Interested in our kids' and educators' recent reads and reviews?
Scroll through this list to find your next favorite Grade 3-5 book!
Bad Kitty: Party Animal
Book Details
Title: Bad Kitty: Party Animal (Graphic Novel)
Author: Nick Bruel
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
ISBN: 1250884799
Reviews
I was interested in the nice things that Bad Kitty would do. The reason Bad Kitty was not always bad was surprising. The dog was my favorite character because he was still nice to Bad Kitty even when she was mean to him. I think 2nd through 5th graders will enjoy this book. I liked the message of being nice to everyone because you never know what they have gone through.
– Avery J., Student
“Bad Kitty: Party Animals” by Nick Bruel is a great addition to the popular Bad Kitty Series. It is a delightful story that we can easily relate to, filled with exceptional illustrations that perfectly capture Kitty’s emotions, making it an enjoyable read for young readers, especially those who are so fond of graphic novels. Kitty does not wish to share her life with a puppy, especially a slobbery one, and truly misbehaves when all the preparations for the puppy’s first birthday party are underway. We feel for Kitty’s irritation living with the puppy and the difficulties she encounters at an all-dog party.
Middle-grade readers will enjoy the humour and mischief that Kitty and others get up to. The story is lighthearted and fun, but it also touches on responsibility and the need to think before we act. Towards the end, Kitty realizes that the puppy can be her friend despite their differences! After all, they live in the same home.
– Oriane, Educator
Fluffle Bunnies: Buns Gone Bad
Book Details
Title: Buns Gone Bad (Fluffle Bunnies, Book #1)
Author: Anna Humphrey
Publisher: Tundra Books
ISBN: 1774881322
Reviews
I didn’t just like this book, I loved it. Especially when they built a time machine. I would probably recommend this book to every boy my age. I liked the illustrations for the rabbits and the raccoons. This is the first book in a series and I want the next book!
– Isaac V., Student
Fluffle Bunnies: Buns Gone Bad is both adorable and hilarious from the very first page. Kids of all ages will love this graphic novel! A group of bunnies are on their own for the first time, after their mother leaves the nest since they’re old enough to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, the bunnies struggle to navigate life outside the nest. This causes hysterically funny problems that readers of all ages will find themselves giggling about. While readers are engrossed in the adorable catastrophes, they’ll find themselves learning many life lessons along the way. A fabulous new book that will have you begging for a sequel!
– Megan, Educator
Greenwild: The World Behind the Door
Book Details
Title: Greenwild: The World Behind the Door (Greenwild, Book #1)
Author: Pari Thomson
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (An Imprint of Macmillan Children’s Books)
ISBN: 0374391378
Reviews
Hello. My name is Rose, and I think Greenwild is a great five-star book, and here’s why…it’s a great book for people who like wizardry and adventure books like me. My favorite character is Daisy Thistledown. Why? She’s an adventurous girl and knows it is important to be herself. How did the book make me feel? It made me feel excited to read about the Greenwild magic world and to find out how the book ended.
– Rose M., Student
Greenwild is an enchanting and whimsical story that takes the reader into an imaginary world where there is magic in nature at every turn. The book follows a young girl Daisy, whose mother has gone missing. She is alone in the world without a friend. When she accidentally stumbles into the Greenwild through a secret door, she meets several people who become her most trusted friends and they provide assistance to her on her search for her ma. Along the way, she learns about her ma’s magical past and discovers her strengths as well. Perfect for the middle school reader who loves to read fantasy books, Greenwild is sure to delight.
– Brooke, Digital Literacy Manager
InvestiGators: Agents of S.U.I.T.: Wild Ghost Chase
Book Details
Title: InvestiGators: Agents of S.U.I.T.: Wild Ghost Chase
Author: John Patrick Green, Christopher Hastings
Publisher: First Second
ISBN: 1250852404
Reviews
This book is a funny, enjoyable story and is filled with hidden humor on every page. It is a fun, quick-to-read graphic novel and will make you laugh! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes comedy and mystery. All of the hilarious jokes made me feel like I was solving the mysteries right alongside the crazy crew. My favorite character was G.I. Tract because when he gets stuck in the closet he can’t get out which unravels the whole story.
– Olivia S., Student
As soon as I picked up this book, I knew it would be a new favorite among middle grade readers. The illustrations are bright and engaging, the characters are very silly, and the story is one that will hook second through fourth grade readers. This book is perfect for kids who enjoy the original InvestiGators series, Real Pigeons, and Dog Man. This is the third book in the Agents of S.U.I.T. series, but you can read this book even if you haven’t read the others.
– Megan, Educator
Jasmine Is Haunted
Book Details
Title: Jasmine Is Haunted
Author: Mark Oshiro
Publisher: Starscape
ISBN: 1250337291
Reviews
Kids should read Jasmine is Haunted because it tells about those who passed haunting Jasmine. The people who have lost others sometimes needs to know to move on and enjoy the life they have currently. I enjoyed that the spirits were only visible to Jasmine and the spirits just wanted to reunite to their families. Jorge was one of my favorite’s because he faced his fears. It shows how much effort he puts in with Bea. Someone who is into the spooky and supernatural would enjoy this book! Someone who has lost a family member would enjoy this book too. At some parts, it made me a bit afraid but a bit brave too.
