Book Reviews

Discover the extraordinary, life-changing novel about the power of words to bring light into the darkest of times. The year is 1939, and Nazi Germany is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and he is the one telling this unforgettable story. When young Liesel Meminger is sent to live with a foster family outside of Munich, she has nothing to her name. But after finding a hidden book in the snow, she discovers something she simply cannot resist: the magic of reading. With the help of her kind, accordion-playing foster father, Liesel learns to read and soon begins stealing books from wherever she can find them. As the war escalates and bombs begin to fall, Liesel shares her stolen treasures with her terrified neighbors in the bomb shelter, and with the Jewish man her family is bravely hiding in their basement. Beautifully written and deeply moving, this modern classic explores how friendship, courage, and a love for books can help you survive when the world is falling apart.

Oh no! Your favorite heroic hound, Dog Man, is in big trouble. He's been sent to the pound for a crime he didn't commit, and now everyone thinks he's bad to the bone! Can Dog Man's loyal pals help clear his name and prove his innocence? While his friends work hard to solve the mystery, Dog Man faces a tough challenge. He's part dog and part man, and sometimes it feels like he doesn't quite fit in with either world. Join Dog Man on an exciting adventure filled with laughs, friendship, and a quest to discover where he truly belongs. This sixth book in the bestselling Dog Man series from Dav Pilkey is packed with action and heart, perfect for young readers who love hilarious stories and amazing comic art.

Sara Martinez just wanted to do the right thing when she hacked the New York City foster care system to expose her corrupt foster parents. Instead of a medal, she is facing years in juvenile detention and a strict ban on using computers. Just when all hope seems lost, a mysterious British spy named Mother swoops in, offering her a totally different path: a place in a highly secret MI6 agency. Sara is whisked away to a hidden base in Scotland, where she joins the City Spies, a brilliant team of five kids gathered from around the globe. While attending a local boarding school, they master explosives, sleight of hand, and breaking and entering, allowing them to infiltrate places adults simply cannot reach. Before she knows it, Sara is dangling from buildings and hacking rival computer networks at a youth summit in Paris, racing to stop a dangerous villain.

The epic tale of wild cats surviving in the deep forest has been brought to life in a stunning visual adventure. For generations, four fierce groups of cats have shared the woods according to ancient laws. But the balance of power is shifting dangerously, and ThunderClan is facing complete destruction from the growing shadows of their rivals. You will be pulled right into the heart of the action when an ordinary orange house cat named Rusty wanders into the untamed woods. Rusty has a comfortable life with humans, but he trades it all for the thrilling, brutal life of a wild warrior. Experience the intense training, fierce battles, and deep friendships of the forest as Rusty fights to prove that a house cat can become the bravest hero of them all. This incredible full-color adaptation takes you right into the tall grass and the flying fur, offering a breathtaking new way to explore a legendary world of survival and courage.

The epic climax of the original warrior cat saga is brought to vivid life in this stunning, full-color graphic novel. Tensions in the forest have reached a boiling point as the sinister Tigerstar rises to power, leaving a trail of betrayal and terror in his wake. You will join Fireheart as he uncovers dark secrets and fights to protect his beloved ThunderClan from a ruthless pack of wild dogs and unseen threats lurking in the shadows. As the brutal summer heat pushes every feline to their absolute limit, alliances shatter and old friends become sudden enemies. The stakes have never been higher, and Fireheart must face his ultimate destiny in a spectacular battle that will determine the fate of the entire forest. Dive into the breathtaking visual conclusion of the story arc that started it all, where courage and loyalty face their greatest test.

Nine-year-old Peter Hatcher has a massive problem in his life, and his name is Farley Drexel Hatcher. To the rest of the world, Peter's two-year-old brother is just an adorable, sweet little toddler known as Fudge. But Peter knows the dark truth: Fudge is a walking, talking disaster zone who ruins absolutely everything he touches. Whether he is throwing massive, screaming temper tantrums in the middle of a shoe store, scribbling all over Peter's hard-earned homework, or smearing mashed potatoes on the dining room walls, Fudge always finds a way to cause absolute chaos. Worse yet, Peter feels like his parents only ever pay attention to his troublemaking little brother. Now, Peter spends most of his time just trying to protect his most prized possession—a tiny pet green turtle named Dribble—from Fudge's destructive little hands. Living with Fudge requires a mountain of patience, and Peter is quickly running out of it. Get ready to laugh out loud at this hilarious, classic story about the wild ups and downs of surviving life with an impossible younger sibling.

