Books for Kids and Tweens
July 2025

Recent Releases
Their Just Desserts
by Tracy Badua and Alechia Dow

Since they solved their first mystery (in The Cookie Crumbles), baker Laila and journalist Lucy have been too busy to spend much time together. When these middle school detectives are called on to go undercover at a kids' baking show, it tests both their skills and their friendship. (Ages 10-13.)
 
Lu and Ren's Guide to Geozoology
by Angela Hsieh

Lu has always planned to be a traveling geozoologist like her ah-ma (grandmother), studying creatures like mossgoats, cloud jellyfish, and super-huge axolotls. So when Ah-ma's letters stop, Lu decides to search for her, with some help from her old friend Ren. Soft and dreamy artwork helps transport you to the magical setting of this sweet graphic novel adventure. For fans of: K. O'Neill's Tea Dragon Society series. (Ages 8-12.)
Graciela in the Abyss
by Meg Medina; illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso 

One hundred years after falling to her death in the ocean, Graciela awakens as a sea spirit. Meanwhile, living boy Jorge accidentally delivers a ghost-killing harpoon to a vengeful villain. The quest to set things right on land and sea brings Graciela and Jorge together in this exciting and heartfelt fantasy. Read-alike: El Niño by Pam Muñoz Ryan. (Ages 10-13.)
The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls
by Judith Rossell

When she arrives at the Midwatch Institute, headstrong Maggie Fishbone discovers that the gloomy-seeming orphanage is actually a school that trains girls to "solve mysteries and do good deeds and fight bad guys." Set in a 1920s-era world of airships and motorcars, this clever story offers plenty of intrigue and thrills. (Ages 8-12.)
The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun
by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Even though her sisters are always-busy high achievers, 12-year-old Esme just wants a chill summer with her local swim team. Esme's mom, however, has competitive expectations that could shatter Esme's summer hopes. Readers who like slice-of-life books with real-feeling characters will enjoy diving into Esme's story. (Ages 8-12.) 
On Guard!
by Cassidy Wasserman

At the start of seventh grade, Grace feels like a mess: her parents are getting divorced and her best friend just dumped her. Then, while hiding out in the gym, Grace discovers the school fencing team. Joining the sport gives her a new perspective in this realistic graphic novel filled with family angst and friendship drama. Read-alike: Jessixa Bagley's Duel. (Ages 9-13.)
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past!
 
Will on the Inside
by Andrew Eliopulos

It's a big change for seventh-grader Will when he's diagnosed with Crohn's disease, forcing him to temporarily quit the soccer team he loves while he gets used to new medication. Even bigger, though, is realizing that he might be gay -- and that his church group and soccer friends might treat him differently if he tells them. (Ages 9-13.)
Sam(ira)'s (Worst) Best Summer
by Nina Hamza

After a horrible year where her best friend turned into a bully, relatable middle schooler Sammy now faces an even worse summer: her house was just TP'd and her brother Imran, who's autistic, is sure it's because they're brown and Muslim. How is Sammy supposed to trust in a new friendship with neighbor Alice when it feels like everyone is against her? (Ages 9-13.)
The one and only family
by Katherine Applegate

When silverback gorilla Ivan and his mate Kinyani welcome a set of twins to their family, Ivan can't help but recall his childhood in the jungle - and his own twin - as he navigates joys and challenges of parenthood. (Ages 9-12.)
Daughters of the Lamp
by Nedda Lewers

In 10th-century Baghdad, servant Morgana is on the run after a sorcerer attacks her boss, Ali Baba. In present-day Cairo, science-loving Egyptian American Sahara fears that her uncle's bride-to-be might be an actual witch. Find out how the two stories connect in this series starter that blends fantasy and folkore. (Ages 8-12.)
Across the wide and lonesome prairie : the diary of Hattie Campbell
by Kristiana Gregory

After the death of her two sisters, thirteen-year-old Hattie and her family make for a fresh start. They sell their farm in Missouri and journey across the Oregon Trail toward Oregon City. (Ages 8-12.)
Root magic
by Eden Royce

Eleven-year-old twins Jez and Jay begin training with their uncle, Doc, in the African American folk magic known as rootwork, but soon Jez found out that her family's true power goes beyond magical potions and elixirs. (Ages 8-12.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Warren County Library
2 Shotwell Drive
Belvidere, New Jersey 07823
908-818-1280

www.warrenlib.org