– Hazel T., Student
I really enjoyed this book and think kids will enjoy it too. Kids of all ages love a good ghost story and I think that topic mixed with the Latinx/LGBTQ+ will reach a new audience. Jasmine was my favorite character and I love how she was able to explore grief using the topic of ghosts. It was a sweet book and an enjoyable read.
– Jennifer M., Educator
Narwhal's Sweet Tooth
Book Details
Title: Narwhal’s Sweet Tooth (Narwhal and Jelly, Book #9)
Author: Ben Clanton
Publisher: Tundra Books
ISBN: 1774884488
Reviews
“10/10 is all I can say. I will always like Narwahl and Jelly. I recommend this book to anyone but especially kindergarteners or first graders through grown-ups. Crab is my favorite character because he is always happy but he is always frowning. I like the illustrations because they are not really complicated. This book made me want to have cake. I can’t wait for the next book.”
– Matty S., Student
Narwhals Sweet tooth is a colorful and cute graphic novel that also teaches a great lesson about taking care of your teeth! This book would be a fast and fun read for ages 6-9. Narwhals tusk gets cracked and he blames it on all of the sweets he has been eating. When a shark helps him brush it, he learns a lesson about brushing. Will he save his “tooth”? The cute book also has some cool facts about narwhals woven throughout the story as well!
– B. Ingram, Librarian, South Carolina
Piper's Story: A Puppy Tale
Book Details
Title: Piper’s Story: A Puppy Tale
Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Publisher: Starscape
ISBN: 1250213533
Reviews
I think other kids should read the book, Piper’s Story (Puppy Tale), because it offers heartwarming lessons about family, home, and finding your place in the world. Specifically, kids can learn that home isn’t something easy to find from this book and assist them to be grateful for being fortunate enough to have a family and home.
What I enjoy most about this book are the illustrations. They are drawn black and white yet, they’re really realistic and bring the characters to life because of the details. This also makes me have a clearer and deeper comprehension of what is occuring in the book. Notably, one of the illustrations of Piper being charged by a brute of her dog sibling, Chopper, creates an overwhelming rush of fear through the detailness of the picture.
– Toan H., Student
Readers are going to love Piper from the very first page of this book. She is hysterically funny, adorable, and excited to go home to live with Riley and her family (until Piper meets Riley’s big brother Jackson and the family’s enormous dog Tank). Once Piper meets Jackson, Tank and a not so nice neighbor and his dog, Piper is on a mission to find a better home for herself and Riley. Piper finds herself in some incredibly funny situations that will have readers giggling with laughter and turning page after page. This is the perfect book for readers who love animals, adventures, and laughing!
– Megan L., Educator
Ripley: Fire Station Five
Book Details
Title: Ripley: Fire Station Five (Dogs With a Purpose)
Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Publisher: Starscape
ISBN: 1250815614
Reviews
Dog lovers would really like Ripley Fire Station Five by W. Bruce Cameron because it’s a thrilling adventure about a dog named Ripley who is trying to become a fire station dog. Kids should read this fiction book because it kept my interest and it was cool to read about how Ripley learned new skills at the fire station. My favorite character was Ripley because it was funny to hear the story from a dog’s perspective. I experienced a lot of different emotions while reading this book. I felt excited, scared, sad, and happy with the different events in the story. I really enjoyed this book!
– Madison B., Student
This book would be great for upper elementary or middle school students who love dogs and a rollercoaster of emotions. I love Ripley’s journey of being an out of control border collie puppy to learning all types of tasks and commands. I also really enjoyed Samantha’s journey in the book and how Ripley helped bring healing to her life.
– Jennifer M., Educator
She Persisted: Naomi Osaka
Book Details
Title: Penny Draws a School Play
Author: Kekla Magoon, Chelsea Clinton
Publisher: Philomel Books
ISBN: 0593623533
Reviews
What I enjoyed most about She Persisted: Naomi Osaka is the mixture of amazing illustrations and an inspiring story. What stood out the most was the way the story was told in general. The vibe that the writing of the story gives off makes me want to read this book over and over. My favorite character was, of course, Naomi Osaka. She is a very inspiring woman who even drives me to chase my dreams like I’m in a 100 meter race. I believe the message of this book is to follow your dreams and stand up for what’s right. I think highly of the illustrations.
My little sister would love this book. Naomi Osaka would be a great role model for her, especially since she is still young. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys the stories of biracial and mixed race people. There’s nothing more inspiring to see than more unique idols around the world. This book made me feel taller in this world. What I mean is, seeing more people who know the hardships that unique people like Naomi Osaka go through, and are on our side, makes me feel a lot better about myself. On the earth we live in, there are many corrupt people, and this book inspires me to be the one to cause a change.
