Books about honesty

Imogene (Impy) has grown up in a world of knights, squires, and fair maidens. Having been homeschooled by her parents who work at the local Renaissance Faire, Impy is finally ready to take on her biggest quest yet: public middle school. She wants to prove she is brave and loyal, just like a real squire, but she soon discovers that the social hierarchy of the sixth grade is far more treacherous than any medieval battleground.

As Impy struggles to fit in with the popular crowd, she finds herself making choices that don't align with her family's values or her own sense of honor. This vibrant graphic novel is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy stories about the awkwardness of growing up and the importance of staying true to oneself. It is an ideal pick for children who love Roller Girl or Raina Telgemeier's Smile, offering a unique blend of humor and heart-wrenching relatability.

Highlights:

• Unique and colorful Renaissance Faire setting that brings the story to life.
• Relatable exploration of middle school social dynamics and the pressure to fit in.
• Strong focus on family bonds and the challenges of navigating new friendships.
• Engaging graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners and reluctant readers.

Best Friends by Shannon Hale is a poignant and relatable graphic memoir that perfectly captures the whirlwind of emotions that come with navigating sixth grade. Following the success of Real Friends, Shannon finds herself in the "Group," the most popular circle of friends in school. However, staying on top is harder than it looks. Shannon must navigate the unspoken rules of popularity, the pressure to be funny and cool, and the constant anxiety of wondering if she truly belongs. It is a must-read for children who love Raina Telgemeier or Victoria Jamieson.

This graphic novel is ideal for readers interested in realistic stories about the ups and downs of middle school life. Shannon Hale’s honest portrayal of social anxiety and the quest for authentic connection makes this a great choice for parents looking to help their children understand complex social dynamics. The vibrant illustrations by LeUyen Pham bring Shannon’s internal world to life, making the story accessible and deeply engaging for middle-grade readers.

Highlights:

• Relatable exploration of middle school social hierarchies and popularity.
• Honest depiction of childhood anxiety and the pressure to fit in.
• Beautifully illustrated graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners.
• A powerful lesson on finding true friends and being yourself.

Join Stacey and Mary Anne on a sun-soaked adventure in Boy-Crazy Stacey, a vibrant graphic novel adaptation of the classic Baby-Sitters Club series. While vacationing in Sea City to help the Pike family, Stacey finds herself completely distracted by a handsome lifeguard named Scott. As her crush intensifies, Stacey spends more time at the lifeguard stand than helping with the kids, leaving Mary Anne to handle the babysitting duties alone. This charming story explores the delicate balance between new romance and the responsibilities of friendship.

Perfect for children who love stories about summer vacations and relatable middle-school drama, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in graphic novels that tackle real-life social themes. Gale Galligan's expressive illustrations bring the beloved characters to life for a new generation. It is a great choice for fans of Raina Telgemeier and those who enjoy tales of growing up and navigating the ups and downs of best friend dynamics.

Highlights:

• A modern graphic novel take on a classic beloved series.
• Explores themes of accountability and balancing personal interests with work.
• Relatable middle-school experiences with crushes and friendship conflicts.
• Beautifully illustrated with a fun, summer-themed setting.

Step into a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl's timeless masterpiece, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This beloved classic tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy living in poverty who defies the odds by finding a Golden Ticket. Along with four other children—each with their own humorous but cautionary character flaws—Charlie embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Willy Wonka's mysterious and magical chocolate factory. From the Chocolate Room with its edible grass to the Inventing Room filled with Everlasting Gobstoppers, the story is a feast for the senses and the soul.

This book is perfect for children who love whimsical adventures and stories where kindness and honesty are rewarded. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in magical worlds, quirky characters, and lighthearted humor. Parents will appreciate the subtle moral lessons woven into the narrative, making it a great choice for family read-alouds or independent reading. Fans of magical realism and inventive storytelling will find themselves captivated by Wonka's eccentric genius and the Oompa-Loompas' witty songs.

Highlights:

• A magical journey through an inventive and edible world.
• Memorable characters that teach important lessons about behavior and virtue.
• Humorous and engaging prose that keeps young readers hooked.

In Dog Days, the fourth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is ready for the ultimate summer vacation: staying indoors, closing the curtains, and playing video games. However, his mother has a very different vision of summer fun, involving outdoor activities and family togetherness. As Greg navigates the challenges of a public pool, a disastrous camping trip, and the arrival of a new dog, readers are treated to the signature humor and relatable awkwardness that defines the series.

