggressive behavior, and misogynistic attitudes in age-appropriate ways that spark important conversations. The inclusion of strong historical and contemporary Muslim women as role models—like Khadijah and Fatima Al-Fihriyyah—provides positive cultural anchors. Additionally, the relationship red flags guide at the end empowers young readers with practical wisdom about recognizing unhealthy dynamics. The story also celebrates platonic love, familial bonds, and self-love, resonating with teens of all backgrounds who are learning to accept themselves. Fahmy's witty, self-aware voice and the genuine character development make this book feel like advice from a trusted older sister rather than adult instruction. This book enriches school libraries by offering teens a mirror, a window, and a map for navigating their own journeys toward authenticity and self-love.

Ghosted: A Funny and Heartwarming Story About Seventh Grade Friendship for Children written by Michael Fry and reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Main character Larry has been best friends with Grimm since fourth grade. Now in seventh grade, Grimm dies after being struck by lightning. But Larry discovers that friendship doesn't die that easily, as Grimm continues to haunt Larry! Larry is determined to help his friend cross over and believes the answer lies in their bucket list. Together Larry and Grimm embark on a series of wild misadventures in their pursuit of helping Grimm move on. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Ghosted holds much in common with the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series -- wild hijinks and the same illustrated text format. While the story at first is lighthearted and silly, seriousness creeps in as secondary characters express concern for Larry and acknowledge his grief. Larry also meets with a psychologist and has a conversation about how people talk to the dead all the time, how that can feel quite real, and also guilt. The reader becomes aware that Grimm was, in fact, not always a nice person, and Larry is struggling with how to make amends to some of the people Grimm hurt. The over-the-top escapades keep the story light hearted and funny even while dealing with serious topics like grief, guilt, and bullying. In the drawings, Larry is white and Grimm is black.

My Animalitos: A Frida Kahlo Story written by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: In a lovely tribute to Frida Kahlo in spirit and in connection to animals, this board book will appeal to animal loving children and their parents. This would be a perfect gift for a schoolteacher, especially an art teacher. An ode to a famous painter with a menagerie of animals that she loved dearly. This is a brightly colored board book with a feeling of warmth, love, and compassion for animals and the qualities they share with us. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Each animal is introduced with poetic comparison of the animal and the character trait Frida gains from that animal. It reads powerfully with Frida depicted with the animals much like Kahlo did in her own art. In very few words, this book manages to both honor a celebrated Mexican artist and the child that is reading or being read the words. These statements are bold declarations of spirit, connection, and acceptance. It is lovely.

Grow written by Theodore Henry ; illustrated by Hsulynn Pang and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: I love the bright colors in this ode to a growing child. The book begins with a mother during pregnancy. The children in these glorious illustrations are diverse races. The poem is a lovely tribute to family. The comparison to a garden is lovely. There are pull tabs that make a lovely garden off the top of the book if all pulled out at once. I expect young children will love the smiling faces of the humans as much as the beautiful flora on each page. The poem is written in cursive and visually appealing as much as lyrical to read. Children are a wonder and I bet any new parent would love to share that wonder with their children. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I was very impressed with the quality of this board book. It feels sturdy throughout and since there are pull up sections, that is a huge deal for me. I will be recommending my friends in need of baby shower gifts to see this book, for sure.

Digital Red: A Modern Fairy-Tale Series written by Kimberly Delude, illustrated by Jan Dolby and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Digital Red is the third book in the Modern Fairy-Tale series, offering a clever, contemporary twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood story. Instead of a red cloak, Digital Red is obsessed with her red phone, constantly texting, taking selfies, and posting on social media. When Fairy Godmother asks her to deliver healing soup to Granny's house, Digital Red can't resist sharing her plans online. A mysterious new "friend," @TBBW (The Big Bad Wolf), begins messaging her with seemingly helpful suggestions about where to go. However, this online interaction takes a dangerous turn when Red realizes she's shared too much personal information. Through witty dialogue and vibrant illustrations, this fractured fairy tale teaches an important lesson about online safety and the risks of communicating with strangers on the internet. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Digital Red is an excellent addition to school libraries, offering both entertainment and educational value. The story addresses the critical topic of digital citizenship in an age-appropriate, engaging format that resonates with young readers. The book includes discussion questions that spark meaningful conversations about internet safety, critical thinking, and decision-making. Teachers and librarians can use this resource to facilitate lessons on online safety, stranger danger in digital spaces, and responsible technology use. The snappy dialogue and vibrant illustrations make it engaging for read-alouds, while the important messaging makes it suitable for both classroom instruction and independent reading. If you happen to be in an IB PYP library you can easily connect this to the Learner Profile, particularly the attributes of being "principled" and "knowledgeable." The story encourages students to think critically about digital citizenship, make ethical choices online, and understand the consequences of sharing personal information. Through this fractured fairy tale, students develop awareness of global issues in our technology-driven world.

Curriculum on author's website!

