
Anne of Ingleside
by L.M. Montgomery
Anne of Ingleside brings readers back to the enchanting world of Anne Shirley, now a devoted mother of five—with a sixth on the way! Living in her beloved home, Ingleside, Anne’s life is a whirlwind of domestic adventures, from managing a lively household to dealing with the overstayed welcome of the difficult Aunt Mary Maria. This installment in the celebrated series captures the transition of the irrepressible redhead into a wise yet still imaginative "Mrs. Doctor" Blythe. It is a perfect choice for readers who have grown up with Anne and want to see her navigate the complexities of adulthood and parenthood.
Ideal for readers interested in historical fiction and heartwarming family sagas, this book balances humor with poignant moments of self-doubt. When Anne begins to fear that her dear Gilbert’s affections have cooled, she sets out to win his heart all over again, proving that the magic of Green Gables never truly fades. Parents looking for wholesome, beautifully written literature with strong moral values and rich vocabulary will find this a great choice for their teens and young adults who enjoy character-driven stories.
Highlights:
- A heartwarming look at Anne Shirley as a mother and wife.
- Richly detailed historical setting in early 20th-century Canada.
- Explores themes of family loyalty, enduring love, and the joys of childhood.
- Perfect for fans of classic literature and the Anne of Green Gables series.

Die Wilden Hühner und die Liebe
by Cornelia Funke
In diesem fünften Abenteuer der beliebten Bande von Cornelia Funke dreht sich alles um das wohl aufregendste und komplizierteste Thema der Welt: die Liebe. Die Wilden Hühner – Sprotte, Frieda, Melanie, Trude und Wilma – stecken mitten im Gefühlschaos. Während Sprotte mit ihrer Eifersucht auf Freds neue Bekanntschaft kämpft, leidet Melanie unter Liebeskummer, und Wilma entdeckt ganz neue Seiten an sich selbst. Die Mädchen müssen feststellen, dass das Erwachsenwerden nicht nur aus Bandenschwüren und Abenteuern besteht, sondern auch aus Herzklopfen und schwierigen Entscheidungen.
Dieses Buch ist perfekt für Kinder, die Geschichten über echte Freundschaft und das erste Verliebtsein lieben. Cornelia Funke fängt die emotionalen Höhen und Tiefen der Vorpubertät meisterhaft ein und schafft eine Atmosphäre, in der sich junge Leserinnen sofort wiederfinden. Es ist die ideale Wahl für Leser, die sich für realistische Alltagsgeschichten interessieren, die sowohl humorvoll als auch tiefgründig sind. Ein zeitloser Klassiker der modernen Kinderliteratur, der zeigt, dass man gemeinsam mit den besten Freundinnen jedes Gefühlschaos überstehen kann.
Highlights:
- Authentische Darstellung der ersten großen Gefühle und Sorgen
- Starke weibliche Charaktere und eine unerschütterliche Banden-Freundschaft
- Humorvolle und einfühlsame Erzählweise von Bestsellerautorin Cornelia Funke
- Thematisiert wichtige Aspekte der Identitätsfindung und Toleranz

Fairest
by Gail Carson Levine
In the Kingdom of Ayortha, where singing and beauty are the most prized qualities, Aza feels like an outsider. While her voice is the most extraordinary in the land—capable of 'illusing' or throwing sound—she believes her appearance falls far short of her kingdom's standards. This enchanting retelling of Snow White, set in the same world as the beloved Ella Enchanted, follows Aza as she moves from the safety of her parents' inn to the treacherous heights of the royal palace. When she becomes a lady-in-waiting to the new Queen Ivi, Aza is drawn into a web of magic mirrors, dangerous secrets, and a quest to discover what true beauty really means.
Gail Carson Levine crafts a rich, musical world filled with court intrigue and heartfelt emotion. This book is perfect for children who love magical fairy tale retellings and stories about finding one's own voice. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in themes of self-worth and inner strength, offering a refreshing perspective on a classic story. Fans of fantasy adventures will be captivated by the unique magic system and the charming romance that blossoms amidst the palace mystery.
Highlights:
- A unique and empowering twist on the classic Snow White fairy tale.
- Explores deep themes of self-acceptance and the definition of true beauty.
- Features a rich, musical setting with a creative magic system involving 'illusing.'
- Set in the same magical universe as the Newbery Honor book Ella Enchanted.

Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy
by R.L. Stine
Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy is a spine-tingling classic that has captivated young readers for decades. The story follows twin sisters Lindy and Kris Powell, whose lives take a creepy turn when Lindy finds a ventriloquist dummy in a dumpster. When Kris gets a dummy of her own named Mr. Wood to keep up with her sister, strange and malicious things begin to happen around the house. This book is the perfect introduction to the horror genre for children who enjoy suspenseful mysteries and supernatural thrills.
R.L. Stine masterfully blends sibling rivalry with eerie atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for readers interested in spooky stories that aren't too overwhelming. It is a great choice for fans of urban legends and those who love a good twist ending. Parents looking for engaging books to encourage independent reading will find this fast-paced tale keeps kids turning pages until the very end.
Highlights:
- Classic middle-grade horror that balances chills with age-appropriate tension.
- Explores relatable themes of sibling competition and jealousy.
- Iconic antagonist that has become a staple of children's literature.
- Fast-paced chapters perfect for reluctant readers.

Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy II
by R.L. Stine
In Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy II, R.L. Stine returns to one of his most iconic and terrifying creations. Amy Kramer is tired of her siblings getting all the attention, so when she receives a new ventriloquist dummy named Slappy, she thinks she has finally found her ticket to the spotlight. However, the fun quickly turns to fear as strange and malicious things begin to happen around the house. Amy soon realizes that Slappy isn't just a wooden doll—he's alive, and he has a very mean streak.
This classic horror story is perfect for children who love a good scare without being too overwhelmed. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in supernatural mysteries and those who enjoy stories where ordinary objects come to life in creepy ways. With its fast-paced plot and signature Goosebumps twists, it remains a great choice for reluctant readers who need a gripping hook to keep them turning the pages.
Highlights:
- Features the legendary villain Slappy the Dummy in his first major starring role.
- Explores relatable themes of sibling jealousy and the desire to stand out.
- Perfect blend of suspense, humor, and spooky atmosphere for middle-grade readers.
- A quick, engaging read that builds confidence in transitional readers.

I Am Not Jessica Chen
by Ann Liang
Jenna Chen has spent her entire life feeling invisible in the shadow of her "perfect" cousin, Jessica. While Jessica is a Harvard-bound model student with effortless beauty, Jenna feels like a constant disappointment. When a desperate wish to swap lives actually comes true, Jenna finally gets everything she ever wanted—the status, the grades, and the attention. But life at the elite Havenwood Private Academy is far more cutthroat than she imagined, and the cost of her new life is higher than she ever expected. As people begin to forget that Jenna Chen ever existed, she must decide if being "perfect" is worth losing her art, her home, and the boy she might actually love.
This captivating novel is perfect for fans of Freaky Friday with a modern, high-stakes twist. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about academic pressure, cultural expectations, and the journey toward self-acceptance. Parents looking for engaging Young Adult fiction that explores deep emotional themes like identity and the dangers of comparison will find this a thought-provoking read for their teens.
Highlights:
- A compelling "be careful what you wish for" story with a magical realism twist.
- Explores relatable themes of academic burnout and the pressure to succeed in a competitive environment.
- Features a heartfelt romance and a deep dive into complex family dynamics and cousin rivalry.
- Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories about finding one's true self.

Kill Creatures
by Rory Power
Kill Creatures is a gripping and atmospheric young adult thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls. The story follows Nan, a girl living with a dark secret: a year ago, she killed her three best friends in the canyons near their small town. While the town of Saltcedar believes the girls simply vanished, Nan knows the truth. However, her world is turned upside down during a memorial service when one of the girls, Luce, crawls out of the river, very much alive and looking for answers.
This dark tale explores the toxic side of female friendships, the weight of guilt, and the lengths one will go to for revenge. It is an ideal choice for readers who enjoy psychological suspense with a sharp edge and complex, morally gray protagonists. Perfect for fans of dark mysteries and twisty narratives, this book offers a shocking conclusion that will leave readers breathless and eager to discuss every detail. Great choice for those who love stories about secrets and the consequences of the past.
Highlights:
- A haunting exploration of jealousy and the dark side of teenage friendship.
- A fast-paced, suspenseful plot with a shocking twist ending.
- Ideal for readers interested in psychological thrillers and intense emotional stakes.
- Features complex LGBTQ+ representation and atmospheric storytelling.
- Written by a master of unsettling and immersive YA fiction.

Narwhal's Otter Friend
by Ben Clanton
Dive back into the underwater world with the fourth installment of the beloved Narwhal and Jelly series! In Narwhal's Otter Friend, the exuberant Narwhal and the ever-skeptical Jelly encounter a new face in the ocean: Otty the super-adventurous otter. This delightful early graphic novel explores the relatable dynamics of making new friends and the feelings of jealousy that can sometimes bubble up when a duo becomes a trio. It is a perfect choice for children who love funny animal stories and are just beginning to explore independent reading.
Ben Clanton’s signature humor and charming illustrations make this book ideal for readers interested in lighthearted adventures and silly puns. The story is broken down into short, manageable chapters, interspersed with fun facts about ocean life and "waffle-tastic" jokes. Parents will appreciate how the book gently teaches lessons about inclusion and emotional intelligence while keeping kids entertained with its high-energy characters and imaginative plot. It is a great choice for fans of Dog Man or The Bad Guys who are looking for something a bit more whimsical.
Highlights:
- Engaging early graphic novel format that builds reading confidence.
- Explores important social themes like inclusion and managing jealousy.
- Includes educational fun facts about real-life sea creatures.
- Features vibrant, expressive illustrations and hilarious wordplay.
