Children’s / Teenage fiction: Religious and spiritual stories

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Book SynopsisAn engrossing and thoughtful contemporary tale that tackles faith, friendship, family, anxiety, and the potential apocalypse from Katie Henry, the acclaimed author of Heretics Anonymous.There are many ways the world could end.Trade Review“Henry writes witty dialogue, creates complicated characters, and treats different religious beliefs with sincerity and respect... This one’s a gem.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A rare YA novel in its approach to religious faith as a life-giving, if complicated, aspect of a young adult’s life... Ellis is a protagonist to root for.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A whip-smart and compelling protagonist who grapples with deep questions about the nature of belief, identity, and control... One of the few YA titles with a Mormon protagonist... Humorous dialogue and richly developed supporting characters add to the appeal.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “As Ellis learns to consider the hopeful alongside the negative scenarios, the story rushes toward its intriguing, suspenseful conclusion... A too-rare, well-rounded portrayal of a religious adolescent, from the author of Heretics Anonymous.” — The Horn Book “Henry treats Ellis’ faith with respect and sensitivity while still realistically depicting her struggles to find love and acceptance of herself in a community that is not always supportive of LGBTQ+ individuals... the final few chapters send the reader on a satisfying rollercoaster.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Praise for Heretics Anonymous: “With a page-ripping plot and realistic character development, Henry’s funny, heartwarming tale of unlikely rebels soars: an auspicious debut.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Most impressive here is Henry’s multifaceted take on religion. Come for the arch first-person narrative and puppy love, stay for the examination into belief.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) “In addition to being a frequently hilarious comedy with its share of complicated romance, the story presents a thought-provoking look at faith, questioning but ultimately respectful of Catholicism and other beliefs.” — Horn Book Magazine “The story adeptly asks readers to question what they believe and why, without being preachy, judgmental, or dismissive. Humor interlaced with more serious ideas make for an interesting and enjoyable read. Highly recommended, especially for teens who are passionate about a cause.” — School Library Journal “In this entertaining coming-of-age story, five free-thinking students launch a clandestine campaign against their school’s rigid policies and practices, with unanticipated consequences. Snappy dialogue sparkles throughout this skillfully crafted debut.” — Publishers Weekly “Genuine and heartfelt doctrinal questions arise in between the pranks and the conversations Michael has with his new friends, allowing both believing and nonbelieving readers to find their way into this exploration of the way feelings about family and faith intersect. A balanced perspective of possibilities of faith and skepticism.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisAn engrossing and thoughtful contemporary tale that tackles faith, friendship, family, anxiety, and the potential apocalypse from Katie Henry, the acclaimed author of Heretics Anonymous.There are many ways the world could end.Trade Review“Henry writes witty dialogue, creates complicated characters, and treats different religious beliefs with sincerity and respect... This one’s a gem.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A rare YA novel in its approach to religious faith as a life-giving, if complicated, aspect of a young adult’s life... Ellis is a protagonist to root for.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A whip-smart and compelling protagonist who grapples with deep questions about the nature of belief, identity, and control... One of the few YA titles with a Mormon protagonist... Humorous dialogue and richly developed supporting characters add to the appeal.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “As Ellis learns to consider the hopeful alongside the negative scenarios, the story rushes toward its intriguing, suspenseful conclusion... A too-rare, well-rounded portrayal of a religious adolescent, from the author of Heretics Anonymous.” — The Horn Book “Henry treats Ellis’ faith with respect and sensitivity while still realistically depicting her struggles to find love and acceptance of herself in a community that is not always supportive of LGBTQ+ individuals... the final few chapters send the reader on a satisfying rollercoaster.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Praise for Heretics Anonymous: “With a page-ripping plot and realistic character development, Henry’s funny, heartwarming tale of unlikely rebels soars: an auspicious debut.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Most impressive here is Henry’s multifaceted take on religion. Come for the arch first-person narrative and puppy love, stay for the examination into belief.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) “In addition to being a frequently hilarious comedy with its share of complicated romance, the story presents a thought-provoking look at faith, questioning but ultimately respectful of Catholicism and other beliefs.” — Horn Book Magazine “The story adeptly asks readers to question what they believe and why, without being preachy, judgmental, or dismissive. Humor interlaced with more serious ideas make for an interesting and enjoyable read. Highly recommended, especially for teens who are passionate about a cause.” — School Library Journal “In this entertaining coming-of-age story, five free-thinking students launch a clandestine campaign against their school’s rigid policies and practices, with unanticipated consequences. Snappy dialogue sparkles throughout this skillfully crafted debut.” — Publishers Weekly “Genuine and heartfelt doctrinal questions arise in between the pranks and the conversations Michael has with his new friends, allowing both believing and nonbelieving readers to find their way into this exploration of the way feelings about family and faith intersect. A balanced perspective of possibilities of faith and skepticism.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisIn A Ceiling Made of Eggshells, Newbery Honor-winning author Gail Carson Levine tells a moving and ambitious story set during the expulsion of Jews from Spain, about a young Jewish girl full of heart who must play her own role in her people’s epic history—no matter the sacrifice.Trade Review"Heart pounding and heart wrenching in equal measure." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Infusing her title with historical details about costume, food, and customs, Newbery Honoree Levine (Ella Enchanted) deftly conveys the obstacles facing the Jewish community under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.... Loma memorably navigates tumult and danger, bravely taking control of her destiny." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Inspired by family history, Levine’s latest novel offers a fascinating portrayal of Loma as a shy, conciliatory, intelligent child whose unusual upbringing leads to broad understanding and insights into power. The first-person narrative uses details of daily life to bring the period more sharply into focus for readers, while the appended author’s note offers further information. A well-researched historical novel from an accomplished storyteller." — Booklist "Levine skillfully juxtaposes the larger religious battles taking place in Spain with Loma’s dreams for her future. This story of adventure and bravery under unstable circumstances will appeal to mature readers who enjoy historical fiction and tales of courage." — School Library Journal (starred review) "Loma is a girl very much of her time and place in valuing family and faith above all, and her honest voice, transparent frustrations, and growing agency make for a satisfying character arc against a dark yet intriguing slice of history." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Rich descriptions in Paloma’s first-person narration make for an immersive experience of her palpably precarious situation." — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Shveta Thakrar spirits you away to a richly imagined dream of a fantasy!” — Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow “Utterly unique, The Dream Runners uses magnificent world-building to explore how much of our own stories we can change.” — Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here “The Dream Runners is a novel greater than the sum of its (already vast and sparkling) parts—an emotionally resonant and supremely satisfying read.” — Camille DeAngelis, Alex Award–winning author of Bones & All “Multifaceted characters, a splash of romance, and complex, intriguing worldbuilding deliver an engaging fantasy read.” — Publishers Weekly “A lush fantasy.” — Kirkus Reviews Praise for Star Daughter: "Take a journey to the heavenly courts in this luscious, shimmering fantasy, so dripping with beauty and imagination you’ll want to eat it with a spoon.” — New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor "My favorite tales are the ones that sneakily draw you out of one world and slip you into the next. This is one of those. I emerged from Star Daughter dusted with constellations and wonder. Thakrar's imagination is a feast for the senses." — Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen and The Gilded Wolves “Nothing short of dazzling.” — Booklist "Absolutely magical and captivatingly lyrical." — Sandhya Menon, New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi “Shveta Thakrar's prose is as beautiful as starlight.” — Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author “An enchanting story about love, family, finding your voice, and searching for home. Thakrar’s sparkling command of language weaves magic on every page. This book is a joy, and will speak to anyone who yearns to belong.” — Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn and Kingsbane “A magical debut full of wonder, wit, myths, and adventure. Reading Thakrar's words is like swimming through the most beautiful imagination—every page is a delight." — Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire "A gorgeously written tale of magic and family, of finding and fighting for your place, Star Daughter has a heart that shines as brilliantly as its celestial court." — S. A. Chakraborty, author of the bestselling Daevabad Trilogy “Full of wonder and enchantment. Thakrar has crafted an excellent story about the power of the younger generations to carve their own path amidst the traditions and expectations of their elders.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Shveta Thakrar’s writing shines as bright as any star." — Laura Sebastian, New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Princess series “Luminously beautiful, with a mythic heart.” — Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand “Absolutely magical. Thakrar weaves her words so tightly around you that you are completely immersed in her world, a victim of its lyrical starsong.” — Ellen Oh, author of the Prophecy series and editor of A Thousand Beginnings and Endings “Radiant. Readers will be enchanted by Sheetal and the starry court.” — Kristen Ciccarelli, internationally bestselling author of The Last Namsara “A wondrous delight, Shveta Thakrar’s debut is a feast for the senses." — Cindy Pon, author of Want and Serpentine “Star Daughter is a love letter to every desi girl wanting to believe in her own magic.” — Tanaz Bhathena, author of A Girl Like That and Hunted by the Sky “A dreamy, diasporic, diverse fantasy. A story about stars, yes—and about family, friends, falling in love, and finding your voice, your place. Places. A shimmering debut.” — Tanuja Desai Hidier, author of Born Confused and sequel Bombay Blues “A luminous debut. Star Daughter’s sparkling coming-of-age tale of transformation and love is among the best kinds of fantasy: one that reminds us to reach for the stars while keeping our feet firmly on the ground.” — Fran Wilde, Nebula Award-winning author of The Bone Universe series and Riverland “A stunning tale of self-acceptance, family, and liminal spaces.” — Jacqueline Koyanagi

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Book SynopsisA sweet rhyming picture book that reminds young readers that to make their dreams come true—“a spoonful of faith is all it takes!”—from debut author-illustrator Jena Holliday.Trade ReviewAn uplifting, rhyming picture book offering food for the soul. — Kirkus Reviews An evergreen topic of one family’s coping, with sweet illustrations. — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisIn this utterly gripping thriller, Sarah, the fearless heroine of indie bestseller Orphan Monster Spy, hunts a rogue German doctor in Central Africa who might be a serial murderer.It's 1940, and Sarah Goldstein is hiding in plain sight as Ursula Haller, the Shirley Temple of Nazi high society. She helps the resistance by spying on Nazi generals at cocktail parties in Berlin, but she yearns to do more. Then the spy she works for, the Captain, gets word of a German doctor who's gone rogue in Central Africa. Rumors say the doctor is experimenting with a weapon of germ warfare so deadly it could wipe out entire cities. It's up to the Captain and Sarah to reach the doctor and seize this weapon--known as the Bleeding--before the Nazis can use it to murder thousands. Joining them on their journey, in of the guise of a servant, is Clementine, a half-German, half-Senegalese girl, whose wit and ferocity are a perfect match for Sarah's. As they travel through the areas now k

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