Additions to beloved, well-established series and exciting new adventures await readers in this season’s middle grade selections. Whether they are fighting high-stakes battles against forces of evil; surviving major events in world history; or dealing with the real-life conflicts of friendship, family, and school, the characters in these titles will have readers rooting for them, and waiting for the next installment.

Elementary

Beattie, Andrew. The Secret in the Tower. illus. by Elena Dall’Aglio. 304p. (Tales from the Middle Ages: Bk 2). Sweet Cherry. Sept. 2024. pap. $8.95. ISBN 9781802635539.
Gr 4 Up–Instead of a whodunit, this mystery presents a surprising, “who am I?” Young Jack Broom faces cruel treatment and dreary conditions at the home of Old Mother Cobb, a tyrannical apothecary. Jack longs to become a surgeon but, without means or a title, is stuck in the role of apothecary assistant. A series of mishaps puts him in precarious positions until he is rescued by an unlikely new friend, who also happens to be a girl. For burgeoning royal scholars or those with an interest in European history, this second book in the “Tales of the Middle Ages” series is an intriguing mystery full of double-crossing spies and traitors. Jack can never be sure who to trust in his quest for the truth about his identity and on his journey to adulthood. Students with an interest in medieval culture and medicine will enjoy this book as will students who enjoy historical fiction. It is an excellent text to help teach the concept of foreshadowing. VERDICT A good choice to round out medieval historical fiction collections for young readers.
 

Ecton, Emily. The Great Catnapping. illus. by David Mottram. 240p. (Great Pet Heist). S. & S./Atheneum. Jul. 2024. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781665943826.
Gr 2 Up–Have you ever wondered what all the dogs are talking about when they get into a sniffing circle at the dog park? What if they are working to help solve a mysterious kidnapping? It may sound far-fetched, but this companion novel to The Great Pet Heist will have readers believing in the super sleuth skills of Butterbean the wiener dog. Accompanying Butterbean in his quest to rescue their feline friend Walt, is a charming menagerie of rats, a mynah bird, a goldfish, and an octopus. Marco, Polo, Oscar, Chad, and Leia join forces and take readers along a comical quest to determine exactly what happened after the commotion at the grand opening of the Plucky Hen supermarket. A fun class read-aloud or skill-building chapter book for struggling readers with illustrations that perfectly capture each character’s personality. VERDICT A cute story with appeal to a wide range of audiences.
 

Kenne, Jarrett. Decide & Survive: The Attack on Pearl Harbor: Can You Stop the Attack? 120p. Bk. 2. ISBN 9781638191797.
Van Cleave, Ryan G. Decide & Survive: Agent 355: Can You Win the Revolution? 128p. Bk. 3. ISBN 9781638191810.
Whitman, Sylvia. Decide & Survive: The Destruction of Pompeii: Can You Change Pompeii’s Fate? 128p. Bk. 1. ISBN 9781638191803.
ea vol: illus. by Mike Anderson. (Decide & Survive). Bushel & Peck. Aug. 2024. Tr $9.99.
Gr 3-7–Presenting historical events in an exciting and empowering “Choose Your Own” plot style gives readers control over how to proceed through the pages. The options are exciting, sometimes suspenseful, usually dangerous. Some readers may be attracted to the idea of reading a whole book without having to read the whole book, others may become frustrated with the back-and-forth and feel like they are missing out on something. Of course, they can go back and choose a different set of options, but keeping up with page numbers can be a challenge. Peppered with historical information, this series is an excellent source for teachers looking to liven up social studies lessons. Teachers may enjoy using the series as a read-aloud and letting the class vote on which options to choose. Vivid graphics help bring the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, and the American Revolution to life. Opportunities for discussion about choices and consequences will be plentiful and will make historical events much more comprehensible and relatable for students, who will enjoy stepping into the shoes of the characters. VERDICT Recommended to teachers and students who love new challenges.
 

