Timeless: Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic by Armand Baltazar

The first of its kind, Timeless: Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic is an epic story that crosses multiple genres. The story qualifies as an adventure chapter book, but the multitude of full color, high action illustrations will capture the attention of all graphic novel enthusiasts. The main characters will also please a wide audience by including a diversity of race, gender, and personality. This is one I’m excited to add to the school library.

Diego Ribera was born into a timeless era. After the Time Collision, past, present, and future all exist together. This strange mix of time periods creates a variety of technology as well as many conflicting attitudes. The Aeternum, an evil group that wants to disrupt the peace and take over the world, have captured Diego’s father. In a rescue attempt, Diego and his friends are drawn into a fight for life and peace. Their journey begins a new series perfect for both middle grade and tween/teen readers.

Recommended ages--10 and up

All the Answers by Kate Messner

Ava Anderson doesn’t think the blue pencil is anything special. But when she writes a question in the margin of her math test, Ava hears the answer in her head. Soon Ava and her best friend Sophie are using the pencil and its answers to navigate the ups and downs of middle school. Having such a tool is helpful, until Ava learns there are some questions best left unanswered.

This clever story addresses the common middle school struggles in a unique way. While Ava’s journey to self-discovery has some magic involved, it will still ring true to a variety of readers. All the Answers is targeted to middle schoolers, but teaches valuable life lessons for many ages. It is especially helpful for readers who may, like Ava, worry a little too much about the future.

Recommended ages 10-13

All Fall Down by Ally Carter

When Grace Blakely returns to Embassy Row, she wants to forget the past three years of her life. Recovery from witnessing her mother's death three years earlier has not been easy. She knows she isn't crazy and despite what everyone says, she knows her mother's death was not an accident. Grace is determined to find the man responsible and make him pay. Soon Grace and her new friends are entangled in a dangerous search for justice and revenge.

However, will Grace be able to prevent another murder when no one believes what she says? Ally Carter introduces a new series with a different approach to espionage and international intrigue. Grace is a complicated character placed in an equally complicated world of political tension. Her story introduces excellent suspense and plot twists that will keep readers guessing. Carter creates an exciting story and her writing remains clean and age appropriate.

Recommended ages--12 and up