Middle Grade

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.

The Space Cat / Nnedi Okorafor, Tana Ford (Illustrator)

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The Space Cat
By: Nnedi Okorafor, Tana Ford (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 176
Published: August 12, 2025
Publisher: First Second
Dates Read: October 20, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

By day, Periwinkle is adored by his two humans. By night, he’s a space cat who races through the cosmos on his custom-built spaceship. Between battles with his squeaky toys and working on ways to make his ship faster, Periwinkle is never bored. So, when his humans decide to move to the small Nigerian town of Kaleria, Periwinkle is excited to explore, even if many Nigerians hate cats… nothing will steer this adventurous cat away from adventure! But, not everything in Kaleria is as it seems and soon enough, Periwinkle finds himself on his craziest adventure yet!

This is such an amazingly cute graphic novel that any cat lover will enjoy. This story is inspired by Nnedi Okorafor’s real life cat, Periwinkle and crazy adventures he may get into when she and her daughter aren’t looking (who knew cats destroy the house when you’re gone because they’re defeating alien foes?!). Okorafor’s portrayal of Periwinkle comes from a loving heart as both his mannerisms and dialog are goofy, but in a fun way.

Tana Ford’s coloring is eye-catching and immersive. Cats are way more expressive than most people realize and some illustrators are better at capturing than others and Ford does a fantastic job! She totally has a cat, or has been around them enough to be able to capture Periwinkle’s expressions perfectly.

Overall, super cute, super funny, a great read for cat lovers and scifi readers.

*Thank you First Second and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Brume (Volume 1): The Dragon Awakens / Jérôme Pélissier, Carine Hinder (Illustrator)

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Brume (Volume 1): The Dragon Awakens
By: Jérôme Pélissier, Carine Hinder (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Children’s
Number of Pages: 64
Published: September 20, 2025 (1st Published January 1, 2023)
Publisher: Hippo Park
Dates Read: September 10, 2025
Format: Hardcover

Brume is convinced she’s the village’s next witch after Naïa vanished years ago. After she briefly believed she turned a local village woman into a pig, she adopted a new pet she named Hubert and took him home. Once she fed him some chocolate croissants, the pet was happy to tag along on Brume’s adventures. When her adoptive father gives her a book of spells he found with her when he found her in the woods years ago, Brume opens her own shop and tries to use the spells in the book.

After trying to stop her friend Hugo’s glasses from fogging up, Brume accidentally casts the whole village into a dense fog. On the adventure to undo her work, Brume, Hugo, and Hubert go off into the forest where only witches are allowed.

This was such a cute and adorable graphic novel! I immediately knew I wanted to read this by just seeing the cover alone! A little girl (Brume) with a wand and a small pig tugging on her dress with a dragon in the background is so eye-catching! I may also be a slight sucker for familiars and animal sidekicks because I wish I had one.

The artwork of this graphic novel is colorful, expressive, and easily digestible. Each page catches your eye and keeps your attention – I would always make sure to relook at each page after reading the dialogue to make sure I wasn’t missing anything.

I did think Brume was a bit mean and disrespectful to those around her. I know some of it was her confidence in herself as well as her ignorance of her abilities, and sure, you could chop it up to just being an ornery child, but it all just comes across as rude. I hope in the next volume she grows up a bit in those areas.

Overall, the story and the panels were fantastic and I can’t wait to share it with others when it’s officially out in English in late September. Those who love a spunky little witch who will stop at nothing to show she’s a true witch, this graphic novel would be for you (even though of all ages!)

*Thank you Hippo Park and Publishers Weekly for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Pocket Bear / Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

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Pocket Bear
By: Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)
Genre: Middle Grade, Magical Realism
Number of Pages: 272
Published: September 9, 2025
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Dates Read: September 2, 2025
Format: ARC / eBook

Zephyrina is a trash-diving, chaos-loving cat, who has been deemed “The Cat Burglar” by the neighborhood due the treasures she brings back home. Some of those treasures are stuffed toys and when they’re brought back, the daughter of the home will clean them up, make any repairs needed, and then put them up for “adoption” at her Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured. Pocket, the unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home is Zephyrina’s best friend and he’s who both welcomes and looks after the stuffies during the night while the humans sleep.

When Zephyrina brings back a teddy bear a local collector has her eye on, things turn interesting at home.

I already knew when I saw Katherine Applegate had a new book coming out that I was going to want to read it – I also knew I would probably get at least a little teary eyed because that’s what she does to me in all her books. The concept of this book being about a little pocket bear – a tiny teddy bear born during WWI that was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket with their eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that they’re always looking up – was already getting me emotional because, as a young girl, I would get emotionally attached to stuffed animals, and you’re telling me soldiers would take these little teddy bears with them into battle?! Secondly, his best friend is a cat, so I was already obsessed!

If you mix together some historical fiction, current events, and Toy Story you’ve got yourself Pocket Bear. Though this book is aimed at younger audiences, I’m 33 and absolutely loved it. I think anyone who ever had any connection to a stuffed animal would adore this book. Also, anyone who loves cats would enjoy this as well since Zephyrina is the narrator.

Overall, this is an adorable book that readers of all ages would enjoy and appreciate, especially those who wish magic upon their stuffed animals.

