Fast Five Fiction: Top Middle Grade Standalones of 2025

There were a lot of really great books I read in 2025. Over the next few weeks we'll be counting down some of my favorite reads from last year. I had a great reading year and read 428 books across all different age groups and genres. I'm continually impressed, year after year, with the amount of quality literature that is being published. If you want to follow along with my 2026 reading adventures, you can follow me on Goodreads for even more reading recommendations. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

I know I usually only share five books but this year there were so many great books I read that I couldn't cut it off at just five. Here are some of  favorite Middle Grade Standalone books read in 2025 (in no particular order):

Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence

A captivating tale filled with heartwarming characters and an undertone of hope for readers of all ages.

Eleven-year-old Lydia Green doesn’t want anything to change. She lives happily in Mulberry Glen with her mismatched family of a fairy guardian, a philosopher, and twin troublemakers known as the Zs. But now, rumors swirl about The Darkness, a powerful force that dwells in the forest Tenebrae.

Lydia knows The Darkness is nothing to be trifled with, but when a foolish choice by the Zs puts her family in danger, she must leave home and face the strange magical world of The Valleylands.

Among the shifting library shelves and new friends of her quest, Lydia uncovers more questions than answers, and the Darkness begins to creep into her mind. If she wants to save her family, she will have to be braver than ever before.

The Experiment by Rebecca Stead

Nathan wants to help his people, but first he has to figure out who they are.

Nathan never understood what was "fun" about secrets, probably because he’s always had to keep a very big one.

Although he appears to be a typical sixth-grader (with parents, homework and a best friend, Victor), Nathan learned at an early age that his family is from another planet. Now, their time on Earth may be coming to an end.

Nathan, his parents and nine other families are part of an experiment that suddenly seems to be going wrong. Some of the experimenters, including Nathan's first crush, Izzy, are disappearing without a word. After his family is called back to the mothership, Nathan begins to question everything he’s been taught to believe about who he is and why he's on Earth.

The Experiment is a fast-paced coming-of-age novel - with aliens - that asks universal questions about how we figure out who we want to be, and whether it’s ever too late to change

Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Bestselling and award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes goes West in this thrilling adventure story about a son and his father who set out to win land during the Oklahoma Land Rush.

It’s 1889, barely twenty-five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and a young Black family is tired of working on land they don’t get to own.

So when Will and his father hear about an upcoming land rush, they set out on a journey from Texas to Oklahoma, racing thousands of others to the place where land is free—if they can get to it fast enough. But the journey isn’t easy—the terrain is rough, the bandits are brutal, and every interaction carries a heavy undercurrent of danger.

And then there’s the stranger they encounter and a mysterious soldier named Caesar, whose Union emblem brings more attention—and more trouble—than any of them need.

All three are propelled by the promise of something long denied to freedom, land ownership, and a place to call home—but is a strong will enough to get them there?

The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Méndez

A powerful story about family, fútbol, and playing like a girl from the award-winning author of Furia.

At thirteen years old, Valeria "Magic" Salomón is already the best soccer player her town has ever seen. She has talent in spades and an abuelo whose tough-love coaching and lessons about “strength and honor” have made her the star of the Overlords, the top boys’ team in the state.

But everything changes at the State Cup semi-final when Valeria gets her first period while Wearing. White. Shorts. After her team is unexpectedly eliminated, she goes from their secret weapon to their scapegoat. Soon, she doesn’t have a team at all anymore. She’s not sure she has a relationship with her grandfather either.

Valeria’s a fighter, however. And with the help of her grandmother and support of her cheerleader BFF, she finds herself on a girls’ team for the first time. But the Amazons aren’t exactly excited to have her there. After all, Valeria’s spent years ignoring their existence. With the next tournament looming on the horizon, Valeria has a month to figure out her place on her new team and learn how to play like a girl.

The award-winning author of Furia returns to the world of “the beautiful game” in this uplifting, heartfelt novel about family, self-confidence, and the power of second chances.

