Review: Lion Dancers by Cai Tse

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Lion Dancers by Cai Tse

Lion Dancers
Cai Tse
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published August 13, 2024

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About Lion Dancers

Former best friends become bitter rivals when one returns to lion dancing after a long absence in this vibrant and heartfelt middle grade graphic novel perfect for fans of Haikyu!! and Fence.

Young Wei dreamed of being a legendary lion dancer just like his dad. With his best friend Hung performing as the tail and Wei controlling the head, he knew they could become the next generation of lion dance champions. But after his dad’s sudden passing, Wei abruptly … Continue reading →

Review: Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi

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Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi

Some of Us Are Brave
Saadia Faruqi
Quill Tree Books
Published February 10, 2026

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About Some of Us Are Brave

From the acclaimed author of The Strongest Heart comes a stirring new novel from the perspectives of three very different kids who are navigating the waters of fear and friendship through the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

It’s a humid summer in Houston, Texas, and Yasir is dreaming of being soccer team captain—if only he could get the team bully, Cody, off his back, and maybe impress his sort-of-crush, Mona. Meanwhile, Mona is turning her nightmares into art, and Cody’s home life feels as … Continue reading →

Review: Mallory in Full Color by Elisa Stone Leahy

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Mallory in Full Color by Elisa Stone Leahy

Mallory in Full Color
Elisa Stone Leahy
Quill Tree Books
Published November 19, 2024

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About Mallory in Full Color

A funny, poignant middle grade novel about a tween who navigates questions of identity and friendship when her anonymous web comic goes viral, from the acclaimed author of Tethered to Other Stars.

Mallory Marsh is an expert at molding into whatever other people want her to be. Her true thoughts and feelings only come out in her sci-fi web comic, which she publishes anonymously as Dr. BotGirl.

But juggling all the versions … Continue reading →

Review: Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

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Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

Blood at the Root (Blood at the Root #1)
LaDarrion Williams
Labyrinth Road
Published May 7, 2024

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About Blood at the Root

A teenager on the run from his past finds the family he never knew existed and the community he never knew he needed at an HBCU for the young, Black, and magical . Enroll in this fresh fantasy debut with the emotional power of Legendborn and the redefined ancestral magic of Lovecraft Country .

Ten years ago, Malik’s life changed forever the night his mother mysteriously vanished and he discovered he had uncontrollable powers. … Continue reading →

Review: Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya

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Carnival Fantastico by Angela Montoya

Carnival Fantástico
Angela Montoya
Joy Revolution
Published February 3, 2026

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About Carnival Fantástico

An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that carnival is more sinister than it appears.

Welcome to the Carnival Fantástico, a spectacle of magic and mischief, and the perfect haven for a runaway. Using her tricks and razor-sharp wit, Esmeralda becomes the carnival’s resident fortune-teller, aiming for the lead role in the Big Top Show. Success would mean freedom from her former employer, the … Continue reading →

Review: Mouse and His Dog by Katherine Applegate and Jennifer Choldenko

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Mouse and His Dog by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

Mouse and His Dog (Dogtown #2)
Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko
Illustrated by Wallace West
Feiwel & Friends
Published September 17, 2024

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About Mouse and His Dog

Mouse lives in Dogtown, a shelter for real dogs and robot dogs, where the kibble is plentiful, and the rafters hide a secret community of mice. His unlikely best friend is Buster, a big-hearted real dog who attracts trouble like a burr to fur.

Determined to help Buster find his forever home, even if means losing his best pal, Mouse embarks on a bold quest with … Continue reading →