Investigation of Murder Most Foul
By
Jon Scieszka, Liz Braswell, Libba Bray, Gayle Forman, Maureen Johnson, David Levithan, Jacquelyn Mitchard, Lauren Myracle, Lemony Snicket, Rebecca Stead, Lev Grossman, Ned Vizzini, Sara Shepard, Todd Strasser, Jennifer E. Smith, Jordan Sonnenblick, Robin Wasserman, Michelle Zink, Susane Colasanti, Sarah Beth Durst, Lindsey Kelk, Barry Lyga, Lauren Oliver, Natalie Standiford, Melissa C. Walker, Kiersten White, Jen Calonita, Adele Griffin, J.R. Angelella, Kate Angelella, Jennifer Belle, Steve Brezenoff, Elise Broach, Patrick Carman, Elizabeth Craft, Julia Devillers, Paige Pooler, Larry Doyle, Dave Eggers, Daniel Ehrenhaft, Elizabeth Eulberg, Helen Fitzgerald, Aimee Friedman, Margaux Froley, Claudia Gabel, Michelle Gagnon, Adam Gidwitz, Anna Godbersen, Peter Brown, Julia Mayer, and Melissa De La Cruz
Prepare for a literary whodunit like no other! When the notoriously unpleasant book editor Herman Mildew is found murdered, the guest list for his last party becomes a suspect list of epic proportions. Over eighty of your favorite young adult and children's authors, from Jon Scieszka to John Green, find themselves under the magnifying glass. Each author must provide an alibi, but there's a catch: every single one of them is a fabulist, a storyteller with something to hide. Dive into this star-studded anthology where every alibi is a twisted tale, and the truth is buried under layers of creative deception. Can you piece together the clues from these unreliable narrators and figure out who finally silenced the cantankerous Mildew? This collection of short, intriguing mysteries offers a unique challenge, blending humor and suspense as you try to solve the ultimate literary puzzle.
373 Pages
Sixteen Stories about Living Fabulously Fat
Fat teens are not side characters here. They are heroes, artists, friends, athletes, dreamers, fighters, and people falling in love on their own terms.
Every Body Shines brings together sixteen YA short stories that celebrate fat main characters across many genres and moods. Some stories are joyful, some are tender, some are bold, and all of them push back against the idea that only one kind of body deserves adventure, beauty, romance, or confidence.
For teen readers looking for body-positive fiction with many voices and perspectives, this anthology offers affirming, intersectional stories about being seen fully. It is also a strong choice for readers who enjoy contemporary YA collections centered on identity, self-worth, friendship, and love.
372 Pages
Vampire Island
The Knaveheart's Curse
Maddy Livingstone is an eleven-year-old fruit bat and vampire hybrid trying to survive the wild streets of modern New York City. Being a vegan vampire with absolutely zero social graces makes fitting in nearly impossible. But everything shifts when she befriends Dakota Underhill, even if Dakota only agrees to hang out for a single day. Soon, the leader of the Knavehearts, the most vicious of the Old World pureblood vampires, arrives in the city seeking the Tenth Knave. Maddy knows her family is in terrible danger, and she is not strong enough to face this ancient evil alone. Dakota might be the perfect partner to help her team up and save the day. You will need to bring your courage to join Maddy as she fights to protect her loved ones in this thrilling, magical adventure.
148 Pages
Vampire Island
Vampire Island
Leaving your home behind is hard, but it is even harder when you are a family of vegetarian fruit bat hybrids. Lexie, Hudson, and Maddy Livingstone have left the dangerous Old World for a fresh start in New York City. But blending in with regular humans is far from easy when your vampire traits keep getting in the way. Lexie accidentally embarrasses herself with super speed and strength, while Hudson talks like he is from the wrong century and insists on flying around to save the planet. Meanwhile, devious little sister Maddy struggles to stick to her vegan diet and would rather spy on their rule-breaking neighbors. You will laugh out loud as these three unusual siblings try to navigate normal life, make friends, and keep their magical secrets safe in the big city.
136 Pages
Summer is here, and Oona Oodlethunk and her brother Bonk are ready to prove that kids can have the most fun of all. They have hatched a brilliant plan to create the Collected Animals Meeting Place, also known as Camp Woggle. This is not your ordinary summer camp filled with crafts and sunscreen. This all-pets-allowed gathering is strictly for prehistoric pets. You will meet dinosaurs, ancient lemurs, giant turtles, and even pet rocks as they join the fun. Everyone is welcome as long as they follow a few simple rules, like no biting unless it is your food, and washing your paws when nature calls. Jump right into the Stone Age and join Oona for a wild, laugh-out-loud adventure packed with unforgettable critters and fascinating prehistoric facts.
