The League of Dangerous Young Ladies written by J.A. Morgenstein and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: The League of Dangerous Young Ladies by J. A. Morgenstein is a thrilling YA fantasy adventure that blends mystery, supernatural elements, and found family themes. Set in 1909, the story follows Rose Moriarty, the teenage daughter of Sherlock Holmes' greatest enemy, who leads a group of exceptional young women—each descended from famous literary villains. When Rose learns that her beloved headmistress is dying, she reunites with her found family to embark on a dangerous adventure. Alongside the mysterious Count Christoph, his ward Clara, and other allies, Rose must solve multiple mysteries, hunt supernatural threats, and navigate her complicated past. The novel weaves together elements of classic literature with modern storytelling, featuring witty banter, high-stakes heists, emotional depth, and surprising plot twists. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: YA readers will enjoy this book for several reasons. The protagonist, Rose Moriarty, is a smart, capable female lead who earns respect through determination rather than being handed authority, a journey that resonates with teen readers navigating their own paths. The cast of diverse, lovable characters forms a found family dynamic that feels authentic and heartwarming, with each girl bringing unique abilities and personalities that complement one another. The clever literary references and name-dropping of iconic characters from classic literature (Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, Frankenstein, Dr. Moreau) create a delightful Easter egg hunt for readers familiar with these works, while remaining accessible to those encountering them for the first time. The fast-paced, engaging plot balances humor with genuine emotional stakes; grief, trauma, and loss are handled with maturity and sensitivity. Romance elements are present but not overwhelming, allowing the focus to remain on friendship and adventure. This book is an excellent addition to high school library collections and can be used for independent reading, paired with classic literature units (Sherlock Holmes, Frankenstein, Dracula) to introduce students to how contemporary authors reimagine and reinterpret canonical works. It could also be a good book club choice. The character development, themes of legacy and agency, and plot twists provide  discussion opportunities. I enjoyed this book and found myself saying "what is happening?" a few times.  The bug men are wild, but they somehow work.  I was not expecting the twist at the ending.  Mind blown.  This book crosses a lot of genres and is a fun read from a debut author.  I should also add that I really liked the cover.  It definitely drew me in.

Flirting with Murder written by Amanda Sellet and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Flirting with Murder is a unique YA mystery-romance that blends amateur sleuthing with romantic tension. High school junior Virginia Tillis spends her summer at her grandmother's quirky Florida condo, Castle Claude, where a group of retired theater actors stage elaborate murder mystery games called "Killing Me Softly." When a real death disrupts their community and a body is discovered, Virginia teams up with Felix, grandson to one of the other condo residents, to solve the mystery. As they investigate, their competitive banter evolves into genuine chemistry. The story balances humor, heart, and intrigue, featuring witty dialogue, endearing secondary characters, and a unique setting that grounds the mystery in warmth and personality. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Readers will connect with the authentic romantic tension between Virginia and Felix, whose banter captures the awkwardness and humor of first crushes. The story explores relatable teen themes, navigating family dynamics, aging grandparents, and fitting in, all while celebrating intergenerational friendships. The premise is genuinely fun: a retirement community that stages murder mysteries provides endless humor and personality. Virginia's voice is playful and self-aware, making readers feel like they're in on the joke. The mystery keeps pages turning without requiring dark or complex plotting, making it perfect for readers who enjoy lighter, character-driven stories over high-stakes suspense. This title could work well for reluctant readers and those bridging juvenile and adult fiction, offering an accessible entry point into mystery and romance genres. It pairs naturally with Thursday Murder Club for book clubs or genre studies. It is appropriate for diverse age groups within a high school setting. Librarians can recommend it to students seeking cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, or stories celebrating found family and community. Its humor and charm make it an excellent choice for summer reading programs and for promoting genre diversity in YA fiction.

Fancy Dogs written and illustrated by Tini Malina and translated by Tammi Reichel, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

 

Summary: Fancy Dogs is a fun and funny rhyming picture book celebrating dogs in all their glory—fancy and silly alike. The striking (mostly) three-color illustrations are beautifully stylized and reinforce the playful text, captivating young readers with a retro vibe.  The story starts by showing and writing how the main character dog is fancy.  Then it goes on to show how the dog still has to be an everyday dog.  

Straight Talk for Librarians: In the classroom, teachers can use it to explore IB PYP themes of identity and community, discussing how we appreciate others despite their quirks. The rich vocabulary—including words like taboo, gnaw, and prance—sparks meaningful language conversations. With its perfect blend of visual appeal, clever rhyming structure, and sophisticated word choices, Fancy Dogs will make for a good read aloud.This German translation deserves a place in elementary school libraries for its engaging rhythm, perfect for echo reading and early literacy development. It also made my 11 year old laugh out loud at a few page spreads, so it might even be a hit with slightly older readers.

Thanks to NetGalley, NorthSouth books for an ARC of this book.  It will be available for purchase on October 6, 2026.