*Thank you Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

My Sister the Werebeast / Alina Tysoe

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My Sister the Werebeast
By: Alina Tysoe
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 320
Published: October 7, 2025
Publisher: First Second
Dates Read: September 2, 2025
Format: ARC / eBook

Mira and Rosie are in charge of watching their little sister, Peanut, as their parents are away fighting magical beings. Being in charge shouldn’t be anything they can’t handle – even if Peanut has flooded the house with her tears, or made friends out of the leaves in the backyard, or can now breathe fire, oh, and can shapeshift into an (adorable) fluffy werebeast. No problem! Mira and Rosie will just hide her powers until their parents come back…

I have loved Alina Tysoe for quite some time and have followed their What’s Up Beanie art through Instagram, so as soon as she announced this I knew I needed to get my hands on it ASAP.

I am used to reading shorter stories on Instagram from Tysoe, so it was a fantastic surprise when this graphic novel ended up being 320 pages! This blends the perfect amount of fantasy, sibling dynamics, humor, and cute art. All the characters were pretty flushed out and you really got to understand the family.

Gosh darn it –  is Peanut the cutest!!

The way this ended makes it seem like there will be more to the story (I really hope). I also read this as a digital advance copy, I will be purchasing a physical copy of this in early October when it comes out.

Overall, this is a perfect read for all ages who like soft fantasies during the fall weather instead of horror (think Halloweentown!), and those who love adorable and expressive art.

At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom / Erin Entrada Kelly, Ferdelle Capistrano (Narrator)

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At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom
By: Erin Entrada Kelly, Ferdelle Capistrano (Narrator)
Genre: Middle Grade, Nonfiction
Number of Pages: 208
Published: May 6, 2025
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Dates Read: August 8, 2025
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

In this novel, you learn about Josefina “Joey” Guerrero, a guerrilla fighter, a spy, a Medal of Freedom recipient, Hansen’s disease survivor, teacher, and peacemaker. Told with historical photos as well as key themes and moments in history, readers will learn about a piece of WWII that many probably haven’t heard about.

Learning (yet again) something new in 2025 about WWII. I wasn’t too familiar with the Philippines in WWII, so I absolutely hadn’t heard of Joey Guerrero, but I adore Erin Entrada Kelly’s writing and once I saw she was writing a nonfiction about someone, I knew it was important that I knew who Joey was.

What a remarkable woman Joey was. She never let anything stop her, or slow her down. Her life wasn’t picture perfect, but she’d accept it and keep going. She was resourceful too – knowing she wouldn’t get checked as much because of her disease. It was kind of crappy how the US treated her after everything she did (but in all honesty, it doesn’t surprise me…)

Overall, though this book is aimed at middle grade readers, I still think older readers would enjoy it. As a woman in her 30’s, I found the breakdown of information a lot more digestible than older history books.

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

Into the Rapids / Ann Braden, Candace Fitzgerald (Narrator), Ann Braden (Narrator)

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Into the Rapids
By: Ann Braden, Candace Fitzgerald (Narrator)
Genre: Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 176
Published: May 13, 2025
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Dates Read: August 5, 2025 - August 7, 2025
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

When a storm knocks out of the bridge in her remote mountain town, Addy and her mom are cut off from the main road. Now, Addy is worried she won’t be able to make it to the survival camp she’s been looking forward to; it’s the camp where her parents met, and where her late dad set a record for making a fire – she needs to hone her skills and honor their legacy. But now that there’s no power, the light in her mom has also seemed to turn off after being triggered by the ragging river and memoir of Addy’s dad who was killed in a similar storm years ago.

Addy and her mom have always prided themselves in being self-reliant, to the point where they’ve never bothered making friends with the neighbors. But now Addy keeps running into her classmate, Caleb, on the hill above her house where they both get cell service. Caleb’s frantic about a missing neighbor, and Addy is amazed at how well connected he is to get help. When Caleb offers to help her get to camp, can she trust him?

This was a beautifully written middle grade novel that explored the complexities of humans and human emotion. Addy’s mom essentially goes through PTSD after the storm and flash flood because her husband passed in a storm very similar. Addy realizes that what she always thought was her and her mom being independent, was actually being pretty standoffish and learns that trusting people and asking for help aren’t bad things – I loved seeing her growth throughout.

I also enjoy her friendship that blossoms with Caleb and how they both help each other. 

Overall, this middle grade novel takes readers on an action packed journey filled with survival, friendship, and personal growth that readers will easily get immersed in.

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

Nordlys: Book One / Malin Falch

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Nordlys: Book One (Nordlys #1)
By: Malin Falch
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 320
Published: May 13, 2025 (1st Published February 15, 2018)
Publisher: Inklore
Dates Read: August 3, 2025
Format: Library Book / Paperback

The night before her coming-of-age ceremony, Sonja gets a visit from a mysterious boy who offers to take her across the stars to a Norway she’s never seen; a Norway full of trolls, pirates, and magic. As Sonja slowly begins to fall in love with the new land, she uncovers an adventure that may bring both worlds together.

If you take Peter Pan, mix it with Norwegian folklore, and then add beautiful artwork, you’ll have Nordlys – oh, and add a dragonfly! This is also just the beginning of the series, so it very well may turn in a different direction, but you definitely get Peter Pan feels.

This is just the beginning of this series and I kind of need the translations to have happened yesterday, this is so good.

Oh, and don’t get me started on the artwork. When I first flipped through it, it reminded me of Brother Bear, which I enjoy, so anything like that already had my attention. But then everything else about the artwork and the panels is beautiful and you can practically smell the crisp mountain air between the pages!

Overall, if you’d enjoy a graphic novel with beautiful panels and a Peter Pan retelling sprinkled with Norwegian folklore, this book is for you!