Be Kind

Illustrated By: Julie McLaughlin

This illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers explores the history, science and mysteries of kindness and examines the things we can do for ourselves and others to help make the world a kinder place.

The Color of My Difference

In this middle-grade novel-in-verse, a child's parents move him to a new school, where he's one of the only Black kids. Confronted with bullying and racism, he tries to push his anger and sadness down. But over time he learns how to stand up for himself and feel true pride in his skin color.

Finding My Spark

Illustrated By: Sylvain Cabot
Translated by: Ann Marie Boulanger

In this middle-grade picture book, a tween feels uncomfortable when puberty hits and he realizes he's not the girl everyone thinks he is. First he cuts his hair and tries to hide his body in baggy clothes, but eventually he gathers the courage to open up to his family and friends, choose a new name and be the boy he knows he is.

Lost Harbor

Illustrated By: Mike Deas

In this graphic novel, Sleeves and his friends adventure to Lost Harbor in search of crystals, a ghost town and answers to the local mystery of a woman who went missing years earlier.

Not Myself Today

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, a magical museum artifact makes spoiled middle-schooler Riya swap bodies with the girl she bullies.

The Truth About Maura

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, Maura's classmate sees her leaving an abortion clinic and spreads the news on social media. Soon her family, friends and classmates are judging her choice, but Maura is determined that no one is entitled to an explanation.

Vinh Tran Is Cursed

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, twelve-year-old Vinh is given a magical jade pen to help him with his homework but it ends up turning his life upside down.

Werewolves Don’t Need Babysitters

Illustrated By: Dharmali Patel

In this funny, partially illustrated early chapter book, Lou finds it hard enough training to be a werewolf with his prankster older brothers…and then his parents go out of town and leave them in charge. When a window accidentally shatters and the protection spell around their house is broken, it's up to Lou to protect his pack.

Bat Planet

Part of the nonfiction Orca Wild series for middle-grade readers and illustrated with color photographs throughout, this book explores bats and their biology, habitat, relationship with humans and threats to their survival.

The Bottle Witch of Brimley

In this short novel for middle-grade readers, twelve-year-old Dory accidentally releases an evil night witch and her whole town of Brimley falls under a bizarre curse. With pets, plants and people disappearing, Dory must uncover a way to undo the witch’s power before it’s too late.

Collision

In this touching middle-grade novel, Daniel witnesses the aftermath of two ships crashing in his small town’s canal and the discovery that people are inside one of the shipping containers. Since his mom works at the hospital and his dad with the local police, Daniel gets an inside perspective and forms a friendship with one of the refugees.

The Dream of an Education

Illustrated By: Tida Kheav

Part of the Orca Biography series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated nonfiction book introduces young readers to Phymean Noun and her mission to give Cambodian children living in poverty access to education.

Jazz Davies Skips a Beat

In this middle-grade novel and follow-up to Lo Simpson Starts a Revolution, Jazz is trying to process why her mom left, what exactly she’s feeling for a girl in her class and whether she wants to be one of the popular girls after all.

One Ocean

Illustrated By: Bithi Sutradhar

Part of the nonfiction Orca Take Action series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book examines practical ways young people can protect the ocean and the over 250,000 species that call it home.

South with the Seabirds

In this nonfiction picture book, young readers will follow Mary Gillham, Isobel Bennett, Hope Macpherson and Susan Ingham on an adventure to Macquarie Island as they became the first four female scientists to join an Australian research expedition to the subantarctic.

Still Friends

Illustrated By: Mike Deas

In this funny picture book, a dog makes a new friend at the park—a statue who doesn’t throw balls or give treats or pets. But he learns over time that she has her own strengths that make her a rock-solid friend.

Why Communities Need Engineers

Illustrated By: Arden Taylor

Part of the nonfiction Orca Timeline series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book examines how engineering has helped build successful communities in the past and present and what engineering innovations could look like in the future.

Ayah and the Big World Outside

Illustrated By: Barkha Lohia

In this moving picture book, Ayah, who has always lived in a refugee camp, is trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. When she falls asleep and dreams of a swallow who shows her there are places without fences, and without war, she realizes she wants to be free like him.