McRobert, Lucy. Australia. illus. by Alisha Monnin. 322p. (Blue’s Planet: Bk. 1). Sweet Cherry. Feb. 2025. pap. $8.95. ISBN 9781802635522.
Gr 3 Up–Nature lovers and kids fascinated with animals or yearning to read about faraway places will find a ticket to adventure in this series starter. Blue, her parents, grandparents, grizzly old lovable Leo, and her friend Archie tackle animal rescues in the midst of brutal summer wildfires. Suspenseful, engaging, relatable characters and relationships will hold students’ attention, and kids who get teased for their hobbies will find an instant hero. The narrative features responsible use of social media with positive, uplifting outcomes while Blue ponders the question: Is it ever OK to tell a lie? Illustrations are few and far between, but they help bring Blue’s experience to life for readers. Terrifying brushes with danger propel the story forward, and lessons about Australia’s environment, animals, and ecological issues are easily absorbed while reading about Blue’s big adventures in the land down under. The cliff-hanger ending will have students begging to read the next book in the series. Educators will find plenty of opportunities for extension and enrichment activities. VERDICT Students who love geography and nature will be thrilled with this book. Teachers looking for a fresh, new read-aloud will, too.
 

Montgomery, L.M. Anne of Green Gables. retold by Woodfine, Katherine. illus. by Isabelle Follath. 96p. (Nosy Crow Classics). Nosy Crow. Sept. 2024. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9798887770857.
Gr 2-5–An adaptation of this timeless tale about generosity, friendship, and forgiveness is the latest addition to this collection of classics. Every generation should have the chance to read this heartwarming story of how a young girl’s spirit and determination charmed an entire village. Readers will relate to Anne’s anxiety when she’s afraid she has no place to go, and challenges making friends and standing up to teasing at school will also feel quite familiar. It’s hard to resist loving Anne, her mishaps, and her tender heart. Enchanting illustrations help readers envision the village of Avonlea and experience Anne’s exploits right along her. Anne’s stubbornness and grit model strategies for standing up for yourself, and her sensitivities help readers remember they are not alone in their struggles. With plentiful extension opportunities, Anne of Green Gables is an excellent tool for teaching the concepts of setting, character development, and plot. VERDICT Absolutely add this to your library shelves and recommend it at every opportunity. If you already have a copy, it’s probably time to replace it with a fresh new edition.
 

Peabody, J.D. Operation Bungaree. 352p. (The Inkwell Chronicles: Bk. 3). Hachette/Worthy Kids. Sept. 2024. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781546007685.
Gr 4 Up–The third book in this series is a great choice for kids who love puzzles, mazes, deciphering codes, and time travel. At times “Harry Potter,” other times Star Trek, with some Lightning Thief thrown in, Operation Bungaree will enthrall readers with scenes where priceless paper conjures up characters who come to life after magic ink produces them on a page. Everett has gone missing, and his dad and sister are desperate to find him. But his is no ordinary missing person case: Everett has disappeared into the pages of a comic book. This imaginative tale requires readers to suspend disbelief to follow Ev’s incredible journey through the complicated inner workings of a spaceship. Along the way, he is befriended by a robot who helps him uncover clues to aid in his own rescue. The family forges ahead in their struggle to rescue Everett and manage to preserve a wildly precious resource as well. The plot takes some twists and turns, and impatient readers may lose their way. Perseverance pays off, though, and they will be rewarded with richly written, enchanting scenes. VERDICT A nice addition to this series for kids who can’t get enough of the fantasy genre.
 

Rundberg, Johan. The Lost Ones. tr. from Swedish by Eva Apelqvist. 222p. (The Moonwind Mysteries: Bk. 3). Amazon. Jan. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781662525940.
Gr 5 Up–“The Boxcar Children” meets James Bond, only it’s set in 1880 Sweden. With richly developed characters that evoke strong emotions, ranging from compassion to fear and disgust, this ongoing series takes readers inside a 19th-century orphanage, and this third installment offers a magnificently crafted tale with a racing plot. The Swedish place names may present a challenge to some readers, but mystery lovers will be enthralled with Mika’s detective skills and her ability to see past the obvious. The vocabulary is fairly advanced and may not appeal to all middle grade readers, but students who are tired of simplistic writing and predictable plots will enjoy the sophisticated style and creative storyline. Avid readers with an appetite for mystery and strong female characters will become fast fans of Mika Moonwind and her adventures. VERDICT A fantastic book for growing readers who enjoy a bit of mystery with their historical fiction.
 

