BEST OF 2015: Our Favorite Books for Middle-Grade Readers & Tweens

I confess. This list is entirely out of control. But then, 2015 was a fantastic year for middle-grade books. I don't think the selection has been this strong since 2012, the year that gave us Bomb, The One and Only Ivan, Wonder, Three Times Lucky, Summer of the Gypsy Moths, and the first books in Neilsen's Ascendance Trilogy and the Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom series. And I didn't even mention the stellar contributions from MG all-star authors like Christopher Paul Curtis and Rebecca Stead.

But I digress... We're talking about 2015 here. Although, speaking of Rebecca Stead, she has another major Newbery contender in this list with The Goodbye Stranger, one of my personal 2015 favorites. But as long as this list is, there are still wonderful, buzz-worthy titles we've chosen not to include. For example, those who have followed other Best of the Year lists might be expecting to see Ryan's Echo or Selznick's The Marvels. Sorry, not on this list. I haven't yet read Echo, but two of our committee members were bored, so off it went (I'll let you know later if I agree!). And we really liked The Marvels, but... we just didn't love it, maybe because in comparison we loved Selznick's previous novels so, so much more and with The Marvels his work is beginning to seem just a bit too formulaic (if still quite impressive). So instead of regurgitating all the same titles everyone else has named, we've also chosen several off-the-radar titles, including awesome graphic novels, hard-to-place niche titles like Confessions of an Imaginary Friend, and a hilarious history of the Vikings!

Fiction

Ares: Bringer of War by George O'Connor
In this 7th  and final volume of Olympians (a superbly executed graphic-novel retelling of The Iliad), the Trojan War is underway and Ares has the starring role. This book and series was a late-in-the year discovery for us and we are still waiting for library copies, but we just couldn't leave it off the list. One committee member, who claims to not even like graphic novels, loved it—as did her son. 

Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes
While visiting her grandmother in the Louisiana bayou, 10-year-old Maddy learns more about the history of her family and discovers she may be destined to carry on a magical legacy. This is an enchanting novel with vibrant characters, strong themes about community and environmentalism, and just the right touch of strangeness. One of our committee members named this her favorite book on the list.

Beastkeeeper by Cat Hellison
Like Bayou Magic, Beastkeeper is a somewhat under-the-radar choice that hasn't garnered a lot of critical attention, but it is a definite favorite of a (different) member of our 2015 committee. More for the tween set than the younger kids of the group, the story is a very loose retelling of "Beauty and the Best"—with a very important twist!

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley
Fifth-grader Micah Tuttle is not okay. His grandfather is very sick and the great-aunt now living in his house is mean and crotchety and refuses to let Micah see his beloved grandfather. Then there is a spark of hope when Micah learns that the magical circus Micah's grandfather Ephraim describes in stories is true and the powerful Lightbender owes Ephraim a decades-old favor. The magical feats of the circus, the battles with Aunt Gertrudis, and Micah's friendships with his grandfather and a new student are by turns captivating, hilarious, and touching.  Kids will love this novel, as will teen and adult fans of books like The Night Circus.

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend by Michelle Cuevas
Ignored by his parents, teacher, and classmates, Jacques Papier has grown up believing everyone but his twin sister Fleur must hate him. Then it slowly becomes clear that that the problem is no but Fleur sees Jacques because he just a figment of imagination! This is a short, offbeat, and thoughtful book perfect for children ages 8 to 10.

The Cottage in the Woods by Katherine Coville
Featuring talking animals, mystery, family, and more in a delightful fairy-tale mashup, a quick summary of this suspenseful fantasy might read "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" meets Jane Eyre.

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Jackson believes everything has a scientific explanation. In his crazy family of dreamers, he is the calm, logical on. So how does he explain the giant talking cat that no one else seems to see? Crenshaw appeared once before when Jackson was just a little kid then disappeared for years, but now that Jackson's family's financial problems seem to be back, Crenshaw won't go away no matter how mortified Jackson is to have an imaginary friend.

The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
In this sequel to The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, thirteen-year-old Callie finds her calling when But to achieve her dreams, she know she will have to bravely face off against the pressures of society in 1900 Texas.

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton
In 1969 twelve-year-old Mimi and her family move to an all-white town in Vermont, where Mimi's mixed-race background and interest in "boyish" topics like astronomy make her feel like an outsider.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
"Ally's greatest fear is that everyone will find out she is as dumb as they think she is because she still doesn't know how to read"--.

