(Photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Hello, dears, and welcome back! What are you reading this week? There’s so much out there. Let’s explore.

• “Camp Twisted Pine” is a cool new young adult novel, written by the talented and irrepressible Ciera Burch. I’ve been a fan of Burch’s since “Finch House,” (WM review is posted here) and this latest title is another hit. The writing is real, natural and engaging. “Camp Twisted Pine” ties together family conflict, friendship and its challenges, a summer camp in the Pine Barrens, and the Jersey Devil. Wait, what…?!? Naomi (not Nomi, thank you) is big sister to twin brothers Aman and Omar, and they don’t know that their parents are thinking of divorce. Naomi does, though, and is worried. Lots of interesting secondary characters. Nothing in this book is an afterthought or included just for the heck of it. It’s a great read, highly recommend (Margaret K. McElderry Books/ Simon & Schuster, ages 8 and up, 259 pages, $17.99).
• “Being Home,” by Traci Sorell (author) and Michaela Goade (illustrator) is my pick of the week. It’s moving day for a smart and creative young Cherokee girl, and that means many things: leaving the only city she’s ever called home, being with family and starting a new, big, unknown life. (Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $18.99.) I appreciate the author’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail with this story. This picture book’s art is gorgeous, with movement and joy.
• Oliver Jeffer’s “Where to Hide a Star” is a new story about friendship, loss, hide and seek, and Martians. This is the latest in Jeffer’s series, which started with the picture book “Lost and Found.” (Philomel/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $22.99.)
• “The Royal in You” is a vivid, stirring new book about an age-old topic: Jesus, God’s love, and the pearly gates. Beautiful art and a fine story. (WaterBrook/Multnomah; scheduled for release Oct. 22, 2024; by Jordan Raynor, with art by Jonathan D. Voss; all ages; 48 pages; $12.99.)

Disclaimer: All of the books reviewed today were sent to me free to review. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM