These exciting novels about middle school go beyond the classroom, exploring kids’ talents, fears, strengths, home lives, and dreams. Mónica Mancillas’ Salva (Sing it Like Celia) finds a sense of belonging and closeness through her love of “salsa queen” Celia Cruz. In Marissa Moss’ Talia’s Codebook for Mathletes, a sixth grader navigates a passion for math and a friendship that’s changing unexpectedly. Kekla Magoon’s The Blue Stars Series, Mission One: The Vice-Principal Problem introduces Riley and Maya, who move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma. They join student council, but their school culture is threatened by an influential foe larger than the school. And Nicole Chen’s Lily Xiao Speaks Out follows a grunge-loving Taiwanese American tween who must use her voice to fight for ESL support at her school. Moderated by librarian Yesica Hurd.