GPLD 2025/2026 Winter Favorites: Chapter Books/Graphic Novels

Rica and Laini can't imagine what's inside the mysterious box sent from anything-but-ordinary Uncle Moose. Or can they? Lively creativity and humor shine in Rica's latest adventure. Rica and her best friend Laini are bubbling over with curiosity. A mystery box has appeared on Rica's doorstep, and nobody will open it! Momma says they must wait for Uncle Moose, who mailed the box to himself. But he's on vacation in Cape Verde and won't be home for days....

In the second book in the Gabby Torres graphic novel series, nine-year-old Gabby discovers the true meaning of winning when she enters a baking contest, perfect for fans of THE CUPCAKE DIARIES and DORY FANTASMAGORY. Gabby has a new idea: now that she's finally learned how to not burn her cookies, she will become the best baker the world has ever seen! The local grocery store's baking competition is the perfect opportunity to show everyone what she's...

"Ivy and Ezra are "critter couriers" whose family volunteers to transport injured and orphaned animals to their local wildlife hospital. When they discover a baby river otter with a hurt leg, Ivy worries about the little otter being separated from its family--a feeling she knows all too well struggled to make new friends since her twin cousin BFFs moved away.Taking on a big project for the wildlife hospital keeps her busy, but can she find the confidence...

Spunky first grader Jo Jo Makoons knows a lot about bravery and boldness. Her cat, Mimi, is very brave when she tries new foods, and Teacher is very bold when he wears his ugly ties to school. When Jo Jo is invited to her first friend sleepover, it's her turn to be courageous! Only she's not quite sure how. Especially when scary puppets and dolls hide around every corner ... Full of spooky fun and after-school mischief, the latest book in the Jo Jo...

What would be your mermaid magic? From the creators of the New York Times bestselling Unicorn Academy series comes an all new underwater adventure, where every mermaid bonds with a dolphin and finds their mermaid magic! Can Amber master her magic in time to help save her dolphin, Flash, from a terrible spell? Amber is so excited to be at Mermaid Academy and to become a guardian of the oceans with her dolphin, Flash. When a school trip takes them close...

"Abbi, Lydia, and Daniel hunt for a lost ferret while helping take care of the animals at Ms. Margery's petting zoo and animal sanctuary"-- Provided by publisher.

Based on a true story, twelve-year-old Roberto Alvarez becomes the lead plaintiff in a 1931 lawsuit challenging school segregation in Lemon Grove, California, and stands up for justice with the support of his Mexican American community.

An unlucky sorcerer must learn to wield her insect magic in this charming middle grade fantasy that's perfect for fans of Impossible Creatures and Witchlings. In the empire, magic determines your fate. But Yumi is tired of being a failed Cricket. Their magic is lousy and boring. She dreams instead of the sparkling magic of Fireflies, whose powers rival the sun. If only she could harness her talents like other magicians. . . For now, Yumi is ignored...

Twelve-year-old's Oscar and Natasha assist an ex-mobster retiree bust out of his retirement community in exchange for money to help Oscar and his grandfather to stay in their home. "Oscar Aberdeen is a bit of an oddball. He's a twelve-year-old who is an ace at playing bridge, loves Frank Sinatra, and attends a whole lot of funerals. He's also the youngest resident of Sunny Days Retirement Community by more than half a century -- and he wouldn't have...

"Two eleven-year-olds, one in the China of 731 and the other in Manhattan's Chinatown in 1931, embark on challenging journeys to save their families from peril"-- Provided by publisher. In 731 Chang'An, China, Han Yu rises every day with the first beat of the city drums to sell steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers. In 1931 Chinatown, New York, Luli Lee spends her evenings gazing out at the city from...