Books about self-expression

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.

In the sixth installment of the sensationally popular Dork Diaries series, Nikki Maxwell finds herself navigating the high-stakes world of middle school romance. With the biggest dance of the year approaching, Nikki is desperate for her crush, Brandon, to ask her to be his date. However, things are never simple in Nikki's world. Between the constant interference of her rival MacKenzie and her own hilarious insecurities, Nikki's diary is filled with the ups and downs of a "not-so-happy heartbreaker."

This book is perfect for children who love illustrated journals and relatable stories about the trials of growing up. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in friendship dynamics, school drama, and the awkwardness of first crushes. Rachel Renée Russell's signature blend of humor and heart makes this a great choice for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid who are looking for a female-led perspective on the middle school experience.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama involving friendships and first crushes.
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations on every page.
• Empowering messages about staying true to oneself despite social pressure.
• A humorous and lighthearted look at navigating school rivalries.

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.

Middle School: Ultimate Showdown is an exciting, interactive addition to James Patterson's beloved series that puts the reader right in the middle of the action. Siblings Rafe and Georgia Khatchadorian are at it again, but this time, they want you to take a side! This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid style of storytelling, blending hilarious anecdotes with over 200 illustrations and engaging activities. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in school life, sibling dynamics, and creative expression.

Throughout the book, Rafe and Georgia trade barbs on everything from cafeteria food to strict dress codes, providing more than 40 writing and drawing prompts that encourage kids to share their own opinions. This interactive format makes it a great choice for reluctant readers who might find traditional novels intimidating. Whether they are doodling their own inventions or writing about their worst school days, children will find themselves fully immersed in the Khatchadorian world.

Highlights:

• Interactive format with over 40 writing and drawing prompts.
• Hilarious sibling rivalry between fan-favorites Rafe and Georgia.
• Over 200 illustrations that bring the story and activities to life.
• Perfect for fans of humorous, diary-style middle grade fiction.

Join Phoebe and her best friend, the fabulously sparkly unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, in another hilarious adventure! In Phoebe and Her Unicorn in Unicorn Theater, the duo heads off to summer drama camp. This time, they aren't just watching the show—they are the show! Alongside Marigold’s sister, Florence Unfortunate Nostrils, the group must navigate the daunting tasks of writing, producing, and starring in an entirely original play. It’s a magical journey filled with witty banter, theatrical mishaps, and the enduring power of friendship.

This volume is perfect for children who love graphic novels that balance sharp humor with genuine heart. Ideal for readers interested in theater, magic, and stories about unique friendships, Dana Simpson’s work continues to captivate fans of all ages. Whether your child is a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Phoebe and Marigold, this installment offers a delightful blend of relatable childhood experiences and fantastical unicorn antics. It is a great choice for encouraging a love of reading through visual storytelling and clever, sophisticated dialogue.

Highlights:

• Explores the fun and creative chaos of summer camp and stage performance.
• Features the signature witty and sarcastic humor that makes the series a hit with both kids and parents.
• Focuses on the evolving relationship between Phoebe and Marigold and their unique bond.
• A fantastic pick for fans of Smile, The Bad Guys, or Real Friends.

Punk Rock Unicorn is the seventeenth installment in the beloved Phoebe and Her Unicorn series by Dana Simpson. This volume continues the hilarious and heartwarming adventures of Phoebe, a bright and relatable young girl, and her best friend Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, a unicorn who is as vain as she is magical. In this collection, the duo explores the world of music, self-expression, and the challenges of growing up, all while maintaining their unique and unbreakable bond. It is a perfect choice for children who love witty dialogue, magical realism, and stories that celebrate being yourself.

Ideal for readers interested in graphic novels that balance humor with genuine life lessons, this book captures the essence of childhood friendship. Whether they are dealing with school drama or Marigold's latest magical mishap, Phoebe and Marigold's interactions are always entertaining. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated vocabulary and the positive messages about confidence and individuality. This book is a great choice for fans of Smile by Raina Telgemeier or the Dog Man series who are looking for a touch of magic and a lot of laughs.

Highlights:

• Features the witty and magical dynamic between a young girl and her unicorn best friend.
• Perfect for fans of humorous graphic novels and stories about self-discovery.
• Explores themes of music, personal style, and staying true to oneself.
• Engaging illustrations and clever writing that appeals to both kids and parents.