WHEN THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

by

K. Ibura

November 2, 2021

With one little announcement from their fourth-grade teacher, Shayla, Liam, Ben, and Ai's world turned upside down. Now, with school on hold due to a strange virus that they don't quite understand, the only semblance of safety they feel is knowing that they have one another in their apartment complex. But as each of them head home and experience their own version of confinement, it becomes very real. And as their individual struggles grow, they need each other now more than ever. Very soon, they discover that they're not the only ones who need a little help. Banded together, the friends find ways to help others struggling in their building. And one by one, they do their part in making their neighbors feel just a little bit safer. As the world becomes more complex, as protests take the streets, Shayla, Liam, Ben, and Ai do everything they can to better understand the world around them and the people around them in order to discover the power and comfort that understanding and generosity can bring.

THE NIGHTSILVER PROMISE

by

Annaliese Avery

November 2, 2021

London, the Empire of Albion. The Great Dragons of old are long-gone. Now the world is governed by the science of Celestial Physicists, and everyone's life is foretold by the track on their wrist. When thirteen-year-old Paisley discovers from her track that she is destined to die, the race is on to protect her dragon-touched brother and find her missing mother. But an ancient power stalks the sewers of London, and the Dark Dragon is rising, intent on restoring the Great Dragons and destroying Paisley's family and her world forever. In a world where science rules and dragons fear to tread, Paisley must trust her instincts and forge new friends, as she attempts to outrun fate itself.

FREEWATER

by

Amina Luqman Dawson

Fall

A brother and sister discover the secret community of Freewater after fleeing from a plantation, as well as a freeborn girl who has only known life in Freewater. They unite to protect their community from the encroaching dangers of the outside world and save the ones they love.

THE BOOKSHOP OF DUST AND DREAMS

by

Mindy Thompson

Fall

A debut middle grade novel set during WWII about Poppy, whose family runs a time-hopping, magical bookshop. When tragedy strikes, Poppy is caught between following her family's rule that prohibits magic for your own gain and trying to save her brother's life.

OBIE IS MAN ENOUGH

by

Schuyler Bailar

Fall

Coming soon!

THE VIEW FROM THE VERY BEST HOUSE IN TOWN

by

Meera Trehan

Fall

Coming soon!

SHELTER

by

Christie Matheson

Fall

The middle grade debut, which considers homelessness, family, and evergreen fifth-grade struggles through one child’s lens, chronicles one poignant day in the life of 10-year-old Maya, and follows her journey in discovering that having a house isn't the only way to have a home.

ELVIS AND THE WORLD AS IT STANDS

by

Lisa Frenkel Riddiough

Fall

Coming soon!

THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU THE MOST

by

Medina

Fall

A 12-year-old lives at the intersection of multiple identities, and they long to find their place in the world, but a school project, new trans and queer friends, and a YouTube channel helps them find purpose in their journey and find community.

THE ICE HOUSE

by

Monica Sherwood

Fall 2021

Two fifth graders whose lives are upended by a historic winter freeze build an ice house meant to help them escape family tensions indoors but instead forces them to confront inevitable change.