Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate & Charles Santoso

A thimble-sized bear with a century-sized heart! Pocket Bear, a WWI good-luck charm finds a new life in a repair shop for “tossed and treasured” toys. This heartfelt story of friendship between a tiny bear, a cat burglar, and a young refugee beautifully bridges historical trauma with modern hope. It is a powerful reminder that no one and nothing is ever truly beyond a second chance.

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Hoops by Matt Tavares

Step onto the court. Hoops is a vibrant graphic novel that brings the 1975 fight for gender equity to life. Based on a true story, the Lady Bears must overcome empty bleachers and homemade uniforms to prove they belong in the game. It’s an inspiring, visually stunning tale of teamwork and the enduring power of Title IX that belongs in every middle-grade library.

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Isle of Ever by Jen Calonita

Can a 200-year-old curse be broken by a 12-year-old? Two girls separated by two centuries are linked by a mysterious treasure hunt. With a fast-paced dual-timeline structure, clever puzzles, and themes of loyalty and resilience, this is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mystery. It’s a race against time that proves some bonds and some secrets last forever.

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