George by Alex Gino
At first glance, this might seem like a do-over of Gracefully Grayson, one of my favorite 2014 selections. But George, the story of a 4th grade transgender girl finding the courage to speak her truth is a gentler story better suited to the younger end of the MG age range. Also, despite the similarities of story and situation, George has a distinctive voice and viewpoint all its own, making it clear that no matter how similar situations are superficially, each child's journey—transgender, cisgender, or whatever—is personal and never quite the same as another's. BCPL copies are on order.

Gone Crazy in Alabama by Rita Williams-Garcia
In this third and final installment of the Gaither Sisters saga, the three city girls spend the summer with their grandmother in the rural South.

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead
Ever since surviving a near-fatal accident at the age of eight, Bridge has wondered why. Did she survive to fulfill a special purpose she has yet to discover. Now in seventh grade, she and her best friends are struggling with what it means to grow up, and how the changes and new challenges will affect their friendship and their future direction. 

Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick
While his family is busy doing the million things they do perfectly—ballet, music, tennis, etc., etc,—DJ is sitting alone thinking he isn't good at anything, especially since his best friend Gina moved away to the city. Then a blonde boy wearing nothing but silver underwear crashes in from the sky in a ball of fire. Before he knows it, DJ is covering for the strange boy who can't seem to remember where he's from and battling (or running from!) robot monsters. When Gina returns, the three team up, each using strengths they didn't even know they had to help their friends. This is a fun yet substantive graphic novel, full of energy and hilarious, original dialog. As Hilo would say, "Outstanding!"

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff
Trent Zimmerman is a sixth grader and a killer. Or at least that is how he has felt since a (sort of) friend was killed by a hockey puck that Trent hit. Now Trent is angry and pulling away from his family and best friend, turning his disturbing thoughts into drawings in his Thought Book. Then oddball outcast Fallon Little decides to befriend him, they bond over sports movies, and things start to seem a little better. But will the secrets of Fallon and her awful scars be too much for the tentative new friends to navigate. Graff has deftly created flawed, likable characters and a wholly believable, mostly upbeat story that manages to tackle serious issues with wit and humor.

Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai
Assisting her grandmother's investigation of her grandfather's fate during the Vietnam War, Mai struggles to adapt to an unfamiliar culture while redefining her sense of family. BCPL copies are on order.

Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, et. al.
Five best friends encounter a series of creepy happenings—from three-eyed foxes in the forest to a cave filled with living statues and deadly booby traps—while attending a summer Lumberjane camp. The series was originally intended to be a close-ended miniseries, but is now ongoing. Funny, inventive, and wonderfully smart, it's no wonder this series has become something of a comics sensation. We currently only own the first volume in print, but volumes 1–10 are available from Kentucky Libraries Unbound.

Moonpenny Island by Tricia Springstubb
Vibrating with easy charm and poetic writing, this relatable tale follows 11-year-old Flor as she becomes involved in a geological excavation and struggles with a variety of family and personal issues. The story, characterizations, and tone are reminiscent of Birdsall's Penderwicks series, and the atmospheric setting—tiny Moonpenny Island in the off season—may appeal to Three Times Lucky fans. 

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel
"When wasps come to Steve in a dream offering to fix his sick baby brother, he thinks all he has to do is say yes. But yes may not mean what Steve thinks it means"--Publisher description

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt
 Jack, 12, knows only a handful of things about his new, fourteen-year-old foster brother. (1) Joseph almost killed a teacher; (2) he has been in a correctional facility called Stone Mountain; and (3) he is a father. When he arrives at the Hurd family farm, it is clear the Joseph has suffered terrible abuse and all he wants is to find his baby daughter Jupiter. Jack may or may not grasp the full tragedy of Joseph's history, but he understands enough and is determined to have his back no matter what. This is a difficult book with some darker themes more often found in YA literature than in middle grade, but they are explored  in an off-scene way that, when combined with a younger protagonist who sees and knows only so much, makes the book best suited to tweens. Stunning and heartbreaking, Schmidt's latest novel is a work of spare beauty and grace.

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall
As spring arrives on Gardam Street, there are surprises in store for each Penderwick, from neighbor Nick Geiger's expected return fromthe war to Batty's new dog-walking business, but her plans to use her profits to surprise her family on her eleventh birthday go astray.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Bright, dynamic artwork and sharply humorous text tell a coming of age of twleve-year-old Astrid as she struggles with changing friendships, enemies, and the challenges of roller derby! Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.

Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
When a burning cross set by the Klan causes panic and fear in 1932 Bumblebee, North Carolina, fifth-grader Stella must face prejudice and find the strength to demand change in her segregated town.

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
Twelve-year-old Suzy Swanson wades through her intense grief over the loss of her best friend by investigating the rare jellyfish she is convinced was responsible for her friend's death.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
A young disabled girl and her brother are evacuated from London to the English countryside during World War II, where they find life to be much sweeter away from their abusive mother.

The Way Home Looks Now by Wendy Wan-Long Shang
In 1972, after his older brother is killed in a car crash, Peter Lee's mother is paralyzed by grief and his traditional Chinese father seems emotionally frozen--but Peter hopes that if he joins a Little League team in Pittsburgh he can reawaken the passion for baseball that all the members of his family used to share and bring them back to life. BCPL copies are on order.

Nonfiction

Big Top Burning: The Story of an Arsonist, a Missing Girl, and the Greatest Show on Earth by Laura A. Woollett
Draws upon primary source documents and survivor interviews to recount the story of one of the worst disasters in American history, the 1944 Hartford circus fire, which claimed the lives of over one hundred people.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Reader's Edition by William Kamkwanba and Bryan Mealer
An adaptation for young readers of a best-selling memoir follows the experiences of 14-year-old William Kamkwamba, who built a windmill out of junkyard scraps to bring electricity to his famine-stricken Malawi village.

Chasing Freedom by Nikki Grimes
In this imaginative biographical story, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony sit down over a cup of tea in 1904 to reminisce about their struggles and triumphs in the service of freedom and women's rights.

Enormous Smallness: A Story of E.E. Cummings by Matthew Burgess
Presents the life and work of the twentieth-century American writer, focusing on his fascination with words from a young age and highlighting his poetry's inspirational properties.

Fatal Fever: Tracking Down Typhoid Mary by Gail Jarrow
Chronicles the story of the early 1900s typhoid fever epidemic in New York, providing details as to how its infamous carrier was ultimately tracked down and stopped.

Guts & Glory: The Vikings by Ben Thompson
Presents the history and myths of the Vikings, from their rise in the eighth century, raids throughout Europe, conversion to Christianity, and eventual decline following the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Mesmerized: How Benjamin Franklin Solved the Mystery That Baffled All of France
by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Jacopo Bruno
With whimsical humor and fantastic artwork, Rockliff  and Bruno bring to life the true story of how the American innovator used the scientific method to uncover the secrets of a famous Parisian magician.

Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: The Underground Abductor: An Abolitionist Tale by Nathan Hale
In graphic novel format, Revolutionary War spy Nathan Hale tells a hangman and British officer about the life of Harriet Tubman and her life-risking dedication to helping runaway slaves find freedom. BCPL copies are on order.

The Nitty Gritty Gardening Book: Fun Projects for All Seasons by Kari CornellPresents step-by-step, illustrated instructions for a variety of seasonal gardening projects for children, including how to create a hanging garden, strawberry basket, and compost bin.

The Octopus Scientists: Exploring the Mind of a Mollusk by Sy Montgomery
Looks at the work of renowned octopus scientist Jennifer Mather and a team of researchers on the island of Moorea, where they work to learn more about octopuses and their behavior.

Tricky Vic: The Impossibly True Story of the Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower by Greg Pizzoli
Recounts the life of Victor Lustig, an international con man who had swindled thousands of people, including Al Capone, and was best known for "selling" the Eiffel Tower. BCPL copies are on order.

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Linda Blackmon LoweryShares the story of the youngest person to complete the Selma to Montgomery March, describing her frequent imprisonments for her participation in nonviolent demonstrations and how she felt about her involvement in Civil Rights events.

Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall by Anita Silvey
"This biography for children will trace Goodall's life, but each chapter will also focus on two or more the chimpanzees that she observed, with information in sidebars about these particular animals. Along with biographical details, the book will explore the ethical issues that surround Goodall's work and show what has changed in our understanding of Great Apes. What do we know today about these animals in terms of language, speech, tool use, and DNA? How has sophisticated technology - GPS systems, Satellite imagery, portable digital microphones - been used to gain new information about animal populations."--Publisher description BCPL copies are on order.

