In 2025, let’s celebrate the joy of reading books that reflect who we are — our backgrounds, interests, personalities, and ways of thinking. Explore stories about people who inspire you, characters who bring you joy, and voices that open up new perspectives. Enjoy books that speak to your heart, spark your curiosity, and make you feel seen. Whether you’re discovering new ideas or connecting with familiar experiences, the books on this list remind us all: You belong here, and your story matters.
Wonderful Books for all Ages
Picture Books PreK – 3rd Grade
You Make the World by Muon Thi Van, illustrated by Huynh Kim Lien and Phung Nguyen Quang
You Make the World is a journey between a father and child discovering the love and power within. Throughout their adventure together, the father describes his child’s contagious energy and range of strong emotions as having the same intensity and beauty as the natural world.
Another Word for Neighbor by Angela Pham Krans, illustrated by Thai My Phuong
Han likes his days with his tea, his newspaper, and his plants. Everything is nice and quiet, just the way he enjoys it, until Kate and Olly move in next door.Another Word for Neighbor reminds us that the best surprises in life come from letting people in.
Between Words: A Friendship Tale by Saki Tanaka
Kai is used to moving to different places throughout the year with Pa, where people speak languages unfamiliar to him. When they finally settle in a valley full of pools, Kai tries to invite the other children to join in his play, but their language differences push the other children away. Frustrated, he kicks his most treasured stone into one of the pools, and in his search for it finds something even more valuable.
Lost Words: An Armenian Story of Survival and Hope by Leila Boukarim and Sona Avedikian
What is it like to walk away from your home? To leave behind everything and everyone you’ve ever known? Lost Words, based on a true family story, follows a young Armenian boy from the day he leaves the only home he has ever known to the time he finds the courage to share his story.“It is difficult to find the words to describe the type of loss a Genocide can cause to a young child. I’ve been looking for something similar for my own son. This picture book is a good start to help explain loss and raise the many questions necessary to start the conversation.” Serj Tankian
Every Peach Is a Story by David Mas Masumoto and Nikiko Masumoto, illustrated by Lauren Tamak
This picture book by the author farmers Nikiko Masumoto and David Mas Masumoto, describes little Midori’s connection to her Japanese American family and the farm, through conversations with her grandfather Jiichan.
The Music Inside Us: Yo-Yo Ma and His Gifts to the World by James Howe, illustrated by Jack Wong
At a young age, Yo-Yo Ma discovered a remarkable gift for the cello, playing Bach from memory by age four. As he performed around the world, Ma wanted to use his gift for something deeper, something bigger. He would spend his life not only performing for others but learning from musical traditions of other cultures and searching for ways to unite people. He dedicated himself to humanitarian work around the world.
Stay for Dinner by Sandhya Parappukkaran,illustrated by Michelle Pereira
Reshma loves dinnertime with her family. Her family eat with their hands. When she’s invited to stay for dinner at her friends’ homes, she finds out that they all eat in different ways. Some eat with their silverware, and others eat with their chopsticks. What will her friends think when they come to her house for a meal?
Call Me Gebyanesh by Arlene Rosenfeld Schenker and Gebyanesh Addisu,illustrated. by Chiara Fedele
Gebyanesh Addisu works with Arlene Schenker to tell her story as a young immigrant struggling in a new and strange place where there are so many new things including languages. Gabyanesh is a story about the importance of a name as a part of your identity. Gebyanesh and her family have just moved to Jerusalem from Ethiopia, and already she was feeling surprised by how different everything is. Her teacher cannot pronounce her name.”We will call you Rakhel,” the teacher says. That isn’t my name, Gebyanesh thinks, but she doesn’t say anything, until she asks her parents for help to learn how to stand up for herself.
The Greatest River by Namita Moolani Mehra, Illustrated by Khoa Le
A picture book about the greatest mother of all: Ganga, the holy river that flows through India and is honored by millions. Young Ananda knows all about the river’s healing waters and powers but has never experienced them for herself until now.