This book is perfect for children who love funny, fast-paced stories told through a mix of text and comic-style illustrations. It is an ideal choice for reluctant readers who might be intimidated by dense blocks of text but are drawn in by Greg's hilarious observations and mishaps. Parents looking for a relatable coming-of-age story that captures the essence of middle school life will find this a great addition to their child's bookshelf.

Highlights:

• Hilarious and relatable middle-school struggles that keep kids laughing.
• Unique diary-style format with engaging illustrations perfect for visual learners.
• Explores themes of family dynamics and the push for independence during summer break.
• Great choice for fans of Big Nate or Dork Diaries.

Nikki Maxwell is back in the twelfth installment of the beloved Dork Diaries series, and the drama is higher than ever! As the school year winds down, Nikki is faced with a major "crush catastrophe." A new boy has entered the scene and is showing interest in her, but Nikki is terrified of hurting Brandon’s feelings. This relatable story captures the hilarious and often awkward moments of navigating middle school relationships and the pressure of making big decisions about the future.

Perfect for children who love diary-style formats and humorous illustrations, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about friendship, school life, and first crushes. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Smile will find Nikki’s voice authentic and engaging. It’s a great choice for encouraging reluctant readers, as the graphic novel-hybrid style makes the pages fly by while exploring important social themes with heart and wit.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama and "crush catastrophes."
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations.
• Explores themes of honesty, loyalty, and friendship.
• Perfect for fans of humorous, realistic fiction.

In the ninth installment of the sensationally popular series, Nikki Maxwell faces her ultimate nightmare: her private diary has fallen into the hands of her arch-nemesis, Mackenzie Hollister! For the first time ever, readers get a glimpse into the mind of the school's "queen bee" as Mackenzie takes over the pages to share her own side of the story. It is a dramatic, hilarious, and revealing look at the social hierarchy of middle school that fans of the series have been waiting for.

This book is perfect for children who love stories about school life, friendship, and navigating the ups and downs of being a "dork." The hybrid format of text and comic-style illustrations makes it an ideal choice for readers interested in engaging, fast-paced storytelling. Whether your child is a long-time fan or new to Nikki's world, this volume offers a fresh perspective on the classic rivalry between the CCPs (Cute, Cool, and Popular) and the dorks.

Highlights:

• Features a unique perspective shift as the antagonist writes in the diary.
• Relatable middle school themes including bullying, social status, and self-acceptance.
• Highly engaging illustrations that support reading comprehension and humor.
• Great choice for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Baby-Sitters Club.

In "Fernsehgeschichten vom Franz" nimmt uns die preisgekrönte Autorin Christine Nöstlinger mit in die wunderbar normale und doch so aufregende Welt des kleinen Franz Fröstl. Franz ist zwar der Kleinste in seiner Klasse, aber seine Erlebnisse sind riesengroß. In diesem Band dreht sich alles um das Thema Fernsehen – ein Thema, das jedes Kind und alle Eltern brennend interessiert. Ob es um das heimliche Gucken geht oder den Wunsch, selbst einmal im Rampenlicht zu stehen, Nöstlinger erzählt mit viel Herz und Humor von den kleinen Hürden des Alltags.

Dieses Buch ist ideal für Leseanfänger, die nach Geschichten suchen, in denen sie sich selbst wiederfinden können. Die kurzen Kapitel und die lebendige Sprache machen es zur perfekten Wahl für Kinder, die gerade erst anfangen, längere Texte selbstständig zu bewältigen. Gleichzeitig eignen sich die Erzählungen hervorragend als Vorlesegeschichten für gemütliche Abende. Eltern, die pädagogisch wertvolle und dennoch unterhaltsame Literatur suchen, werden von der authentischen Darstellung der kindlichen Gefühlswelt begeistert sein.

Highlights:

• Humorvolle und lebensnahe Geschichten von der Kinderbuch-Ikone Christine Nöstlinger.
• Perfekt für Erstleser durch eine klare Struktur und verständliche Sprache.
• Thematisiert den Umgang mit Medien auf kindgerechte und ehrliche Weise.
• Ein zeitloser Klassiker, der Generationen von Lesern verbindet und zum Lachen bringt.

Andrew Marcus wants nothing more than to have freckles just like his classmate Nicky. He is convinced that if he only had freckles, his mother would never notice if his neck was dirty, and he would finally fit in. This classic story by Judy Blume captures the universal childhood desire to change something about ourselves to feel more confident. It is a perfect for children who love funny school stories and relatable characters who find themselves in sticky situations.

When a classmate named Sharon offers to sell Andrew her secret "freckle juice" recipe for fifty cents, Andrew thinks his problems are solved. However, the concoction of grape juice, vinegar, and mustard leads to a disastrous and hilarious result. This book is an ideal for readers interested in stories about school life, friendship, and the importance of being yourself. It is a great choice for early readers who are just starting to explore independent chapter books, offering a manageable length with high engagement.

