Books about rivalry

All's Fair in Love and Field Hockey is a high-stakes, heart-pounding queer YA romance that perfectly captures the intensity of high school sports and the vulnerability of first love. Evelyn has spent her entire life training to follow in her mother’s legendary footsteps on the field hockey pitch. With a national title and a crucial scholarship on the line, she is determined to let nothing stand in her way. However, her focus is shattered when she meets Rosa Alvarez, the talented and captivating new recruit for her team's biggest rival. What starts as a fierce rivalry evolves into an unexpected alliance as the two girls strike a deal to help each other improve their game.

Ideal for readers interested in the enemies-to-lovers trope and fans of sports-driven narratives, this novel explores the pressure of family legacies and the courage it takes to forge your own path. Kit Rosewater delivers a masterclass in romantic tension, making this a great choice for teens who love stories about competitive athletes finding balance between their professional ambitions and their personal hearts. It is a must-read for anyone looking for diverse representation in contemporary young adult fiction.

Highlights:

• A compelling rivals-to-lovers romance set in the world of competitive high school sports.
• Explores deep themes of family expectations, identity, and the pressure of athletic scholarships.
• Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Jennifer Dugan.
• Features a strong, queer female protagonist navigating her final varsity season.

In diesem spannenden Abenteuer begleiten wir die wohl berühmteste kleine Hexe der Welt: Bibi Blocksberg. Gemeinsam mit ihrer Freundin Elea begibt sie sich auf eine gefährliche und magische Reise, um den geheimnisvollen Eulenstab zu finden. Dieser Stab besitzt die unglaubliche Kraft, alle Krankheiten zu heilen – eine Hoffnung, die besonders für Elea von großer Bedeutung ist. Doch der Weg ist steinig, denn die finstere Hexe Rabia von Katzenstein hat ebenfalls ein Auge auf das Wundermittel geworfen und setzt alles daran, Bibi und ihre Freunde aufzuhalten.

Dieses Buch ist die perfekte Wahl für Kinder, die Geschichten voller Magie, Zusammenhalt und Mut lieben. Es fesselt junge Leser durch die tiefe Verbundenheit zwischen Bibi und Elea und zeigt, dass man mit echten Freunden selbst die größten Hindernisse überwinden kann. Ideal für Leser, die sich für Hexerei und spannende Missionen interessieren. Ein Muss für jedes Kinderzimmer, das zum Träumen und Mitfiebern einlädt.

Highlights:

• Spannende Suche nach einem magischen Artefakt
• Thematisiert wichtige Werte wie Freundschaft und Hilfsbereitschaft
• Basierend auf der Welt des beliebten Kinofilms
• Fesselnder Schreibstil für junge Leserinnen und Leser
• Ein packendes Duell zwischen Gut und Böse

In diesem fesselnden Abenteuer begleiten wir die wohl berühmteste kleine Hexe der Welt, Bibi Blocksberg, auf einer ganz besonderen Mission. Zusammen mit ihrer Freundin Elea macht sie sich auf die Suche nach dem geheimnisvollen Eulenstab. Dieses magische Artefakt besitzt die unglaubliche Kraft, alle Krankheiten zu heilen – eine Hoffnung, die besonders für Elea von großer Bedeutung ist. Doch der Weg ist steinig, denn die finstere Rabia von Katzenstein ist dem Wundermittel ebenfalls auf der Spur und setzt alles daran, die Pläne der Freundinnen zu durchkreuzen.

Dieses Buch ist die perfekte Wahl für Kinder, die Geschichten über Magie, Mut und den unerschütterlichen Zusammenhalt unter Freunden lieben. Es bietet eine gelungene Mischung aus Humor und kindgerechtem Nervenkitzel, die junge Leserinnen und Leser von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite motiviert. Ideal für alle, die bereits die Hörspiele lieben oder nach dem Kinofilm tiefer in die Welt von Neustadt eintauchen möchten. Ein großartiges Leseerlebnis für Fans von starken Charakteren und magischen Welten.

Highlights:

• Spannende Suche nach einem legendären magischen Artefakt
• Starke Themen wie Hilfsbereitschaft und tiefe Freundschaft
• Bekannte und beliebte Charaktere aus dem Bibi-Blocksberg-Universum
• Perfekt für Leser, die magische Abenteuer und Hexengeschichten lieben

Big Nate is back and funnier than ever in Big Nate Goes for Broke, the fourth installment of Lincoln Peirce's hit series. This time, Nate Wright and his friends at P.S. 38 are facing their biggest challenge yet: the Ultimate Snowdown. They are up against the bullies from Jefferson Middle School, a rival school that seems to beat them at everything from sports to academics. As the competition heats up, Nate must find a way to lead his team to victory and finally prove that they aren't just losers.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love fast-paced, hilarious stories that mirror the ups and downs of middle school life. The unique hybrid format, blending traditional text with expressive comic-strip illustrations, makes it an ideal pick for reluctant readers who might find dense novels intimidating. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries will feel right at home with Nate's sarcastic wit and relatable mishaps.

Highlights:

• Engaging mix of text and comic-strip art that keeps readers turning pages.
• Relatable themes of school rivalries, friendship, and overcoming underdog status.
• Laugh-out-loud humor that appeals to both children and parents.

Big Nate is back and funnier than ever in Big Nate Goes for Broke, the fourth installment of the record-breaking series. This time, Nate Wright and his friends at P.S. 38 are facing their biggest challenge yet: the Ultimate Snowdown! They are determined to finally beat their rivals from Jefferson Middle School, a school that seems to win at everything. As the competition heats up, Nate must lead his team through a wintry battle of wits and creativity to prove that they have what it takes to be champions.

This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or the works of Raina Telgemeier. With its unique blend of traditional text and hilarious comic-strip illustrations, it is an ideal choice for reluctant readers who might find standard novels intimidating. Parents will appreciate how the story explores themes of school rivalry, teamwork, and staying positive even when the odds are stacked against you. It is a great choice for kids who enjoy humor, school-based adventures, and relatable characters who don't always get things right the first time.

Highlights:

• Engaging hybrid format featuring hilarious comic-strip illustrations.
• Relatable middle-school themes including friendship, rivalry, and perseverance.
• Fast-paced humor that keeps young readers entertained from start to finish.
• Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney and funny, illustrated storytelling.

Big Nate is back and he is ready to win! In Big Nate on a Roll, the third installment of the New York Times bestselling series, Nate is determined to be the top scout in his troop. Everything is going great until Artur, also known as "Mr. Perfect," joins the group. Suddenly, Nate finds himself stuck in second place, and he is not happy about it. This hilarious story follows Nate's desperate and often disastrous attempts to reclaim his glory and win the grand prize. Will Nate take the top spot, or will he wipe out big time?

This book is the perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or are fans of the animated show on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon. With its unique blend of text and comic-style illustrations, it is ideal for readers interested in funny school stories and relatable social struggles. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced plots and plenty of visual humor that keeps them turning the pages. Parents will appreciate how it encourages reading through laughter and relatable middle-school drama, making it a staple for any home library.

Highlights:

• Engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations that appeals to visual learners.
• Relatable themes of competition, rivalry, and friendship in a scouting setting.
• Perfect for fans of humorous middle-grade series and reluctant readers.
• Awarded as a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and a Junior Library Guild selection.

Big Nate is back and funnier than ever in Big Nate on a Roll, the third installment of the hit series. This time, Nate Wright is determined to be the top dog in his scout troop, but there is one major obstacle standing in his way: Artur. Known as 'Mr. Perfect,' Artur seems to succeed at everything he touches, leaving Nate stuck in a frustrating second place. As the competition for the grand prize heats up, readers will follow Nate through a series of hilarious mishaps and clever schemes as he tries to reclaim his glory.

This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or other hybrid graphic novels. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in funny school stories and relatable social dynamics. Parents looking for a book that encourages a love of reading through humor and engaging illustrations will find this a great choice for their kids, especially those who might be reluctant to pick up a traditional novel.

Highlights:

• Features a hilarious rivalry between Nate and the seemingly perfect Artur.
• Perfect for fans of funny school stories and scout troop adventures.
• Engaging hybrid format with plenty of comic-style illustrations.
• Great for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced, humorous plots.

