Clash

Written by: Kayla Miller

First line: Okay, okay, but picture this...in a city where crimes and evildoings are piled so high that they've blocked out the sun, only one hero can see through the dark...The Owl!

Why you should read this book: Has Olive Branche, the girl who is friends with everyone, finally met the one person she can't make friends with? Nat is the new girl in school, so naturally Olive volunteers to show her around, but Nat seems more interested in figuring out which of Olive's friends are cool enough for her, and Olive isn't exactly feeling the love. The harder she tries to be nice to Nat, the more she feels pushed out of her circles, until Halloween night, when Nat's true face will be revealed. 

Why you shouldn't read this book: You're two-faced and insecure. 

My Wicked Stepmother

Written by: Norman Leach and Jane Browne

First line: My name is Tom.

Why you should read this book: A little boy, who was satisfied living alone with his father, recounts how much he despised his new stepmother, who has clearly enchanted his father to believe she's young and beautiful when she's clearly an old and ugly witch. Although the stepmother is unfailingly sweet and loving even though the other people in Tom's life aren't as kind, he rejected her repeatedly until makes her cry, at which point he finally feels bad about his behavior. When Tom hugs and kisses his stepmother, he decides he must be a wizard with the power to transform an evil stepmother into a fairy godmother with a single kiss. 

Why you shouldn't read this book: I don't think kids actually flip their opinions about stepparents simply because they realize that they're being hurtful; most kids are more likely to double down on the meanness at the first sign of tears.

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White Bird

Written by: RJ Palacio

First line: Julian, no more video games.

Why you should read this book: This is a graphic novelization of one of the sections of Palacio's Augie and Me: Three Wonder Stories, which stands alone as a one-off story (with a few additions), and is currently being made into a feature film. Julian's grandmother Sarah recounts the story of how she spent the latter days of World War II as a hidden child, confined to a barn and cared for by the family of an unpopular boy who had been universally bullied when they were in school together. Sarah recounts the terror and the tender moments, ending with an admonition to always stand up to injustice and remember to be kind.

Why you shouldn't read this book: There are plenty of nonfiction hidden child narratives that aren't actually publicity materials for upcoming films. 

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My Best Friend

Written by: Mary Ann Rodman & EB Lewis

First line: Today is Wednesday.

Why you should read this book: A little girl names Lily is terribly interested in a slightly older girl, Tamika, who she admired greatly and desires for best friend status. The problem is that Tamika already had a best friend, Shanice, and neither of them are interested in hanging around with younger kids. Meanwhile, an even younger girl named Keesha looks up to Lily and want would love to have her as a best friend, if she would just notice her.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You don't like anyone and you hate swimming.

Ribbon Rescue

Written by: Robert Munsch

First line: As soon as her grandmother finished making the ribbon dress, Jillian put it on and ran out into the front yard.

Why you should read this book: With playful repetition that appeals to young readers, Munsch tells the story of a girl who is more concerned with helping others than maintaining her finery. Jillian's tradition Mohawk costume pays a heavy toll in aid of a bunch of people who are not as prepared for their big day as she is. In the end, Jillian has no ribbons, but she has the gratitude of many.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You wouldn't have set food outdoors in your beautiful new dress.