Tag: Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Leave it on the Track by Margot Fisher

Morgan “Moose” Shaker has lost everything after barely surviving a catastrophic fire in a skating rink. Her dads, her beloved hometown of Moab, and her life as she knew it are all gone as she struggles to start over in Portland, Oregon with her estranged half sister as her guardian. But Moose soon finds a new community in a junior roller derby league where she is able to focus on something other than her loss and anxiety.

Part realistic fiction about processing grief and part LGBTQ sports romance, this novel hits all the highs and lows of teen life.  Moose is an imperfect and relatable character; teens will connect with her emotional depth as she struggles with anxiety, anger, the pressure to perform in sports, as well as the dazzling sparks of new love and friendship. With short chapters, the story moves at a quick pace and is filled with other nuanced characters who support and challenge Moose. Teens will be immersed in the lushly described settings of Moab and Portland as Moose considers the dramatic differences of her life before and after the fire.

Readers who love books about women’s sports, LGBTQ romance, and realistic fiction about grief and mental health will find much to keep the pages turning. Similar titles include All the Blues in the Sky by Renee Watson, Bruised by Tanya Boteju, and A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti.

––Lily Mayfield

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: Almost Sunset Wahab Algarmi

Hassan is juggling school, soccer, gaming, and the long daily fasts of Ramadan, a month his classmates barely understand. As he moves through busy days and spiritual nights, he finds support in his family and community, from pre-dawn meals to evening gatherings at the mosque. But keeping up with homework, friendships, and his faith proves challenging, and Hassan often wonders if he can balance it all. Throughout the holy month, he works to find his groove and discover what Ramadan truly means to him.

This graphic novel offers a thoughtful portrayal of a teenager navigating the balance between family expectations during Ramadan and the everyday demands of school, sports, and peer relationships. The bright, expressive illustrations and succinct text, often complemented by wordless panels, create a compelling and visually engaging story perfect for reluctant readers.This title will appeal to readers who enjoy realistic stories about navigating school, family, and cultural traditions. Teens who are curious about or connected to Muslim experiences will especially appreciate Hassan’s honest and relatable journey through Ramadan.

Readers who enjoy this book might also like Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi and Once Upon an Eid edited by S. K. Ali and Aisha Saeed. Fans of sports-centered stories with heart may also appreciate Power Forward by Hena Khan.

–Katie B.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: Dan in Green Gables by Rey Terciero illustrated by Claudia Aguirre

  • Dan in Green Gables
  • by Rey Terciero
  • illustrated by Claudia Aguirre
  • Penguin Workshop
  • Publication Date: June 3, 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593385579

Fifteen-year-old Dan Stewart-Alvarez is abandoned in rural Tennessee with his grandparents by his free-spirited mother. His grandparents are strangers, and to make matters worse, his abrasive grandfather does not seem to approve of anything Dan does – or is. Dan’s queerness in a small Southern Baptist town causes problems for others in his orbit, but Dan is always unabashedly himself, and he slowly finds a way to build a safe, supportive community at Green Gables.

Labelled as a “modern reimagining” of Anne of Green Gables, this graphic novel highlights the familiar teen theme of feeling out of place and unwelcome in a new environment. Dan and Anne have similar upbeat attitudes and outlooks on life. Familiarity with the classic novel is not required in any way, however, as Dan is a fully formed character with his own motivations and struggles. The artwork is clear and expressive in this graphic novel, providing an accessible path to universal themes. The inviting cover, colorful layout, and expressive art will welcome reluctant readers.

Graphic novels with similar tones and themes include Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer, Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand, I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner, and The Deep Dark by Molly Ostertag. 

–Emily Williams

Check out our interview with Rex Ogle on Graphic novel reimagings!

Check out our post, I’m stealing the idea, but I wanna make it my own! here.

