High Score

Written by
Destiny Howell

Oceans 11 goes to the arcade in this wildly entertaining heist adventure that is perfect for fans of Gordon Korman, Varian Johnson, and Celia Perez.

My name’s Darius James―but everyone calls me DJ. At my old school, I was the go-to guy for all kinds of tricky problems that needed creative solutions. But at my new school, Ella Fitzgerald Middle, I’m just trying to blend in.

Well, I was, anyway, until my best friend, Conor, got himself transferred to the Fitz too. Now Conor owes 100,000 arcade tickets to the biggest bully around―and he only has two weeks to make it happen. Impossible? Not with my head in the game.

Marcus Makes a Movie

Written by
Kevin Hart & Geoff Rodkey

Illustrated by
David Cooper

Marcus is NOT happy to be stuck in after-school film class…until he realizes he can turn the story of the cartoon superhero he’s been drawing for years into an actual MOVIE! There’s just one problem: he has no idea what he’s doing. So he’ll need help, from his friends, his teachers, Sierra, the strong-willed classmate with creative dreams of her own, even Tyrell, the local bully who’d be a perfect movie villain if he weren’t too terrifying to talk to.

Making this movie won’t be easy. But as Marcus discovers, nothing great ever is—and if you want your dream to come true, you’ve got to put in the hustle to make it happen. 

Comedy superstar Kevin Hart teams up with award-winning author Geoff Rodkey and lauded illustrator David Cooper for a hilarious, illustrated, and inspiring story about bringing your creative goals to life and never giving up, even when nothing’s going your way.

I Color Myself Different

Written by
Colin Kaepernick

Illustrated by
Eric Wilkerson

An inspiring story of identity and self-esteem from celebrated athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick.

When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth.

I Color Myself Different is a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on real events in young Colin’s life that is perfect for every reader’s bookshelf. It’s a story of self-discovery, staying true to one’s self, and advocating for change…even when you’re very little!

More Than Peach

Written by
Bellen Woodard

Illustrated by
Fanny Liem

Penned by the very first Crayon Activist, Bellen Woodard, this picture book will tug at readers’ heartstrings and inspire them to make a difference!

When Bellen Woodard’s classmates referred to “the skin-colour” crayon, in a school and classroom she had always loved, she knew just how important it was that everyone understood that “skin can be any number of beautiful colours.” This stunning picture book spreads Bellen’s message of inclusivity, empowerment, and the importance of inspiring the next generation of leaders. Bellen created the More Than Peach Project and crayons with every single kid in mind to transform the crayon industry and grow the way we see our world. And Bellen has done just that!

This moving book includes back matter about becoming a leader and improving your community just like Bellen. Her wisdom and self- confidence are sure to encourage any young reader looking to use their voice to make even great spaces better!

Miles Morales: Stranger Tides

Written by
Justin A. Reynolds

Illustrated by
Pablo Leon

Miles Morales has just gotten used to this being Spider-Man thing. Keeping Brooklyn safe, taking down bad guys, and finishing his homework—he’s got this! But when Spider-Man is invited to a launch for a brand-new video game, things go sideways fast. Anyone who plays the game is frozen, and it’s all because of a villain named the Stranger. He’s judged humanity and found it lacking, and his idea of justice is extreme.

Left with the fate of the world in his hands, and the clock is ticking on Miles. Can he turn old foes to friends and find the answers he needs in time?

The Girl in the Lake

Written by
India Hill Brown

A truly chilling (and historically inspired) ghost story from the award-winning author of The Forgotten Girl.

Celeste knows she should be excited to spend two weeks at her grandparents’ lake house with her brother, Owen, and their cousins Capri and Daisy, but she’s not.

Bugs, bad cell reception, and the dark waters of the lake…no thanks. On top of that, she just failed her swim test and hates being in the water—it’s terrifying. But her grandparents are strong believers in their family knowing how to swim, especially having grown up during a time of segregation at public pools.

And soon strange things start happening-the sound of footsteps overhead late at night. A flickering light in the attic window. And Celeste’s cousins start accusing her of pranking them when she’s been nowhere near them!

