
Awkward
by Svetlana Chmakova
Peppi Torres is just trying to survive her first day at Berrybrook Middle School when she makes a huge mistake. In a moment of panic to avoid being teased, she trips a quiet boy named Jamie and runs away. This "awkward" moment haunts her as she tries to find her place in the school's competitive club scene. Joining the Art Club seems like a great idea, but soon she finds herself caught in a fierce rivalry with the Science Club, where Jamie just happens to be a star member.
Svetlana Chmakova's Awkward is a masterclass in middle school dynamics, capturing the genuine anxiety and humor of pre-teen life. It is perfect for children who love graphic novels like Raina Telgemeier's Smile or Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl. This story is an ideal choice for readers interested in school stories that balance lighthearted comedy with meaningful lessons about kindness, making amends, and standing up for what is right.
Highlights:
- Relatable exploration of social anxiety and middle school "rules."
- Engaging rivalry between the Art Club and the Science Club.
- Diverse cast of characters with distinct personalities and backgrounds.
- Beautifully illustrated panels that bring the school setting to life.

Bitter
by Akwaeke Emezi
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi is a powerful and thought-provoking companion novel to the acclaimed Pet. Set in the city of Lucille, the story follows Bitter, a young artist attending a special school for gifted creators. While Bitter prefers the safety of her studio and the company of her friends, the world outside is erupting in protests against injustice. As the tension in the streets reaches a breaking point, Bitter discovers that her art has the terrifying power to manifest into the real world, forcing her to decide what role she will play in the revolution.
This novel is a brilliant exploration of the intersection between art and activism. It is perfect for readers who are interested in social justice, the ethics of protest, and the responsibility of the artist. Emezi’s lyrical prose and deep character development make this an ideal choice for older teens who enjoy stories that challenge their perspectives and reflect contemporary struggles through a lens of magical realism. It is a great choice for fans of The Hate U Give who are looking for a speculative twist.
Highlights:
- Explores the complex emotions behind social activism and protest.
- Features a unique magic system where art comes to life.
- Deeply relatable protagonist navigating fear, anger, and hope.
- A compelling prequel/companion to the award-winning novel Pet.

Couleurs
by Hervé Tullet
Plongez dans l'univers fascinant de Couleurs, un chef-d'œuvre interactif signé Hervé Tullet. Bien plus qu'un simple livre, cet album invite l'enfant à devenir un véritable petit artiste. En suivant des instructions simples et ludiques, le jeune lecteur est encouragé à tapoter, frotter et secouer les pages pour voir les couleurs se transformer sous ses yeux. C'est une expérience sensorielle unique qui transforme la lecture en un jeu de magie captivant et surprenant.
Ce livre est idéal pour les enfants qui aiment explorer, toucher et créer. Il permet d'apprendre les bases de la théorie des couleurs — comme le mélange du bleu et du jaune pour obtenir du vert — de manière totalement intuitive et amusante. Les parents à la recherche d'un support pédagogique original pour éveiller la curiosité artistique de leurs enfants trouveront ici un trésor. C'est le choix parfait pour stimuler l'imagination tout en développant la motricité fine et la compréhension des concepts visuels fondamentaux.
Highlights:
- Une approche interactive révolutionnaire qui engage activement l'enfant dans sa lecture.
- Apprentissage ludique des mélanges de couleurs, des nuances et de la lumière.
- Illustrations vives et épurées qui stimulent l'éveil visuel et la reconnaissance artistique.
- Un outil pédagogique exceptionnel pour les parents et les enseignants du primaire.

Diary
by Svetlana Chmakova
Diary by Svetlana Chmakova is a unique and interactive addition to the beloved Berrybrook Middle School series. This special volume blends the charm of a graphic novel with the creativity of an activity book, making it the perfect companion for fans of Awkward, Brave, and Crush. It offers readers a chance to dive deeper into the lives of Peppi, Jaime, and Jensen through brand-new short stories while encouraging them to document their own middle school journeys.
Ideal for readers interested in art and storytelling, this book features "one sketch a day" pages, sticker sheets, and guided journal entries. It is a great choice for children who love expressing themselves through drawing and writing. Parents will appreciate how it fosters creativity and provides a safe space for kids to reflect on their daily experiences, friendships, and personal growth. Whether your child is a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking for an engaging creative outlet, this book offers a delightful mix of fiction and interactive fun.
Highlights:
- Includes exclusive new stories set in the Berrybrook Middle School universe.
- Features interactive "one sketch a day" pages and sticker sheets to encourage artistic expression.
- Perfect for fans of contemporary graphic novels who want to engage more deeply with their favorite characters.
- Provides a relatable and supportive framework for kids to start their own journaling habit.

Le Loup qui voulait être un artiste
by Orianne Lallemand
Dans cette aventure colorée et pleine de rebondissements, Loup décide de devenir un artiste après avoir reçu un conseil de Maître Hibou. Toujours plein d'enthousiasme, notre héros s'essaie tour à tour à la peinture, à la poésie et même à la sculpture. Cependant, le chemin vers la gloire artistique est semé d'embûches et de doutes, car il n'est pas toujours facile de trouver sa propre voix créative.
Ce livre est idéal pour les enfants qui aiment explorer leur créativité et qui apprécient les histoires drôles d'animaux. C'est un excellent choix pour aborder les thèmes de la persévérance et de la recherche d'identité avec les jeunes lecteurs. Les parents cherchant une histoire tendre et humoristique pour le rituel du soir seront ravis par les péripéties de ce loup attachant et les illustrations vives qui l'accompagnent.
Highlights:
- Une exploration ludique des différentes formes d'art comme la peinture et la sculpture.
- Un message positif sur l'importance de rester fidèle à soi-même.
- Des illustrations expressives qui captivent immédiatement l'attention des petits.
- Une histoire parfaite pour encourager l'expression personnelle et la confiance en soi.

The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
The One and Only Ivan is a Newbery Medal-winning masterpiece that tells the heart-wrenching yet hopeful story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has lived in a shopping mall enclosure for twenty-seven years. Accustomed to his life behind glass, Ivan spends his days watching television and painting. However, his world is transformed when Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, arrives at the mall. Through Ruby's innocent eyes, Ivan begins to see their captive home differently and realizes he must find a way to secure a better future for them both.
This beautifully written novel is perfect for children who love animal stories and readers who appreciate emotional, thought-provoking narratives. Katherine Applegate uses a unique first-person perspective that allows children to connect deeply with Ivan’s thoughts and feelings. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in animal welfare, the power of art, and the true meaning of friendship. Fans of Charlotte's Web will find a similar blend of humor and poignancy in this modern classic.
Highlights:
- Inspired by the true story of a real gorilla named Ivan.
- Explores deep themes of empathy, courage, and the ethics of animal captivity.
- Short, accessible chapters make it a great choice for reluctant readers.
- Features beautiful illustrations that complement the lyrical prose.