Starmer, Aaron. Math Mysteries: The Fall Festival Fiasco. illus. by Marta Kissi. 192p. (Math Mysteries: Bk. 2). Odd Dot. Sept. 2024. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9781250841797.
Gr 3 Up–Math teachers rejoice! Fantastic read-alouds to intrigue even your biggest math skeptics. The Prime Detectives, Abby, Cam, and Gabe, take readers through a batch of mysteries and solve them using their powers of deduction and remarkable math skills. A series of mishaps that threatened to wreck the Fall Festival seem like accidents on the surface, but the Prime Detectives know there’s more than meets the eye. As sabotage efforts to rig the contests for pie-eating, pumpkin-weighing, and the dunk tank become clear, students learn the value of math to solve real life problems. Using statistics, globes, algebra, and computer science, the trio manages to save the day and the funds raised by the annual Fall Festival. A fresh, compelling narrative will keep readers engaged and curious about all the chaos unfolding. Clear, explicit math examples and explanations will leave them willing and wanting to learn more. VERDICT This title will be a hit with students and teachers alike.

Stine, R.L. Stinetinglers 3: MORE Chilling Stories by the Master of Scary Tales. 224p. (Stinetinglers). Feiwel & Friends. Aug. 2024. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781250836335.
Gr 3 Up–It’s easy to see why R.L. Stine is beloved by generations—he allows readers to get lost in the suspense while knowing they are in for a safe landing. The author delivers another set of thrilling stories for kids who want to be scared…but not too scared. Pitiful magicians, evil sorcerers, body-snatchers, bad luck imps, and alien stray dogs are some of the featured characters in this collection of thoroughly entertaining stories for middle grader readers and up. Ideal for spooky season class read-alouds or for lessons on character development and plot, Stinetinglers 3 offers the perfect mix of laughter and suspense. VERDICT Stine’s fans will not be disappointed, and readers will devour this volume in no time.
 

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Aro, David. The Fabian File. ISBN 9781978597501.
Malaspina, Ann. Liam and the Giant Eels. ISBN 9781978597532.
Tello, Edd. Daylan and the River of Secrets. ISBN 9781978597471.
ea vol: 160p. (MG Verse). Enslow/West 44. Aug. 2024. Tr $25.80.
Gr 5-8–With minimal text on each page, simple illustrations, and varied text features like news reports and journal entries, this collection of books in verse are highly accessible for developing readers at a middle school interest level. Each book in this first collection is a stand alone story written by a different author. While Daylan and the Riverand Giant Eels both incorporate a tween’s experience with climate change in their community, The Fabian File is a thriller that features a malfunctioning artificial intelligence. The poetic verse in these books is purposefully straightforward, but Daylan and the River still delivers a powerful emotional experience and explores friendship, bullying, mythology, and self-acceptance with a deft hand. This volume is set in Mexico and is also available in Spanish. VERDICT The realm of hi-lo reading can often feel limited, but these offerings are diverse, refreshing, and sure to engage kids.
 

Brooks, Nick. Everything Interesting Keeps Happening to Ethan Fairmont. 240p. (Ethan Fairmont). Union Square Kids & Co. Nov. 2024. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781454947134.
Gr 3-7–Ethan and his friends face the challenge of defeating an evil force to save one of their own, Ethan’s guinea pig, as well as an entire species from a different planet. The dynamics of Ethan’s friend group are realistic and provide a model of how to navigate relationship stresses, even under extreme and outlandish circumstances. A classic tale of good vs. evil with a fair bit of concern for the planet thrown in for good measure. A lovable space alien named Cheese, and his family with adorable nicknames like Popcorn and Jellybean, bond with Ethan’s group while they all face a common enemy: the light thieves. Through their struggle, they learn the value of teamwork and building on the strengths of each individual. The action is fast paced even if some of the plot points are a stretch. Young readers will enjoy the high jinks while imagining the possibilities of forging extra-terrestrial friendships while saving the planet. VERDICT STEM enthusiasts and techies will love this book.
 

Brown, Michelle L. Lights, Camera, Brains? ISBN 9781631638305.
Fields, Jan. The Door. ISBN 9781631638268.
ea vol: 160p. (Harbor Set 2). Jolly Fish Pr. Aug. 2024. pap. $9.99.
Gr 5-8–At just about 160 pages each and with simple text written at a second grade reading level, these two titles certainly meet the definition of hi-lo fiction for middle grade. However, reluctant readers will find little to capture their interest and much to irritate them in this set. The Door is a science fiction adventure that explores multiple universes but becomes weighed down by lengthy, overly intricate explanations of multiple universe theory and clichéd, predictable morals. Meanwhile, Lights, Camera, Brains? reads as out of touch, with horribly dated dialogue, slang, and pop culture references. The plot slowly meanders to an unsatisfying finish, and the characters fit neatly into tween stereotypes. While the main character’s incessant vomiting might attract kids in a gross-out manner, this book ultimately falls short. VERDICT Not recommended for purchase.
 

