By Wahab Algarmi

What it's about: It's almost sunset, and Hassan has been dreaming about eating since the sun came up. The month of Ramadan has begun, and not eating until sundown intensifies his already busy days full of homework, soccer, and gaming. And since his teachers and friends at school barely understand Ramadan and its traditions, it's easier to just...not mention it.

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: The contemporary setting will be relatable to many readers, who may not celebrate Ramadan, but likely deal with the balancing act of school, activities, and family. The graphic novel format is engaging and accessible with eye catching illustrations.

By Heidi Heilig

What it's about: Cincinnati Lee’s great great (great?) grandfather is famous. His adventures discovering ancient artifacts have been made into movies, and his work is widely respected by museums across the world. The thing is, in that line of work, you’re bound to get cursed. And that leaves your great great (great?) granddaughter to break the curse by returning the artifacts you “preserved.”

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: Full of fast-paced adventure, this book will have readers tuning in for "one more page" over and over. With hints of Indiana Jones and the mystery of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler this book feels both familiar and fresh.

By Tamika Burgess

What it's about: Danilo Osorio Jr.’s baseball skills were once the pride of his father and entire hometown of El Chorrillo, Panamá. But that was then, and this is now…

Following 1989's Operation Just Cause, a US military invasion that left his neighborhood decimated, Danilo couldn’t care less about baseball or the father who abandoned him for opportunities in the States. Now Danilo’s focus is taking care of his mamá and sister and trying to save them all from needing to relocate to a refugee camp.

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: The sports hook will bring in readers who don't usually flock to historical fiction, while the high-stakes plot will keep them engaged.

By Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge

What it's about: Here’s what’s so cool about the beach. Kids are everywhere! Kids you know, kids you want to know. Wandering from one blanket to another, from one family to another. Somebody’s mom reads a fat summer novel. Somebody’s dad snores with an iPad on his chest. Babies cry. Girls laugh. Frisbee players whoop! Kites in the perfect blue sky.  

There’s the other world, where all kids hear is tomorrow, next week, next year. And then there’s the beach, where everything is right now! 

Why can’t every day be a day at the beach?

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: Gary D. Schmidt may be a familiar name with some of your readers already. If not, reluctant readers will appreciate the format, which includes connected short stories that can be read stand-alone or as a whole.

By Jeramey Kraatz
Illustrated by Crystal Jayme

What it's about: On the morning of August 4, 1892, fourteen-year-old Charlie sees a horrifying act unfold at his next-door neighbor Lizzie Borden’s house—something he can’t keep to himself. Yet no one believes what Charlie saw . . . not even when Andrew and Abby Borden are found dead later that morning. Charlie is determined to use all that he witnessed to help find the murderer…even if it means having to face the prime suspect, his enigmatic neighbor Lizzie Borden, accused of killing her own father and stepmother. What began as one innocent moment of being in the wrong place at the wrong time becomes a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as Lizzie faces the trial of the century, and Charlie must ask himself: Can you ever really know someone’s true character?

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: This book combines with real-life tales aspect of the I Survived series with a graphic novel format to make for an irresistable read. Plus, what kid isn't morbidly fascinated by Lizzie Borden?

By Soman Chainani

What it's about: Hester, Anadil, and Dot are legendary across the Endless Woods as vigilante detectives and protectors of the peace. The famed trio are not only talented witches but also ride-or-die friends who’ve never left a case unsolved.

That is, until the Coven answers a call for help from a mysterious new world—Red Isle, where the Light and Dark Lands are on the brink of all-out war, each blaming the other for a grim spree of deaths. Now the Coven must work together and unmask the killer before Red Isle tears itself apart. Little do they know: The real enemy might be hiding in plain sight . . .

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: This graphic novel from bestselling author Soman Chainani is a standalone tale in a world kids may already know from theThe School for Good and Evil book series or movie.

By Andrea Williams

What it's about: Pumpsie needs a win. Or to be more precise, he needs the Nashville Wildcats to win. Pumpsie’s been waiting his entire life—twelve whole years!—for his favorite team to make it to the playoffs. And this year—finally!—they’re just one win away.

But when Pumpsie accidentally gets trapped in Lookout Field the night before the last game of the season, with only a lost dog named Campy for company, he may have accidentally stumbled into the best night of his life.

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: Kids will love imagining themselves alone in a baseball park with unlimited access to concession foods and batting cages, and the action-packed mystery will keep them reading until the end.

By Maria Marianayagam

What it's about: Ajay has lived his life dutifully following the rules set by his Tamil parents.

Rule #3: Straight As only

Rule #5: There is no such thing as a no-homework day.

Rule #10: Never watch scary movies.

However, moving to a new school gives Ajay a new rule to follow: Get on seventh-grade all-star Jacob Underson’s good side.

When Jacob asks him to steal a Mercury bar from Scary Al’s convenience store, Ajay feels this is his chance to finally “get cool” and stop eating alone. But Jacob rejects the stolen chocolate bar, leaving Ajay to unwrap it and discover that it contains Mercury’s Twenty-fifth Anniversary Grand Prize…one million dollars.

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: "What would you do with a million dollars?" is a frequent topic of conversation among middle grade kids, and this book adds a new twist to this hypothetical question while also bringing in questions of identity in a compelling coming-of-age novel with wide appeal (and three starred reviews).

By Gordon Korman

What it's about: Dexter Foreman is twelve going on eighty. He has lived at The Pines retirement village with his grandmother since he was six years old, and as a result he gets along better with senior citizens than kids his own age. He's homeschooled by the residents up until the day the county’s truancy officer shows up and announces that Dex has to go to a “real” school, to the local middle school.

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: Gordon Korman was always a go-to for me when recommending books to reluctant readers. He has an accessible, humorous style that kids easily connect with and this book is no exception. This fish-out-of-water story will leave readers howling with laughter while sneaking in some lessons along the way.

By Waka T. Brown

What it's about: Rick Kotani is looking forward to spending the entire summer playing baseball. Sure, his team never wins, but he's been practicing a special pitch he knows is going to land him a 400-million-dollar major-league contract . . . someday. That all changes when his mother throws a curveball of her own: Instead of playing ball in California, Rick will be heading to Oregon to help keep an eye on Grandpa Hiroshi while they move him to a retirement home. Trading no-hitters to be a babysitter? Rick is beyond bummed.

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: Baseball, friendship, family obligations, and a cross-country adventure give plenty of hooks for readers to grab onto in this perfect summertime read.

By Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino
Illustrated by Sarah K. Turner

What it's about: Trent and Sawyer make their Besties series debut with a bang and a crash! These two friends never back down from a challenge, whether it presents itself at the skate park or in the school hallway, but will that determination get them in over their heads?

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: The next book in a favorite series is always an easier sell, but even readers unfamiliar with Kayla Miller will be sold by the title and cover alone.

By Ahn Do

What it's about: When disaster separates Gwen from her family, she must fend for herself, all alone in the wilderness. Luckily, she’s not alone for long… After a wolf puppy, a Labrador, a Chihuahua, and a greyhound save her life, Gwen discovers talents she didn’t know she possessed.

Why it's perfect for reluctant readers: This is the first book in a new series filled with black and white illustrations to break up the text. The author is a comedian and it shows in this thrilling and entertaining survival novel.