Highlights:

• A timeless and humorous look at self-image and peer pressure.
• Relatable school-age protagonist and everyday childhood dilemmas.
• Written by legendary children's author Judy Blume with her signature wit.
• Short chapters and engaging plot perfect for transitional readers.

Willkommen zurück im Internat Lindenhof! In 'Fröhliche Tage für Hanni und Nanni' erleben die wohl bekanntesten Zwillinge der Kinderliteratur erneut spannende Abenteuer und lustige Streiche. Enid Blytons zeitloser Klassiker nimmt junge Leserinnen mit in eine Welt voller Freundschaft, Zusammenhalt und kleinerer Geheimnisse. Ob es um neue Mitschülerinnen geht, die für Trubel sorgen, oder um die Vorbereitungen für das nächste große Schulfest – im Lindenhof wird es garantiert nie langweilig.

Dieses Buch ist die perfekte Wahl für Kinder, die Geschichten über das Internatsleben und tiefe Freundschaften lieben. Es vermittelt wichtige Werte wie Ehrlichkeit und Teamgeist auf eine unterhaltsame und leicht zugängliche Weise. Ideal für Leserinnen, die sich für den Alltag in einer Mädchenschule interessieren und gerne in Serien eintauchen, die Generationen von Kindern begeistert haben. Ein Muss für alle Fans von Hanni und Nanni und solche, die es noch werden wollen.

Highlights:

• Spannende Einblicke in das Leben im Mädcheninternat Lindenhof
• Herzerwärmende Geschichten über die unzertrennliche Bindung zwischen Schwestern
• Lehrreiche Themen wie Fairness, Vergebung und Zusammenhalt
• Ein zeitloser Klassiker der Kinderliteratur von Enid Blyton

Goosebumps: The Girl Who Cried Monster is a classic spooky tale from the master of middle grade horror, R.L. Stine. Lucy is a young girl who loves to tell tall tales about monsters, much to the annoyance of her friends and family. However, her imagination becomes a terrifying reality when she discovers that the local librarian is actually a real, live monster! Because of her reputation for telling lies, no one believes her warnings, leaving Lucy to face the creature alone. This book is perfect for children who love suspenseful mysteries and stories that keep them on the edge of their seats.

Ideal for readers interested in supernatural thrills and lighthearted scares, this story explores the consequences of not being truthful while delivering the signature twists that the Goosebumps series is known for. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced plots and spooky atmosphere without being overly graphic. Fans of the Disney+ series and classic 90s horror will find this a nostalgic and exciting read.

Highlights:

• A suspenseful "Boy Who Cried Wolf" twist on a monster story.
• Fast-paced chapters that keep young readers engaged.
• Perfect blend of humor and spooky thrills for middle grade audiences.
• A memorable and surprising ending that R.L. Stine is famous for.

In "Gregs Tagebuch - Keine Panik!" steckt Greg Heffley mal wieder bis zum Hals im Chaos. Erst wird er fälschlicherweise beschuldigt, Schulbesitz beschädigt zu haben, und dann schlägt auch noch das Wetter erbarmungslos zu. Ein gewaltiger Schneesturm fesselt die gesamte Familie Heffley im eigenen Haus. Ohne Strom und mit schwindenden Vorräten wird das gemütliche Heim schnell zur Zerreißprobe für die Nerven aller Beteiligten. Greg muss nicht nur versuchen, seinen Namen reinzuwaschen, sondern auch den Wahnsinn des Eingesperrtseins mit seinen Eltern und Brüdern zu überleben.

Dieses Buch ist die perfekte Wahl für Kinder, die witzige Alltagsgeschichten und den einzigartigen Comic-Stil von Jeff Kinney lieben. Es ist ideal für Leser, die sich für humorvolle Missgeschicke und die Herausforderungen des Familienlebens interessieren. Die Mischung aus Text und lustigen Illustrationen macht es besonders attraktiv für Lesemuffel und Fans von Graphic Novels. Ein großartiges Abenteuer, das zeigt, dass die eigene Familie manchmal die größte Herausforderung von allen sein kann.