Child, Lauren. Clarice Bean, Smile. illus. by Lauren Child. 288p. (Clarice Bean). Candlewick. Apr. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536240269.
Gr 4-6–As the “Clarice Bean” series celebrates its 20th anniversary, Child returns with this new (and perhaps final) installment. Although the series took a pause, Clarice is the same daydreaming, procrastinating, impish 11-year-old that we first met in 1999. In Smile , Clarice is overwhelmed by Mrs. Wilberton’s “Lost for Words” project, where she has to build a creative piece that represents an endangered animal. Thankfully (sort of), a loose carpet, a sibling pile-up, and a broken tooth give Clarice a reprieve at home while she recovers. With her hallmark stream-of-consciousness narration and simple yet often surprisingly astute observations, Clarice can make even the most mundane moments amusing. Child also deftly tackles Clarice’s worries about her aging grandfather and changing climate in words that young children will understand. VERDICT A worthwhile selection featuring a beloved character.
 

Córdova, Zoraida. Star Wars: The High Republic: Beware the Nameless. 336p. (Star Wars: The High Republic: Bk. 1). Disney Lucasfilm Pr. Aug. 2024. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781368095198.
Gr 5-8–Ram Jomaram and the three younglings he rescued in book one are now training on Coruscant after their victory over the Nihil, who are still are intent on taking over the galaxy, and are far from defeated. Their ultimate weapon, The Nameless, is a shadowy creature that bleeds living things of all Force energy, leaving only dust. This second volume of “The High Republic” series checks in on Ram and his charges and then expands to include several new characters: Jamil, a Jedi unexpectedly thrown into his first mission; Zenny, a senator’s daughter who hopes to rescue her older sister; and Churo the Hutt, who unlike his Hutt relatives is gentle, compassionate, and curious. When their paths are thrown together on an ill-fated mission, this diverse group of young folks must work together to survive and get back home. A panoramic view of the narrative is woven by third person narration that hovers over the main crew and many others, including a surprisingly complex villain. Thrilling escape and battle scenes are paired with significant character growth, particularly for Churo, the very endearing Hutt. VERDICT The stakes are high, and the consequences are dire in this very engaging sequel.
 

Dao, Julie C. Team Chu and the Wild Ghost Chase. 320p. (Team Chu: Bk. 3). Farrar. Sept. 2024. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780374388850.
Gr 4-7–Following their participation in a laser tag competition and an overseas reality show, Team Chu returns in this spooky third installment. Tuba, the exceptionally clever stray cat that adopted the group in book two, is now thriving as a TikTok celebrity and has received an exclusive invitation to compete in the Pet Gala, held this year at a haunted theme park aptly named Spooky World. Comprising a diverse group of friends, siblings, and parents, the members of Team Chu work through realistic middle school conflicts (like toxic best friend rivalry) and become entangled in solving a decades-old missing person’s case. Siblings Clip and Sadie, Vietnamese American, and Iggy, whose family is from Puerto Rico, share the narration. Nonstop action and supernatural elements combined with strong character development, healthy parent relationships, and conflict resolution make these books both wholesome and engaging. Beautiful illustrations by artist Chi Ngo enhance key moments of the story. VERDICT This series is a first purchase for libraries where action and humor are in high demand.
 

Eicheldinger, Matt. Matt Sprouts and the Day Nora Ate the Sun. 304p. (Matt Sprouts: Bk. 2). Andrews McMeel. Sept. 2024. pap. $12.99. ISBN 9781524888718.
Gr 4-7–It’s finally summer, and Matt Sprouts is curse-free and planning to enjoy his break. Too bad his dad expects him to work all summer as a lawn mower for the family’s vaguely intimidating industrial plant. Overwhelmed by the football-field-sized lawn, Matt begs his dad to let him find another job. He unexpectedly stumbles into an arrangement with Farmer Jed to babysit his googly-eyed goat, Nora, who has a habit of eating important items, seems able to teleport, and loves tummy rubs. Nora’s antics prove to be more trouble than Matt bargained for, and hijinks ensue. Matt is often depicted as immature, jumping to conclusions about others and making reckless decisions—like pulling wires from an industrial machine, grabbing an electrified fence, or sampling random mushrooms in the woods. Supporting characters are one dimensional and contribute to an overall simplistic story’s predictable moral lessons. All characters are cued as white. While humorous, straightforward sketches break up the text and may engage young readers, this second installment in this series is unsatisfying. VERDICT A second or third purchase for libraries looking to supplement their offerings for “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” fans.
 

