Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Wallace West

Published by Feiwel and Friends

Readers will take Chance to heart as he valiantly strives to help his friends at the dog shelter. A perfect read-aloud for any elementary grade, as well as a good first chapter book for new-ish readers.

Will on the Inside by Andrew Eliopulos

Published by Quill Tree Books

Andrew Eliopulos drew on his own middle school experiences of dealing with a Crohn’s diagnosis and figuring out his sexuality to create Will, one of my favorite fictional characters this year.

Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers

Racism, multigenerational living, incarcerated parents, and bullying are all deftly handled in this story about a middle school chess team. Definitely a contender for a Coretta Scott King or Newbery award.

The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson

Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

The lakeside setting, a newly discovered extended family, an intriguing treasure hunt, and a mystery or two made this a perfect summer read.

The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus Island, book 1) by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Kevin Hong

Published by Scholastic

It wouldn’t be an end-of-the-year roundup without at least one book by Christina Soontornvat. Her Thai-inspired fantasy series is perfect for those not quite ready for Harry Potter.