Category Archives: Contemporary

Review: Dare You to Dance by Rebecca Mock

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Dare You to Dance by Rebecca Mock

Dare You to Dance
Rebecca Mock
Random House Graphic
Published July 28, 2026

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About Dare You to Dance

From the award-winning illustrator of The Four Points series comes a heartfelt middle grade graphic novel about a small-town ballerina attending a prestigious dance workshop. Determined to push herself, she picks the best dancer in class to compete against—only to discover that what her rival really needs is…friendship.

Gracie is ready to take on the ballet world — starting with the Young Dancer Summer Workshop in New York! It’s a two week summer course, and while … Continue reading →

Review: Key Player by Kelly Yang

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Key Player by Kelly Yang

Key Player (Front Desk #4)
Kelly Yang
Scholastic Press
Published September 6, 2022

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About Key Player

Mia Tang is going for the goal in the fourth Front Desk novel by New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang! Mia Tang is play to win!

The Women’s World Cup is coming to Southern California, and everyone has soccer fever―especially Mia Tang! The U.S. team is playing China in the finals, and Mia feels like her two identities are finally coming together. But when her P.E. teacher gives her a C, Mia tries to … Continue reading →

Review: Where Lost Girls Go by Kody Keplinger

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Where Lost Girls Go by Kody Keplinger

Where Lost Girls Go
Kody Keplinger
Scholastic Press
Published July 7, 2026

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About Where Lost Girls Go

From New York Times bestselling author Kody Keplinger comes an addicting read that’s The Girls by Emma Cline meets The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson.

There are many reasons why six girls have ended up living with Sol in a cabin deep in the Kentucky woods. But the girls don’t talk about what has brought them each here or who they were before. The have become sisters and are grateful to have a place to call home.

Iris knows she owes … Continue reading →

Review: Augusta Pine Does Not Exist by Emily Lloyd-Jones

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Augusta Pine Does Not Exist by Emily Lloyd Jones

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist
Emily Lloyd-Jones
Balzer + Bray
Published July 7, 2026

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About Augusta Pine Does Not Exist

Combining the suspense of a thriller, the intrigue of spy fiction, and the emotional resonance of a confessional narrative, this is gripping, wholly original novel about a teen secret operative who must outwit a band of murderous cyberterrorists.

I was fifteen when I became a murderer.

After a hack gone tragically wrong, a teen girl is given an ultimatum: accept a harsh prison sentence or leave … Continue reading →

Review: A Wish with Wings by Sarah Guillory

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A Wish with Wings by Sarah Guillory

A Wish with Wings
Sarah Guillory
Roaring Brook Press
Published May 19, 2026

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About A Wish with Wings

A tender tale of courage, hope, and holding onto yourself even when everything around you seems to be falling apart — perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Barbara O’Connor.

Everyone says twelve-year-old Evan Calais is feral. She likes to spend her time outside, fishing and having mud fights in her small town of Little John Island, Louisiana. But when a sinkhole causes the town mine to collapse, trapping all forty-eight miners, everything in her life comes … Continue reading →

Review: City Spies: Golden Gate by James Ponti

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City Spies: Golden Gate by James Ponti

City Spies: Golden Gate (City Spies #2)
James Ponti
Aladdin
Published March 9, 2021

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About City Spies: Golden Gate

After thwarting a notorious villain at an eco-summit in Paris, the City Spies are gearing up for their next mission. Operating out of a base in Scotland, this secret team of young agents working for the British Secret Intelligence Service’s MI6 division have honed their unique skills, such as sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives. All of these allow them to go places in the world of espionage where adults can’t.

Fourteen-year-old … Continue reading →