Elle, J. A Whisper of Curses. 304p. (Park Row Magic Academy: Bk. 2). Bloomsbury. Jul. 2024. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781547606740.
Gr 4-6–There’s a famous saying: Don’t ever meet your hero. Kyana and her friends learn that lesson the hard way during Enrichment Week, a.k.a. Magick Camp, for students of the Park Row Magick Academy. The week promised to hold tons of fun and plenty of lessons on potions, charms, and even dragon riding lessons. But when the portal is sealed shut, panic starts to grow. To add to the nerve-racking situation, Kyana finds herself overcome with a mysterious malady—she cannot stop laughing…or crying. As she alternates between the two extremes, her friends are frantic to help find a cure. Can the all-knowing, all-powerful Dr. Minzy offer a solution? Characters use social media to connect like-minded friends with a positive mission, which adds a nice touch. Filled with teen angst, the relationships between Kyana, Ashley, and Russ are entertaining to read. Those with a love for fantasy and magic will be thrilled with the latest adventures from Park Row Magick Academy. VERDICT This book is just the ticket for readers who love magic and middle school drama.
 

Kann, Claire. Suitehearts: Drama and Destiny. 288p. (Suitehearts: Bk. 2). HarperCollins. Jul. 2024. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780063069442.
Gr 5-8–Fledgling matchmakers and cousins Rosa and Cora Seville have completed their first tasks and are headed into a required, two-week magical training camp that will be held at their family’s business, Hotel Coeur. Shy, studious Cora and confident, talented Rose have completely different plans for camp: Cora wants to stay in the background and learn as much as she can, and Rose has signed up to be a counselor and will be helping to run the event. Everything changes when Cora completes a very challenging “whirlwind” match and is thrust into the spotlight, and Rose is unexpectedly paired up with frenemy Julian for the whole of camp. Through challenges designed to test their individual strengths and weaknesses, the girls lean on each other and on family while they spark connections both romantic and platonic. With their Flyer exams on the horizon, readers will be eagerly anticipating book three. Both cousins are Black. VERDICT This heartfelt, cozy fantasy series is a first purchase for all middle school libraries.
 

Lee, Lori M. Pahua and the Dragon’s Secret. 432p. (Pahua Moua: Bk. 2). Disney-Hyperion. Sept. 2024. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781368083416.
Gr 5-8–Reincarnated shaman warrior and demigod Pahua Moua returns in this action-packed, humorous follow-up to Pahua and the Soul Stealer. Following the rescue of her little brother, Pahua is navigating problems both mundane and magical as she vies for acceptance into a school for the Shamanic Arts. Her brother’s moodiness seems unshakable, but Pahua has bigger worries as Xov, the imprisoned god she battled in the first installment, is poised to break out of his enchanted cell. Pahua once again teams up with fellow warrior Zhong and sarcastic cat spirit Miv to explore spiritual realms and mythical creatures as she searches for a way to save the world. Imbued on every page with Hmong language, mythology, and culture (both past and current), this fast-paced adventure is rich with meaning, but also just a good time. Pahua’s journey to find her own path while also reckoning with the “flashy, demon-slaying, acrobatic hero” who carried her spirit in a past life is especially poignant. VERDICT A standout in the world of Rick Riordan Presents, this sequel and its predecessor are a must-buy for middle school libraries.
 

Lewis, Erika. ed. by Bess Cozby. Kelcie Murphy and the Race for the Reaper’s Key. 400p. (The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts: Bk. 3). Tor/Starscape. Sept. 2024. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781250208378.
Gr 5 Up–Imagine being banished from your beloved school and then facing the threat of being removed from your family. Kelcie Murphy and her band of warriors are in a race to save the Lands of Summer and help bring an end to the Never Ending War. Perfecting one’s underdeveloped magic skills while training to be a spy is a challenge under the best of circumstances, but when time is of the essence, the added pressure can be intense. Characters with elemental powers like telekinesis, sparking, and the ability to drop air ropes will engage readers looking for sorcery and adventure. The third in the “The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts” series, this title is a great choice for students who enjoy otherworldly dimensions filled with immortal creatures, unbeatable swords, mysterious portals, and traveling eyes. A helpful glossary of terms is included to guide readers through the unfamiliar Celtic terms and concepts. VERDICT If you have avid fantasy readers who love a challenge or were fans of the first two books, add to your collection.
 

