Keeper of the Lost Cities kicks off an expansive fantasy series with strong world-building, fast pacing, and a compelling protagonist. Shannon Messenger draws readers in quickly with intrigue, relatable emotions, and just enough humor to balance the turbulence of a high-stakes plot.

Einstein the Penguin blends adventure, mystery, and humor into a wholesome middle-grade story — even if the more outlandish moments create a few loose ends that may nag at more discerning readers. Along the way, the children gain lessons in self-confidence, responsibility, honesty, and friendship. Smitten readers will be glad to know there’s a full series of adventures.

The Night Animals is a tender, at times raw, narrative with lots of emotions for middle-grade readers to explore. The underlying message is one of hope, reducing the stigma in seeking help for mental health struggles or bullying.

Set around the time of the Civil War, Pony is a middle-grade fiction novel that gives younger readers a taste of history while still engaging them in an intriguing, mystical story. For children who are firmly entrenched in the fantasy genre, Pony and its paranormal twist provide an easy bridge to historical or realistic fiction.

One common parenting struggle is dealing with tantrums, moody teenagers, or just feeling at a loss on how to help sensitive kids through big emotions. Starting at a young age and extending through the teenage years, there are a number of books that you can read to kids that will help them strengthen their emotional intelligence and develop stronger emotion coping skills. This list recommends five books to have on hand in your home library to help kids to navigate their feelings, develop empathy, and increase their emotion coping skills.