Middle Grade

A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez / María Dolores Águila

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A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez
By: María Dolores Águila
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 304
Published: September 16, 2025
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Dates Read: February 17, 2026 - February 18, 2026
Format: Library Book / Hardcover	ISBN: 9781250342614

This middle grade, novel-in-verse is based on the true story of Roberto Alvarez and the Lemon Grove Incident.

Twelve-year-old Roberto Alvarez is the first one in his family born on US soil. He’s el futuro.

When the Lemon Grove School Board and Chamber of Commerce are moved by anti-immigrant and anti-Mexican propaganda, they create a separate “Americanization” school in an old barn for the Mexican children who originally were attending the Lemon Grove Grammar School.

Amidst threats of deportation, the Comité de Vecinos risk everything to stand their ground on getting their kids back to the regular Grammar School. With the help of the Mexican Consulate, the committee chooses Roberto as the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit against the school board.

Who else came here to read about another part of history that was left out of history lessons back in the day?

The author did a fantastic job at showing the growth of Roberto from being an innocent twelve-year-old who basically just got kicked out of school, to then someone who was more and more aware of the injustices around him and his community.

As an English speaker, who took French in high school, and then has become semifluent in American Sign Language, I did struggle a little bit with the Spanish that was sprinkled into the verses. Sometimes I could use context clues to figure out what was being said, but other times I would grab my phone to use the camera option of Google translate. That was okay with me, because it helped me become more submerged in the story, but, I can see some people getting frustrated with that.

Overall, a beautiful novel in verse for middle grade readers (and older to be real!) who would enjoy learning about a time in history that is probably not told very often and that was two decades before Brown v. Board of Education.

Three Blue Hearts / Lynne Kelly

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Three Blue Hearts
By: Lynne Kelly
Genre: Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 282
Published: October 7, 2025
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Dates Read: February 1, 2026 - February 2, 2026
Format: Library Book / Hardcover	ISBN: 9780593898390

Max can’t seem to get out of the shadow of his politician dad, or the nicknames from his shortcomings. But, for the next few months Max and his mom are going to a Texas beach where nobody knows them, where Max could be Milo instead.

Shortly after arriving, Max stumbles upon an octopus washed up onshore after a storm. With the help of some news friends and the local wildlife center, Max rescues the octopus – who they name Ursula – and who Max vows to take care of until she’s ready to return to the sea.

But as their bond deepens Max learns what friendship without conditions means, how to accept himself as who he is, and how to show up for those he loves most.

So, octopuses are my all-time favorite sea animal, so when I saw that Lynne Kelly wrote a book with one as a character, I was already invested! Even so, Kelly does a phenomenal job as weaving actual facts and information in with the storyline without it feeling like you were reading a textbook.

Not only did I love Ursula’s journey, I appreciated the one Max went on as well. He learns how to love himself, even with faults, and even with his big political dad looming over him. He learns that when you’re honest, and open with people you trust, beautiful friendships can form.

This one hit a little hard for the animal lover within me. I know all of them can’t be saved, but I sure always wish they could.

“When we can’t save them, at least they’re not alone. They go out surrounded by those who loved them. At the end, that’s all we have left to give – the love we have for them. Sometimes that has to be enough.”

Overall, this a great read, especially for middle grade readers to read about accepting yourself, being a good friend, and showing up for all those you love – humans and animals alike!

*Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

A Year Without Home / V.T. Bidania

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A Year Without Home
By: V.T. Bidania
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 432
Published: January 1, 2025
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Dates Read: January 12, 2026 - January 19, 2026
Format: eBook / ARC		ISBN: 9780593697207

Eleven-year-old Gao Sheng’s beloved home sits on top of a hill in the highlands of Laos. Here she can roll down the grassy hill with her younger siblings after her chores, walk to school, and pick peaches straight from her family’s trees.

But when U.S. troops pull out of the Vietnam War, the communists will be searching for any American allies, like Gao Sheng’s father. If he’s caught, he and his family could be killed.