Mlynowski, Sarah. Liar Liar. 176p. (Whatever After: Bk. 16). Scholastic. Jul. 2024. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781339001654.
Gr 4-6–Ten-year-old Abby and her little brother, Jonah, have been adventuring through classic stories and fairy tales for over a decade in Mlynowski’s “Whatever After” series. This latest book finds them drawn into the world of Pinocchio after the blue fairy appears and convinces them that all of the tragic parts of the story could be avoided if only Pinocchio had just gone to school. Accompanied by Jonah and their dog, Prince, Abby embarks on a mission to help Pinocchio make the right choices. However, he turns out to be much more cunning than they anticipated, and a lighthearted adventure unfolds when the siblings must twist the original narrative and help everyone find their happily ever after in a fresh way. Abby and her brother are Jewish. VERDICT Though decidedly formulaic, these stories remain charming and entertaining, and will appeal to readers who appreciate whimsical tales and reimagined fairy stories.
 

Phillips, Tom. The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves 3: The Peruvian Express. 368p. (The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves: Bk. 3). Pixel+Ink. Aug. 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781645952374.
Gr 5-8–After crash landing on a beach in Peru, newly minted junior detective John Boarhog is back and immediately in action in this witty, absurdist romp. With his father and mentor, Toadius, missing, John takes up the case and is joined by Japanese circus performer and a “blond marshmallow of a boy” named Wembley. On their quest to find him, the trio must embrace the criminal side of John’s heritage as they unravel a decades-old cipher left behind by Toadius’s mentor. Thrilling chases, outlandish villains, and amusing wordplay are delivered by an anonymous narrator who infuses the text with commentary, often delivering comic explorations of various idioms and adult-friendly references to random pop culture properties like “Mad Max” and “The Fast and the Furious”. Although this is by and large an action comedy, emotionally resonant moments between John and his friends and newfound family make this a satisfying read. VERDICT Middle school kids and the adults in their lives will find much to enjoy in this third installment of this series, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket.
 

Stine, R.L. Night of the Living Mummy. 160p. (House of Shivers: Bk. 3). Scholastic. Sept. 2024. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781339015019.
Gr 4-7–Unlike his classmates, Happy Silverman is not scared by mummies. Instead, he’s fascinated by all things ancient Egypt—even the gruesome mummification process itself. On a field trip to the history museum, Happy has one goal: get up close to a mummy. Though the exhibit is closed, Happy uses middle grade trickery and subterfuge to sneak past the guards, eventually achieving his aim by finding Raman, a mummified boy king from 5,000 BCE. Much to Happy’s surprise and terror, Raman immediately comes alive, forces Happy into his bandaged arms, and psychically demands that Happy help to find his magical amulet. With trademark short chapters, non-stop action, cliffhangers galore, and a twisty ending, this stand-alone installment does not disappoint. Chapters set “thousands of years ago” will also appeal to kids with a special interest in ancient Egypt. VERDICT With just enough horror to thrill but not terrify middle grade readers, this book is another solid buy from the Goosebumps universe.
 

Whitesides, Tyler. Trials of the Trash. 312p. (Janitors School of Garbage: Bk. 2). Shadow Mountain. Sept. 2024. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781639932962.
Gr 4-7–Set in the solidly-built Janitors universe, this title finds garbology trainees Landon and his stepsister Jade fighting off a surprise attack by “thingamajunk” garbage monsters at their parents’ wedding. After defeating the evil Megalajunk by unlocking its core in the first book, Landon grapples with the temptation of its immense power when he discovers he can re-engage the lock and take control of a Megalajunk suit himself. Whitesides crafts a vivid world featuring a janitor-based magic system, original vocabulary, distinctive villains, and an abundance of punny humor. However, relentless action and trash monster battles dominate the story, resulting in minimal character or plot development. Diversity is hinted at through various side characters’ names but are not expanded upon in any meaningful way. Landon reads as white. VERDICT Recommended for purchase only where there is an existing fanbase for the series.