If you love middle-grade historical fiction filled with courage, hope, and hidden heroes, Safiyyah’s War is a must-read. Inspired by true events, this powerful story follows a brave Muslim girl in WWII Paris who discovers her own strength as she joins the Resistance to protect others. It’s gripping, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

f you’re looking for a magical, fast-paced adventure with a fierce and unforgettable heroine, Amari and the Night Brothers is a must-read. B.B. Alston blends mystery, fantasy, and heart as Amari steps into a hidden supernatural world to search for her missing brother—and discovers her own extraordinary power along the way.

If you’re looking for a powerful middle-grade story that blends friendship, fear, courage, and real-world issues, Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is a must-read. Saadia Faruqi delivers a heartfelt, eye-opening novel about a Muslim boy navigating prejudice and finding his voice in a changing community—and it will stay with you long after the last page.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps is a powerful middle-grade verse novel about bullying, body positivity, and learning to take up space. A must-read for upper-elementary and middle schoolers.

A heartfelt review of Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga—a beautiful verse novel about identity, courage, and belonging. Perfect for Grades 4–8.

Few books capture wonder, curiosity, and heart the way A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga does. This upper–middle grade novel blends science and emotion in a way that feels fresh and necessary—especially for young readers who may be meeting the ideas of robotics, space exploration, and empathy for the first time. Warga invites us to imagine what it means to be “alive,” to learn, to feel, and to connect. Whether read aloud in classrooms or discovered independently, this story re

In Sisters of the Neversea, Cynthia Leitich Smith reimagines Peter Pan through the voices of two stepsisters — one Muscogee Creek, one white — who discover the truth behind the myths of Neverland. A powerful story of sisterhood, identity, and the courage to tell your own story.

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh is a heartfelt picture book about a young Palestinian-American girl searching for her homeland—and finding that home lives within her family’s stories. Perfect for classroom discussions on identity, maps, and belonging.

Cooking connects people in ways words sometimes can’t. In Measuring Up, Cici learns that recipes carry memories, and that belonging can be found one dish—and one friendship—at a time.

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas is a lively, middle-grade graphic novel about Bree, a new student who’s afraid of water but ends up on a swim team that needs a win. With themes of courage, identity, teamwork, and a history of Black swimmers’ access to pools, it’s a compelling read for ages ~8–12.

The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by John Parra, tells the inspiring true story of Ethel L. Payne, a pioneering African American journalist who used her writing to fight for justice and equality. From her early love of words to her bold questions in the White House press room, Ethel’s story shows how courage and determination can give voice to those who have been silenced.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora, tells the inspiring true story of Mary Walker, who was born into slavery in 1848 and learned to read at the age of 116. Despite a lifetime of hardship and limited opportunities, Mary never gave up on her dream of literacy. This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates perseverance, the power of education, and the belief that it is never too late to learn.

Marya Khan and the Disastrous Class Project by Saadia Faruqi is a fun, heartfelt story about friendship, culture, and finding confidence when things don’t go as planned. When Marya is paired with Waleed, a new student from Pakistan who misses home, she’s sure their country project will be amazing — until her big ideas start to spin out of control. Through humor, teamwork, and a few mistakes along the way, Marya learns that kindness and understanding can turn any “disaster” in

Today I’m sharing my “Makeda Makes a Mountain” book review, a joyful and creative story written by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and illustrated by Lydia Mba. This easy reader celebrates imagination, family, and finding beauty in what we already have. It also offers something that can be hard to find—representation in early-level books that reflect diverse experiences. Perfect for young readers and classroom discussions about creativity and imagination while protecting the Ea

Picture book that tells the story of Lubna finding friendship and kindness in a refugee camp.

If you love middle-grade historical fiction filled with courage, hope, and hidden heroes, Safiyyah’s War is a must-read. Inspired by true events, this powerful story follows a brave Muslim girl in WWII Paris who discovers her own strength as she joins the Resistance to protect others. It’s gripping, heartfelt, and unforgettable.