BEST OF 2015: Our Favorite Books for Young Readers

Over the course of the last several months, our Young Readers Committee read (and often reread) hundreds of books to identify those titles we believe to be the best 2015 had to offer for preschool and early-elementary-school-aged children. So without further ado, BCPL's favorite 2015 books for young readers are:

Picture Books (Fiction)

8: An Animal Alphabet by Elisha Cooper
Alphabet book meets counting book meets seek-n-find in this clever interactive title sure to appeal to animal lovers of all ages. Each letter of the alphabet features several animals whose names begin with that letter, and readers are prompted to seek out those animals who appear on the page exactly eight times.

Ally-Saurus & the First Day of School by Richard Torrey
Young Ally—who prefers to be called Ally-saurus—absolutely loves dinosaurs. But on her first day of school, she meets children with completely different interests. Will a dinosaur-girl fit in with the wannabe princesses of her class? This is a wonderful story about imagination, discovering new interests, and making friends.  The cartoon-like artwork is playful and fun.

Ask Me by Bernard Waber, illustrated by Suzy Lee
Lee's stunning colored-pencil illustrations combined with dialog from the late-great Bernard Waber create a heartfelt snapshot of the bond between a young girl and her father. Rather than focusing on a traditional plot, the book depicts bits of conversation between the two throughout the day as they revel in their time together, eating ice cream, playing in the leaves, and exchanging questions. From the dialog, it is clear that this is a special routine for the two of them.

The Baby Swap by Jan Ormerod, illustrated by Andrew Joyner
With retro illustrations reminiscent of Waber's Lyle Crocodile books, this humorous tale follows Caroline Crocodile's attempts for swap her drooly, troublesome new brother in for another animal baby that will be a better fit.

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach
At the beginning, an unseen narrator suggests that a bear is the guilty party after a sandwich has gone missing and then proceeds to weave an intricate story of how the bear might've gotten the sandwich. A slyly humorous story punctuated with vivid, equally funny illustrations that are pivotal to the storytelling, this tale is sure to please. The kids (and parents) who loved I Want My Hat Back will gobble it up.

Counting Crows by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Ron Dunlavey
With a red, black, and white palette and lively rhyming text, this whimsical book follows the adventures of a flock of crows and offers readers a fresh—and slightly zany—new counting book that stands out from the rest.

The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
After various adventures and misadventures—shared with Duncan and readers in a series of hilarious postcards—Duncan's crayons are back! At least two of our committee members felt this follow-up to the now-classic The Day the Crayons Quit is even better than the first book! 

A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Tracing a single dessert across centuries, continents, and four families, this deliciously illustrated picture book provides a rapid-fire, accessible cultural history of how things have changed over time—from human rights issues to cooking implements—while other things have remained relatively consistent, such as the irresistible pleasure of licking the bowl after a fine dessert. Includes a recipe and historical notes.

Fire Engine No. 9 by Mike Austin
Far more than another bland (if highly popular) fire truck book, this action-packed fire-crew adventure features lively wordplay and bold digital illustrations that practically vibrate with color and energy.

Float by Daniel Miyares
Reminiscent of Ezra Jack Keats's The Snowy Day, the story follows a young boy who goes out in the rain to play with his paper boat and finds more adventure than he expects. Both timeless and modern, it's a story of exploring, of the excitement and awe found in quiet moments, and—perhaps most touchingly—of the everyday bond between a father and his son. And that's just the story—the digital art used to tell that story is mostly soft grays with the added punch of the boy's yellow rain slicker. Subtle detailing, plays on perspective, and wonderfully rendered emotions make for spreads worth savoring. And then there's that little twist at the end, perfectly flipping the color palette and (hopefully) setting us up for a new story.

It's Only Stanley by Jon Agee
A wacky, slightly ominous sensibility and rhyming text convey the story of the Wimbledon family and their dog Stanley, whose bizarre behavior awakens them on and off throughout the night.

Job Wanted by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Chris Sheban
 In an amusing ode to perseverance and ingenuity, a down-on-his-luck dog looking for a home will do anything to convince a skeptical farmer to hire him on and sets out to prove that he can be just as useful as a horse or cow. Though less attention-getting then many of our other selections, the muted illustrations perfectly reflect the dog's initial weariness and the farmer's quietude.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson
A young boy rides the bus across town with his grandmother, who teaches him to appreciate the beauty in everyday things and in caring actions.

Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson
With heavily blue, retro-style cartoon images, Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson tell the story of a friendly house ghost who is chased from his home and goes in search of a friend and a new place to stay. Despite the blue hues and the tinge of sadness and loneliness of Leo's introduction, this is a warm tale of friendship and imagination.