As the adults make frantic plans, Gao Sheng does what any good, oldest daughter would do: doesn’t ask questions or complain and watches over the younger siblings and cousins. Even though she wishes she could roll down the hill at home or run around like her brother.

After a treacherous voyage by foot, by taxi, and a canoe, Gao Sheng’s family finally arrive across the river at an overcrowded refugee camp in Thailand. As a year passes at the camp, Gao Sheng learns that home doesn’t technically mean the physical place and somewhere in between, she finds her voice.

In this novel in verse, middle grade book inspired by V.T. Bidania’s own family history the author shows the long, difficult journey many Hmong refugees faced after the Vietnam War and shines light on experiences of refugees around the world. 

I greatly appreciate Gao Sheng’s personal journey through this novel as well. As the oldest girl in her family (just even just her immediate family, but from her cousins as well), Gao Sheng was kind of forced to put her childhood away a lot sooner than her younger brother and it wasn’t really on her terms. But, she showed her family she could do more than just watch the kids and for her age and what she’s gone through, that was amazing.

Overall, this is an amazing book for middle grade and adults alike. There’s not a lot of books out there from the Hmong’s perspective, especially during the end of the Vietnam War. This book could bring up great discussions on refugees and being without a home.

*Thank you NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Between Snow and Wolf / Agnes Domergue, Hélène Canac (Illustrator)

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Between Snow and Wolf
By: Agnes Domergue, Hélène Canac (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 88
Published: November 16, 2021
Publisher: Magnetic Press
Dates Read: December 30, 2025
Format: Hardcover

Lila lives with her father on a snowy island where he has protected her from a curse and a demon. One day, when he is away for longer than originally planned, Lila decides to go looking for him, even though the snow scares her. Once outside, she discovers a forest asleep under all the snow and is populated by spirits and a white wolf.

I legit grabbed this graphic novel off the shelf at Barnes & Noble and then never let it go. The art definitely took my attention for its Studio Ghibli likeness but also I loved the color pallets (I am a sucker for when a character’s hair color is naturally a unique color like purple). 

Some of the dialog was a little choppy, especially from the statues, which I know are supposed to be the haikus but it didn’t ever really catch on to it easily.

I’m not sure of the Japanese fairy tale this is inspired by, but it is about a courageous little girl who, though she’s scared, faces her fears with the help of her frog friends.

Overall, still a cute and adorable story with beautiful art that anyone needing a cozy read would enjoy.

The Tale of a Thousand Faces (Rune #1) / Carlos Sánchez

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The Tale of a Thousand Faces (Rune #1)
By: Carlos Sánchez
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 144
Published: June 4, 2024
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Dates Read: December 28, 2025
Format: Library Book / Paperback

Chiri and best friend Dai live in an orphanage right next to the deep, dark forest. On a scavenging mission to find new ingredients for her culinary experiments, Chiri lands them in the secret kingdom of Puddin’, a hidden place plagued by the Thousand Faces Monster and inhabited by all sorts of magical creatures. Befriending witches, bards, ogres and sorcerers, can the friends make it back to the human world and, more importantly, can they evade the darkness that awoke upon their arrival?

When I heard this graphic novel had a Deaf character who used sign language, I immediately requested it for our collection at the library. Then, I actually read what it was about and got even more excited about reading it!

This did not disappoint me in the slightest! I gave it five stars and immediately put it (and volume 2) in my Amazon cart to purchase when I have some extra funds. 

Gorgeous artwork that reminded me a bit of Studio Ghibli with a pink, yellow, and purple-y color pallet that just makes everything pop. There’s all kinds of stuff in the background, including Runes that the author shows you how to decode in the back of the book (so you can always read it twice to see what the messages say!).

This has been one of the greater graphic novels I have read where the portrayal of a Deaf character was done well. I’m more fluent in ASL over BSL (which is what some of the signs are based off of), but I could still pick up some stuff here and there. And a little tidbit without giving away anything in the book – knowing sign language is a superpower!

