Books about integrity

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.

The Report Card by Andrew Clements is a thought-provoking and relatable novel that dives deep into the high-pressure world of standardized testing and academic expectations. Nora Rose Rowley is a fifth-grade genius who has spent her entire life trying to blend in. She doesn't want to be the "smart kid"; she just wants to be ordinary. However, when she sees how much stress grades and test scores cause her friends and family, Nora decides to take a stand by intentionally failing her classes. Her plan to prove that grades don't define a person quickly spirals out of control, forcing her to confront the very system she tried to subvert.

This book is perfect for children who love school-based stories with a clever twist. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in social themes, giftedness, and the ethics of education. Parents will appreciate the way Clements handles complex topics like intellectual identity and the true meaning of intelligence. It is a great choice for fans of Frindle or No Talking who enjoy stories where a single student's actions can spark a massive conversation about the status quo.

Highlights:

• Explores the pressure of standardized testing and academic competition in a relatable way.
• Features a strong, intelligent female protagonist who challenges authority for a cause.
• Encourages critical thinking about what it means to be "smart" versus "successful."
• A fast-paced and engaging read perfect for classroom discussions or independent reading.

Theodore Boone is a thirteen-year-old who knows more about the law than most adults. Both of his parents are lawyers, and Theo spends his time hanging out at the courthouse, giving legal advice to his classmates, and dreaming of a future in the courtroom. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he finds himself involved in the biggest murder trial in the history of his small town, Strattenburg. When Theo discovers a secret witness who could change everything, he must decide how to handle the truth while navigating a complex legal system.

This gripping legal thriller is perfect for children who love mysteries and detective stories. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in how the justice system works, featuring a protagonist who is smart, resourceful, and dedicated to doing what is right. John Grisham brings his expertise in legal suspense to a younger audience, creating a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. It is a great choice for fans of smart, logic-driven stories where a young person takes on big responsibilities.

Highlights:

• Introduces complex legal concepts in an accessible and exciting way for middle grade readers.
• Features a highly intelligent and relatable protagonist who uses his brain to solve problems.
• A high-stakes plot involving a murder trial that provides genuine suspense and tension.
• Explores important ethical questions about justice, secrets, and the law.

In the third installment of John Grisham’s hit series, Theodore Boone: The Accused, the young legal whiz finds himself on the wrong side of the law. When a local computer store is robbed, Theo becomes the prime suspect. With evidence planted in his locker and the police breathing down his neck, Theo must use every bit of his legal knowledge and investigative skills to clear his name before his reputation is ruined forever.

This fast-paced legal thriller is perfect for children who love solving puzzles and enjoy realistic stories about justice and fairness. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in how the legal system works, presented in a way that is both accessible and exciting. Fans of mystery series who are ready for higher stakes and more complex plots will find Theo’s latest challenge absolutely gripping. It is a great choice for encouraging critical thinking and discussing the importance of integrity.

Highlights:

• A high-stakes mystery where the protagonist must prove his own innocence.
• Introduces young readers to legal concepts and the importance of due process.
• Features a relatable, intelligent hero who relies on his wits and knowledge of the law.
• Perfect for fans of realistic fiction and detective stories.

Theodore Boone is back in his most high-stakes case yet in Theodore Boone: The Activist. When a controversial bypass road threatens to destroy local farmland and a beloved environmental site, the town of Strattenburg is split down the middle. Theo, the thirteen-year-old aspiring lawyer, finds himself at the center of the conflict. What starts as a local political debate quickly turns dangerous when Theo uncovers evidence of corruption and secret deals. This legal thriller is perfect for children who love smart protagonists, courtroom drama, and stories where young people take a stand against injustice.

Ideal for readers interested in environmental issues and the legal system, John Grisham brings his signature suspense to a younger audience. Theo is a relatable hero who uses his knowledge of the law to fight for his community. This book is a great choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries and realistic fiction that tackles real-world problems. It encourages critical thinking about ethics, politics, and the power of activism.

Highlights:

• Engaging legal mystery that introduces kids to the judicial system and local government.
• Strong themes of environmental protection and standing up for one's beliefs.
• A smart, resourceful protagonist who relies on his wits rather than superpowers.
• Fast-paced plot with high stakes and suspenseful twists.

Theodore Boone is back in another high-stakes legal drama that hits close to home. In Theodore Boone: The Scandal, thirteen-year-old Theo, Strattenburg’s favorite amateur lawyer, finds himself entangled in a massive cheating scandal involving standardized testing at a local middle school. When an anonymous tip sparks an investigation into suspiciously high scores, Theo must navigate a complex web of ethics, pressure, and secrets. This installment is perfect for children who love fast-paced mysteries and are interested in how the legal system works in real-world scenarios.

Ideal for readers interested in justice and moral dilemmas, John Grisham delivers a compelling story that balances courtroom intrigue with the everyday challenges of being a teenager. Whether Theo is advising his friends or standing up to school board officials, his dedication to the truth makes him a relatable and inspiring hero. This book is a great choice for fans of the Theodore Boone series or any young reader who enjoys a smart, suspenseful thriller that keeps them guessing until the final page.

Highlights:

• Engaging legal thriller specifically written for middle-grade readers.
• Explores relevant themes like academic integrity and the pressure of standardized testing.
• Features a smart, resourceful protagonist who uses his knowledge of the law to help others.
• Written by #1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham.