| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Chelsea
This is a powerful read. Sparse, intentional words paired with lush illustrations tell an important story of self-acceptance and remind readers about the power of words. |
| Recommended by Jake
When his beloved pet slug Gustav goes missing, young mushroom Little Cap must face his fears and leave his cozy home on a journey to find him. Gorgeous illustrations and a heartwarming story make for a delightful read. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
A young child is taken camping with her dad to better understand their place in the universe. This is the picture book young Chelsea desperately needed to soothe her to sleep. |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Sixth grade is a year of adjustment for Rex. Bullies, girls, and navigating the lunchroom are difficult, and that’s even before he starts wearing glasses. This true story of learning to fit in and find your community is a must read. |
| Recommended by Ashby
Sent out to determine their special powers, Pebble is scared until finding Wren. The young monster and young human become friends, eventually communicating telepathically. Wren helps Pebble make sense of the world, explaining things like thermodynamics of refrigeration. Their adventures lead to friendship in a story that will make you laugh and smile and want to have Pebble come to your house! |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
When his best friend (and the only other trans boy in school) passes away, Noah feels more alone and misunderstood than ever. Longing to connect with someone who knows how he feels, Noah starts writing letters to The Mothman: a red-eyed, winged cryptid who may or may not be hanging out in the woods behind his house. This story broke my heart and put it back together again. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
It’s a new year in middle school and Nat is looking for a club to join. When she meets a new student, they want to start a comics club. But what should they do when the principal says no? The appearance of Nat’s cat and dog at the beginning of each chapter adds humor to this already laugh-out-loud story. (See the rest of the series here!) |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Chelsea
This novel truly has everything: a little romance, a self-discovery journey, and a dash of murder. It’s all delightfully narrated by Bianca, whose voice is funny, endearing, and authentic. I enjoyed every page and missed the characters when I finished. |
| Recommended by Katie
This book is perfect. That’s my review. Anything else I say will be woefully inadequate. But that’s probably not enough, is it? Ander and Santi Were Here is a beautiful story of queer first love, of fighting for that love when the cards are stacked against you, and for finding your own way in this world. I loved this book with my whole heart. |
| Recommended by RJ
Lion’s Legacy is a queer Indiana Jones for a new generation. Between ancient puzzles and action-packed adventure, this story takes a serious look at family, queer community, and what it means to own your history. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Perry Firekeeper-Birch’s summer plans of fishing and lazing are upturned when she wrecks her Jeep and owes her Auntie Daunis for the repairs. Instead she interns for her Ojibwe Tribe and kindles a passion for the repatriation of her ancestors’ remains and cultural artifacts. Easily one of my top reads of this year, Warrior Girl Unearthed is a page-turning heist novel that not only entertained me but educated me. |
| CLASSICS & BACKLIST |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
This is the story of a boy seeking his lost sister, a community looking for hope, and the elephant that answers. |
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By Leah Johnson
The May 2023 Spark Book Club selection is Ellie Engle Saves Herself! by Leah Johnson. After a freak earthquake in her town, Ellie wakes up with a gift. She can bring anything back to life with her touch. When a video of her using her new superpower goes viral, her life in middle school will never be the same.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“This fast-paced, humorous novel will have readers racing to the end as they fall in love with Ellie’s quirky and authentic personality.” – Kirkus, starred review
Spark Book Club is the first editions club for middle grade readers. Every month members will receive a first edition middle grade novel — plus a letter written by the author especially for club members. Makes a great gift for the independent reader! Sign ups are available for 3, 6, or 12 months.
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By Becky Albertalli
The May 2023 ParnassusNext selection is Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli. Imogen is the World’s Greatest Ally. She is looking forward to visiting her best friend at college for the weekend. When she arrives, her friend confesses she told her friends they used to date. Now Imogen must keep up the charade. As she spends more time with a cute college girl, she begins to wonder if the charade is the truth.
Early praise for the novel:
“Imogen’s journey feels authentic and sincere, and readers will find it difficult not to fall for her….Fresh, endearing, and heartfelt.” –Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.
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Musing 