Here are some titles from this year’s Scholastic Book Clubs Middle School Newsletter. A few books to be on the lookout for when the Book Fair comes to campus. You don’t have to wait for the Book Fair though as there are also libraries around town that may hold it. You can also request to see if our librarian can purchase these titles for checkout or look out for digital access on MackinVIA which students can access through EPISD Plaza.

Frizzy by Claribel Ortega & Rose Bousamra

First title I noticed is a graphic novel by Claribel Ortega with artist Rose Bousamra, titled Frizzy. On the newsletter it states, “Marlene’s mom thinks her hair needs to be straight- but Marlene wants her natural curls.” Claribel is a former reporter who writes middle-grade and young adult fantasy inspired by her Dominican heritage. Her website also shares that her middle grade novel Ghost Squad is being made into a feature film. She’s on social media as well @Claribel_Ortega on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok and on Twitch as Radbunnie. For more info visit claribelortega.com. Illustrator and cartoonist Rose Bousamra loves making work inspired by all things fantasy and flowery. Frizzy is Rose’s debut graphic novel. For more info and to take a peak at Rose’s incredible work visit rosemakesart.com. If you’re up for a library adventure you can currently find the title at the El Paso Community College library on 919 Hunter Drive and the University of Texas at El Paso library.

Nightmare King by Daka Hermon

Next on the list from the Chills & Thrills section is a fiction horror novel by Daka Hermon. The description in Scholastic’s newsletter says “Nothing is the same since Shane’s accident – when he falls asleep, he’s haunted by an evil king!” Learn more about Daka at her website dakahermon.com and next time you’re at the school or local library request that they carry the title. Daka graduated from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature/Creative Writing. At her website it says even though she writes horror, she’s a big scaredy cat and can’t watch horror movies. Also she is a master of Connect Four.

School Trip by Jerry Craft

Another title to look for is the graphic novel by Jerry Craft titled School Trip, which is part of a series with two other companion novels by Craft titled New Kid and Class Act. Looking for a gift for the holidays? Here’s a set of books to gift to our young readers. Also Craft is up to some big things with the King himself LeBron James. In the newsletter it states, “A class trip to Paris takes an unexpected turn!” Learn more about Craft at jerrycraft.com and keep your eye out for box sets of the Craft’s graphic novels. I see School Trip is available in the circulation of our local library system including one at our neighborhood Richard Burges Branch Library on 9600 Dyer Street.

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee

The description for Lisa Yee’s book says “Maizy discovers her family’s Chinese restaurant is full of surprises and secrets!” What’s great about diving into Lisa Yee’s reads is that it’s an opportunity to discover a library of titles from an author with  over two dozen books to her name. Explore the world of Maizy Chen, cause if you haven’t read a Lisa Yee book, it’s only the beginning to a world of young adult literature. More information on Yee’s life and books can be found at lisayee.com. You can find Maizy Chen’s Last Chance at most of our local libraries including our neighborhood library in the NorthEast located on 9600 Dyer Street.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

There’s some really beautiful things going on with poetry and novel genre. Here’s a title to check for by Lisa Fipps. The description in Scholastic’s Newsletter states “Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and decides to do something about it.” In a Washington Post article titled ‘Starfish character is bullied about her weight. So was author Lisa Fipps click here to read, it states, “Through written words you might explore your own feelings – joy, fear, shame, love – as Fipps does with Ellie. You might even create your own personal story through poems”. There are some authors out there that really love you kids. Don’t forget that…and read.

We Are Family by LeBron James & Andrea Williams

As you’re watching the NBA season know you got a few big names out there involved in the literary world and education too. It’s great to see athletes cover more than just biographies about their own lives, but stories with messages that may inspire young readers on the come up. Big shout out to King James for his work through a number of initiatives especially in the literary world.

Just a few new recommendations this semester as we get closer to our first book fair date and as families start thinking about gifts for the holidays. Help our young readers build their libraries at home. Also, each book is the potential for an adventure out to our city’s amazing library system, not only public, but at our community college and university locations as well.