 

The Shindig is Coming! by Charise Mericle Harper

From award-winning children’s book author-illustrator Charise Mericle Harper comes a one-of-a-kind chapter book perfect for fans of the Narwhal and Jelly and Kondo & Kezumi series.

After receiving an urgent mountain-top message from Blue Jay, Mouse proclaims to all the woodland “The Shindig is coming!” The entire forest is soon abuzz with everyone asking the same What is a shindig? Meetings are held. Assumptions are made. Honey cake is served. Finally Bear declares the answer. A shindig is a party, which is just like a meeting only fun. Problem solved! . . . Or is it?

When the blue jay finally reaches the party-prepping crew, all that pep turns to panic. The blue jay's message wasn’t an invitation. It was a warning! THE SHINDIG IS COMING! Hooves, claws, and paws scatter when the mysterious forest visitors arrive at last. And opossum faints. Again.

Find out what Mouse heard, what Bear said, and what Opossum missed in The Shindig is Coming! Charise Mericle Harper’s hilarious storytelling and dynamic line art are on full display in this laugh-out-loud original chapter book for readers ages 7 and up.

Schooled by Jamie Sumner

A bighearted, compulsively readable novel from acclaimed author Jamie Sumner about new schools, unexpected friendships, and overcoming loss.

Eleven-year-old Lenny Syms is about to start college—sort of. As part of a brand-new experimental school, Lenny and four other students are starting sixth grade on a university campus, where they’ll be taught by the most brilliant professors and given every resource imaginable. This new school is pretty weird, though. Instead of hunkering down behind a desk to study math, science, and history, Lenny finds himself meditating, participating in discussions where you don’t even have to raise your hand, and spying on the campus population in the name of anthropology.

But Lenny just lost his mom, and his Latin professor dad is better with dead languages than actual human beings. Lenny doesn’t want to be part of some learning experiment. He just wants to be left alone. Yet if Lenny is going to make it as a middle schooler on a college campus, he’s going to need help. Is a group of misfit sixth graders and one particularly quirky professor enough to pull him out of his sadness and back into the world?

The Magician Next Door by Rachel Chivers Khoo

A magical tale from the author of The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice, with gorgeous black-and-white illustrations throughout.

Late one night a flying house crash-lands in ten-year-old Callie's garden. It is the home of magician Winnifred and all of her magical artefacts. Winnifred asks for Callie's help finding her lost Wanderdust – until she realizes it is Callie's sadness that is causing her malfunctioning magic. With Winnifred's most precious magical possessions at risk from malicious pixies and dangerous giants, can Callie and her friend Sam find the Wanderdust in time to save the magician?

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive—just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.

Clare’s quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare’s efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.

Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl—the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate.

This delightfully grim tale is a heartwarming exploration of moving on, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton.

Happy reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

by J Fred Coots & Haven Gillespie with illustrations by Steven Kellogg

🐾 A Cat's-Eye View by Oliver 🐾

They tell me Santa Claus is comin' to town this Saturday, at 2:00 pm, so I had to read a bit about it before the big event As a cat of refined taste and impeccable judgment, I must say Steven Kellogg’s Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town was… surprisingly enjoyable, even if it lacked sufficient cat representation. The illustrations were big, bold, and busy—perfect for batting at with a paw while pretending not to care. I appreciated the sweeping snowy scenes and bustling North Pole activity; all that movement looked excellent for imaginary chasing.

The story of Santa’s origins was warm and cheerful, full of kindness, determination, and good deeds. Naturally, I would have liked more attention paid to the unsung heroes—like hypothetical North Pole cats keeping the mice in line—but I suppose humans insist on focusing on the bearded gift-giver instead.

Kellogg’s art style is cozy and expressive, with faces so animated I almost expected them to meow back at me. The colors make the winter scenes feel festive rather than cold, and the action-packed layouts kept my tail twitching from page to page.