Where Wildflowers Grow by Ha Dinh, Illustrated by Bao Luu
After leaving her home in Vietnam, young Hà is happy with her new life at the refugee camp. But today is the day they leave for America! And while the rest of the family is excited to head to their new home in America, Hà doesn’t want to leave. “Leaving means saying goodbye to her best friend, her loving teacher, and the beautiful wildflowers she picks daily.”
The One and Only Rumi by Rabiah York, illustrated by Maneli Manouchehri
Muhammad (the poet Rumi) loves his home, and he loves the sound of birds singing. His father encourages him to keep thinking about the bird songs through happy days as well as sad. Sad days are ahead when his family is forced to flee from Genghis Khan’s army. As they travel to safety, Muhammad learns from nature, and his positive attitude to endure the hardships, and he remembers these experiences to create the beautiful poetry as the adult Rumi.
Big Enough by Regina Linke
Will fear and uncertainty about his abilities keep Ah-Fu from performing the task that he is given? These exquisite illustrations and story, based on traditional Chinese philosophy, show children how they can find the courage and strength to perform the tasks they are given.
Home Is a Wish by Julia Kuo
Sometimes we leave home in the morning and return home in the evening. Other times we travel to some place for a short time but then return home. Moving to a new place far away with different sounds and smells is still home. This beautifully illustrated story describes the comfort of home.
Readers K-3 Grades
We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussig, illustrated by Kirbi Fagan
In We Are the Scrappy Ones Author Rebekah Taussig, a person with disability, writes about the importance of belonging, through a book that affirms the worth of many children with disabilities. The illustrations by Kirbi Fagan portray a diverse cast of characters celebrating their daily lives..
Mighty Mara stars in Dancing with Dante by Carino Ho and Jesse Bird illustrated by Monica Paola Rodriguez
Visit Sametown where everyone and everything is the same. Except Mara! She dresses in bright colors and has a sunny disposition. All of the other students are going to perform magic at the school talent show, but Mara wants to dance. The teachers and students aren’t sure she can or should dance.
Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
Amina loves bananas, science, and all things yellow! Her family recently moved to Indiana from Syria, and Amina’s starting school. She’s nervous about making friends. But she develops the perfect formula to get everything just right. Will her formula work?
Music of the Mountains: A Story in Pakistan by Sabrina Shah illustrated by Manal Mirza
Roohi loves listening to her grandfather play the rabab, the traditional stringed instrument of the Pashtun people. Even with lessons everyday, she sounds nothing like Neeka Baba’s rhythm and beautiful melodies. Roohi is supposed to play the rabab at a school concert, her Neeka Baba has fallen ill, and she must play without him. He tells her, “Play with the courage of those who came before you.”
So Devin Wore a Skirt by Shireen Lalji, Illustrated by Lucy Fleming
Devin wants to dress in something spectacular for the family party, but he can’t find anything to wear then he sees his sister’s skirt that is blue, and shimmers in the light. So, Devin puts the skirt on and it looks great. He hides the skirt under a disguise.When he dances he becomes hot from wearing all the layers. So, he removes his disguise and everyone sees the shimmering skirt. Nanabapa takes Devin’s hand, and twirls him round in his beautiful skirt.
Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix-Up (Ly-Lan Finds a Way #1) by Ha Dinh, illustrated by Tracy Bishop
Third grade is not starting the way Ly-Lan hoped it would be. Her best friend CeCe is not in her class, and she is asked to show the new Vietnamese student around. Ly-Lan wants to be with her friend Cece, not translating for the new girl. This Is the first in a series of illustrated early chapter books about Ly-Lan, a third grader tackling familiar themes like friendship, overcoming obstacles, and navigating changes in life with grace.
Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George, illustrated by Mae Waite
Meet a young girl who learns, grows, and comes to love her island home with all her heart. Aloha Everything is an engaging read and educational resource for learning about Hawaiian history, ecology, and culture, through exciting adventures on the Hawaiian islands.
Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Huy Voun Lee
Some of us are citizens by birth. Some of us are born beyond the United States and gain citizenship through immigration and naturalization. This nonfiction book outlines the process by which some of us travel to the United States to live, work, study, and contribute to the fabric of our new communities.
A Vaccine Is Like a Memory by Rajani LaRocca, Kathleen Marcotte
This book discusses the importance of vaccines and how they were developed throughout history, as well as how they work to protect your body and keep it healthy. What if your body could recognize germs that you’ve never had before so you don’t get ill?
Middle Grade 3-5 Grades
Family Week by Sarah Moon
Every year four best friends spend Family Week together at an annual gathering of LGBTQ+ families in Provincetown, MA. This summer feels different. Avery’s dads are splitting up, and Milo flunked seventh grade. Mac’s on his way to a boarding school that lets transgender kids like him play soccer, but it means leaving his twin sister, Lina, and his moms behind.
Mabuhay!: A Graphic Novel by Zachary Sterling
Full of Filipino folklore and mythology, this humorous immigrant graphic novel written and illustrated by Filipino American author Zachary Sterling is an exciting combination of fantasy and middle school experiences. Can two kids save the world and still work their family food truck?
No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagam
Ajay has lived his life following the rules set by his Tamil parents. Then, Jacob, the popular boy, asks him to steal a Mercury bar from a store. Ajay thinks this is his chance to join the cool kids. But Jacob doesn’t want the stolen chocolate bar, so Ajay opens the package and finds out that it contains Mercury’s Twenty-fifth Anniversary Grand Prize $1,000,000. A story about family, friendship, ethics and making good choices.
Wolf Girl #1: Into the Wild by Anh Do
Into the Wild is the first book in the Wolf Girl series. When disaster separates Gwen from her family, she must learn to survive in the wilderness. A wolf puppy, a Labrador, a Chihuahua, and a greyhound save her life, and her animal friends help Gwen discover new talents. They will need to work together to survive in this untamed territory.
Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr., illustrated by Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo
A graphic novel memoir about a boy who loves comic books, anime and video games but struggles with mental health issues and self-doubt. “Weirdo empowers readers to celebrate their own identities and offers hope to find the crew that will love you for all of your magnificent quirks!” (Jarrett J. Krosoczka). Jes and Cin Wibowo are Indonesian identical twin comic writers, artists, and colorists.
Kaho’olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People by Kamalani Hurley, illustrated by Harinani Orme
Kaho’olawe is the story of an island sacred to Native Hawaiians. Polynesian voyagers arrive on the island and begin to raise their families there. Over time, invasive goats devastate the ecosystem Then during World War II and after, the US military claims the island. Kaho‘olawe is hurt. Yet activists never give up on the island.
Noodle & Bao: A Graphic Novel by Shaina Lu
Ms. Jujube and her enforcers, claim they’re only beautifying Town 99 by buying up businesses. Momo knows that’s not true, and decides that if she doesn’t do something about the changes the neighborhood will not be a place where her family and friends will be welcome. She enlists Bao’s help to save Town 99, because he needs to save his family business. They come up with great ideas like a cook-off, painting protest signs and writing petitions, even spying on the enemy.
Clairboyance by Kristiana Kahakauwila
After wishing on a family heirloom to hear what boys are thinking, Clara wakes up the next day able to do just that. She can hear their ideas, worries, everything. Why couldn’t her powers have arrived sooner? Then, maybe, she could have stopped Leo from ditching her for the more popular kids.
How to Draw a Secret by Cindy Chang
In this graphic novel memoir by Cindy Chang, Twelve-year-old Cindy enjoys drawing perfect images, but she is surprised by the prompt for the art contest: “What family means to me.” She doesn’t want anyone at school to know that Cindy’s dad moved back to Taiwan four years ago, so Cindy designs the perfect plan to draw her family and keep their secret. A trip to Taipei reveals new secrets. Can Cindy deal with these new challenges?
