The Super Teacher Project By: Gordon Korman

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

It's the start of a new school year and Brightling Middle School is welcoming a new teacher, Mr. Aidact. Mr. Aidact refers to the students as pupils and seems to know everything, including when Oliver is letting off one of his famous spitballs.  Mr. Aidact has a student teacher following him around with a briefcase, but the student teacher never teaches.  Something is definitely up with this new teacher and the students of Brightling will find out. This story is told from the perspective of multiple characters. It's an interesting read, although I did find it to be a little longer than it needed to be.  I recommend this to fans of Gordon Korman, realistic fiction, and those who like to try putting the pieces together.  Although Mr. Aidact gets off to a bumpy start, you'll be cheering for him in the end!

Other Words For Home By: Jasmine Warga

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

This story is told in verse and is the journey of Jude and her pregnant mother, who leave their home in Syria to live in America with Jude's uncle.  Jude could never have imagined leaving her homeland, father, and older brother behind, but when things become dangerous Jude must leave everything she knows.  Life in America is very different. Jude's uncle is a doctor who works long hours.  Her aunt is kind, but her cousin is not eager to start a friendship.  As time goes on, Jude becomes more comfortable in her new home and realizes that home can mean different things at different times.  This is an engaging story.  It is a story of new beginnings, friendship, and family.  I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy realistic fiction.  The book would make a good read aloud for grade 6 as it connects to the social studies curriculum topics.

Crossover By: Kwame Alexander

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Gr. 6+

Written in free verse, this story is told by Josh who is an identical twin.  Josh and his twin brother, Jordan are both great basketball players.  Their father is a retired professional basketball player and their mother is vice-principal of their school.  Things are going well in Josh's life until his brother finds a girlfriend, changing their close relationship.  Josh comforts himself with still having his dad, but then his father develops health problems.  This is a very engaging, easy to read book. It should be enjoyed by fans of realistic fiction and/or basketball fans.  It's a story of family, friendship, and growing up.

Bea Mullins Takes A Shot By: Emily Deibert

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

When Bea's middle school gym floods, students are encouraged to join extra-curricular sports.  Bea's only other experience with team sports wasn't good, but her best friend, Celia convinces her that joining a girl's hockey team will be fun.  Eventually, Bea does really begin to enjoy hockey and the new friendships she makes.  Unfortunately, the team doesn't have much funding and may not survive the semester. Also, Bea makes some poor decisions with her friendships, creating tension.  This is an interesting story.  Fans of hockey would definitely enjoy it.  I did find this Silver Birch 2026 nominee to be a little longer than it needed to be, but that could be because I'm not a hockey fan.

Deep Secrets - A Titanic Novel By: Nikki Shannon Smith

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Deep Secrets" provides a new twist on the Titanic story.  Colette lives with her mother, sister, and brother.  Colette's mother doesn't speak of the children's father and his death in a factory accident is shrouded in secrecy.  Colette was sick as a child, so her mother insists that she stay home, with her only reprieve being a weekly trip to Walter's store for the groceries.  One day Colette is finally fed up with her solitude and asks Walter for a job.  Each day after her family leaves for school and work, Colette goes to the store where she works and learns that Walter is a Titanic survivor.  Bit by bit, Walter reveals his story to Colette, creating even more questions for Colette.  This is an entertaining read that would be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction and/or the Titanic.

The Secret Rescuers - The Storm Dragon By: Paula Harrison

Genre: Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Grade 2+

"The Storm Dragon" is the first book in The Secret Rescuers series.  In this story, the reader is introduced to Sophy, a young girl who works as a maid at the castle in the Kingdom of Arramia.  Sophy longs for adventure and is curious about the world.  When she finds a bag of stones in the items that are being removed from the castle, she gets the excitement she is after.  These stones are no ordinary stones, and they allow Sophy to help a young dragon who finds himself on the castle grounds. This is a fun story that would certainly appeal to many young audiences.  As an independent read, it's probably best suited to grade 2+, but could make a fun read aloud for grade 1s.

Ghosts Of Gastown By: Jessica Renwick

Genre: Mystery/Ghosts
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"Ghosts of Gastown" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  This is the story of twelve-year-old Grace.  Grace was in a serious car accident with her father.  Unfortunately, her father passed away because of this.  Ever since the accident, Grace has been able to see ghosts.  Grace's mom doesn't believe in ghosts and does everything she can to help Grace believe this is just her imagination.  When Grace and her mom move from Edmonton to Vancouver's Gastown, Grace meets Oliver.  Oliver can also see ghosts.  At first, Grace is reluctant to become friends with Oliver, but the two quickly form a friendship, and Grace learns more about her ability. Will the two of them be able to help the ghosts of Gastown into the light?  How will they deal with the demon that is terrorizing the ghosts? Read the book to find out!