Overall, while there was an unacceptable lack of yarn balls and catnip, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town delivers a charming holiday tale with lively illustrations that even a sophisticated feline can curl up and enjoy—preferably while sitting directly on the book so no one else can read it. Only time will tell if the Santa's visit will live up to the hype!

Oliver the Cat 🐾
(Professional napper and snack expert)

Fast Five Fiction: Thanksgiving Picture Book Recommendations

It's time for Fast Five Fiction, where I share new books, notable books, books around a common theme. The last couple of weeks we've been reading lots of turkey books and books about Thanksgiving in our storytimes and our outreach programs. This week I'm sharing some of my favorites! 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads. 

10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston

A fun, silly, bouncy rhyming book that teaches little ones how to count backwards! Perfect for fall, or all-year-round!

"Looky!" says a silly turkey swinging from a vine.

Gobble gobble wibble wobble.

Whoops! Now there are nine.

Children will gobble up this hilarious story about ten goofy turkeys and their silly antics: swinging from a vine, strutting on a boar, doing a noodle dance, and more! Beloved author Tony Johnston brings a lively energy to the text, which first-time illustrator Richard Deas brings to life as wild and wacky fun!

Gather Grateful by Megan Litwin

Lyrical prose and luminous illustrations welcome the arrival of fall in a season of community and thanksgiving.

Gather twigs and sticks to nest.
Gather safety, strength, and rest.
Gather up and fly away.
Gather close. Prepare to stay.


As colors in nature start to change, animals begin gathering items--squirrels their acorns, crows their treasures, raccoons the bits and pieces needed to fortify their homes. Animals of all species prepare to gather with each other too, for warmth, for affection, for sharing food or stories. With lilting, rhythmic prose, Megan Litwin heralds the beginning of the season and follows the transition of animals and humans as they prepare for the coming winter. Alexandra Finkeldey's striking limited palette, capturing the preparations outside and in, brings this story of love and gratitude to quietly glowing life.

'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey

From Dav Pilkey, creator of the New York Times bestselling Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, comes a charming story about eight children and eight turkeys on the night before Thanksgiving.

On the day before Thanksgiving, a group of children visit a turkey farm and meet Farmer Mack Nuggett and his coop of cockerels: Ollie, Stanley, Larry, Moe, Wally, Beaver, Shemp, and Groucho. The children and turkeys giggle and gobble, and everything is gravy. As the trip comes to an end, the children leave the farm with full hearts -- and bulging bellies -- reminding people and poultry alike that there is much to be thankful for.

Bad Kitty Does Not Like Thanksgiving by Nick Bruel

Kitty does not like Thanksgiving.
Kitty LOVES Thanksgiving.
Specifically, Kitty loves turkey . . . and will do anything to get her paws on it.
So, Kitty comes up with a plan but in perfect cantankerous cat fashion, can't quite pull it off and ends up with the turkey (and all the fixins') on her head.

No, Kitty does not like Thanksgiving.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

What better way for Bear to say thanks, than to have a big dinner with all his friends!

Bear has come up with the perfect way to say thanks--a nice big dinner! When Bear decides to throw a feast, his friends show up one by one with different platters of delicious food to share. There's just one problem: Bear's cupboards are bare! What is he to do?

Karma Wilson's playful text and Jane Chapman's charming illustrations bring to life this celebration of family and friendship. Young readers will delight in discovering the special gift Bear has to share.

Happy reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

A Purr-spective Review of Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Reviewed by Oliver the cat, Feline Philosopher and Milk Enthusiast

From the very first page of Kitten’s First Full Moon, I knew I was in the presence of greatness—namely, a kitten of unmatched determination and refined taste in dairy.

The premise is simple yet profound: a wee kitten gazes skyward and spies a radiant full moon, mistaking it (quite understandably, if I may say) for a delicious bowl of milk. Who among us has not been similarly duped by the shimmering deceptions of nature?