Check out our post, “If you’re going to run away, run away to a library.”: Interview with Rex Ogle here.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: Family Force V: Book 1 by Matt Braly

  • Family Force V: Book 1 by Matt Braly
  • Image Comics
  • Publication Date: June 10, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781534340336

Maise is a normal teen to her friends at school, but she’s secretly part of an alien-fighting team legacy known as the Moon Troopers. Since being a superhero is a family business, Maise never asked for this responsibility and isn’t sure she wants it. When a tragedy occurs, Maise needs to sort out her priorities and find a way to keep everyone safe while being true to herself.

Multiple alien kaiju battles and a zippy Power Rangers-like fighting force make for an visually dynamic and action-filled graphic novel. The art is clear and bright, with expressive characters and a good balance of text. Manga and comic book readers, fans of Disney’s Amphibia (by the same creator), and those looking for easy-to-follow action stories will most appreciate this title.

Comparable titles include Into the Heartlands, a Black Panther graphic novel that also features the complexities of super-families and lots of action, and Miles Morales: Suspended by Jason Reynolds, which shows teens struggling with responsibility and important decisions.

–Emily Williams

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: Marisol Acts the Part by Elle Gonzalez Rose

With the hit teen TV show that launched her career wrapping up, Marisol thought the only thing she’d need to worry about was booking her next gig. But when her long-time boyfriend breaks up with her claiming she is too “unserious” in a press statement, Marisol sets out to prove him wrong, landing a guest role on the same prestigious drama TV show he’s recently booked. Marisol flies to NYC and feels like a fish out of water in the city and on the set, particularly when her usual charms fall flat with her co-stars and the intense, mercurial director. But a new friendship – that might be something more? – with the beautiful acting newcomer and lead of the show, Jamila, might serve as both the perfect distraction and a new opportunity for Marisol to prove who she is.

Teens will be hooked by this light-hearted behind-the-scenes look at being a teen celebrity and the breezy and funny writing. Beyond that, this is also a joyful and positive coming-of-age tale featuring an unforgettably loveable protagonist, inspiringly supportive teen friendships, and a sweet and mutually respectful relationship. The villains provide just enough intrigue to keep the plot moving but don’t overshadow this airy rom-com. 

Give to teens who enjoy romance, particularly queer romance. Teens who prefer modern-day books about friendship and overcoming adversity with the support of your friends will also enjoy this. This is also a great choice for teens who like TikTok, Instagram, and following celebrity gossip or who dream of moving to NYC or LA. Readalikes include popular queer romances like Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series and Becky Albertalli’s books. Teens who enjoy romantic books set in NYC like Nicola Yoon’s The Sun is Also a Star will enjoy this book’s authentic take on being young in NYC. 

–Maryanne O.

“Who Owns the Moon?”

An interview with nonfiction authors Cynthia Levinson and Jennifer Swanson


We sit down with nonfiction authors Cynthia Levinson and Jennifer Swanson to discuss the changing role of nonfiction for young readers, writing about rapidly changing fields, and what makes nonfiction palatable for the kids in your library!

Purchase Who Owns the Moon? for your library here.

Find the third edition of Fault Lines in the Constitution here.

ind Jennifer Swanson’s Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide to Inventing the World here.


See Also: The Hub’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers review of Who Owns the Moon?

Learn more about Authors Against Book Bans.

Find a screening of The Librarians.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: Who Owns the Moon? by Cynthia Levinson & Jennifer Swanson

Rather than simply rehash the history of moon exploration, Levinson and Swanson frame this history through current ethical questions about who “owns” space and provide fresh insights on the history, not just of space exploration but also on international conflict and collaboration around exploration of the moon. The end result is a fast-paced, fun, and thoughtful overview of space exploration that feels like a timely “update” for current and future scientists.

Visually the book combines comics-style illustrations with photos and charts in an appealing and easy to follow way. The text is broken up with catchy headline-style subcategories to keep the pace flowing for readers. The chapters also have buzz-y titles like “Bumper Cars in Space: Debris,” which are informative but also signal a sense of fun that will keep readers engaged. The text itself is a great combination of presenting questions to the reader with clear and easily summarized scientific and historical facts, which adds to engaging pacing of the book. 