Things at the old house only get spookier until one evening when Celeste looks in the steamy mirror after a shower and sees her face, but twisted, different. Who is the girl in the mirror? And what does she want?

I Love My Beautiful Hair

Written and Illustrated by
Elissa Wentt

A celebration of family tradition and natural hair, in this adorable rhyming board book!

Little EJ is so excited to join her mom and grandmommy for her first-ever trip to the hair salon. She wants to find a special hair style. But with so many options…how can she choose? Readers will love “trying on” hair styles alongside EJ, as she imagines herself in a variety of styles. Should she try afro puffs, with ribbons and bows? Or twisty spirals that tickle her nose? Luckily, Mommy is there to offer reassurance: “Your hair is curly, like clouds in the sky. It’s beautiful no matter which style you try!”

With bright colours, bold and graphic artwork, and sweet rhyming text, this book is the perfect way to celebrate family tradition and Black hair with your little one!

Home for Meow #3: Kitten Around

Written by
Reese Eschmann

All the “awwws” of animal adoption stories are combined with sugary sweetness in this new, fun-filled chapter book series about a cat café!

Kira Parker lives above The Purrfect Cup, the cat café that her family owns and runs. But this weekend, Mama and Dad are taking a “much needed vacation,” which means that Granny is coming to visit! Mama puts Granny in charge, but Kira’s got so many GREAT IDEAS to make her cat friends and customers happy. So when Granny gives her the okay to take control, it’s Kira’s moment to make The Purrfect Cup extra purrfect.

But between a new, overly-energetic cat and a line of customers that never seems to end, running the café is harder than it looks! Will Kira be able to run everything smoothly…or will this weekend be a total cat-astrophe?

Mimi and the Cutie Catastrophe

Written and Illustrated by
Shauna J. Grant

Meet Mimi. She’s charming! She’s cheerful! She’s cute!

But that’s not all! She’s also a loyal friend and fun playmate, who has the best adventures with Penelope, her magical toy dog. But when Mimi notices people treating her like she’s too cute, can she show them that she’s much more than meets the eye? Or will she be stuck in this cute-astrophe?

Mimi and the Boo-hoo Blahs

Written and Illustrated by
Shauna J. Grant

Boo-hoo! Mimi is not having a good day. She can’t get her pigtails to sit right, she’s not in the mood for her favourite breakfast, and she’s far from feeling like her usual self. Mimi has a case of the Blahs, where nothing feels quite right. With the help of Penelope, her magical toy dog and best friend, she sets out to find a way to get rid of this icky feeling. Will Mimi reclaim her spark, or will the Blahs get the best of her?

Shuri #2: The Vanished

Written by
Nic Stone

Shuri, the Princess of Wakanda (and sister to the Black Panther), sets out to save a group of kidnapped girls in this all-new, original middle-grade novel by New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone!

With the heart-shaped herb thriving, a group of Wakanda’s finest engineers working on expanding her dome technology, and the borders more fortified than ever, Princess Shuri can finally focus on what matters most: her training.

Soon, a bigger problem rears its head. The princess hears whispers of exceptionally talented young girls across the world going missing. A young environmental scientist in Kenya, a French physics prodigy–the list of the missing keeps growing and growing  And when this mystery hits home in a way the princess would’ve never expected, there’s no more time for hesitation: There are lost girls out there somewhere, and Shuri is determined not to let them be forgotten.

Playing the Cards You’re Dealt

Written by
Varian Johnson

SECRETS ARE ALWAYS A GAMBLE

Ten-year-old Anthony Joplin has made it to double digits! Which means he’s finally old enough to play in the spades tournament every Joplin Man before him seems to have won. So while Ant’s friends are stressing about fifth grade homework and girls, Ant only has one thing on his mind: how he’ll measure up to his father’s expectations at the card table.

