Wishtree
by Katherine Applegate
After a hate word is carved into her trunk, an ancient oak speaks for the first time ever to initiate a friendship between Samar, a Muslim girl, and her neighbor, Stephen.
The Jumbies
by Tracey Baptiste
Corinne is not afraid of anything, not even the shadowy creatures rumored to live on her island home — but danger is close by. (series)
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
by Kelly Barnhill
A witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon raise a child who must unlock her hidden magical powers to save her community.
The War That Saved My Life
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Evacuated to the English countryside during WWII, a girl born with a clubfoot and her brother find their lives saved in more ways than one. (series)
The Beatryce Prophecy
by Kate DiCamillo
Answelica the goat enjoys terrorizing the monks of the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing, until a mysterious child shows up one day — battered, broken, and fearing for her life.
Maya and the Robot
by Eve L. Ewing
Maya’s friends are in a different class this year and she is really feeling left out. To fill her lonely days, she gets an old robot up and running — and it gets her into deep trouble.
When Stars Are Scattered
by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Omar struggles to get an education while taking care of his brother and living in a refugee
camp. (graphic novel)
Hello, Universe
by Erin Entrada Kelly
A bully’s prank lands Virgil at the bottom of a well and in dire need of rescue. Friendships are forged as the lives of four misfit kids intersect.
Rain Reign
by Ann M. Martin A girl with Asperger's syndrome must leave the safety and order of her home after her beloved dog is lost in a hurricane.
Stuntboy, in the Meantime
by Jason Reynolds
Portico has a lot to worry about (including a bully). With best-pal Zola, he copes by creating Stuntboy, a superhero alter ego who secretly protects neighbors
and friends. But can he help his always-arguing parents? (series)
Mañanaland
by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Max’s grandfather tells him fantastic tales about an ancient tower and a journey to a magical place, stories that become all too real when he must help a young refugee flee from danger.
One Crazy Summer
by Rita Williams-Garcia
Three sisters travel to California in 1968 to meet their estranged mother and learn about everything from relationships to the Black Panthers. (series)
Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA
by Brenda Woods
When Gabriel nearly gets killed while riding his brand-new bike, it sets off a string of compelling events for him and the man who saved him.
Before the Ever After
by Jacqueline Woodson
ZJ’s dad has been suffering from headaches and dementia and can’t play pro-football anymore. ZJ is at a loss to know what to do to help but his friends rally around him.
Looking for a Series?
• Humphrey Adventures by Betty G. Birney
• The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
• Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi
• Stella Diaz by Angela Dominquez
• Ghosthunters by Cornelia Funke
• The Unicorn Rescue Society by Adam Gidwitz
• Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris
Grabenstein
• The Flashback Four by Dan Gutman
• Goddess Girls by Joan Holub
• Upside-Down Magic by Sarah Mlynowski
• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
• Percy Jackson; Kane Chronicles; Heroes of
Olympus by Rick Riordan
• I Survived by Lauren Tarshis
• Stick Cat; Stick Dog by Tom Watson