Highlights:

• Urkomische Einblicke in den chaotischen Alltag von Greg Heffley
• Spannende Survival-Situation im eigenen Wohnzimmer während eines Schneesturms
• Perfekte Kombination aus Text und Comic-Illustrationen für schnellen Lesespaß
• Thematisiert auf humorvolle Weise Ehrlichkeit und den Umgang mit Missverständnissen

In "Hanni und Nanni und ihre Gäste" erleben die berühmtesten Zwillinge der Kinderliteratur ein neues, aufregendes Abenteuer im Internat Lindenhof. Diesmal steht die Schule Kopf, denn es haben sich Gäste angekündigt, die für ordentlich Wirbel im geregelten Alltag sorgen. Hanni und Nanni müssen beweisen, dass sie nicht nur für jeden Spaß zu haben sind, sondern auch Verantwortung übernehmen können, wenn es darauf ankommt.

Dieses Buch ist die perfekte Wahl für Kinder, die Geschichten über tiefe Freundschaften, kleine Streiche und das spannende Leben in einer Gemeinschaft lieben. Enid Blytons zeitloser Schreibstil fesselt Leserinnen und Leser seit Generationen und ist ideal für alle, die sich für Internatsgeschichten und den Schulalltag interessieren. Ein Muss für Fans von klassischen Mädchenbuchserien!

Highlights:

• Spannende Einblicke in das Leben im Mädcheninternat Lindenhof
• Thematisiert wichtige Werte wie Gastfreundschaft und Zusammenhalt
• Humorvolle Erzählweise mit den beliebten Zwillingen
• Ein Klassiker der Kinderliteratur, der auch heute noch begeistert

Griffin Bing and his team of specialists are back in Jingle, the eighth exciting installment of Gordon Korman’s beloved Swindle series. Instead of a relaxing winter break, the crew finds themselves volunteering as elves at a local Christmas extravaganza. However, the holiday cheer quickly turns into a high-stakes investigation when a priceless Christmas artifact worth over ten million dollars is stolen right from under their noses. With a grumpy Santa and a rule-breaking Doberman named Luthor in the mix, Griffin must lead his friends to clear their names and catch the real thief.

This fast-paced mystery is perfect for children who love clever heists, humorous situations, and stories about a tight-knit group of friends working together. Ideal for readers interested in detective stories and holiday-themed adventures, Jingle combines the spirit of Christmas with the adrenaline of a classic caper. It is a great choice for fans of the Swindle series or any young reader who enjoys outsmarting the adults and solving complex puzzles.

Highlights:

• A thrilling holiday-themed mystery featuring a high-stakes heist.
• Focuses on teamwork, loyalty, and creative problem-solving.
• Features a cast of diverse and relatable characters with unique skills.
• Perfect for fans of Gordon Korman’s signature humor and fast-paced action.

Nav's Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love is a charming and witty contemporary romance that explores the messy, unpredictable nature of teenage feelings. Nav is a self-proclaimed expert on flirting who believes love is a losing game, especially after watching her best friend Hallie suffer through endless heartbreaks. When Nav strikes a deal to coach the shy, awkward Gia in the art of romance in exchange for a spot at an exclusive academic camp, she thinks she has the perfect summer planned. However, as the lessons progress, Nav discovers that teaching love is much harder than practicing it—especially when she starts falling for her student.

This delightful Young Adult novel is perfect for readers who love the "lessons in love" trope with a fresh, LGBTQ+ twist. Jessica Lewis crafts a relatable story about stepping out of your comfort zone and realizing that the best-laid plans often fall apart when the heart is involved. It is an ideal choice for fans of romantic comedies who enjoy stories about personal growth, deep friendships, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable.

Highlights:

• A heartwarming LGBTQ+ "slow-burn" romance between two distinct and lovable characters.
• Explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the fear of vulnerability in relationships.
• Features a fun, academic camp setting that adds a unique backdrop to the romantic tension.
• Great choice for fans of contemporary YA authors like Becky Albertalli and Jenny Han.

Sheila Tubman is a girl with a big secret: she isn't nearly as brave as she pretends to be. While the world sees "Sheila the Great," Sheila herself is secretly terrified of dogs, spiders, and even the water. When her family leaves the city for a summer in the country, Sheila is forced to confront her deepest fears head-on. From unwanted swimming lessons to a house full of long-eared dogs, this classic story captures the hilarious and heart-wrenching struggles of a young girl trying to find her true self.

Perfect for children who love relatable characters and funny, real-life situations, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about growing up and overcoming anxiety. Judy Blume’s masterful storytelling makes Sheila’s journey both entertaining and deeply moving, ensuring it remains a favorite for generations. It is a great choice for fans of the Fudge series who want to see the world through a different perspective and enjoy stories about summer adventures.

Highlights:

• A relatable look at childhood fears and the masks we wear to hide them.
• Humorous and engaging summer adventures in a classic country setting.
• Part of the beloved Fudge series, focusing on a fan-favorite character.
• Encourages self-acceptance and honesty about one's own limitations.