152 Pages
Blackberry Farm
The Becket List
Trading the bustling city sidewalks for the big green fields of Blackberry Farm is a huge shock for Becket Branch. She is a city kid born and raised, used to subways and concrete, not feeding hostile hens and baling hay. But Becket is brave and ready for anything. She creates her very own Becket List to figure out exactly how to be a country kid. As you might guess, things do not always go exactly to plan. Whether she is selling super sour lemonade or trying to make a brand new best friend, Becket relies on her city smarts to tackle country living. You will love cheering for her as she mucks through the messy, loud, and totally unexpected adventure of a new home. Get ready for quirky characters, lots of laughs, and a beautiful story about embracing change.
195 Pages
Jennie Lovell knows all about heartbreak. After losing her parents, she is stuck living with unkind relatives who do not care about her. Then she receives the devastating news that her fiance, Will, has died on a Civil War battlefield. Jennie tries to move forward, but she feels a strange, chilling presence in her house. Someone or something refuses to let her bury the past. When Jennie teams up with a mysterious spirit photographer, she uses his eerie pictures to search for answers. Together, they uncover dark secrets about the man she thought she loved. The clues in her scrapbook point to a web of lies and betrayals. Jennie must risk everything to expose the terrifying truth before the shadows catch up to her.
275 Pages
From the second she arrived in New York City, seventeen-year-old Addison Stone was a girl everyone watched. Her brilliant, subversive street art made her famous, but her sudden and violent drowning left her fans and critics desperate for answers. You are invited to step into the investigation of this brilliant wild child who shone too bright and faded too soon. Through a fascinating series of interviews with her parents, friends, ex-boyfriends, mentors, and art dealers, you will retrace the chaotic path of Addison's life. Everyone has a different story to tell, and nobody escapes the truth unharmed. You must piece together the clues to figure out what really happened on the tragic night of July 28 in this thrilling, realistic mystery.
241 Pages
Witch Twins
Witch Twins
Identical twins Claire and Luna Bundkin might look exactly the same, but inside they are as different as peaches and peanut butter. Claire is always looking for mischief, while Luna prefers to daydream. But they both share one incredible secret: they are witches. With a simple wave of a pinkie finger, they can whip up breakfast or wash the dishes, as long as they never let their mom find out and always practice under the watchful eye of their magical five-star witch grandmother, Grandy. When their divorced father announces he is marrying a loudmouthed woman named Fluffy who might move him to far-away Texas, the twins panic. You will be on the edge of your seat as Claire and Luna sneak to the brewing vats, hoping a clever spell can stop the dreaded wedding before it is too late.
145 Pages
Witch Twins
Witch Twins at Camp Bliss
Summer camp is supposed to be relaxing, but for ten-year-old witch twins Claire and Luna Bundkin, it is about to become a magical mystery. Sporty Claire cannot wait to spend five sunny weeks at Camp Bliss and win the title of Camp Bliss Girl. Shy Luna is absolutely dreading it and would much rather stay home with her cats. To give Luna a little boost, their five-star witch grandmother slips her a secret vial of thrice-distilled Marigold Zest, a powder guaranteed to spark a sense of adventure. But when the magical powder vanishes during their very first week, weird things start happening all over the campgrounds. You will have to help Claire and Luna catch a secret rebel witch causing trouble, all while keeping their promise to never cast a single spell.
130 Pages
Becket Branch has exactly one birthday wish: a dog of her very own. Dogs are loud, friendly, and outgoing, which perfectly matches her own personality. Her twin brother Nicholas dreams of the exact opposite, hoping for a peaceful and quiet indoor cat. When their parents finally take them to the local animal shelter to adopt both a dog and a cat, it feels like the best day ever. But Becket's dream dog turns out to be an incredibly shy scaredy-pooch who hides from everything. Meanwhile, Nicholas's new cat loves being the center of attention and demands to greet every single visitor at Blackberry Farm. You will laugh out loud as these twins learn how to care for their unexpected new friends and discover that the perfect pet is not always the one you imagined.
