Worcester Public Library Children’s Librarians are on a quest to talk about all of our favorite books of 2025! Let’s look at all of the chapter books we loved this year.

Medusa by Katherine Marsh

After a terrible day at school, Ava and her brother, Jax, are sent to Venice to attend a boarding school, Accademia del Forte. There, Ava discovers that she and all of her classmates are descendants of the monsters from Greek Mythology. This is a brilliant, feminist twist to the classic myth of Medusa, and it is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson.

Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar

Set in 1960s New York City, Ruthie is stuck in bed in a full body cast after a car accident. While she knows she is lucky to be alive, she is also lonely; Ruthie begins collecting stories from her Jewish grandparents, from her friends, and from her Mexican neighbor, who teaches her about Frida Kahlo. This poetic and insightful novel is engaging despite mainly occurring within the confines of Ruthie’s bedroom.

Tagging Freedom by Rhonda Roumani

Cousins Samira and Kareem were raised in different worlds: Samira is from Massachusetts and Kareen is from Syria. When Kareem is sent to live with Samira, they do not understand each other at first but find common ground in their love of art. This is an inspiring story about activism, family, and art.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

Eleven-year-old Ellie Montgomery-Hofstein has created her unspoken “Fat Girl Rules” from her experience being bullied both at school and at home. Through support from her new neighbor, her father, and her therapist, Ellie finds the strength to stand up for herself. This is a powerful novel-in-verse about acceptance and self-advocacy.

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

In this timely and charming novel interspersed with illustrations, Pocket leads the Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where discarded toys are given an opportunity to be loved by Elizaveta and her daughter, Dasha, refugees from Ukraine. The story addresses the importance of friendship, themes of loyalty and survival, and the concept of war though an accessible lens.

The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri

This beautifully crafted historical novel introduces readers to a lesser-known front of World War II, Iran. Recently orphaned thirteen-year-old Babak and his younger sister, Sana, decide to retrace their father’s path as a teacher among the Bakhtiari nomads. The story offers readers a profound lesson in the power of communication, cross-cultural understanding, and kindness.

The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall

Following in the footsteps of many McKinnon women before her, Gwen finds her purpose in the children's room of the library named after her family as she helps tiny creatures called Lahdukan relocate when their home is threatened. In this work of magical realism, readers will enjoy the mystical world of the Lahdukan and find a special connection in how the small creatures can only be seen by children. 

Once for Yes by Allie Millington

The narrator of this unique, lyrical novel is an old apartment building, the Odenburgh, whose residents—including 11-year-old protagonist Prue—are working to save it from demolition. Prue mourns her sister’s death and carries unanswered questions about the accident that took her life. The story explores themes of loss, connection, and community.

The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell

In the second volume of the Impossible Creatures illustrated fantasy series, Christopher Forrester and Princess Anya work together to help save the ancient dragons who are dying in the Archipelago and free Anya's father, who has been imprisoned after being accused of poisoning the king. Although part of a series, this exciting, sweeping story can be read as a stand-alone book. 

Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner

In this powerful novel-in-verse, sixth-grader Bea, who uses a wheelchair, survives a school shooting. Bea must figure out how to navigate a world where she no longer feels safe and turns to equine therapy to try to heal. The author does not downplay Bea's experiences and emotions, and the verse format aids readers in processing the story piece by piece.