This is a great pick for nonfiction readers – particularly teens who are interested in science and space exploration but also teens who are interested in social justice issues and ethical questions about the future of science. Nonfiction readalikes include The Big Backyard: The Solar System Beyond Pluto by Ron Miller and Jeremie Francfort’s Big Bangs and Black Holes: A Graphic Novel Guide to the Universe. Fans of science fiction titles Andy Weir’s The Martian would also enjoy this book.

–Maryanne O..

Coming Soon, The Hub’s Interview with the Author of Who Owns the Moon!

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: One of the Boys by Victoria Zeller

  • One of the Boys
  • by Victoria Zeller
  • Levine Querido
  • Publication Date: May 13, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781646145027

Former star football kicker Grace is struggling to settle into her senior year of high school after coming out as trans when her former teammates offer her an opportunity to rejoin the team. Grace navigates tough choices between her new life and new friends and all the things she misses about her former life – including and especially football – while confronting anti-trans behavior from classmates and the world at large as news of her decision to play gets out.

This is an exceptionally timely and important tale that is grounded in relatability and a whole lot of heart. Grace is a complicated character who often makes the “wrong” choice, which makes her that much more likeable and appealing to a wide range of teen readers. The author uses sometimes sarcastic, sometimes frank language that feels authentic to the teen experience. Grace is surrounded by a compelling group of secondary characters, including a wide array of queer teens exploring their own paths. The book’s suburban setting – at times more progressive than you’d expect and at times painfully transphobic – might appeal to queer teens outside of more diverse, urban environments (where many stories of queer teens take place). But Grace’s – and the author Victoria Zeller’s – love for football is the real standout here; Grace’s dedication to the sport and her teammates is infectious, and the author does a superb job of capturing its essence for fans but also making it appealing, exciting and clear for non-sports fans as well. 

A wide range of teens will like this book – sports fans, queer teens, and fans of realistic stories about senior year. Give to fans of recent sports books like Byron Graves’ Rez Ball or shows like Friday Night Lights and All American. This title would also appeal to fans of books about the trans experience like Meredith Russo’s If I Was Your Girl and Alex Gino’s Melissa.

–Maryanne O.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

Brooklynite Kaylani is off to spend the summer in Martha’s Vineyard in a gigantic old house with her parents’ friends. She’d much rather be studying for a pre-law camp to assist her incarcerated dad, but her parents both insist a little R&R is exactly what Kaylani needs. The island is filled with amazing sights and lots of history; however, the snobby sisters Kaylani is staying with don’t exactly make her feel welcome. Just when Kaylani starts to settle in and meet a few kids her age, a local teen turns up dead. The community immediately thinks it must have been a drowning or a shark attack. Kaylani and her friends aren’t convinced. Can they prove it was murder? And what will happen if Kaylani gets too close to the truth?

This propulsive YA thriller for younger teen readers combines suspense with important social justice topics in Jackson’s classic style. With concise scene-setting details like a spooky looming mansion set in an idyllic summer destination, readers will quickly get pulled into the mystery and drama. Kaylani is a relatable and curious character whom readers will find themselves rooting for.
Hand this book to teens who want a short murder mystery that is light on gory details. Fans of We Were Liars by E. Lockhart or The Liars Society by Alyson Gerber will enjoy this quickly-paced thriller.

–Lily Mayfield

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: The Factory by Catherine Egan

Asher signs up to participate in a special research experiment at the Factory that will help out his mother financially. However, as he makes friends with some of the other kids in the study, he finds out that something sinister seems to be going on at the facility. Will he be able to see the experiment to the end and save his family?

The Factory draws the reader in immediately, hooking them in with the mystery of the plot. It is fast-paced, easy to read, and will leave readers guessing until the very end. It combines both thriller and science fiction, and has strong themes of friendship, survival, and family, which will appeal to most every teen. It is also one of the few young adult books to not have a romance subplot, instead focusing on the action and friendship plots. Teens, especially reluctant readers, will find this book hard to put down.

Give this to teens who enjoyed Neal Shusterman’s Unwind, Donna Barba Higuera’s The Last Cuentista, or who are fans of the anime Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead.

–Jacqueline Bush