 If you're looking for some beautifully written fantasy/worldbuilding with a dash of real world, look no further than Dreamslinger! I loved the descriptions, and the magic system was so well-incorporated into a "real-life" scenario! The added themes are exceedingly relevant today, as well as poignant for the age group. If you like Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle, and enjoy the fights and foibles of Pokemon, then this is the book for you!
Not to mention: there are dragons. Lots and lots of dragons. Mariah Wills, Library Clerk Get Dreamslinger at the library.
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 El Nino by Pam Munoz Ryan Illustrated by Joe Cepeda
Scholastic Press, released May 6, 2025 By Robin Munson El Nino is a Junior Fiction Fantasy book for ages 8-13. This is a story where reality and myth collide. Where one minute you are an elite swim team is training in the Ocean with your elite swim team off California and the next you, they stumble upon an underwater world with queens, mermalians, and cities of gold. Kai Sosa is grieving the disappearance of his sister, Cali. Although an elite swimmer, Cali is presumed dead after disappearing in the dense fog while swimming in the ocean leaving behind her family. Kai also ’s excitement of making the elite swim team swim team, but is overshadowed by his sadness and loss. He struggles with his swim times as he tries to work through his sadness and loss. Kai discovers Cali’s overdue library book, The Elusive Island of California, and reads it to get closer to his sister book about the myth of a sunken and mysterious underwater island. He decides to read the book in hopes to get closer to Cali and maybe figure out what happened to her. This is where reality and myth collide Throughout the book were the beautiful illustrations of Joe Cepeda’s artwork come alive. I appreciate the monochromatic blues of the art - how it is soothing even though the story of Kai’s grief is a heavy topic. This story was a fast read (only around 250 pages) and I found myself needing more. Kai sort of enters the world within the myth although I found this part of the book rushed. I felt the entry into the underwater world was abrupt and brief and it would have been nice for Kai to linger and show us more. That being said, I do understand that this was Kai’s grieving process and he seemed to need that last nudge to leave his sadness behind. The book is well written and worth the read. I recommend this book to any child interested in swimming, the ocean, or who have experienced a loss in their life. I give it three out of five stars. Thank you Scholastic Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Download the audiobook with your SPL card.  Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is a sweet, thoughtful story about kindness, friendship, and standing up for others. The story is told from the perspective of Red, an old oak tree that has been a part of the neighborhood for centuries. Every year, people tie their wishes to Red’s branches, hoping for good things to come. But when a new family moves in and isn’t welcomed by everyone, Red and its animal friends decide to help in their own special way.
Applegate’s writing is simple but powerful, making this a quick read that really sticks with you. It’s got a great message about inclusion and community, reminding us all to be a little kinder. Some schools have banned it because of its themes of diversity and acceptance, but honestly, that just makes it even more important to read. If you love heartfelt stories with a bit of magic and a lot of heart, Wishtree is definitely worth picking up. Reserve the book here. You can also get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  In Aster’s world, boys are shapeshifters and girls are witches, no exceptions. But Aster loves magic, even though it’s forbidden for him. When his family is in danger, he has to choose between following the rules or embracing who he really is.
With gorgeous artwork and a heartfelt story, The Witch Boy is all about identity, breaking traditions, and self-acceptance. Some schools have banned it for challenging gender norms, but that’s what makes it an important topic of discussion. If you love magic, friendship, and stories about being true to yourself, this one’s a must-read! Get the book at the library or download the eBook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Raina Telgemeier’s Drama is a fun and heartfelt graphic novel about middle school, theater, and first crushes. Callie, a theater-loving set designer, juggles backstage challenges, friendship drama, and a crush on a boy who might not even like girls.
With bright, expressive artwork and relatable characters, Drama captures the excitement and awkwardness of middle school perfectly. The book's LGBTQ+ representation has led to bans in some schools. A must-read for theater fans and graphic novel lovers! Reserve the book here or the eBook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Sharon M. Draper’s Blended is a powerful and relatable story about identity, family, and figuring out where you fit in. The book follows 11-year-old Isabella, whose parents are divorced, her dad is Black, her mom is white—and she feels like she’s constantly switching between two worlds. As she moves between their homes, their expectations, and even their cultures, she struggles to figure out who she really is.
Draper does an amazing job capturing what it’s like to be a middle schooler dealing with family changes and big questions about race and identity. The story is easy to read but doesn’t shy away from tough topics, including racism and feeling torn between two sides of yourself. There’s even a shocking and emotional moment involving police violence that makes this book especially relevant. Despite its important themes, Blended has been banned in some schools for addressing race, privilege, and police brutality. However, these are exactly the kinds of conversations that make the book so valuable. Draper handles these issues with honesty and sensitivity, making Blended a must-read for young readers and adults alike. Reserve the book at the library or download the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You isn’t a dry history book, it’s fast, engaging, and written in a way that feels like a conversation. Jason Reynolds takes Ibram X. Kendi’s work and makes it super readable, breaking down how racist ideas started, how they’ve changed over time, and how they still show up today. This book has been praised for making tough topics easy to understand, especially for younger readers. But it’s also been banned in some schools for talking about systemic racism and U.S. history. Some critics say it’s too divisive, while others believe it’s an important tool for understanding the world we live in. No matter where you stand, Stamped gets people talking. If you want a fresh, honest take on history and race, this is a book worth reading. Get a copy at the library or download the audiobook. There is also Stamped (for Kids) that was adapted for younger audiences by Sonja Cherry-Paul. Reserve it at the library! Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  |
The SPL StaffWe work here at the library, and we’re into all kinds of books! How Do I Get These Books?See our Quickstart Guides page for information on how to use the online catalog and how to get eBooks and audiobooks for your specific device. You can also contact us there if you need more help!
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