New Release Spotlight: February 11, 2025

Welcome to another intriguing week of new book releases! Middle grade books look strongest to me this week.

The February 11th Spotlight boasts:

• a YA fantasy from a Coretta Scott King Award winner that also got SIX starred professional reviews
• a middle grade sports fiction title that will make a great pick for state reading lists or for Battle of the Books lists
• a middle grade science fiction title with a cool tie-in to a little-known event in recent US history

Young Adults (Grades 7+)

Canva presentation of New Release Spotlight for all of February (YA books)

Click the link above, save a copy in your own Canva account, and edit from there. Canva presentation links for middle grades and picture books are included in those sections below.

SUMMARY: Ofelia longs to enter the enchanted court of King Léo, a safe palace where the shadow monsters never roam. As the Shadows start closing in, Ofelia and her best friend Lope begin a dangerous journey to the mysterious Château. There, Ofelia hopes to find her mother and safety, even though Lope is skeptical.

SIX starred reviews! This YA fantasy novel in verse is the latest from Ibi Zoboi, winner of the 2024 Coretta Scott King Author Award for her YA realistic fiction novel Nigeria Jones, plus two other Coretta Scott King honors for The People Remember and Star Child.

I won’t be at all surprised to see S(Kin) as a major contender for the 2026 book awards, including the Printz and Coretta Scott King Awards.

SUMMARY: Fifteen-year-old Marisol, a soucouyant forced to feed on others’ life forces, struggles against her mother’s control while adapting to life in Brooklyn.

Seventeen-year-old Genevieve, longing for answers about her estranged mother, discovers a hidden connection to Marisol. As their intertwined destinies unfold, both girls confront family secrets, identity, and inherited magic.

Give this rom-com to teens who love light, humorous stories, school theater, or coming-of-age romances. The many Heartstopper fans will love it!

SUMMARY: British teen Patch is determined to find a boyfriend before prom, but his dramatic nature complicates friendships and crushes. As relationships shift in his drama club, he learns about love, friendship, and self-growth.

Middle Grades (Grades 3-8)

Canva presentation – February 2025 – Middle Grade New Releases

Click the link above, save a copy in your own Canva account, and edit from there. Canva presentation links for middle grades and picture books are included in those sections below.

If you are on a middle school book list selection committee, such as the Lonestar Committee (TX) or a middle school Battle of the Books selection committee, you will want to check this one out! We always need more books featuring girls in competitive sports, plus this story has diverse characters and three starred professional reviews.

SUMMARY: Seventeen-year-old Vale, a talented Puerto Rican fencer, struggles with chronic pain after a serious leg injury. As she faces her frustration, jealousy of new teammate Myrka, and a growing crush, she must decide if she can return to the sport she loves.

For Grades 2-3, I think this will be a hit! The cover art looks very young, so thought protagonist is 11 years old and it is recommended up to Grade 6, it may be a harder sell with some upper-elementary readers.

SUMMARY: A young detective named Casey and her best friend Jan use clues to solve everyday mysteries.

This middle grade science fiction novel sounds a little like the 1980s movie ET: The Extra-Terrestrial. Even more fun, it is based on a real event in Lampasas, Texas in 1952. 

I had never heard of this incident, but WOW. Check out the news story and newsreels here. Super-interesting story!

SUMMARY: In 1952, Cuban American sixth grader Pineda discovers an alien girl, Luisa, hiding in his Texas barn. Together, Pineda and Luisa uncover a government conspiracy, and with the help of friends and an unlikely ally, they fight to protect her and challenge the town’s fears and prejudice.

This first book in the Team Awkward series will be a great choice for middle grade readers looking for novel versions of graphic novels by Raina Telgemeier and Svetlana Chmakova.

SUMMARY: After having disastrous of first days of sixth grade, Jojo and three classmates find themselves hiding in an abandoned locker room, each with their own embarrassing story. As they bond over their awkward misfortunes, they form “Team Awkward,” vowing to navigate middle school together.

This new nonfiction book about octopuses is part of the Orca Wild series. I do not normally feature series books in the Spotlight, but the photography in this one is just so gorgeous. If you are looking for a new nonfiction animal series, you’ll want to have a look at this one!

SUMMARY: This nonfiction book explores the fascinating world of octopuses. Learn about the anatomy, intelligence, and surprising behaviors of octopuses. Read octopus folklore and stories about famous octopuses, too! Includes gorgeous color photos!

Picture Books (typically, PreS-Grade 5)

Canva presentation – February 2025 – Picture Book New Releases

Click the link above, save a copy in your own Canva account, and edit from there. Canva presentation links for middle grades and picture books are included in those sections below.

Professional reviews for this title recommend readers up to Grade 3, but I think this is best for a preschool audience. It features an adult and child reading together, imagining they are various animals, elements, and objects in nature. 

This would be cute for a preschool storytime! Students could also act out the transformations in the story. For example, they could greet each other or create movements as bees, thunder, waves, Earth, and other natural objects and creatures.

SUMMARY: An adult and child read a book together. Along the way, they transform into buzzing bees, chirping birds, rustling trees, and even each other.

SUMMARY: On a rainy day, Petite Marie feels bored until Gran-moman shows her the joy of helping others. As they visit neighbors, shop, and cook, Marie learns that kindness and community bring warmth even in gloomy weather.

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