What follows is a brave and slightly soggy odyssey. The kitten’s noble quest takes her up trees, across fields, and ultimately into a rather unfortunate encounter with a pond. I could almost feel the splash myself—cold, wet, and humiliating. But this tale isn’t about failure. Oh no. It’s about perseverance, dreams, and the quiet comforts of home.

Kevin Henkes captures the feline spirit with charming simplicity and striking black-and-white illustrations. Every expression, every whisker twitch, feels authentic. This isn’t just a children’s book—it’s a tribute to curiosity, the hunger that drives us (milk-related or otherwise), and the magic of unexpected kindness waiting at your own front door.

Five out of five paw prints. Would chase the moon again.

Fast Five Fiction: National Bullying Prevention Month

It's time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. This month we've been highlighting National Bullying Prevention Month in conjunction with Bremen Public Schools' PTO and various other businesses in town. 

Since today is Unity Day, it seemed fitting to share some books that discourage bullying in all its forms. These titles showcase characters who practice self-help skills or ask for help in standing up to bullies and books that communicate values of love, tolerance, and kindness, as well as books that illustrate characters building healthy self-esteem.

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads. 

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids.

Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yamulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.

Punch! A Story about Kindness by Michael Hall

When Badger bullies his friends Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear, they teach him an unforgettable lesson about empathy, kindness, and forgiveness in this funny and thematically rich social and emotional read-aloud from the acclaimed creator of Red: A Crayon's Story.

Badger, Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear are best friends. But when Badger experiences a personal loss and his emotions are too big to contain, he goes looking for trouble and takes his sadness out on his friends. He trips Frog, shoves Moose, kicks Elephant, and pokes Bear with a shovel. So Bear gathers the others, and they come up with a plan to teach Badger a lesson. Only that lesson is not what Badger--or readers--expect. In fact, Badger's friends treat Badger with kindness, offering him what he needs the most to sooth his raw emotions. A surprising turn of events that Badger takes to heart when Bear needs a little comfort in return.

Wonder series by R.J. Palacio

From the first book in the series: I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid--but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie's point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope.

R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel "a meditation on kindness" --indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.

Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango

How do you speak up when it feels like no one is listening? One girl takes on seventh grade while facing mental health challenges, and must find her voice to advocate for the help and understanding she deserves.

Listen up:
The end of elementary school?
Worst time of my life.
And the start of middle school?
I just wasn't quite right.
But this year?
YO VOY A MI.

Seventh grade is going to be Iveliz's year. She's going to make a new friend, help her abuela Mimi get settled after moving from Puerto Rico, and she is not going to get into any more trouble at school . . .

Except is that what happens? Of course not. Because no matter how hard Iveliz tries, sometimes people say things that just make her so mad. And worse, Mimi keeps saying Iveliz's medicine is unnecessary--even though it helps Iveliz feel less sad. But how do you explain your feelings to others when you're not even sure what's going on yourself?

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Leo Borlock follows the unspoken rule at Mica Area High School: don't stand out--under any circumstances! Then Stargirl arrives at Mica High and everything changes--for Leo and for the entire school. After 15 years of home schooling, Stargirl bursts into tenth grade in an explosion of color and a clatter of ukulele music, enchanting the Mica student body.

But the delicate scales of popularity suddenly shift, and Stargirl is shunned for everything that makes her different. Somewhere in the midst of Stargirl's arrival and rise and fall, normal Leo Borlock has tumbled into love with her.

In a celebration of nonconformity, Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the fleeting, cruel nature of popularity--and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

This is just a small sampling of the books that we have dealing with bullying, explore our catalog to find more titles: anti-bullying books. If you haven't stopped in the library yet to contribute to our unity tree and unity chain yet, they'll both be up through the end of the month. 

Happy Reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Welcome back my claw-some friends! Oliver the cat here, in case you forgot. Are mew ready for another book review? Today’s book is InvesiGATORS by John Pactrick Green. From the moment I picked up this book I knew it was going to be purrty great.