The scent of kerosene is your perfume, and the roaring flames are your greatest achievement. As a fireman in a chillingly controlled future, your job is not to put out fires. Your job is to start them. Books are strictly forbidden, blamed for spreading dangerous ideas and causing unhappiness. When someone is caught hiding a library, you are the one who arrives with the Mechanical Hound and a flamethrower to reduce their precious pages to gray ashes. You have never questioned the system or the empty, screen filled life you share with your distant wife. Then you meet a teenage neighbor named Clarisse. She does not care about the giant interactive televisions or the endless fast paced distractions. Instead, she asks you simple, terrifying questions about the world, nature, and your own happiness. Suddenly, the unquestioning loyalty you once felt to your profession begins to crumble. You start to wonder what secrets are hidden in the books you destroy, leading you to commit the ultimate crime of reading one yourself. In a society where independent thought is illegal, your sudden awakening makes you a target for the very government you once proudly served.

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when his small plane suddenly crashes into the remote Canadian wilderness. The pilot is dead, and Brian is completely alone. You will feel his intense fear and hunger as he realizes that his survival depends entirely on his own wits. His only tool is a small hatchet his mother gave him as a parting gift. For fifty-four grueling days, you will learn alongside Brian as he figures out how to build a shelter, start a fire, and hunt for food. Beyond the physical challenges, he must also find a way to navigate the emotional pain of his parents' recent divorce. This thrilling, iconic classic is the ultimate test of human endurance.

The thrilling saga of the warrior cats bursts off the page in this action-packed, full-color graphic novel adaptation. Deep in the heart of the forest, the fragile harmony between the four wild cat Clans is rapidly crumbling. You will join Fireheart as he digs into dangerous secrets, desperately trying to uncover the truth behind the suspicious death of a former Clan deputy. But asking the wrong questions paints a massive target on his back. As a scorching summer heatwave bakes the territory, tensions rise and an old, ruthless enemy seizes power in a rival Clan. Fireheart must confront dark omens, shocking betrayals, and a devastating natural disaster that threatens to wipe out everything he loves. Experience the suspense and fierce battles of the wild like never before in this stunning visual journey where courage is tested and true heroes are forged.

Meet Frog and Toad, two amphibious best friends who are always there for each other. Frog is cheerful and energetic, while Toad would usually prefer to stay in bed. Yet, together, they make the perfect pair. Join them for five classic adventures that celebrate the true meaning of friendship. You will help Toad search for his lost white button, wait patiently for a very important letter to arrive in the mail, and celebrate the joyful arrival of spring. The short chapters and highly accessible vocabulary are specifically designed to help you build confidence as you begin to read independently. It is a funny, tender, and deeply comforting introduction to one of literature's most beloved duos.

Narwhal is a happy go lucky sea creature who loves waffles and parties. Jelly is a no nonsense jellyfish who prefers to keep things sensible. The two might not have a lot in common at first glance, but they are about to discover the whole wide ocean together! In this wonderfully silly graphic novel, Narwhal gets a little lost but ends up finding an amazing new best friend. You will get to join Narwhal and Jelly as they form their very own pod of awesomeness with their quirky ocean friends. They even try to read the best book ever made, even though it has absolutely no words or pictures.

Meet Trinity Shwartz! Moving to a brand new state means being the new kid in school, which can feel a little scary. Trinity has always been a quiet girl who likes to keep to herself. But this year, something feels different. She's starting at Greenport Middle School, and it’s a big chance for her to try new things and make new friends. Join Trinity as she navigates the hallways, classrooms, and new experiences. Will she stay shy and let others decide things for her, or will she find her own brave voice? This story is all about discovering who you truly are, even when everything around you is new. You'll laugh, you'll feel, and you'll cheer for Trinity as she learns to speak up and chase her own dreams. Get ready for an exciting journey of friendship and finding your courage!