– Kaleb K., Student
As a woman and former tennis player, I really enjoyed learning more about Naomi. What an inspiring young woman! Biracial and multicultural, Naomi is not only an outstanding tennis star but I really enjoyed seeing her social justice side and her work with mental health awareness. She got involved with black lives matter after the death of George Floyd and even put the names of other victims on her masks to wear during matches. Now as a mom, she continues her work as both an advocate and an athlete. Her story shows young women they are able to overcome to the challenges they may face and while a lot of hard work is required, you can achieve your dreams. I highly recommend this book for all young women especially if they are athletes and I’m excited to add it to my classroom shelf.
– Marisa, Special Education Teacher
Sir Callie and the Dragon's Roost
Book Details
Title: Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost
Author: Esme Symes-Smith
Publisher: Yearling
ISBN: 059348584X
Reviews
If you love adventurous fantasy tales, you are sure to enjoy Sir Callie. This book is mainly about staying strong fighting for what you believe and no one can label you in a certain way. The main character in this story, Callie, is persistent and fights for what they believe is right. Helping others no matter who they are or for whatever goal. Even if it gets them in trouble, making them my favorite character. My favorite part is at the end when Callie defeats Lord Peran and proves him wrong, showing him that gender identity doesn’t make them any less than anyone else and he shouldn’t have been so harsh judging them for their differences. Lord Peron and others thought that only boys could train to be a knight where as the girls should only be able to train with magic leading him to insist his children and the prince (king in training) forcefully changing them to fit normal. eventually leading to his fall and banishment.
– Cathy Y., Student
This book is so good!!! It follows Callie, a nonbinary kid who wants to grow up to be a knight as they go to the capital city with their father for the first time. From the stories they’ve heard from their father, a retired knight and the former right hand man of the king, Callie is excited for all the opportunities Helston has to offer and the training and experience they’ll get there! When Callie and their father arrive in Helston however, Callie learns that its not the great city that they were expecting, but instead finds that it is a society that doesn’t like people who are different, and only sees them as a girl, forcing Callie to practice magic and embroidery instead of fighting and knight training.
Throughout the book, Callie makes friends in unlikely places and together they start to defy the society that says they have to follow the norm. This book is told in Callie’s first person POV, which immediately transports the reader into the world and how the character is feeling. One of my favorite parts about this book is how often Callie admits that they are afraid, but perceivers and does the scary thing anyway! This is a great book to show kids that its okay to be different, even if even if people who think they have more power than you disagree! This would be a great book to feature on a fantasy or LGBTQIA+ list. It would also be great for readers who enjoy stories about knights and medieval times. I can’t wait to continue this series!
– Emily, School Librarian
The Dark!: Wild Life in the Mysterious World of Caves
Book Details
Title: The Dark!: Wild Life in the Mysterious World of Caves
Author: Lindsey Leigh
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
ISBN: 0593662598
Reviews
The Dark! is a fun nonfiction book that is packed with interesting facts about caves and the animals that live in them. Some animals that you’ll learn about are olms, cave pseudoscorpions, and even elephants! One interesting fact I learned is that there’s a bug called a cave leech that can survive eating only once a year! If you want to learn more cool facts like this, definitely read this book! You will have a hard time putting this book down!
– Noah Lewitin, 5th Grade Student
The Dark! Wild Life in the Mysterious World of Caves is an incredible nonfiction book that will interest readers, even if they usually shy away from reading nonfiction. The book is full of fascinating information about caves and the creatures who dwell inside. The animals that live in caves are all pretty strange and have very unusual adaptations. These will definitely grab readers’ attention and they’ll be dying to learn more. The format of this book will also engage readers, especially those who might be reluctant to enjoy nonfiction texts. The illustrations are cartoony, but with details to help readers imagine each animal. Many of the pages are written in panel-style, which gives the illusion of a graphic novel. There are pop outs with interesting facts, and dialogue between different animals. Readers grade 3 and up should definitely give this book a read!
– Megan L., 3rd Grade Teacher
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook for Kids
Book Details
Title: The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook for Kids
Author: David Borgenicht, Justin Heimberg
Publisher: Quirk Books
ISBN: 1683694562
Reviews
If you were ever in danger you need this book! Imagine that you fell from the cracked ice, do NOT stand up when you are out of the hole because the ice will break again. Also, if you’re in quicksand, don’t try to panic. It will make it worse! Instead move slowly to get out of the pit. If you have a rhino chasing you, please don’t run towards it, run away. I really liked this book and it made me think of situations I may have in my life. Anyone going on an adventure could definitely use this book to help them survive!
– Ibrohim I., Student
Do you love learning interesting fun facts AND laughing out loud as you learn them? If so, this is definitely the book for you! The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook for Kids is a hilarious book that will teach you what to do in crazy situations. Readers will learn what to do if they encounter a polar bear, if they find themselves stranded on an iceberg, or even if they meet an angry gorilla. There are 40 different situations you will learn about, there are fun and silly quizzes inside, and you will have so many new facts to share with your friends and family. I definitely think all kids will absolutely love this book!
– Mrs. Lewitin, Elementary Teacher