Salem-South Lyon District Library: Books for Kids and Tweens: April 2026

Click on the cover or title of each book to see more information or place a hold.

Recent Releases

The Mighty Macy
by Kwame Alexander; illustrated by Kitt Thomas

After her school library is shut down, third-grader Macy is tapped to speak up for it at a big public meeting. But with a violin recital looming, plus homework and family pressure, Macy worries that she won't find her voice in time. Told in short, easy-to-read poems, this inspiring chapter book will keep you turning pages. (Ages 7-10.)

Some of Us Are Brave
by Saadia Faruqi

Yasir is a talented soccer player trying to help his single mom. Mona is an artist trying to handle too much responsibility. Cody is a bully trying to survive his dad's abuse. When Hurricane Harvey hits, these three Houston middle schoolers have to band together to make it through. Read-alike: Zane and the Hurricane by Rodman Philbrick. (Ages 8-12.)

A Kid Like Me
by Norm Feuti

Worried about starting middle school alongside a bunch of snobby rich kids, friends and trailer park neighbors Ethan and Ricky plan to build a group of other kids just like them. But new friendships don't happen according to plan in this honest, hopeful graphic novel. (Ages 8-12.)

When Tomorrow Burns
by Tae Keller

As wildfires threaten her hometown of Seattle, seventh-grader Nomi reunites with her former besties Vi and Arthur to track down a mysterious book of prophecies, hoping it can prevent disaster. Told in multiple voices (including a forest's), this latest book from Newbery Medalist Tae Keller is as unusual as it is moving. (Ages 10-13.)

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan
by Jasmine Warga

Despite their tragic pasts, orphaned cheetah cub Chase and rescue dog Finnegan begin to trust again when they become friends through a zoo program. For fans of: heartfelt and bittersweet animal stories such as Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan series. (Ages 8-12.)

Harper Sharp: Kid Detective
by Jarrett Williams

Artist. Detective. Fifth-grader. Harper Sharp already has a lot going on, but when vandalism threatens the inventor's fair at school, he's determined to crack the case. With exaggerated, energetic artwork, this graphic novel mystery is the 1st in a new series. Read-alike: Casey Lyall's Howard Wallace, P.I. series. (Ages 8-12.)

Graphic Novel Round-Up

The New Girl
by Cassandra Calin

After moving with her family from Romania to Montreal, Canada, 13-year-old artist Lia has to find new friends, learn to speak French, and deal with painful periods. This graphic novel will grab fans of Svetlana Chmakova. (Ages 10-13.)

Next Stop
by Debbie Fong

riven by guilt and grief after her brother's death, Pia Xing sets out on a bus trip towards a lake that is said to make impossible things real. Each roadside stop reveals more of Pia's story in this graphic novel that pairs realistic emotions and offbeat humor with hints of magic. (Ages 9-13.)

The Mighty Bite
by Nathan Hale

When friends Bite and Amber -- a not-actually-extinct trilobite and a walking whale -- meet a paleo-journalist who introduces them to internet videos. Bursting with weird and wild humor, this graphic novel series opener is followed by Walrus Brawl at the Mall and Hog-Rocket Ruckus. (Ages 7-10.)

We Are Big Time
by Hena Khan; illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

Starting 9th grade at an Islamic school, Aliya joins the struggling basketball team. As the all-hijabi team improves, they have to face the pressure of the spotlight as well as their everyday problems.(Ages 9-13.)

Blue Stars: The Vice Principal Problem
by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith; illustrated by Molly Murakami

Even though they're part of the same Black and Muscogee family, cousins Maya and Riley don't get along...until they find a common enemy in the vice principal ruining their middle school. This funny slice-of-life graphic novel kicks off a new series. (Ages 8-12.)

The Ribbon Skirt
by Cameron Mukwa

With a powwow coming up, two-spirit Anishinaabe 10-year-old Anang begins a real-life quest to make their own ribbon skirt, connecting with spirits (including some snarky turtles) along the way. (Ages 8-13.)

Contact your librarian for more great books!