Big Nate is back and ready to conquer middle school, but things aren't going exactly as planned. In Big Nate Strikes Again, our self-described genius finds himself in a double-dose of trouble. First, he is paired with his arch-nemesis, Gina, for a major class project assigned by his most-dreaded teacher, Mrs. Godfrey. To make matters even more complicated, Gina joins Nate's fleeceball team just as he is aiming for his first-ever championship title. This hilarious comic-strip novel perfectly captures the ups and downs of school life, from avoiding detention to dealing with competitive classmates.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or Dog Man. It is ideal for readers interested in funny, relatable stories that combine traditional prose with engaging illustrations. Parents will appreciate how the format encourages reluctant readers to dive into a longer book while keeping them entertained with Nate's witty observations and mischievous schemes. Whether Nate is trying to outsmart Gina or lead his team to victory, his journey is filled with humor and heart.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school setting that resonates with young readers.
• Engaging hybrid format featuring comic strips and illustrations throughout.
• Focuses on themes of teamwork, dealing with rivalry, and perseverance.
• Fast-paced humor that keeps kids laughing and turning pages.

Big Nate is back and funnier than ever in Big Nate Strikes Again, the second installment of the New York Times bestselling series. This time, Nate finds himself in a double bind: he's paired with his ultimate rival, Gina, for a major class project assigned by his "Godzilla" teacher, Mrs. Godfrey. As if school wasn't hard enough, Gina also joins Nate's fleeceball team just as he's aiming for his first-ever championship. Will Nate manage to lead his team to victory, or will Gina's perfectionism ruin his shot at glory?

Perfect for children who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries, this book combines hilarious text with engaging comic-strip illustrations. It's an ideal choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced, relatable stories about the ups and downs of middle school life. Parents looking for books that encourage a love of reading through humor and visual storytelling will find Big Nate a fantastic addition to their child's bookshelf.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school humor and situations that keep kids laughing.
• Engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations perfect for visual learners.
• Explores important themes of teamwork, perseverance, and dealing with rivals.
• A great choice for fans of Jeff Kinney and Raina Telgemeier.

Big Nate is back and ready for action in Big Nate: Blasts Off, the eighth installment of the New York Times bestselling series. Nate Wright, the self-proclaimed genius and coolest doodler at P.S. 38, has his hands full this time. Between navigating a major crush on Ruby and dealing with the fallout of a public scrap with his rival, Randy Betancourt, Nate's life is more chaotic than ever. To make matters worse, his reputation is on the line in the Weekly Bugle, and he has to find a way to bounce back before the annual Mud Bowl competition.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or the Dog Man graphic novels. The hybrid format, which blends traditional narrative with hilarious comic strips and doodles, makes it an ideal choice for reluctant readers or those who enjoy visual storytelling. Parents will appreciate how the story explores relatable middle school themes like social standing, school rivalries, and the importance of perseverance, all while keeping the tone light and genuinely funny.

Highlights:

• Engaging hybrid format with text and comic illustrations that keep young readers hooked.
• Relatable school-based drama involving friendships, crushes, and sports.
• Hilarious protagonist whose optimistic but often misguided schemes provide constant entertainment.
• Great for fans of the Big Nate animated series on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon.

Sprotte hat genug von den langweiligen Nachmittagen und gründet mit ihren besten Freundinnen die Mädchenbande „Die Wilden Hühner“. Doch das Leben als Bandenmitglied ist alles andere als ruhig! Als die rivalisierende Jungenbande „Die Pygmäen“ die Hühner von Sprottes Oma freilässt, ist das Chaos perfekt. Die Mädchen müssen beweisen, dass sie zusammenhalten und sich gegen die Jungs behaupten können. Cornelia Funkes moderner Klassiker ist der perfekte Einstieg in eine Welt voller Abenteuer, Witz und echter Freundschaft.

Dieses Buch ist ideal für Kinder, die Geschichten über starke Mädchen, geheime Bandenquartiere und den ganz normalen Schulwahnsinn lieben. Es fängt das Gefühl von Freiheit und kindlicher Rebellion perfekt ein und ist eine großartige Wahl für Leser, die realistische, aber spannende Geschichten bevorzugen. Die Mischung aus Humor und Herz macht es zu einem zeitlosen Lesevergnügen, das besonders Fans von Bandengeschichten begeistern wird.

Highlights:

• Spannende Rivalität zwischen einer Mädchen- und einer Jungenbande
• Thematisiert wichtige Werte wie Loyalität und Zusammenhalt
• Humorvolle Erzählweise von Bestseller-Autorin Cornelia Funke
• Auftakt einer der erfolgreichsten deutschen Kinderbuchreihen

Nikki Maxwell is back, and this time she’s facing her biggest challenge yet in Tales from a Not-So-Friendly Frenemy. When a student exchange week sends Nikki to North Hampton Hills—the fancy new school of her archnemesis, MacKenzie Hollister—disaster seems inevitable. This eleventh installment in the bestselling series is perfect for children who love relatable school drama, hilarious diary entries, and the constant struggle of trying to fit in while staying true to yourself.