Alligators (yikes!) Mango and Bash try to solve the mysterious disappearance of Chef Gustavo and find out who caused the explosion at the science factory.

They must go undercover at the chef’s restaurant, Batter Down. They put on their fake mustaches and get to work. Have you ever seen an alligator with a mustache? Hysterical!! 

They find out that the villain, Crocodile, has escaped from jail. They have to get to S.U.I.T. headquarters and the fastest way to do that is to flush themselves into the sewer. Wait a mewoment! How appawling!! I like to be clean. They figure out that Crackerdile has taken Chef Gustavo so he can make super dough to make Crakcerdile invincible. After a lot of puns and adventures Crackerdile manages to escape! Which sets us up for the second book.

If you're looking for a book with lots of humor then this is for you! I can see why it’s popufur with the younger crowd! As for me, I am going to have a bath and get into my pawjamas. All of the sewer adventures made me feel pawsitivly dirty. Until next time!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Hello friends! It is I, Oliver. Did you miss me? I’ve been very busy this summer. Eating, sleeping, and reading. I am ready to get back to sharing my book reviews with mew! The first book I want to share with you all is Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain by Jonathan Graziano.

Now Noodle is a pug. One day he finds that he can’t get comfy in his bed so he goes on a quest to find just the right napping spot. He searches all over his home and finally decides on the top of the couch, or as he likes to call it Comfy Mountain. The problem is pugs are quite small and can’t always jump high enough to get on the couch. Noodle decides he wants to try and get up there himself. After many failed attempts, he realizes that he needs help. Noodle barks and barks until his claw-some human Jonathan figures out what he wants. He places Noodle on top of comfy meow-tian. Noodle was so happy and ended up taking an amazing nap! 

What a pawsome story! I know all about finding pawsome napping spots. My purrsonal favorite is on my mom’s desk, on top of her key board while she is working. If you are looking for a book with a claw-ver dog then this is the one for you. Thanks to our friend Cecilia for recommending this pawsome read! Now back to my nap.

Fast Five Fiction: September 11, 2001

It's time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. This week it seemed fitting to share some stories of the events of September 11, 2001. If you keep reading to the bottom there's a photo filled nonfiction recommendation and a link to the website for the National Day of Service and Remembrance. May we never forget.

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

It's September 11, 2001. Brandon, a 9-year-old boy, goes to work for the day with his dad . . . at the World Trade Center in New York City. When two planes hit the towers, Brandon and his father are trapped inside a fiery nightmare as terror and confusion swirl around them. Can they escape -- and what will the world be like when they do?
In present-day Afghanistan, Reshmina is an 11-year-old girl who is used to growing up in the shadow of war, but she has dreams of peace and unity. When she ends up harboring a wounded young American soldier, she and her entire family are put in mortal danger. But Reshmina also learns something surprising about the roots of this endless war.

Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

When her fifth-grade teacher hints that a series of lessons about home and community will culminate with one big answer about two tall towers once visible outside their classroom window, Deja can't help but feel confused. She sets off on a journey of discovery, with new friends Ben and Sabeen by her side. But just as she gets closer to answering big questions about who she is, what America means, and how communities can grow (and heal), she uncovers new questions, too. Like, why does Pop get so angry when she brings up anything about the towers?

Survivor Tree by Marcie Colleen

Beneath the Twin Towers, a pear tree once stood.
It still grows there today.
This is its story.

One September day, the perfect blue sky exploded. Dust billowed. Buildings crumbled. And underneath it all, a tree sprouted green leaves in its distress. Pulled from the wreckage, the tree saw many seasons pass as it slowly recovered far away from home. Until one day, forever scarred and forever stronger, it was replanted at the 9/11 Memorial.

This story of the real Survivor Tree uses nature's cycle of colors to reflect on the hope and healing that come after a tragedy -- and assures readers of their own remarkable resilience.

I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001: The Graphic Novel by Lauren Tarshis

On the day that shocks the world, one boy just wants to find his family.
The only thing Lucas loves more than football is his Uncle Benny, his dad's best friend at the fire department where they both work. Benny taught Lucas everything about football. So when Lucas's parents decide the sport is too dangerous and he needs to quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan.So the next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It's a bright, beautiful day in New York. But just as Lucas arrives at his uncle's firehouse, everything changes -- and nothing will ever be the same again.

All We Have Left by Wendy Mills

A haunting and heart-wrenching story of two girls, two time periods, and the one event that changed their lives—and the world—forever.
Now:
Sixteen-year-old Jesse is used to living with the echoes of the past. Her older brother died in the September 11th attacks, and her dad has filled their home with anger and grief. When Jesse gets caught up with the wrong crowd, one momentary hate-fueled decision turns her life upside down. The only way to make amends is to face the past, starting Jesse on a journey that will reveal the truth about how her brother died.
Then:
In 2001, sixteen-year-old Alia is proud to be Muslim... it's being a teenager that she finds difficult. After being grounded for a stupid mistake, Alia is determined to show her parents that that they must respect her choices. She'll start by confronting her father at his office in downtown Manhattan, putting Alia in danger she never could have imagined. When the planes collide into the Twin Towers Alia is trapped inside one of the buildings. In the final hours she meets a boy who will change everything for her as the flames rage around them...
Interweaving stories past and present, full of heartbreak and hope, two girls come of age in an instant, learning that both hate and love have the power to reverberate into the future and beyond.

If you'd like to check out a nonfiction book to remember or discuss with your family I'd recommend: A Nation Challenged: A Visual History of 9/11 and its Aftermath, Young Readers Edition from the New York Times. Or look through the website for the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Fast Five Fiction: National Cat Month

It's time! Fast Five Fiction has returned after it's brief hiatus! Each week I'll share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. This month, we're celebrating National Cat Month in the children's department so I'm sharing some of our most popular graphic novel and chapter book series featuring feline characters!

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Breaking Cat News graphic novels by Georgia Dunn

This series is so good, one of our adult book clubs recently read it and enjoyed it! 

This just in: Three adorable house cats are reporting the most hilarious breaking news! Based on author/illustrator Georgia Dunn's real life pets, Elvis, Lupin, and Puck strap on neckties and pick up microphones to provide the most up-to-date relevant news stories (at least according to them).

Cats reporting on the news that matters to cats with stories such as The Vacuum Cleaner Is Back!, The Woman Is Cooking Bacon!, and The Ceiling Cats Are Everywhere Tonight! Cynical, no nonsense Elvis and shy, sweet, sensitive Puck are the reporter kitties in the field, while the adventurous jokester Lupin serves as anchor cat. Together they break headlines on the food bowl, new plants, mysterious red dots, strange cats in the yard, and all the daily happenings in their home

Stick Cat series by Tom Watson

There's a new pet in town.

Stick Cat.

It's a big day in the big city for Stick Cat and his best friend, Edith. There are treasures to hunt, songs to sing, pigeons to catch, and naps to take. But way up on the twenty-third floor, danger lurks just around the corner. Terrible noises and violent crashes trap a desperate man in the building across the alley. Stick Cat will need to navigate his way across the alley--and around Edith's peculiar ways--to attempt a rescue.

With Tom Watson's trademark combination of laughs and adventure, Stick Cat's high-wire act is sure to please cat lovers and Stick Dog fans everywhere.

Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat series by Johnny Marciano

Klawde is not your average cat. He's an emperor from another planet, exiled to Earth. He's cruel. He's cunning. He's brilliant... and he's about to become Raj Banerjee's best friend. Whether he likes it or not.

Klawde had everything. Sharp claws. Fine fur. And, being the High Commander of the planet Lyttyrboks, an entire world of warlike cats at his command. But when he is stripped of his feline throne, he is sentenced to the worst possible punishment- exile to a small planet in a quiet corner of the universe... named Earth.