The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin
Jin is a Stone Lion, one of the guardians of the Old City Gate who is charged to watch over humans and protect the Sacred Sphere. When Jin accidently leaves the Sacred realm he tumbles into the human world. Only with the assistance of a girl and a worm that thinks it is a dragon, can Jin find the sacred sphere and return to the sacred realm.
Outsider Kids: A Parachute Kids Graphic Novel (Parachute Kids #2) by Betty C. Tang
After seven months on their own as undocumented immigrants, the Lin siblings have adjusted to their lives in California. Their parents are still waiting for visa approval in Taiwan. But when their spoiled cousin Josephine, a musical prodigy, arrives with her privilege and commands, everything becomes more complicated. Everyone will enjoy this new volume in the graphic novel series.
The Boys in the Back Row by Mike Jung
Best friends Matt and Eric decide they need a big adventure together before Eric moves away. During the marching band competition they decide to sneak away to a nearby comic convention and meet their idol, a famous comic creator. They don’t have cell phones, transportation, or permission from their parents. Their grand adventure is a way for the boys to celebrate their friendship.
Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back by Ruth Chan
Ruth Chan loves her life in Toronto, and spending time with her best friends. Ruth is upset when she learns that they are moving to Hong Kong because of her dad’s job. In Hong Kong, her classes are harder, her Cantonese isn’t good enough, and her parents are never around. Ruth feels lonely and completely uprooted. Then, Ruth’s dad shares stories about their Hong Kong family, and how they relied on their strength, courage, and each other to survive the most difficult times.
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
In this fantasy adventure, Sai plays the part of a well-bred young lady with a promising future as an apprentice to a mapmaker. Actually, her father is a conman, not a member of the upper class. If her employer learns the truth she will lose her position. To avoid detection, Sai joins a ship sailing to chart the southern seas, but she isn’t the only one aboard with secrets. Are they sailing towards the land of dragons?
Crossing the Finish Line by Thushanthi Ponweera,Illustrated by Maithili Joshi
Sri Lankan soldier Ranatunge Karunananda is the first runner to ever represent his country in the 10,000-meter race for the Olympic Games. Despite the lack of support and resources, he travelled to Japan to race. As the race begins and the other runners outdistance Karu time and again, he keeps running. His fortitude to continue the race even though he wouldn’t win inspired people across the world.
Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl (The Society of Explorers and Adventurers)
by Julie Kagawa
Shinji Takahashi is just an ordinary kid. An ordinary homeschooled smart-alecky kid being raised by his globe-trotting aunt Yui. But when a magical guardian decides to use him as a conduit to awaken its power, Shinji’s life takes a turn for the anything-but-ordinary. Captured by the menacing Hightower Corporation, which is bent on using the guardian’s magic for its own nefarious purposes, Shinji must team up with a brilliant young tech whiz named Lucy and her robot mouse, Tinker, in order to escape.
Shinji Takahashi: Into the Heart of the Storm (The Society of Adventurers and Explorers) by Julie Kagawa
In this second volume, Shinji Takahashi has learned a lot as a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers—like how to scale a cliff with nothing but some rope and good luck, or how to outsmart a serpent warrior in the middle of the jungle. One thing he hasn’t learned, however, is how to control his newfound guardian magic, or what this magic means for him.
Middle School 5-8 Grades
You Are Here: Connecting Flights: Twisted Tales of Young Asian Americans in a Chaotic Airport edited by Ellen Oh
“An exploration of contemporary Asian American identity,” through interwoven stories written by twelve different Asian American authors. An incident at a TSA security checkpoint starts rumors that impact twelve young Asian Americans in a crowded airport. Their lives are disrupted as they wait to hear what will happen to them. The children meet various travellers in the airport, and they need courage to stand up to the harmful language and prejudice they encounter because of the rumor.
Dreamslinger (The Slinger Series) by Graci Kim
Fourteen-year-old Aria Loveridge lives at the Resthaven Home for Dreamslingers. Ten years ago members of the Royal League of Dreamslingers created a tragedy that killed hundreds of people. Aria’s dad has become a leading expert on Dreamslingers, which means Aria knows what it takes to keep society safe from the Dreamslingers. Their country decides to hold Dreamslinger trials for teenage slingers. Aria knows she must join the trials and take down the Dreamslinger League from the inside to save the country from another possible catastrophe.
Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh
In this graphic novel, Lu’s ah-ma (grandmother) is a world-renowned geozoologist (someone who studies mythical creatures, also known as cryptozoologist). Ah-ma has traveled all over the world, researching unique animals like dreamy cloud-jellies, enormous sunfish, and playful mossgoats. There’s nothing Lu loves more than reading Ah-ma’s letters about her adventures. When Ah-ma’s letters suddenly stop, Lu and her friend Ren decide to search for Ah-ma.
The Queen Bees of Tybee County by Kyle Casey Chu
After shooting the winning Basket at the Georgia basketball state championships, Derrick Chan becomes the star of Bayard Middle School, and Derrick’s single dad could not be prouder. But there are parts of Derrick that no one knows about, like the toenail polish he wears under his basketball sneakers, and the feelings he’s developing for his best friend and teammate, JJ. Derrick’s dad sends Derrick to his grandmother’s house. She introduces Derrick to the world of southern beauty pageants, and Derrick suddenly feels he’s found where he belongs. The author, Kyle Casey Chu, aka Panda Dulce, is a founding queen of Drag Story Hour.
The Gray by Chris Baron
It’s been a tough year for Sasha because he’s been bullied at his middle school and his anxiety, which he calls The Gray, is growing. His parents and therapist agree that a summer in the country with his aunt might be the best medicine. His aunt is supportive, and there are lots of places to explore, and even some potential new friends. When Sasha is introduced at a local ranch to a horse nicknamed the Gray, he feels he’s found a kindred spirit, but his own Gray is always present.
The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho, illustrated by Deb JJ Lee
North Koreans have learned that fleeing North Korea can be dangerous. Both shy, resourceful Yunho and fierce Myunghee know that they need to leave to escape life on the streets. While Yunho hopes to reunite with his omma, who snuck across the border years ago, The two children are strangers to each other until a chance encounter ties their fates together and Myunghee saves Yunho’s life. Enjoy this beautifully illustrated graphic novel adventure.
Rainbow Fair by Diana Ma
A teacher learns that Sophie is Chinese Muslim, so she assigns her to work on the Muslim booth for the Rainbow Fair. Now, Sophie has to choose between decorating the Chinese booth and the Muslim booth. In the past, Sophie really enjoyed working on the Chinese booth with her friends. Why does she have to choose which part of herself to represent? Is it an issue with her or with how the Rainbow Fair is organized?
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
At the beginning of Seventh grade, Kareem’s best friend moved away, and he messed up his tryout for the football team. Just when Kareem thinks his middle school life is awful, The Quarter Back promises to get Kareem another tryout for the squad. There’s a catch: Kareem must do something he knows is wrong for the QB to let him tryout again.Then Kareem’s mom moves back to Syria. Now, Kareem is stuck between countries, friends, football, and parents, and between right and wrong. How can he fix this situation?
The Stream Team: Battle Squad (Volume 1) by Nick Eh 30 and E.C. Myers
The Stream Team: Battle Squad is the first book in a new series by pro Fortnite streamer NickEh30 and New York Times bestselling author E.C. Myers. When a mysterious new game developer unleashes a bug that’s turning everyone into the “Glitched,” the government’s Special Division steps in. They recruit Teddy, his best friend Stackz, Keke_Klutch, and others to infiltrate the game. If the team fails, it’s “Game Over” for the world.
Bahai For Now by Maleeha Siddiqui
Ashar is busy with the ice hockey team, studying to get into the best school, and hanging out with his friends. Shaheer and his father are always moving, following his dad’s jobs. Shaheer has given up hope of finding a place that he can call home. The two boys seem to have nothing in common.
But, when they meet on Shaheer’s first day at his new school, it’s like looking in a mirror. They quickly figure out that they’re twins that had been separated as babies.