As Nikki navigates the halls of NHH, she discovers that MacKenzie might not even be the biggest 'mean girl' there. With her signature wit and doodle-filled pages, Nikki must find a way to survive the week without losing her mind or her friends. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about friendship, overcoming bullying, and the importance of resilience. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Smile will find Nikki’s 'dorky' adventures absolutely irresistible.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama and humor that keeps readers engaged.
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations on every page.
• Positive messages about staying true to yourself despite social pressure.
• Great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling.

Nikki Maxwell is back and ready for the summer of a lifetime! In the fourteenth installment of the hit series, Nikki and her band are hitting the road as the opening act for the world-famous Bad Boyz. It is a dream come true for any middle schooler, but the excitement quickly turns into a hilarious disaster when Nikki discovers her arch-nemesis, MacKenzie Hollister, has joined the tour as a social media intern. To make matters worse, Nikki finds out she has to share a room with her frenemy! Will Nikki survive the drama of life on tour, or will her summer go from awesome to awful?

This book is perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories about navigating friendships and school rivalries. Written in a diary format with expressive illustrations, it is an ideal choice for readers interested in graphic novels and humorous fiction. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Smile will find Nikki's dorky adventures both entertaining and heartwarming. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced plots and visual storytelling.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama and friendship themes.
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations.
• Humorous take on dealing with frenemies and social challenges.
• Perfect for fans of the Dork Diaries series and similar graphic novels.

Nikki Maxwell is back and facing a brand-new challenge at Westchester Middle School! In this fifth installment of the beloved series, Nikki decides to join the school newspaper to keep an eye on her arch-nemesis, MacKenzie Hollister, who has started a mean-spirited gossip column. To her surprise, Nikki lands the role of the school's advice columnist, Miss Know-It-All. While it starts as a fun way to help her classmates, Nikki soon finds herself overwhelmed by a mountain of letters and her own personal drama. This book is perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories about navigating the ups and downs of middle school life.

Written in a charming diary format with expressive illustrations, Tales from a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All is ideal for readers interested in stories about friendship, standing up to bullies, and finding one's voice. Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will find Nikki’s mishaps and triumphs both hilarious and heartwarming. It’s a great choice for young readers who enjoy a mix of text and art, making it an engaging and accessible read for those who might find traditional novels intimidating.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama and humor
• Engaging hybrid format with fun illustrations
• Positive messages about empathy and helping others
• A fast-paced plot that keeps young readers turning pages

In the eighth installment of the sensationally popular Dork Diaries series, Nikki Maxwell finds herself in a truly "dork-tastic" predicament. After a mishap in gym class on April Fool’s Day, Nikki is knocked unconscious and wakes up in a wild, fractured fairy tale world. Here, her best friends Chloe and Zoey, her crush Brandon, and even her arch-nemesis MacKenzie Hollister take on the roles of classic storybook characters. From Cinderella to Little Red Riding Hood, these familiar tales get a hilarious and modern makeover that only Nikki could provide.

This book is a fantastic choice for middle grade readers who enjoy the unique blend of diary-style narration and expressive illustrations. The relatable school drama, combined with the imaginative twist of the fairy tale setting, makes it a page-turner for both dedicated fans and newcomers. It is an ideal pick for children who love stories about navigating friendships, dealing with "mean girls," and finding humor in everyday (and not-so-everyday) disasters. Parents looking for engaging books for reluctant readers will find this series particularly effective.

Highlights:

• A creative and funny reimagining of classic fairy tales through Nikki's perspective.
• Engaging graphic novel-style illustrations that appeal to reluctant readers.
• Explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and self-confidence in a relatable way.
• Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Princess Diaries.

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.

Eclipse is the thrilling third installment in the world-renowned Twilight Saga, where the stakes for Bella Swan reach an all-time high. As Seattle is plagued by a series of brutal killings, Bella finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient conflict between vampires and werewolves. This book is perfect for readers who love high-stakes supernatural drama and the intense emotional pull of a classic love triangle. Fans of the series will be captivated by the deepening lore and the looming threat of a vengeful enemy.