Raj had everything. A cool apartment in Brooklyn. Three friends who lived in his building. And pizza and comics within walking distance. But when his mom gets a job in Elba, Oregon, and he is forced to move, all of that changes. It's now the beginning of summer, he has no friends, and because of his mother's urgings, he has joined a nature camp.

It's only when his doorbell rings and he meets a furball of a cat that Raj begins to think maybe his luck is turning around...

Heavily illustrated, with a hilarious, biting voice that switches between Raj and Klawde's perspectives, this is the story of an unlikely friendship that emerges as two fish out of water begin to find their footing in strange new worlds.

Dr. Kitty Cat series by Jane Clarke

We'll be there in a whisker! Dr. KittyCat is a talented vet -- and an adorable cat. She's ready to rescue whenever help is needed. When a call comes in that Posy the puppy has hurt her leg at the Paws and Prizes field day, Dr. KittyCat rushes to the scene. Without Dr. KittyCat's help, Posy will be disqualified! Supercute photographs of real puppies and kittens combine with hand-drawn purple line art for a completely unique look.

Warriors series by Erin Hunter

The Warriors book series is about the adventrues of feral cat clans living in a forest who follow a strict "warrior code" and believing in ancestral spirits called StarClan. The books feature themes of war, loyalty, prejudice, and survival as a pampered house cat named Rusty joins ThunderClan, becoming the warrior Firestar. The extensive series is organized into multiple arcs, or mini-series, each focusing on new protagonists within different cat clans and exploring complex ideas within a world of anthropomorphic cats

Happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: National Library Week 2025

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Since we've been celebrating National Library Week this week, today I thought I'd share five books and series featuring libraries!

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library series by Chris Grabenstein

When Kyle Keeley learns that the world's world's most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town's new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, Kyle is determined to be there! But the tricky part isn't getting into the library--it's getting out. Because when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must catch every clue and solve every puzzle to find the hidden escape route!

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.

Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.

Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It's about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).

The Library of Ever series by Zeno Alexander

With her parents off traveling the globe, Lenora is bored, bored, bored--until she discovers a secret doorway into the ultimate library. Mazelike and reality-bending, the library contains all the universe's wisdom. Every book ever written, and every fact ever known, can be found within its walls. And Lenora becomes its newly appointed Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian.

She rockets to the stars, travels to a future filled with robots, and faces down a dark nothingness that wants to destroy all knowledge. To save the library, Lenora will have to test her limits and uncover secrets hidden among its shelves.

The Story Collector series by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

In the tradition of E. L. Konisburg, this middle-grade mystery adventure is inspired by the real life of Viviani Joffre Fedeler, born and raised in the New York Public Library.

The Story Collector by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb is a middle-grade historical fiction inspired by the real life of Viviani Fedeler. Eleven-year-old Viviani Fedeler has spent her whole life in the New York Public Library. She knows every room by heart, except the ones her father keeps locked. When Viviani becomes convinced that the library is haunted, new girl Merit Mubarak makes fun of her. So Viviani decides to play a harmless little prank, roping her older brothers and best friend Eva to help out.

But what begins as a joke quickly gets out of hand, and soon Viviani and her friends have to solve two big mysteries: Is the Library truly haunted? And what happened to the expensive new stamp collection? It's up to Viviani, Eva, and Merit (reluctantly) to find out.

Library Mouse series by Daniel Kirk

Beloved children's books author and illustrator Daniel Kirk wonderfully brings to life the story of Sam, a library mouse. Sam's home was in a little hole in the wall in the children's reference books section, and he thought that life was very good indeed. For Sam loved to read. He read picture books and chapter books, biographies and poetry, and ghost stories and mysteries. Sam read so much that finally one day he decided to write books himself! Sam shared his books with other library visitors by placing them on a bookshelf at night. Until there came the time that people wanted to meet this talented author. Whatever was Sam to do? The joy of reading, writing, and sharing is brought to life in this warmhearted tale.

Happy Friday and happy reading!