Can a 9-year-old and Google Earth change history? In The Skull in the Rock, a 4-star nonfiction read, Lee Berger and his son discover Australopithecus sediba, a two-million-year-old human ancestor in South Africa.
High school is hard enough without parasitic fairies feeding on your medical mysteries. Sedona “Seda” Gerard battles chronic pain and fae monsters that thrive on her isolation. This unique story uses fantasy to explore the very real struggles of living with an undiagnosed illness.
Something is biting in Deepwater Creek, and it’s not a fish. This graphic novel follows two brothers whose final summer fishing trip turns into a supernatural nightmare. When the adults won’t listen, it’s up to the kids to face the monsters lurking in the depths and in their own minds.
When serious-minded Manya’s parents are arrested after a prank goes lethally wrong, she must trade her science textbooks for stink bombs to clear their names. Filled with developed characters, potty humor, and real-world chemistry, this fast-paced “whodunnit” is perfect for fans of Encyclopedia Brown and any student who enjoys a mystery with a side of silliness.
Looking for an entry point into fantasy without the 500-page lore dump? Fast-paced adventure perfect for younger or reluctant readers featuring a hero who gains divine powers to avenge a family tragedy, it offers straightforward action and clear stakes. While simple for seasoned fantasy fans, it’s a solid introduction to the “Hero’s Journey” and the influence of fickle gods.