The Oregon Trail #1: The Race to Chimney Rock written by Jesse Wiley and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This Choose Your Own Adventure in the Oregon Trail series took me right back to the early 90's and playing this game with students in public schools where I was a substitute teacher. (The game had everything and I wanted to know how this book series could capture that excitement, dread, wonder, and risk taking.) Jesse Wiley must have played the game, as well as this book has it all! Backmatter guides you to how to problem solve issues that affected Westward settlers. (A foreword reminds readers to read the backmatter before making their first decision.) There are short sections/chapters of only a few pages and then you face a choice. Choose right and your journey continues. Choose wrong and you may die or be lost or be without supplies including that wagon that is your chance for a better future. I chose well for a bit, but then there was an impossible choice that I did not like at all and I did die. I went back to where I had chosen wrong and made a new choice. This time I finished the journey and ended at Chimney Rock. I did go back and read more with different choices to see what would have happened. In short, this is a fun book and I think my students will like it. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Note to teachers- If your district requires Westward Expansion knowledge, read on! I have never been a fan of Choose Your Own Adventure books, but this series was a connection for me to my younger years in teaching. If my students do like this series, I will add more for them. I like the connections to history, geography, and life skills (fixing wagons, managing money and supplies, caring for the ill or injured, and hierarchy of the wagon train) for the characters that students may gain more insight from. I played both Oregon Trail and Amazon Trail with my students and their knowledge of locations and animals were directly boosted by these games. I also discovered at my local library that the Oregon Trail game is available on a couple of different game systems. (My library had it!)

The Oregon Trail #7: Gold Rush! written by Jesse Wiley and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This series that replicates the subject of a game I taught my earliest classes to allow us to better understand the problem solving needed during Westward Expansion was quite the hit. I hope this series will do the same for my current students. Each book in the series explains where the wagon train is at, the dangers of the next section of the trail, as well as some tips for avoiding those dangers. The path has a divide to reckon with: head to California or to Oregon. There are friendships to be made, hard decisions to be made, and animals to hunt or care for in order to move your wagons safely on that trail. Some may be trustworthy that you meet on the trail, but others have no good intentions. Reading the notes in the backmatter allows you the best chance to complete this story with success. Some endings will be loss of oxen to pull your wagons, loss of other humans, or your own life. Sickness is prevalent along the trail and you have to have your wits about you to stay well. This series and this book are a lot of fun. I hope my students will also have fun with the rest books. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I think this series is worth book talks as historical fiction is studied in my schools and the short chapters may engage my less motivated readers. Westward expansion is part of the curriculum and the issues of the 1800's might be fascinating for today's generation.

The Oregon Trail #8: The Oregon Trail: Calamity in the Cold written by Jesse Wiley and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: Moving from Florida to Oregon is no easy feat in 1845. Unusual weather also makes the trail more difficult. Many hazards await. Will teaming up with a Cherokee family you meet along the way increase your chance of success? I made more mistakes in this book than in The Race to Chimney Rock. I realize that the game I used to play with students early in my career allowed me not to walk away. I saw the words The End, returned to my choice and continued the story. When I finally reached Oregon City, I felt that same rush. This book did not have to be read specifically before or after the last. It stands alone with its own challenges. I look forward to sharing this with students next year. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Some students like short chapters and a Choose your adventure book may be just what engages them. I will have to book talk these to explain how to check the back of the book notes, Guide to the Trail, before beginning the story. I will allow students to think about how to manage an early death due to the dangers on the Oregon Trail. I will likely also prep them that there used to be an enormously popular game that engaged students in Westward Expansion in wonderful ways. Though I don't think many of my students will find this series on their own, they may respond well to it once I talk about it.

Spirit Animals: Fall of the Beasts #3: The Return by Varian Johnson reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: If you like longer series with riveting characters, action, danger, adventure, and majestic animals, this Spirit Animals series is for you! Follow Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan as they seek to stop the Wyrm that is taking over humans and spirit animals with only destruction in mind. There are many characters to meet along the way and many communities to learn about. Be sure to check that map at the beginning of the book for a better understanding of your journey. (Though the online game is no longer supported since 2025, the books do stand alone as engaging stories to enjoy.) 

Straight Talk for Librarians: First: the online component is no longer available, but that does not negate that this book and the series Fall of the Beasts is well written. Secondly, the Spirit Animals series as a whole seems to have waned in popularity. The connection of the books to a game online was huge for a bit. Since I am not drawn by online gaming, I focus only on the books themselves. The characters are consistent book to book despite the series being written by different authors. Varian Johnson is stellar at the scenes of violence and danger. He manages to expose the character flaws at just the right time for the heroes of the story to save the day. These would make great read alouds. I love the map included for reference. I have some students who won't read a Fantasy book without a map. Though the animals are not all cute and cuddly looking like the Panda on the cover art, they are all cunning, loyal, and fascinating as support characters to the young warriors as they continue their quest to defend and save the Evertree. I am trying to figure out why this series is not as popular as it once was and after having read Fall of Beasts, I will have to book talk it, again. It is a great adventure with interesting characters and animals bonded to them. There is literally nothing to not like.

Alice Jones: The Impossible Clue written by Sarah Rubin and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This is a fabulous mystery for elementary or middle schools where the genre is needed. The main character is teased by a classmate and another classmate fawns on her and neither are classmates she wants to hang with, but the mystery requires it. (The way that becomes clear is itself fascinating.) Her father is a news writer and allows her to work through a missing person in their town (as long as he gets the scoop, of course). The danger is real, the money involved in the scandal of a missing scientist is massive, and the loyalty of the sleuth to her classmates is palpable. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Mystery genre is a big one in my elementary schools. I have trouble finding mysteries that my students will engage with enough for the unit taught. I now will be checking out all of Sarah Rubin's mysteries as this one worked so very well. Alice Jones is a likeable character with very real feelings about middle school and her classmates. She loves to solve mysteries. She does not have time in her life for nonsense, including spit balls thrown by others at her. Alice is a twin, but her twin lives with their Mom while Alice lives with their Dad. Her twin is an actress and they butt heads whenever they are together. Since her twin is there for the summer, Alice is feeling all her feelings. It does not take long for Alice to recognize that the villain in this mystery may not be the person who kidnapped the scientist. Uncovering the information puts Alice and her family and friends in grave danger. I especially liked that the conclusion is not perfectly orchestrated as solutions to big problems rarely are neat. I could not put this one down.

The Willoughbys Return written by Lois Lowry and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: The kids from the original book have grown up. They think very little about their long missing parents and know nothing about how their parents have somehow thawed out. In a bit of a parallel story readers see how Richie, son of the eldest Willoughby, Tim, is not managing well the failure of the family chocolate company and his father needing to slow down on buying him whatever he has ever wanted. Next door to them is a family named Poore who is quite poor. The husband is traveling west to sell his outdated encyclopedias and to gather rocks for his daughter who loves rocks. The stories begin to intermingle when Mrs. Poore takes on the thawed Willoughby couple and feeds them poisonous leaves as salad. She has no phone, so she has to go to the mansion when Tim lives to use that phone and get medical help. The antics of the thawed Willoughbys who have missed 30 years of advancements in technology and communication as well as those of Mr. Poore who takes the term bumbling idiot and makes it seem complementary are quite amusing. I believe students would love the frustrations about technology advancements and it would offer great opportunity to extend that study to any decade, so students better understand the changes in lives due to technological inventions. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Truth be told, I struggled with the first book. Perhaps I could not fathom the amount of dry wit in a book for kids. For whatever reason, I never book talked it in my 2 elementary school libraries. This sequel reads similarly to the original book but went so much more smoothly for me. The language use, as expected in a Lowry book, is exceptional and often the dry commentary of the adults and the wit of the children produce great laughs. The first book has a movie, but no movie has been made from this 2020 sequel. I could easily see English teachers use this book to talk about expressive written language and to increase vocabulary in both oral and written language for their students. The social commentary is also unique and may appeal to many subject level teachers. Just think if the government banned candy and how it would affect our world! Think about if global warming could thaw out the absurdly quirky Willoughby parents who froze while climbing a mountain? That could lead to some wonderful writing about what else could regain life after being frozen. My students love I wonder if kinds of writing and this book certainly gives them much to think about. Finally, the technical advancements in the 30 years that the Willoughbys have been frozen are astronomical and I am certain my students will find their shock and amazement quite amusing. I have never liked a sequel more than the original book before now. I should not have been shocked that Lois Lowry penned the first sequel that I like better than the original story.

Ten: A Soccer Story written by Flint Shamini and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: Maya is 11 years old and obsessed by soccer. In Malaysia where she lives, soccer is for boys. Maya is not okay with that. She knows the national teams. She watches all the games, not just the World Cup games. She has a favorite player. Yes, Zico, her favorite player does not make a penalty shot that could have kept his team playing, but she still thinks he is the best. Maya and her brother Rajiv know something is amiss at home with their parents. They are terribly sad when it becomes clear they were right. So, Maya now has to create a girls soccer team, get them the support they need for uniforms and field time, and save her family. 

 

Straight Talk for Librarians: First up is the soccer fanaticism which will appeal to many students since we just had another World Cup in 2026. Secondly the race/cultural issue: Maya lives in Malaysia in a very small town. Her town is very patriarchal, she goes to a religious school where she stands out, her parents are a mixed race/culture marriage, and her grandmother is always going on how the kids and that marriage embarrasses her. Books including many races and cultures can be quite appealing to students wanting to understand others around them. Finally teen angst: both Maya and Rajiv have feelings of duty to their families, but Maya also has a strong frustration with her place in society. She does not want to stay quiet and meek as her grandmother seems to want her to be. She wants to be a soccer player, though she has only watched it on TV. She wants to learn to speak up for her dream, encourage others to join her, and find a way to be taken seriously. That is very much the thinking process in middle grade books. How can kids be true to themselves despite family, school, and society norms? Maya finds herself in this story and it is lovely to join her on this ride.