Overall, I’ve already been showing this off to all of my artsy friends so they can enjoy the artwork within the pages, but also all of my fantasy graphic novel readers I feel like would also enjoy this because world building is super fun!

The Love Report (Volume 3) / BéKa, Maya (Illustrator)

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The Love Report (Volume 3)
By: BéKa, Maya (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 112
Published: April 15, 2025
Publisher: Hippo Park
Dates Read: December 26, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Grace has decided to confess her feelings to Abe. But when she shows up to tell him, she overhears him on the phone with someone who cannot be “just a friend”. Grace teams up with Lola to investigate who the mystery girl is and they immediately go to Charlie, the girl who knows everybody’s business. But Charlie has her own secret: she’s dating Abe!

I’m not one to usually care too much about romance, especially in young adult / middle grade, as a thirty-three year-old woman, it’s not my story. But I picked up the first volume of this series simply because of the cover and the beautiful artwork, and even though it has a heavy focus on romance, it’s not only about romance. In this particular volume, Abe actually deals with believing he’s “ugly, but nice”. New student Gabriel talks to a figment of his imagination and of course gets bullied by Sean for it. When Adele gets her period for the first time and has horrible cramps, a male physical education teacher makes a joke of it and refuses to believe her pain. There’s an “ugliest couple” contest going around (run by Sean). Collette even sends a risky photo to Sean, who uses it as blackmail against her.

Besides the amazing artwork and beautiful color pallet, this graphic novel is more than just romance, so don’t let the name scare you off!

Overall, I enjoyed how this book really focuses on the tween drama of “first” loves. Of course, it is with a bit of a French twist, so it’s a slightly different viewpoint than America, but still fun and enjoyable. Readers who like Raina Telemaier would also enjoy this as well.

North for the Winter: A Christmas Graphic Novel / Bobby Podesta

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North for the Winter: A Christmas Graphic Novel
By: Bobby Podesta
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 352
Published: September 2, 2025
Publisher: First Second
Dates Read: December 25, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Virginia’s not entirely sure how to explain she did see a reindeer fly in the forest while her Dad was fixing the car. But, a lot has changed for her – she’s just lost her mom, she’s in a new city, and everything is just hard, no one’s going to believe her. But, when she reluctantly confesses what she saw to her neighbor, Benny, he doesn’t question it and is convinced there’s a mission they must partake in. Little do they know that not only is a hunter after the reindeer, but so is the US Government!

You know what’s funny about this? I had just talked with my brother-in-law about the misprint of the Santa phone number and how that’s what started the Santa Tracker on Christmas morning. I then went home and read this graphic novel! How fun!

The first thing that drew me into this was the artwork, which the author and artist, Bobby Podesta, is a Pixar animator so that totally makes sense as to why I was immediately drawn to this (I love anything Pixar), but also I wanted something Christmasy to read and what’s more Christmas than saving Christmas?

The artwork overall, including the color palette, really sells the setting of the 1950’s – the clothing, the cars, the decorations of the department store (was really comparing it to my favorite Christmas movie, A Christmas Story). It overall has a very cinematic feel to it while reading – almost storyboard-y.

The story itself was of course about saving Christmas, but also dealing with changes and grief.

Overall, super cute and fun Christmas graphic novel with eye catching illustrations. I think this would be perfect for middle grade readers, even if they may be in the age group where Santa doesn’t exist anymore, I still think they would have a good time reading it.

Rose Wolves: Out of the Blue (Rose Wolves #2) / Natalie Warner

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Rose Wolves: Out of the Blue (Rose Wolves #2)
By: Natalie Warner
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 152
Published: December 2, 2025
Publisher: Shelf Productions
Dates Read: December 21, 2025
Format: Library Book / ebook

A young girl has a special bond with the magical rose wolves in the forest. She shares the magic with her mom and they enjoy picnics and days with the wolves. But when winter creeps in, the young girl is distraught when she finds the rose bush has withered and died in the cold. Her mother takes a remaining sprout from the rose bush and keeps it in their home, nurturing it.