Ideal for teenagers interested in paranormal romance and urban fantasy, Eclipse explores the weight of difficult choices and the consequences of loyalty. As Bella approaches her high school graduation, she must decide between her deep bond with Jacob Black and her eternal love for Edward Cullen—a choice that could ignite a war. This gripping novel is a great choice for fans of supernatural sagas, offering a blend of suspense, action, and heartfelt emotion that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.

Highlights:

• The intense culmination of the Bella-Edward-Jacob love triangle.
• High-stakes action featuring a newborn vampire army and a race for survival.
• Deep exploration of the history and rivalry between Quileute werewolves and the Cullens.
• A compelling coming-of-age story about making life-altering decisions.

Fence, Vol. 1 is an electrifying graphic novel that plunges readers into the high-stakes world of competitive fencing. The story follows Nicholas Cox, an outsider and the unacknowledged illegitimate son of a retired fencing champion. Nicholas is determined to prove himself on the strip, but to do so, he must earn a spot at the prestigious Kings Row boarding school. His biggest obstacle? The cold, disciplined, and seemingly unbeatable fencing prodigy, Seiji Katayama. As these two rivals are forced to become teammates, the tension between them sparks a journey of growth, grit, and unexpected connections.

This series is perfect for children and teens who love sports dramas like Haikyu!! or Check, Please!. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about underdogs, intense athletic competition, and the complex dynamics of boarding school life. With its vibrant art style and fast-paced narrative, it captures the physical and emotional intensity of sport while exploring deeper themes of identity and belonging. Parents will appreciate the focus on perseverance and the evolution of a healthy, albeit competitive, friendship.

Highlights:

• A thrilling underdog story set in the unique world of competitive fencing.
• Dynamic character development focusing on the rivalry between Nicholas and Seiji.
• Stunning, expressive illustrations that bring the action on the fencing strip to life.
• Explores themes of sportsmanship, class differences, and finding one's own path.

Fence, Vol. 2 continues the high-stakes journey of Nicholas Cox, a scrappy fencer with a lot to prove, as he fights for a spot on the prestigious King’s Row fencing team. In this volume, the tryouts intensify, and Nicholas finds himself facing off against elite athletes, including his enigmatic and formidable roommate, Seiji Katayama. This graphic novel perfectly captures the adrenaline of competitive sports while weaving in complex character dynamics and burgeoning relationships.

Ideal for readers interested in sports-themed stories and diverse casts, this volume explores the grit required to succeed when the odds are stacked against you. Fans of character-driven narratives will appreciate the evolving rivalry and respect between the main characters. It is a great choice for teenagers who enjoy fast-paced storytelling, beautiful artwork, and themes of perseverance and identity. Whether your child is a fan of manga or contemporary graphic novels, Fence offers a compelling look at the world of fencing and the friendships formed in the heat of competition.

Highlights:

• Dynamic sports action and detailed fencing sequences.
• Compelling character growth and diverse representation.
• Perfect for fans of sports manga and contemporary graphic novels.
• Explores themes of rivalry, teamwork, and self-discovery.

In the high-stakes world of competitive fencing, Fence, Vol. 3 brings the tension to a boiling point. Nicholas Cox, the underdog with a lot to prove, and Seiji Katayama, the cold and talented prodigy, finally face off again in the halls of King’s Row. This volume is a turning point for the series, as the personal rivalry between the two leads evolves into something deeper, setting the stage for the team's journey to face their bitter rivals. It is a fast-paced, emotionally charged story that perfectly captures the intensity of sports and the complexity of teenage relationships.

This graphic novel is ideal for readers interested in sports manga, competitive dynamics, and diverse storytelling. Parents looking for engaging stories for teens will appreciate the focus on perseverance, teamwork, and self-discovery. It is a great choice for fans of Check, Please! or Haikyu!! who enjoy seeing characters grow both on and off the pitch. With stunning artwork by Johanna the Mad and sharp writing by C.S. Pacat, this volume is a must-read for anyone who loves a good underdog story mixed with heartfelt romance.

Highlights:

• Intense fencing matches that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
• Deepening character development and evolving relationships between rivals.
• Beautifully illustrated graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners.
• Exploration of themes like rivalry, sportsmanship, and LGBTQ+ identity.