Night Animals by Gianna Marino
Cowering from the frightening sounds of the forest at night, possum's fear sets off a chain reaction among the other night animals. Before we know it, everything is turned upside down, the animals are all terrified, and readers are laughing out loud at the characters' over-the-top reactions.

Rhymoceros by Janik Coat
The only board book to make our list, Rhymoceros features a delightfully deadpan blue rhinoceros demonstrating sixteen pairs of rhyming words,  placing him in a variety of amusing situations.  

Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Sydney Smith
With only occasional splashes of color, this triumph of visual storytelling features a modern-day Red Riding Hood as she makes her way through the city with her father, who is often too distracted by his phone to notice her silently plucking weeds from cracks in the concrete and bestowing her gifts on those she passes—a dead bird on the sidewalk, a sleeping homeless man, a friendly dog out for a stroll with his owner. And yet the father isn't wholly inattentive—he waits patiently when she slips away for a bit with her own distraction and is never more than a few feet from his daughter. Like The Last Stop on Market Street, this is a lovely celebration of the beauty to be found in everyday things, though the execution is entirely different. (BCPL copies on order.)

Two Mice by Sergio Ruzzier
Minimal text and textured illustrations follow the adventures of two mice while focusing on the numbers one, two, and three. Rhythm and rhyme create a comfortable and familiar pattern even as the mouse adventures offer a hint of danger.

Wait by Antoinette Portis
A busy mom rushes through the city even as curious preschooler is captivated by the activity and objects around him, resulting in a familiar push and pull between the two. Although the illustrations are bolder and more grounded and the book features two words ("hurry" and "wait"), this makes a wonderful complement to Sidewalk Flowers.

The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski
When she borrows a magical picture book from school, a young girl is disappointed and baffled by the lack of words until a whisper in the wind tells her to create her own story based on the images of each page. With the girl's imagination unleashed, the bizarre and beautiful stories come to life.

Wolfie the Bunny by Amy Dyckman, illustrated by Zachariah OHora
When Dot the Bunny's parents take in a stray wolf to raise, she is certain her new "brother" will eat them up and lives in a constant state of anxiety until proven otherwise. In the meantime, her earnest concerns and Wolfie's adorakable innocence make for a whimsical, funny, and memorable story.

Honorable Mentions:
The Boy & the Book
Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho!
Everybody Sleeps (But Not Fred)
Fetch
How to Read a Story
I Don't Like Koala
I Don't Want to Be a Frog
Ice Cream Summer
If You Plant a Seed
Land Shark
Look!
Maple & Willow Apart
My Bike
Pig and Pug
Red: A Crayon’s Story
The Tea Party in the Woods (BCPL copies are on order)
To the Sea (BCPL copies are on order)
Supertruck
The Skunk
Special Delivery
Stella Brings the Family
Waiting
What James Said

Picture Books (Nonfiction)

The Blue Whale by Jenni Desmond
This gorgeously illustrated book presents facts about the blue whale in an accessible and visually appealing way that helps to put information about the animal's size and habits into perspective.

The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko, illustrated bu Sean Qualls an Selina Alko
An tribute to the Loving family who fought and won a landmark civil rights case, this book features cheerful mixed medium artwork and an important message about standing up for your family and what you believe in. Endnotes provide further context, including a brief personal story from the author.

A Chicken Followed Me Home: Questions and Answers About a Familiar Fowl by Robin Page
Fascinating facts about chickens are presented through a series of questions and answers; big, bold illustrations; and a touch of humor. 

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
In this sweet tale, a woman tells her young son about their connection to the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh. Blackall's gorgeous watercolor and ink drawings—vibrant yet calm—elevate the story to something truly special. Photographs are included in the back matter.

Founding Fathers!: The Horse-Ridin,' Fiddle-Playin,' Book-Readin,' Gun-Totin,' Gentlemen Who Started America by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Barry Blitt
This humorous dossier on the the signing of the Declaration of Independence and each of the "founding fathers" is easily browsable and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Market Maze by Roxie Munro
A book about how food gets to local markets, Market Maze challenges readers to guide the food products from their source through the maze-like illustrations to their destinations. In addition to building awareness about food and sustainability, the simultaneous transport of foodstuffs from different parts of the town and the overlapping paths taken for their delivery may offer an opportunity to clue kids into both the vastness and the interconnectedness of the world beyond their immediate surroundings.