193 Pages
Ember knows there was a terrible car accident, and she knows she was the one behind the wheel. Eight months after the crash that left her with a severe back injury and brain trauma, she feels completely shattered. The pieces of her former life just do not fit together anymore. The scariest part is that she cannot remember a single detail from the six weeks leading up to the accident. Where was she driving? Who was she spending time with? And why do her friends and family completely refuse to talk about those missing weeks? You will follow Ember step by step as she unravels a twisted mystery. Every clue she uncovers pulls her further from the person she used to be in this gripping, emotional thriller about healing, truth, and starting over.
306 Pages
Oona has just stumbled upon the most amazing treasure in all of West Wog: a giant, mysterious egg. She is completely in love with her new baby and is determined to protect it until it hatches. She cannot wait to see what is inside, even if it turns out to be something that might try to gobble her up. But keeping the egg safe is a lot harder than it looks. Her smelly little brother Thunk, a local bully named Bruce Brute, and basically everyone else in her Stone Age neighborhood want a piece of her prize. You will cheer for the curious and mighty Oona as she battles prehistoric perils and sneaky neighbors to keep her darling safe. Get ready for a hilarious chapter book packed with adventure, wacky friends, and a lot of heart.
168 Pages
Witch Twins
Witch Twins and the Ghost of Glenn Bly
Vacationing in a real Scottish castle sounds like a dream come true for ten-year-old witch twins Claire and Luna Bundkin. They are beyond excited to join their five-star witch grandmother, Grandy, for a trip filled with ancient armor, horses, and fancy afternoon tea. But this castle comes with a very unexpected guest: a terrifying ghost. Grandy is known as the best ghost-popper in the business, and she has brought the twins along for a top-secret mission to clear the castle of its spooky resident. Things quickly get complicated when the twins meet a grumpy girl hiding secrets and a family of awful landlords trying to take over the property. You are in for a hilarious, spooky treat as Claire and Luna get a crash course in ghost-busting they will never forget.
94 Pages
Vampire Island
V Is for Vampire
Ninth grade is tough enough without having to worry about hiding your fangs. Lexie Livingstone is tired of feeling like an outsider and has decided to become the first vampire ever to run for class president. This is her big chance to shed her weird image and finally fit in with the popular crowd. But campaigning is practically impossible when her family is hosting Blix and Mitzi, two incredibly annoying Old World pixies who are wreaking havoc all over the house. To make matters worse, her siblings Maddy and Hudson are dealing with their own hilarious supernatural problems. You will be laughing from start to finish as Lexie tries to balance high school politics, family chaos, and keeping her vegetarian vampire identity a total secret.
93 Pages
Agnes and Clarabelle
Agnes and Clarabelle
Agnes the pig and Clarabelle the chicken are the most unusual best friends you will ever meet, and they do absolutely everything together. Through every single season of the year, they know how to make life fun and lift each other up. Whether they are planning the ultimate spring birthday party, splashing in the waves on a hot summer beach day, braving a crowded department store in the autumn, or baking the most delicious pizza on a freezing winter night, they always have each other's backs. You will love joining these two adorable animals as they face little challenges and celebrate big joys. This charming story proves that no matter what surprises come your way, everything is so much better when you share it with your very best friend.
82 Pages
Jane used to be the ultimate big sister, teaching Lily how to play make-believe and keeping her feeling safe during loud thunderstorms. But as the years passed, Lily grew up and started looking forward to a bright future filled with friends and new experiences. Jane, however, wanted to stay inside their childhood fantasy world forever, unable to separate her imagination from reality. The distance between the sisters grew wider every day, leaving Jane watching from the sidelines as her little sister stepped into the spotlight. When a sudden tragedy strikes, their connection is pushed to the ultimate limit. You will be deeply moved by this beautiful, haunting story told from the alternating perspectives of two very different sisters fighting to find each other across the divide of life and death.
168 Pages
Raye Archer has always felt invisible at her elite high school, so she is beyond thrilled when the ultimate popular girl, Ella Parker, finally notices her. Ella has a master plan to get revenge on her gorgeous ex-boyfriend, Julian Kilgarry, and she needs Raye to help. Together, they create a completely fake online profile to trick Julian and sabotage his life. The prank feels like a fun, dangerous thrill at first, but everything changes when Raye starts falling for Julian in real life. When Ella discovers the betrayal, she unleashes a vicious online smear campaign full of nasty rumors and fake photos aimed directly at Raye. You will be hooked as Raye races to escape this toxic web of lies and figure out who her true friends really are.