In the fourth volume of the high-stakes Fence series, the tension reaches a breaking point as Nicholas and Seiji finally face off on the fencing pitch at King’s Row. This volume captures the electric energy of competitive sports while diving deep into the evolving relationship between the two leads. As the team prepares to take on their bitter rivals, the stakes have never been higher for their personal growth and their future as athletes. It is a fast-paced, visually stunning graphic novel that perfectly balances athletic intensity with emotional depth.

Ideal for readers interested in sports manga and contemporary graphic novels, Fence, Vol. 4 continues the journey of self-discovery and perseverance. Parents looking for diverse stories will appreciate the inclusive cast and the focus on hard work and sportsmanship. This series is perfect for children and teens who love stories about underdogs, intense rivalries, and the complexities of friendship and romance in a competitive environment.

Highlights:

• Dynamic and expressive artwork by fan-favorite artist Johanna the Mad.
• Compelling LGBTQ+ representation within a high-stakes sports setting.
• Explores themes of rivalry, teamwork, and personal identity.
• Fast-paced storytelling that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Return to the high-stakes world of competitive fencing in Fence: Redemption, where the rivalry between Seiji and Nicholas reaches new heights. At the prestigious Halverton training camp, the competition has been reset, and rumors are flying. When a mysterious new fencer arrives, Seiji’s position at the top is suddenly under threat, forcing him to re-evaluate his loyalties and his intense connection with Nicholas. As they prepare for the State Championships, the lines between rivalry and romance begin to blur, leading to a journey of self-discovery and determination.

This graphic novel is perfect for children and teens who love sports-themed stories and character-driven dramas. Ideal for readers interested in the discipline of fencing and the complexities of teenage relationships, it offers a compelling look at overcoming adversity. Fans of the original series and newcomers alike will be captivated by the stunning artwork and the emotional depth of the characters. It is a great choice for those looking for diverse representation in young adult literature.

Highlights:

• Intense, high-stakes competitive fencing action.
• Exploration of complex friendships and evolving romance.
• Diverse LGBTQ+ representation in a prestigious school setting.
• Beautifully illustrated by acclaimed cartoonist Johanna the Mad.
• A must-read for fans of sports manga and contemporary graphic novels.

In Fudge-a-Mania, Peter Hatcher is facing his worst nightmare: a three-week summer vacation in Maine sharing a house right next door to his arch-nemesis, Sheila Tubman. As if "Sheila the Cootie Queen" wasn't enough to handle, Peter's five-year-old brother, Fudge, has developed a hilarious and horrifying obsession with marrying her. This classic Judy Blume tale perfectly captures the chaotic energy of family vacations, the trials of sibling rivalry, and the awkwardness of growing up.

This book is a fantastic choice for children who enjoy relatable, laugh-out-loud stories about family dynamics and school-age drama. Parents will appreciate the timeless humor and the realistic portrayal of childhood frustrations. It is an ideal read for fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or anyone who loves a good story about surviving a summer with an annoying younger sibling.

Highlights:

• Hilarious sibling interactions between Peter and the unpredictable Fudge.
• A relatable "enemies-to-frenemies" dynamic with the iconic Sheila Tubman.
• A fun, summery setting that captures the spirit of a family vacation.
• Timeless humor from legendary children's author Judy Blume.

Step back into the world of high-stakes competition and mind-bending puzzles in Glorious Rivals, the electrifying sequel to Jennifer Lynn Barnes's The Grandest Game. In this pulse-pounding Young Adult thriller, the stakes have never been higher as a new group of players competes for a life-changing prize. Set against a backdrop of immense wealth and hidden agendas, this novel is perfect for readers who crave intricate mysteries and complex character dynamics.

Ideal for fans of The Inheritance Games, this book combines the thrill of a scavenger hunt with the emotional depth of contemporary fiction. As the rivals navigate a series of deadly challenges, they must decide who to trust and how far they are willing to go to win. With its fast-paced narrative and clever twists, it is a great choice for teens who love solving riddles alongside their favorite characters. Parents will appreciate the emphasis on critical thinking and the exploration of family loyalty and personal integrity.

Highlights:

• High-stakes competition filled with intricate puzzles and riddles.
• Compelling ensemble cast with complex relationships and rivalries.
• Perfect for fans of mystery, suspense, and strategic games.
• Explores themes of ambition, wealth, and the true meaning of legacy.