The Most Amazing Creature in the Sea by Brenda Z. Guiberson, illustrated by Gennady Spirin 
Spectacularly detailed illustrations and an assortment of bizarre facts encourage children to explore the mysteries of the natural world.

Raindrops Roll by April Pulley Sayre
Close-up photography and lyrical text encourage children and adults alike to admire the beauty of rain and its effects.

Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Julie Morstad
A little bittersweet and wholly inspiring, this gorgeously illustrated oversize picture book provides a glimpse into the short life of ballet icon Anna Pavlova, from her poor beginnings through her untimely death. The heart of the story, of course, lies in her immediate and ongoing captivation with dance, which is echoed by the reader's own fascination with the graceful images and complementary text. (BCPL copies are on order.)

Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle by Miranda Paul, illustrations by Jason Chin
Both engaging and informative, this book follows a group of children as they glimpse and interact with different parts of the water cycle, from fog to a frozen pond. Back matter provides more in-depth scientific explanations within the context of the primary text.

Easy Readers

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea
When Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony can't decide what to do for the day, secrets come out that may threaten their friendship.

Don't Throw It to Mo! by David A. Adler, illustrated by Sam Ricks
The smallest and youngest kid on the team, no one expects much from Mo. But Mo loves football and loves being on the team, even when his coach makes him practice with butter on his fingers. An inspired level 2 reader with large, readable text and fantastic full-color illustrations.

Ling & Ting: Together in All Weather by Grace Lin
The irrepressible twins are back for a new set of silly antics, this time focusing on each of the four seasons.

In! Over! and On! (the Farm) by Ethan Long
Providing both a playful intro to prepositions and plenty of laughter, this easy reader also includes a perfectly placed lift the flap interactive and two gate folds. The illustrations are simple, colorful, and on-point.

What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig by Emma J. Virjan
A pig in a towering red wig, a fluctuating cast of additional colorful characters who end up with the Pig in a Wig on a boat in a moat, and simple rhyming text make for an effective and charming early reader certain to appeal to fans of Mo Willems's Elephant & Piggie books. Thankfully, this is only the first book in a new series!

Honorable Mentions:
Hot Rod Hamster and the Haunted Halloween Party
Mr. Putter and Tabby Smell the Roses
I Really Like Slop (Elephant & Piggie)



Early Chapter Books

Big Bad Detective Agency by Bruce Hale
When Wolfgang (please don't call him the Big Bad Wolf!) is accused of destroying the homes of the Three Little Pigs, he has only a day to find the real culprit, or he will be sentenced to the dungeon (and a lifetime of yucky porridge) by the ruler of Fairylandia. Reluctantly, he teams up with Ferkel, the young fourth Pig who wants to assert a bit of independence from his family, to scope out potential suspects.

The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake by Robin Newman, illustrated by Deborah Zemke
With plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor and wordplay, Detectives Wilcox and Griswold of Ed's farm investigate the snatching of Miss Rabbit's carrot cake.

Dory and the Real True Friend by Abby Hanlon
The fantabulous Dory Fantasmagory and her gigantic imagination is back, and best of all, this time she has a real true friend. The problem? No one—meaning her older brother and sister—believes her friend isn't made up.

Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
In this second installment of the Tales of Deckawoo Drive series, DiCamillo brings back a familiar character from her Mercy Watson series and gives her the lead role. Francine prides herself as the best animal control officer around, but she suffers a debilitating blow to her self-confidence after an encounter with a eerie raccoon and an unfortunate fall.

Lola Levine Is Not Mean! by Monica Brown, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Lola Levine is bursting with energy and an ace soccer player—but she is NOT mean! Unfortunately, after her competitiveness gets a little out of control during a schoolyard game, most of her classmates have begun calling her Mean Lola Levine.

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree by Ellen Potter, illustrated by Qin Leng
When her beloved older brother leaves Peek-a-Boo Island to attend school on the mainland, Piper Green pledges to never take off the earmuffs he gave her. No matter how much trouble her refusal causes.

The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
The Princess in Black's work is never done. She doesn't even get a break on her birthday. When the monster alarm rings during her party (again and again and again), Princess Magnolia must find increasingly ridiculous ways to distract her guests so she can don her disguise and keep her kingdom safe without revealing her secret identity.

Honorable Mentions:
The Adventures of Sophie the Mouse: A New Friend
The Critter Club: Ellie and the Good Luck Pig
Jasper John Dooley: You're in Trouble
My Pet Human
Super Fly: The World's Smallest Superhero!