Team Park by Angela Ahn
Evan Park does not like team sports. When an accident causes Evan to break his wrist, he is determined that he’ll work on finding what he enjoys. His physiotherapist encourages Evan to compete in an upcoming Dominator Ninja competition. If he trains hard enough, he’ll finally have something to put on his empty shelf in the family trophy cabinet. Maybe then his dad would be proud of him. But Evan reinjures his wrist. His sister encourages him to look beyond a solo competition, they discover a local family race that is more about the experience than the results.
Tagging Freedom by Rhonda Roumani
Kareem and his friends are inspired to start secretly tagging messages of freedom around Damascus. His parents send him to live with his cousin in America to protect him from the violence in the city. His cousin wonders if she can stand with Kareem for freedom in Damascus.Tagging Freedom is a realistic portrayal of how war affects children.
Coven by Soman Chainani, Illustrator Joel Gennari 5-9 Grades
In this mystery graphic novel, Hester, Anadil, and Dot are investigators. The friends have never left a case unsolved. Until, the Coven answers a call for help from a strange new Island, Red Isle, where the Light and Dark Lands seem eager to begin fighting because each side blames the other for some recent deaths. Now the Coven must work together and unmask the killer before both sides of the conflict on Red Isle start a war.
Off with Their Heads by Zoe Hana Mikuta 7-12 grade
In a world where Saints are monsters and Wonderland is the dark forest where they live, it’s been five years since young witches Caro Rabbit and Iccadora Alice Sickle, who were in love, were both sentenced to live in that forest for a crime they didn’t commit. Now, Caro is a successful royal Saint-harvester ignoring the experiments the Red Queen is conducting to create saints. Icca has become a Saint hunter who will stop at nothing to exact her revenge on anyone to do with creating and harboring Saints.
Wish Upon a K-Star by Kat Cho 7-12 grades
Monster and Hyeri, two K-pop stars who were childhood enemies get caught up in a scandal while co-hosting a K-Pop festival, there’s only one solution that will save both of their reputations. They must appear on one of Korea’s most popular variety shows, Our Celebrity Marriage (where celebrities pretend to get married and compete in ‘newlywed’ challenges). They will pretend to get along, win back the fans, then go their separate ways.
Young Adult 9-12 Grades
The Floating World by Axie Oh
Sunho, an ex-soldier, can’t remember his life before two years ago, when he woke up alone with only his name and his sword. He floats from job to job until he comes across a notice about a chest of coins for any mercenary who can hunt down a girl who wields silver light. Ren is a cheerful and spirited acrobat traveling with her adoptive family and performing at villages. But everything changes during one of their festival performances when a horrible humanlike demon attacks the village. Ren releases a blast of silver light, a power she has kept hidden since childhood, and kills the monster to save the village.
The Art Of Exile by Andrea Max
Unlike the rest of members of her family’s secret society, Ada Castle has not accomplished much, but now she has the chance to prove herself. She just needs to gain access to a hidden school, The Genesis Institute, that her family has been trying to locate for generations. Without knowing it, she goes on a date with the recruiter for the school. Ada manages to secure herself an invitation to the Genesis Institute, where descendants of exiled Renaissance masters practice long-lost arts and sciences.
Slam Dunk by Takehiko Inoue Manga
This is the first book in a fun Manga series by the celebrated artist Takehiko Inoue. Hanamichi Sakuragi has not had any success with girls, none at all! A big hunk of a guy, he’s been rejected by 50 girls in a row! All that changes when he meets the girl of his dreams, Haruko, and she’s actually not afraid of him! When she introduces him to the game of basketball, his life is changed forever.
Never Thought I’d End Up Here by Ann Liang
Leah Zhang has just ruined her cousin’s wedding. She didn’t mean to wish the bride a depressing marriage and poor health, but she’s forgotten most of her Mandarin. Her parents decide she needs to spend time in China to help her remember her birth language and roots. She is looking forward to the wonderful food and luxurious hotels her parents have planned for her trip. But then she finds out that Cyrus Su is also going on this trip. The same Cyrus who told a lie that she can’t forgive.
