Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: White House Clubhouse

White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien

“In this book, Marissa and Clara live in the White House. Ever since their mom got elected, they have had Secret Service agents following them around. When they finally get a break, they find a secret room that helps them travel in time. Join their adventures. 9/10. Fun to read!” — Allison H., age 13

Marissa and Clara’s mom is the newly elected president of the United States, and they haven’t experienced much freedom lately. While exploring the White House they discover a hidden tunnel that leads to an underground clubhouse full of antique curiosities, doors heading in all directions—and a mysterious invitation to join the ranks of White House kids. So they sign the pledge.

Suddenly, the lights go out, and Marissa and Clara find themselves at the White House in 1903. There they meet Quentin, Ethel, Archie, and Alice, the irrepressible children of President Theodore Roosevelt. To get back home, Marissa and Clara must team up with the Roosevelt kids “to help the president” and “to make a difference.”

Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: Spy School Goes North

Spy School Goes North by Stuart Gibbs

“This is the 11th book in the Spy School series. In this book, Ben Ripley and his friends are training in the Alaskan wilderness. Cyrus Hale gets kidnapped by his old Russian nemesis and Ben and his friends need to develop a plan to save him. I rate this book at 9/10. It is an amazing story because of the action. For 10- to 12-year-olds.” — James C., age 11

In the eleventh book in the New York Times bestselling Spy School series, Ben Ripley goes on a rescue mission when one of his own is abducted from a remote Alaskan training facility.

Ben Ripley and his friends are training in Alaska when Cyrus Hale is kidnapped by his old Russian nemesis. Ben, Erica, and the others mount a rescue mission, but events quickly spiral out of control in a plot involving the secret history of US-Russian relations, a young KGB agent with skills to rival Erica’s—and lots and lots of bears.

Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: The Evers: Forever Twelve

The Evers: Forever Twelve by Stacy McAnulty

“This is an amazing fantasy-ish book. The Evers are a group of four kids who are twelve -- forever. 70 years ago, one of them vanished. Now, in the present day, a girl shows up to the school they go to, and she looks exactly like the missing Ever. What will happen? Ages 10-12.” — George G., age 11

At the elite West Archer Academy, all the students are gifted, but four are exceptional. Though the Evers look twelve, they're actually centuries old, possessing knowledge and talents that make them extraordinary. And boarding school is the perfect cover for their brilliance -- and their secret. 

It's supposed to be a typical year in the anything-but-typical lives of these "kids" . . . until Ivy Stewart shows up. She resembles an Ever who went missing more than seventy years ago. And Ivy could be the key to unlocking their curse. 

But ambitious Ivy is at West Archer to achieve her own extraordinary goals, and nothing will distract her. Or so she thinks! With the desperate Evers determined to find answers, and her former classmate -- and laid-back cool guy -- Ronan determined to protect her, Ivy soon finds herself swept up in a mystery ony she can solve. 

Will her life be changed forever . . . and ever?

Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: Thieves' Gambit

Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

“When 17-year-old master thief Ross’s mom gets kidnapped, Ross enters the Thieves’ Gambit. It turns her world upside down as she tries to follow her #1 rule: Trust No One. This was an amazing thriller/adventure book. I would give it a 10/10. It does have cursing and some love elements so I would recommend it for ages 12+. I loved the book.” — Nima M., age 11

At only seventeen years old, Ross Quest is already a master thief, especially adept at escape plans. Until her plan to run away from her legendary family of thieves takes an unexpected turn, leaving her mother’s life hanging in the balance.

In a desperate bid, she enters the Thieves’ Gambit, a series of dangerous, international heists where killing the competition isn’t exactly off limits, but the grand prize is a wish for anything in the world—a wish that could save her mom. When she learns two of her competitors include her childhood nemesis and a handsome, smooth-talking guy who might also want to steal her heart, winning the Gambit becomes trickier than she imagined.

Ross tries her best to stick to the family creed: trust no one whose last name isn’t Quest. But with the stakes this high, Ross will have to decide who to con and who to trust before time runs out. After all, only one of them can win.

Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: The Stupendous Switcheroo

The Stupendous Switcheroo by Mary Winn Heider and Chad Sell

“A boy who loves this one superhero, Vin Valor! One day, the boy wakes up to his slippers floating. But it wasn’t his slippers controlling it, it was him! I recommend this book for kids who like adventure. I think 7-8 years old would suit this book.” — Lyle V., age 8

The morning of his mom's business trip, Switcheroo wakes up to discover he has telekinesis. Which is super convenient when he has to give his babysitter-robot the slip to fight crime all day. But it's less convenient when he's recruited to fight crime again the next day, only to realize he can no longer move objects with his mind. Instead, he can talk to cats! Fun, but not nearly as useful. A new superpower every day should be exciting, right? What could possibly go wrong?