Then Ant’s best friend gets grounded, and he’s forced to find another spades partner. And Shirley, the new girl in his class, isn’t exactly who he has in mind. She talks a whole lot of trash–way more than his old partner. Plus, he’s not sure that his father wants him playing with a girl. But she’s smart and tough and pretty, and knows every card trick in the book. So Ant decides to join forces with Shirley–and keep his plans a secret.

Only it turns out secrets are another Joplin Man tradition. And his father is hiding one so big it may tear their family apart…

Starting From Scratch

Written by
Jazz Taylor

A story about blended families, anxiety, and how a fresh start can be just what you need…even when you least expect it.

Janie believes there’s a best way to do everything. When she sticks to a schedule, she and her mom can tackle anything. But Janie’s perfect schedule–and her life–are getting shaken up this year. Her new stepmom, Keisha, is moving in, along with her daughter, Makayla. Worst of all? Makayla brings a cat with her. And Janie hates cats.

Even though it’s hard, Janie tries to welcome Makayla to her new school. And honestly, she maybe does too good a job. Soon, Makayla is volunteering with Janie’s beloved Sunshine Club, and Janie’s friends all love her. The only one who pays any attention to her anymore is Makayla’s nosy cat. It feels like her new sister is taking over! What’s a gal to do with a copycat in her life?

Racing Ace #2: Build It Jump It

Written by
Larry Dane Brimner

Illustrated by
Kaylani Juanita

Ace works hard to build a skateboard. She tightens every nut and bolt–and adds a cool sticker. Then, Ace is ready to skate. But Ace goes too fast and falls down! She will have to try again. Will Ace ever be able to rocket up the ramp?

With Larry Dane Brimner’s simple text and Kaylani Juanita’s full-colour artwork on every page, this action-packed book is perfect for new readers!

The Tyrell Show: Season Two

Written by
Miles Grose

Illustrated by
Shaz Enrico Lym

Is this thing on? Tyrell tells the story of his latest middle-school adventures in season two of his imaginary podcast in this illustrated novel!

Tyrell is finishing out his final year at Marcus Garvey Elementary. This time, without his best friend, Boogie. But they won’t be apart for too much longer! The Tyrell Show is going on the road to visit Boogie in the Wild West. But when Tyrell shares the news of his visit with his best friend, Boogie starts acting strangely. What’s going on? Tyrell is determined to get to the bottom of it. As it turns out, Boogie has a bully! Well, that’s not going to fly with Tyrell. Get ready for the showdown of the decade in The Tyrell Show: Season Two!

The Door of No Return

Written by
Kwame Alexander

From the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winning author Kwame Alexander, comes the first book in a searing, breathtaking trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family.

In his village in Upper Kwanta, 11-year-old Kofi loves his family, playing oware with his grandfather and swimming in the river Offin. He’s warned though, to never go to the river at night. His brother tells him, “There are things about the water you do not know.” “Like what?” Kofi asks. “The beasts,” his brother answers.

One fateful night, the unthinkable happens and in a flash, Kofi’s world turns upside down. Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life and what happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.

Who Was Kobe Bryant?

Written by
Ellen Labrecque

Illustrated by
Gregory Copeland

Told in a new Who HQ Now format for trending topics, this Who Was? biography details NBA superstar Kobe Bryant’s legendary career and the impact of his legacy on the sports world and beyond.

Kobe Bryant was just an eighteen-year-old high school basketball player when he decided to enter the National Basketball Association’s draft. Though he was the thirteenth overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, he would never play a single game for them. Instead, Kobe was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend his entire twenty-season career, winning five championships and numerous awards. Author Ellen Labreque takes readers through each exciting moment, from his iconic dunks to his 81-point game—all the milestones that span Kobe Bryant’s legendary career and legacy.

I Am Ruby Bridges

Written by
Ruby Bridges

Illustrated by
Nikkolas Smith

My work will be precious.

I will bridge the “gap” between Black & white…

…and hopefully all people!

I suppose some things in life are just meant to be.

When Ruby Bridges was just six years old, she became the first African-American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Based on the pivotal events that happened in 1960 and told from her own point of view for the first time, in a poetic reflection on her experience that changed the face of history and the trajectory of the Civil Rights movement.