A girl competes in an intergalactic cooking contest in Nicolas Wouters’s graphic novel "Magda, Intergalactic Chef". Magda is hesitant about participating in her planet’s cooking tournament but does so to appease her family. Her... Read More

Moving to a cottage in the countryside unsettles a boy in Maggie O’Farrell’s fantasy story "The Boy Who Lost His Spark". Jem misses the city. He struggles with school: A learning disability is hinted at, and he’s prone to... Read More

In Kevin Garone’s zippy novel "I Know What UFO Did Last Summer", an alien-obsessed boy tries out his survival skills when a “spaceship” appears in a cornfield near his house. Twelve-year-old Marv, who lives in suburban Delaware,... Read More

In Brandon Mull’s exciting fantasy novel The Gorgon’s Fury, adventurers work to save a magical kingdom. Newel and Doren are satyr cousins who are determined to win the annual Satyr Games. In addition to their competitive foes Barrett... Read More

In Laurie Schneider’s stirring historical novel "Gittel", a young immigrant makes her way in a small town where some people are hostile to differences. Once, Gittel’s family lived in fine circumstances among a proud Jewish community.... Read More

Activist children at an environmentalist school face challenges to their developing ideals in the busy adventure novel "Knights Unite". In Laurel Colless’s splashy mystery novel "Knights Unite", precocious children fight to protect the... Read More

"Armando and the Amazing Animal Race" is an intricate, thoughtful coming-of-age novel about endangered species and life after loss. In Diana Schaffter’s adventure novel "Armando and the Amazing Animal Race", an animal-loving... Read More

"MoHagani vs King Salmon" is a thrilling picture book adventure in conflict resolution. In M. C. MoHagani Magnetek’s picture book "MoHagani vs King Salmon", a girl stands up to a fouled-mouthed salmon. When MoHagani lies about becoming... Read More