Night Owls by A.R. Vishny
In this thrilling paranormal YA romance steeped in folklore, two estries, owl-shifting female vampires from Jewish traditional stories, face New York’s monstrous underworld to save a girl from the monsters. When Anat vanishes and New York’s monstrous underworld emerges from the shadows, Clara suspects Boaz, their annoyingly cute box office attendant, might be behind it all.
Divining the Leaves by Shveta Thakrar
From critically acclaimed author Shveta Thakrar comes a beautifully imagined contemporary fantasy about two teens, one a believer of magic who yearns to belong, the other a nonbeliever searching for an escape. They find themselves embroiled in a twisty world of court intrigue when they venture into a forest ruled by yakshas, mysterious woodland spirits drawn from Hindu and Buddhist folklore.
Fateless by Julie Kagawa
In the forgotten city of the Deathless Kings, an ancient relic of untold power is waiting for someone to steal it. When seventeen-year-old Sparrow joined the Thieves Guild she made a vow of loyalty to their cause. When a mission comes along from The Circle, a group of mysterious beings who control the Thieves Guild, Sparrow can’t refuse the assignment. What ensues is a death-defying adventure that includes Sparrow, her band of thieves, and Raithe, the assassin Sparrow is forced to join forces with.
The Red Car to Hollywood by Jennie Liu
Sixteen-year-old Ruby Chan considers herself a modern, independent girl living in Los Angeles in 1924. But when her traditional Chinese parents find out about her secret relationship with a white boy she’s in a tough spot. Horrified that Ruby’s reputation is at risk, her parents hire a matchmaker to find her a Chinese husband. Ruby meets the film star Anna May Wong. Anna May defies Chinese society mores by working as an actress on the silver screen.
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao
Nine years ago, the war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers tore Àn’yīng’s family apart, leaving her mother barely alive and a baby sister to protect. Now the mortal realm is falling into eternal night, and mó, beautiful, ravenous demons, roam the land, feasting on the flesh of humans and drinking their souls. Àn’yīng now armed with her crescent blades and trained in the ancient art of practitioning has decided to find a way to heal her mother and save the world.
This Is Where We Die by Cindy R.X. He
Eight friends went on a trip. Only six made it out alive. Now a killer has one night to make sure the survivors pay for what they did during that trip. From the author of Perfect Little Monsters comes another incredible twisty thriller.
On Again, Awkward Again by Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia
As Pacy and Cecil spend more time together, they realize that the other person might be just what they need, if they can figure out how to be themselves and embrace the mishaps, mistakes, and hilariously awkward interactions that make up their imperfectly perfect story.
Meet Me at Blue Hour by Sarah Suk
Seventeen-year-old Yena Bae is spending the summer in Busan, South Korea, working at her mom’s memory-erasing clinic. Eighteen-year-old Lucas Pak is also in Busan for the summer, visiting his grandpa, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He is determined to get his grandpa into the new study running at the clinic, a trial program seeking to restore lost memories. Lucas doesn’t remember parts of the time he lived in Busan before. Has Lucas had his memories erased?
The Silence that Binds Us by Joanna Ho
Joanna Ho masterfully explores timely themes of generational trauma, systemic racism, elitism, grief and the varying ways different communities experience racism. May’s beloved brother, Danny, on the other hand, has just been admitted to Princeton. But Danny secretly struggles with depression, and when he dies by suicide, May’s world is shattered. Can she fight to share the truth about her family’s experience of loss and grief?
Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim by Patricia Park
Alejandra Kim feels like she doesn’t belong anywhere.Not at home, where Ale faces tense silence from Ma since Papi’s passing. Not in Jackson Heights, where she isn’t considered Latinx enough. Certainly not at her Manhattan prep school. She only has to survive her senior year before she can escape to the prestigious Whyder College. Imposter Syndrome is a hilarious, thought provoking read about feeling like a misfit caught between very different worlds, and what it means to belong,
