Category Archives: Contemporary

Review: The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes

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The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy
Angela Cervantes
Henry Holt & Co.
Published May 5, 2026

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About 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.

“Humor, heart, and fútbol… everything a middle grade mystery should be.” –Chris Grabenstein, New York Times-bestselling author of the Lemoncello series

Diez Espada—named after the jersey number of his soccer-obsessed … Continue reading →

Review: Lies We Tell About the Stars by Susie Nadler

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Lies We Tell About the Stars by Susie Nadler

Lies We Tell About the Stars
Susie Nadler
Dutton Books for Young Readers
Published March 3, 2026

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About Lies We Tell About the Stars

A gorgeous debut about friendship, grief, and new beginnings set in near-future San Francisco in the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake and on the cusp of the first human mission to Mars.

Celeste Muldoon is alone when the Big One finally hits, because, for the first time ever, her best friend stood her up after school. Nicky and Celeste share a birthday, matching tattoos, an obsession with the … Continue reading →

Review: Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp by Rachel M. Marsh

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Grandpere's Ghost Swamp by Rachel M. Marsh

Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp
Rachel M. Marsh
Greenwillow Books
Published March 24, 2026

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About Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp

Ferris meets Ghosts of Tupelo Landing in this cozy ghost story about family, environmental activism, food, and friendship.

Basil Theriot has spent her entire life in New Orleans—in her family’s famed Cajun restaurant in the French Quarter, really—but she’s never been out to the bayou where her grandfather grew up. She’s also never seen a ghost, even though dozens of ghost tours pass by the restaurant every day and her best friend Tommy is determined to be a ghost hunter.

But then Grandpere’s ghost appears. And he has a … Continue reading →

Review: Three Keys by Kelly Yang

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Three Keys by Kelly Yang

Three Keys (Front Desk #2)
Kelly Yang
Scholastic Press
Published September 15, 2020

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About Three Keys

The story of Mia and her family and friends at the Calivista Motel continues in this powerful, hilarious, and resonant sequel to the award-winning novel Front Desk.Mia Tang thinks she’s going to have the best year ever.She and her parents are the proud owners of the Calivista Motel, Mia gets to run the front desk with her best friend, Lupe, and she’s finally getting somewhere with her writing!

But as it turns out, sixth grade is no … Continue reading →

Review: The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson

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The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson

The Scammer
Tiffany D. Jackson
Quill Tree Books
Published October 7, 2025

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About The Scammer

A ripped-from-the-headlines thriller, following a freshman girl whose college life is turned upside down when her roommate’s ex-convict brother moves into their dorm and starts controlling their every move.

Out from under her overprotective parents, Jordyn is ready to kill it in prelaw at a prestigious, historically Black university in Washington DC. When her new roommate’s brother is released from prison, the last thing Jordyn expects is to come home and find the ex-convict on their dorm room sofa. But Devonte needs a place to stay while he gets back on his feet—and … Continue reading →

Review: Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian

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Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian

Only This Beautiful Moment
Abdi Nazemian
HarperCollins
Published May 9, 2023

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About Only This Beautiful Moment

From the Stonewall Honor–winning author of Like a Love Story comes a sweeping story of three generations of boys in the same Iranian family. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Darius the Great Is Not Okay.

2019. Moud is an out gay teen living in Los Angeles with his distant father, Saeed. When Moud gets the news that his grandfather in Iran is dying, he accompanies his dad to Tehran, where the revelation of family secrets will force Moud into … Continue reading →