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I was in love with Maggie, the smart, curious, beautifully neurotic narrator of Kathleen Lane's middle reader novel, from page one. She has a completely unique way of looking at the world, and she presents this world to us in a voice that’s breathless and hilarious and real, a voice I’d want to read even if the story she was telling was the instructions on putting together a bookshelf. Instead we get bullies, bunnies, a killer on the loose, and a girl who just wants to save the whole universe. The Best Worst Thing is just the right amount of dark and funny and heartbreaking and joyous — and a delight for any reader who is, or ever has been, a kid. It’s hands down my favorite book of the year, of any age group.
– Gigi L.

Peter Brown is best known for his picture book, and this is his first foray into a middle reader novel. Brown writes profoundly and beautifully on community and environment with his interesting take on technology in nature.
– Kim T.

Raymie Nightingale is about a girl who finds herself enrolled in baton-twirling lessons for the upcoming Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition. Raymie and two other girls are there for rather pressing reasons too, as Raymie hopes winning will bring her dad back home. Raymie Nightingale is the best middle-reader novel of the year. It's a coming-of-age story centered around the idea of a person's soul and how it's not just something you have — it's something you earn. Raymie Nightingale is also a friendship story; by the end, you’ll believe that these three very different girls will be lifelong friends. Kate DiCamillo's writing is beautiful, and it's my pick for the next Newbery!
– Jordan S.

Wonderful art and great writing earn Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers, a new Science Comics volume, an A-plus! I love how the story focuses on the scientific discovery of dinosaurs and how people are continuing to discover and learn new things about them. Reed's humor and Flood's art make this nonfiction comic truly special. I'm going to buy copies for all the kids I know.
– Jennifer H.

Set in 1242 and illustrated throughout, this story of three diverse, magical children and their dog is told with wit and wisdom. It brings to mind The Canterbury Tales, but for middle readers.
– Richard C.

Charlie is Charles Kleis the 15th and she’s a girl. She’s also an adventurer who’s gone back in time and landed in the age of Greek myths where she and two friends must try to save her father, who’s become lost in time. Kate Ristau’s first novel in the Clockbreakers series is a fast-paced, super-fun story that mixes myth, science fiction, and reality beautifully. Charlie is smart and spunky and her infectious voice sweeps you along, through labyrinths, across deserts, in and out of time — and the fact of her wheelchair is handled wonderfully, as a part of her character, not an impairment to it.
– Gigi L.

Modern illustrations that cover everything — from the Big Bang up to the present day — with lots of interesting facts make this a great pick for all ages. It’s one of our bestselling nonfiction titles all year.
– Kim T.

There are so many reasons I love this book, I don’t even know where to begin! As a longtime Sherman Alexie fan, I was thrilled when I heard he wrote his first children’s picture book. Thunder Boy Jr. is based on Junior from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Alexie’s own experience growing up being named after his father. As a child, it was nearly impossible to find picture books with an American Indian protagonist. And ones written by a nonwhite author — forget it. Things have not changed much from my childhood, but Thunder Boy Jr. is a refreshing break from the mold. Yuyi Morales’s bold lines and vibrant, colorful illustrations play well with the imagination of Thunder Boy and also keep small readers glued to each page. My daughter doesn’t understand the cultural significance yet, but I hope she grows up to appreciate a character that reflects her heritage — I know I certainly do.
– Kate L.

Simple, beautiful papercut illustrations with brief facts will help young readers start to identify common birds.
– Elizabeth H.

The Journey is a powerful picture book about a refugee family seeking a safe home, a family who has lost everything due to war. Masterfully illustrated, The Journey is a true treasure.
– Richard C.

This magical alphabet book by Portland artist Kim Krans has become my go-to gift for new parents because of its cherish-ability, but it's so beautiful that I'd give it to child-free friends too. I wish I could cover my walls in these spectacular watercolor-embellished animals.
– Emily F.

This is the absolute best book for fantasy-loving children I've ever read! I was immediately smitten with the sweet, naive bravery of Goblin as he set out to find his best friend Skeleton, who was stolen away by (yikes) pillaging adventurers. Poor little Goblin! But even if the farmers and the elves and the townsfolk chase him away, don't worry — someone out there must be able to help him. But who likes a goblin?
– Miranda G.

Portland author/illustrator (and former Powell's employee) Kate Berube's first picture book is a gem. Hannah is a young girl with a youthful fear, and Sugar is your neighborhood dog. Then one day, Sugar goes missing. The best scene soon follows, when Hannah is sitting by herself, out on her front porch, wondering what it must be like to be lost, hungry, and alone — that quiet moment is special. Hannah is a strong girl character (she overcomes her fear!) who you'll love, and that last illustration of her and Sugar as new friends will make you absolutely melt.
– Jordan S.

Lively artwork and simple rhyming text bring to life an important piece of history, without undermining the terrible nature of the setting. What really shines through is the strength of the human spirit.
– Elizabeth H.