Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer by Paige Classey
Ages 9–13

Super creepy camp-turned-survival when some kind of sickness shuts the world down. Kids are stuck at camp to try to survive and understand what is going on. Some students work together to grow a garden and start noticing something off with the insects.. I don’t really do scary books, and this book had me up at night incapable of stopping.

The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling
Ages 9–12

A birthday hike with her dad turns into a fight for survival when a flash flood rips through the canyon and Nora is left on her own. This one is a page-turner, and the verse makes every scary moment hit even harder. A heads-up for parents: Nora is also healing from losing her mom, so there are some big feelings in here too. When I recommended this book to my fifth graders, they just loved crying to it. So. if you have kids who love books to cry to… this could be added.

The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander
Ages 12+

Kofi’s life in his village in Ghana is all swimming, family, and school, until one terrible night changes everything. Kwame Alexander is a master of verse, and this story will stay with readers long after they finish. It deals with the slave trade, so it’s best for older readers, and a great one to talk about together. I read this book aloud with my (then) fourth-grade son. We had a lot to discuss; I can’t imagine just recommending it without an adult reading it too, or at least to kids who are mature or at least in sixth grade.

Sisters Alone by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Ages 8–12

Two sisters, one blizzard, and no power, food or help. Rama and Leena are still grieving their mom when a storm traps them alone, and they have to rely on each other to survive. A survival story with so much heart, about the bond between sisters. Such a sweet story and equally fast-paced.

Game Face by Shari Green 🇨🇦
Ages 9–12

Jonah is a goalie who is determined not to let his anxiety hold him back, on or off the ice. When his best friend has a medical emergency in the middle of a big game, everything gets harder. Perfect for hockey fans, and a great reminder that asking for help takes courage. I made my nephew read this, as he is a big hockey player and we talked a lot about the anxiety feeling Jonah has… it really connected to my nephew.

Eva to the Max by Rebecca Caprara
Ages 10–13

Twelve-year-old Eva is a motocross racer with big dreams and an even bigger temper! To make it to nationals, she has to start a new school, keep out of trouble, and learn to accept help. Fast, fierce, and full of heart, just like Eva. This would be an asbolute add-on to a classroom library.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps
Ages 10+

Ellie has been teased about her weight for years, so she follows her own ‘Fat Girl Rules’ to take up less space. This book is all about learning to love yourself and finally taking up the space you deserve, like a starfish. Powerful and so important for kids to read. I have recommended this book again and again. It would be a beautiful book club book for a daughter and parent, or a small family group.