140 Pages
Witch Twins
Witch Twins and Melody Malady
Claire Bundkin is the biggest fan of the famous television star Melody Malady, and she can hardly believe her luck when Melody arrives in Philadelphia to film a brand new movie. When Claire actually gets to meet her idol and is offered a real part in the film, she feels like her entire life is about to change. But her identical twin sister Luna is not nearly as impressed by the glamorous Hollywood star. When these two one-star witches get into a disagreement, their jealousy threatens to boil over into a massive magical disaster. You will be laughing out loud as the girls accidentally use a shape-shifting spell to turn themselves into a puppy and a salamander. Join Claire and Luna as they learn a hilarious lesson about the true meaning of sisterhood.
115 Pages
Life in West Woggle has just gotten a whole lot bigger and wackier. Oona's precious dinosaur egg has finally hatched, and out popped Stacy, an absolutely enormous baby stegosaurus. Stacy is full of energy and cannot wait to stomp, romp, and chomp her way through the prehistoric neighborhood. Oona is thrilled to show off her adorable new pet, but not everyone in town is ready for such a massive bundle of joy. It will take the help of her brother Bonk, the local bully Bruce Brute, and even a mean witch named Old Brouhaha to keep Stacy out of trouble. You will love joining Oona and her friends as they discover that sometimes the biggest, clumsiest pets are exactly what you need to save the day from ancient perils.
168 Pages
Agnes and Clarabelle
Agnes and Clarabelle Celebrate!
There is nothing Agnes the pig and Clarabelle the chicken love more than a good party. These two best friends are always ready to celebrate every single holiday of the year with maximum fun. You will get to join them as they weave beautiful flower crowns to dance around the spring Maypole and march proudly in the big Fourth of July summer parade. When autumn arrives, they are busy putting together the spookiest and silliest Halloween costumes you have ever seen. Finally, they count down to the New Year in fabulous style. Three, two, one, fun! You will love reading about all their creative ideas and seeing how they support each other. Agnes and Clarabelle prove once again that every celebration is infinitely better when you spend it with your best friend.
77 Pages
Alex Parott seems to have the absolute perfect life. She is brilliant, incredibly beautiful, wildly popular, and has a dangerously handsome boyfriend. Her younger sister, Thea, is tired of living in the shadows and wants to claim that perfection for herself. Thea is ready to step up her game, even if it means twisting the truth and crying wolf to steal the spotlight. As her desperation grows, Thea is willing to uncover a shocking, deeply personal secret that her older sister never wanted anyone to know. You will be instantly hooked by the alternating voices of Alex and Thea as their toxic jealousy spirals completely out of control. Dive into this intense, fast-paced story about sibling rivalry, dark secrets, and the dangerous price of trying to be perfect.
242 Pages
Thirteen-year-old Rock Kindle knows more about the heroes of the American Revolution than anyone else. He takes deep pride in the courage of his patriotic forefathers, using their brave stories to escape the harsh reality of his own life. Rock's father is a strict, unforgiving man who wakes his sons in the middle of the freezing night to teach them harsh lessons in discipline. While his brother Cliff begins to openly rebel, Rock hides in his history books, trying to figure out where his true loyalty belongs. But when Rock helps his best friend Liza run away from her own abusive home, he starts to question his devotion to his family. You will be gripped by Rock's powerful emotional journey as he decides whether running away is an act of treason or true freedom.
236 Pages
The Blossom Family
The Not-Just-Anybody Family
The Blossom family is definitely not your average, ordinary household. Right now, they are facing a string of wildly unfortunate events. Junior Blossom is currently laid up in the hospital with two broken legs after attempting to fly off the barn roof with a pair of homemade wings.
To make matters worse, their beloved grandfather, Pap, is sitting in the city jail. He was arrested for disturbing the peace after his pickup truck accidentally dumped over two thousand empty soda cans right in the middle of town. With their mother away traveling on the rodeo circuit, there are no adults left to sort out the mess.
It is entirely up to Maggie and her brother Vern to step up and save the day. They must formulate a brilliant plan to break Pap out of jail and reunite their scattered family. This fast-paced and incredibly funny adventure introduces a quirky, unstoppable family who always fiercely look out for each other.
193 Pages
Get ready to meet the cutest creatures in the animal kingdom! In Animal Babies, you will journey through nature to discover how different young animals live, play, and grow. From tiny fuzzy chicks and playful puppies to wild bear cubs and gentle fawns, every page is filled with adorable friends.
You will learn what these baby animals are called, where they sleep, and how their mothers and fathers take care of them. It is a wonderful way to explore the outdoors and see how animals are just like us in some ways—they love to eat, play, and cuddle up at the end of the day.