The young girl is too upset about her wolves and stays in bed. Her mom tries to console her with funny hairstyles, cupcakes, and knitting. During the first snow of the season, a surprise comes from the mom’s sapling that may just bring the girl out of her funk.

I adored the first book, so I was pretty giddy when I saw the second book was out on Hoopla through my library.

Even with no words, the emotions of the young girl processing her grief of her missing friend is evident. The first book in the series had hues of rose while this book is hues of blue, which match very well with the theme of “Out of the Blue” where blues and greys can represent depression. Even when the young girl’s depression is lifted, the graphic novel still continues in blue hues to show it can still be beautiful.

There were quite a few years between the two books, and I would love to see it continue, curious if other hue colors would be the themes.

Overall, this is a wonderful, wordless graphic novel about grief that all ages could appreciate.

Neopets: The Omelette Faerie / Rebecca Mix, Luiz Fernando Da Silva (Artist), Heather Burns (Illustrator)

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Neopets: The Omelette Faerie
By: Rebecca Mix, Luiz Fernando Da Silva (Artist), Heather Burns (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 112
Published: October 22, 2024
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Dates Read: November 23, 2025
Format: Library Book / eBook

Based on the popular online game, Neopets, comes the first in a graphic novel series.

The Giant Omelette’s legend states that hundreds of years ago, a gigantic dinosaur laid a massive egg. That massive egg split open and started to bake in the sun. Ever since, a giant omelette has been cooking on the Tyrannian Plateau and each day, hungry Neopets approach the massive omelette and get a slice. 

Sabre-X and his Petpet Fang guard the omelette every day but one day the omelette isn’t there. The two partner up with a disgraced Fire Faerie named Seraphina and their Petpet. Together, the group travels across Neopia to restore one of the most popular items.

I grew up not only with Neopets.com but also had my own handheld Kougra Neopet that I took with me everywhere. This was a very fun, nostalgic read that brought back a lot of memories. I’m glad Neopets is coming back (I know it never really left, but still). This graphic novel definitely explained things to new readers (and players!).

Overall, this is super cute, super nostalgic. I’m excited to read more.

Folk Remedy: Book 1 / Jem Yoshioka

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Folk Remedy: Book 1
By: Jem Yoshioka
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 240
Published: September 23, 2025
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Dates Read: October 19, 2025 - October 21, 2025
Format: Library Book / eBook

Twelve-year-old Maple Akimura will become the apprentice at the family apothecary business according to her mother. But, Maple is more interested in spending time with her new friend, Kunio, a visitor from Taisho City. Her mother believes Maple’s old enough to read the family’s book detailing the Akimuras’ relationship to yokai (spirits and supernatural beings) over generations. To Maple, the stories in the book are just that – stories about traditional village life. Right now, amid 1920s Japan, technology is rapidly advancing and there’s so much glamour in modern urban life! But then Maple meets a mischievous yokai named Ember and the pair get swept into the spirit world with only Maple’s family stories as their guide.

Inspired by Japanese Folklore, this graphic novel is a fun read with beautiful, soft (but also dark) color schemed panels. We as readers do get a little insight with the art to stuff that Maple doesn’t seem to notice (at least not right away). A few of the funnier panels were always showing great emotions.

I did find Maple’s character a bit funny in the sense that she was so against believing in the yokai until she met Ember and then was like – nope, they’re real – and then goes on an adventure with them. Kind of makes you think she didn’t really not believe. 

Overall, a beautiful graphic novel dipped in Japanese Folklore that though aimed at Middle Grade readers, I think those of an older age range will also enjoy it – including adults! I’m quite excited for the next volume, this will definitely be a series I’ll keep track of going forward.