In "Pferdegeschichten vom Franz" nimmt uns die preisgekrönte Autorin Christine Nöstlinger mit in die humorvolle Welt des kleinen Franz Fröstl. Franz hat ein Problem: Er mag Pferde eigentlich gar nicht so sehr, wie alle anderen glauben. Doch durch ein Missverständnis landet er plötzlich mitten im Reitunterricht. Diese charmante Geschichte erzählt auf einfühlsame und witzige Weise davon, wie man mit Erwartungsdruck umgeht und dass es völlig okay ist, eigene Ängste zuzugeben.

Das Buch ist ideal für Leseanfänger geeignet, die Geschichten aus dem echten Leben lieben. Mit kurzen Sätzen und einer klaren Struktur ist es perfekt für Kinder, die gerade erst anfangen, selbstständig zu lesen. Eltern, die nach pädagogisch wertvoller und zugleich unterhaltsamer Literatur suchen, werden hier fündig. Ein großartiges Buch für alle, die gerne lachen und miterleben möchten, wie Franz seine ganz eigenen Lösungen für die kleinen und großen Probleme des Alltags findet.

Highlights:

• Authentische und humorvolle Alltagsgeschichten eines sympathischen Protagonisten
• Leicht verständliche Sprache, ideal zur Leseförderung in der Grundschule
• Thematisiert den Umgang mit Gruppenzwang und persönlichen Ängsten
• Wunderschön illustriert und perfekt für Fans von Christine Nöstlinger

Greg Heffley is back for another year of middle school, and this time, the stakes are even higher. After a summer vacation he’d rather forget, Greg is desperate to keep a humiliating secret under wraps. Unfortunately, his older brother Rodrick knows everything and isn't afraid to use it as leverage. This hilarious sequel captures the awkwardness of growing up, the frustrations of family life, and the constant struggle to climb the social ladder at school.

Perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories told through a mix of text and comic-style illustrations, Rodrick Rules is an ideal choice for reluctant readers. The diary format makes it accessible and engaging, while the themes of sibling rivalry and school survival resonate with kids everywhere. Whether your child is a fan of the first book or just starting the series, they will find Greg’s misadventures both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly relatable.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school humor and awkward social situations.
• Engaging diary format with funny cartoon illustrations.
• Explores the complex and often hilarious dynamic between siblings.
• Great for reluctant readers who prefer visual storytelling.

Swindle is an exhilarating, fast-paced heist caper that has been described as "Ocean's 11 with 11-year-olds." When Griffin Bing, the "Man with the Plan," discovers a rare Babe Ruth baseball card, he thinks his family's financial troubles are over. However, a dishonest collector named S. Wendell Palomino—better known as Swindle—tricks him into selling it for a mere twenty dollars. Determined to get back what is rightfully his, Griffin must assemble a specialized team of classmates, each with a unique skill, to break into a high-tech compound and retrieve the card.

This book is a fantastic choice for young readers who enjoy high-stakes action mixed with laugh-out-loud humor. Gordon Korman masterfully balances the tension of a secret mission with the relatable struggles of middle school life. It is ideal for children who love stories about underdogs standing up to bullies and using their wits to solve complex problems. Parents looking for a page-turner that emphasizes teamwork and creative thinking will find this to be a perfect addition to their child's library.

Highlights:

• A thrilling heist plot featuring a "Man with the Plan" and his specialized team.
• Engaging themes of justice, friendship, and standing up for oneself.
• Perfect for fans of fast-paced mysteries and humorous adventure stories.
• Great for reluctant readers due to its quick pacing and relatable characters.

The Phantom Bully is the third installment in Jeffrey Brown's beloved Star Wars: Jedi Academy series. Roan Novachez is back for his final year at the academy, but things aren't going as smoothly as he hoped. Between Jedi training and flight school, Roan finds himself being framed for pranks he didn't commit by a mysterious antagonist. This engaging graphic novel perfectly captures the awkwardness of middle school, set against the backdrop of a galaxy far, far away.

Ideal for readers who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid style but want a sci-fi twist, this book uses a mix of comics, journal entries, and school newsletters to tell its story. It is a great choice for reluctant readers and anyone who enjoys humor, mystery, and the Star Wars universe. Parents will appreciate the positive messages about standing up for yourself and the importance of honesty when facing a bully.

Highlights:

• A relatable and funny look at middle school life through a Star Wars lens.
• Engaging multi-format storytelling including comics, letters, and doodles.
• Teaches valuable lessons about integrity, friendship, and dealing with bullying.
• Perfect for fans of Jeffrey Brown's unique art style and humor.