With beautiful vintage illustrations that bring each furry and feathered friend to life, this classic book is perfect for young animal lovers. Whether you are reading aloud or sounding out the words on your own, you will want to visit these sweet animal families again and again!
Guys Read
Terrifying Tales
By
Adam Gidwitz, R.L. Stine, Dav Pilkey, Michael Buckley, Claire Legrand, Nikki Loftin, Adele Griffin, Kelly Barnhill, Daniel Jose Older, and Rita Williams-Garcia
●
Pictures by
Lisa Brown
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Collected by
Jon Scieszka
Jump in: Grab your flashlight and make sure the closet door is shut tight. This collection brings together some of the best storytellers around for a thrilling ride filled with creepy creatures, vengeful ghosts, and magic tricks that go horribly wrong. Why it pulls you in: Compiled by Jon Scieszka, this book features stories from your favorite authors like R.L. Stine, Dav Pilkey, and Adam Gidwitz. You will meet imaginary friends who turn out to be dangerously real, discover twisted fairy tales that will keep you guessing, and cross paths with librarians who are anything but ordinary. It is the perfect mix of spooky suspense and dark humor. What to expect: Whether you are reading under the covers or sharing these tales around a campfire, get ready for a collection that delivers just the right amount of fright. Every chapter offers a brand new mystery or monster to face, making it an unforgettable adventure for anyone who loves a good scare.
288 Pages
Adele has spent years trying not to see the dead. Her strange ability has made life harder, not easier, and she would rather deny it than let it define her. Then she sees her former best friend Tori in the woods and realizes the impossible: Tori is dead, and her body is hidden nearby.
With no alibi and a connection to the victim, Adele quickly becomes a suspect. Her only chance may be the gift she has tried to bury. If Tori’s ghost can help her follow the truth, Adele might find the real killer before the killer finds her.
The Lonely Dead is a chilling YA mystery with a paranormal twist, combining ghostly suspense, murder investigation, and the pressure of being believed when the evidence sounds impossible.
240 Pages
Hagenheim
The Peasant's Dream
Adela is the daughter of the powerful Duke of Hagenheim, but her privileged life feels more like a prison. Longing for a taste of freedom outside the castle walls, she disguises herself as a peasant and sneaks into the bustling market. There, her world collides with Frederick, a talented but impoverished woodcarver struggling to provide for his family.
Frederick has just received the commission of a lifetime to carve new doors for the cathedral. As he works on his masterpiece, he and Adela meet in secret. He sees her only as a beautiful commoner, completely unaware of her royal bloodline. Drawn together by their shared dreams, the two quickly fall for one another.
However, their budding romance is threatened when a dangerous plot separates them. As powerful lords set a villainous deception into motion, Adela and Frederick are caught in the crossfire. In this reverse retelling of Cinderella, you will be swept into a medieval adventure where secrets, danger, and a fight for true love will keep you turning the pages.
320 Pages
Best friends Adelle and Connie share a profound obsession with a little known gothic romance novel called Moira. They know every lavish ball, every star crossed romance, and every character by heart. When a mysterious stranger offers them the impossible chance to enter the pages of their favorite book, they cannot resist the temptation. Suddenly, they are standing in the world of Moira, walking alongside the very characters they have adored for years. But the fantasy quickly shatters. The world they loved on the page has been completely twisted. The beautiful balls and passionate romances are now laced with unspeakable and violent horrors. Something dark and sinister is lurking just beneath the surface of the story, manipulating the narrative. Adelle and Connie realize they are no longer just readers but are trapped inside a living nightmare. To survive, they must completely rewrite their own arcs and change the ending of the story. This genre bending dark fantasy explores the power of storytelling and the terrifying consequences of getting exactly what you wish for.
369 Pages
Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles
Failed Future
By
Elise Kova
Having forsaken her crown for a chance to save her family and the world, Vi Solaris washes up on the shores of Meru. Wounded and barely clinging to life, her fight for survival is only just beginning. As a powerful princess stranded in a treacherous foreign land, everyone is hunting her down.
From the ruthless pirate queen Adela, who wants to sell her to ancient enemies, to the Twilight King looking to settle an old score, danger lurks at every turn. Even worse is the scheming Lord of the Faithful, who views Vi as the perfect pawn to consolidate his dark power.
The only path for Vi is forward. Trusting no one and relying on her own deadly magic, she must navigate a web of betrayal and shifting alliances. She is running as fast as she can, but she does not yet know if she is racing toward salvation or a brutal end to everything she loves.
365 Pages
