Madison Library District

Choice Awards

Junior fiction NOMINEES FOR 2026

Nominees

Book cover for Thursday by Eva Amores and Matt Cosgrove

Thursday by Eva Amores and Matt Cosgrove


Have you ever had a bad week? Justin Chase sure has, and THIS is it!

Monday was mortifying, Tuesday was tumultuous, Wednesday was wild, but now it’s . . . THURSDAY!

Justin’s utterly unwanted celebrity status sees his most embarrassing moments being beamed around the globe! But it’s a case of mistaken identity, creating a kidnapping kerfuffle, that will truly test our hapless hero to his limits.

book 4 in the Worst Week Ever! series

Book cover for Fuecoco, I Choose You! by Maria S. Barbo

Fuecoco, I Choose You! by Maria S. Barbo


The new Pokémon Trainers are here! Join Liko, Roy, and their friends and Pokémon pals as they sail toward adventure on an airship steered by Captain Pikachu! They work to discover the mysteries of Pokémon — as well as the mysteries of a special pendant Liko was given by her grandmother, which seems to hold great power. Get ready for the start of something big!

part of the Pokémon series

Book cover for Amy Looks Before She Leaps by Callie Barkley

Amy Looks Before She Leaps by Callie Barkley


When Amy finds a stray cat who’s blind, she throws all her time and effort into caring for her. She even wants to skip sleepovers with the Critter Club! But eventually, Amy discovers that the cat can do lots of things on her own, too. It’s time for the Critter Club to help the cat find a new, loving forever home.

book 29 in The Critter Club series

Book cover for Cat on the Run in Hidden Layers! by Aaron Blabey

Cat on the Run in Hidden Layers! by Aaron Blabey


Princess Beautiful, the world’s most famous cat, works to clear her name while facing off against Thaddeus Cash, the evil mastermind who has brainwashed the world using social media.

book 3 in the Cat on the Run series

Book cover for Bulldozer's Big Rescue by Elise Broach

Bulldozer’s Big Rescue by Elise Broach


Bulldozer is shy when it comes to making new friends and nervous about starting school. But when he meets his new neighbor Millie and her little brother Jay, Bulldozer embarks on a daring adventure to rescue a stranded cat. With the help of his own machinery—and a plate of freshly baked cookies—Bulldozer overcomes his fears just by being himself.

The beloved team of Elise Broach and Kelly Murphy are back with a compelling new series about an endearing bulldozer living in a human world. Each book contains five chapters, perfect for emerging listeners learning how to read on their own.

book 1 in the Bulldozer and Friends series

Book cover for The Secret of the Lost Gold by Rebecca Elliot

The Secret of the Lost Gold by Rebecca Elliott


In this eleventh book in the USA Today bestselling Unicorn Diaries series, a terrible storm ruins homes all across Sparklegrove Forest.

Bo and the unicorns go to the castle to seek help from Queen Juniper. They learn there is an ancient spell that can restore everyone’s homes. But in order to perform that spell, they need to find a cave of ancient gold that is guarded by a mythical creature. Will Bo and the other unicorns be able to save the forest?

With full-color artwork throughout and plenty of smiles, your young reader won’t be able to put this book down!

book 11 in the Unicorn Diaries series

Book cover for Growing Home by Beath Ferry

Growing Home by Beth Ferry


Ivy is the beloved houseplant of young Jillian Tupper of Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, much to the constant dismay of Toasty the goldfish, who is technically the family pet—swimming in his special place of honor, the antique octagonal fish tank—and should be the most loved. It seems that’s how the cookie (or cheese puffs, in Toasty’s case) crumbles in the curious Tupper household, but soon a sequence of thrilling and magical events challenges that way of life forever.

First, there’s the arrival of Arthur, a knowledgeable spider with a broken leg and a curious mind, hidden in an old typewriter. Then Jillian throws everyone for a loop when she brings home dear, sweet Ollie, a school houseplant who just wants to be friends and sing. When Toasty splashes the plants with his tank water out of frustration, the friends learn that they can do magical things—like lift heavy objects and turn things invisible!

It turns out Toasty’s fishtank isn’t just for fish; it was made by a curious inventor who gave it special powers that, in the wrong hands, could disrupt everything forever. And a curious man with purple shoes just so happens to want that tank at any cost. Can Ivy, Toasty, Arthur, and Ollie grow to be friends in time to work together to save their beloved Tupper family from utter ruin?

Book cover for Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Gigabot! by Thomas Flintham

Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Gigabot! by Thomas Flintham


Super Rabbit Boy is ready to enjoy a relaxing day off until meanie King Viking shows up at his door. King Viking has a giant problem – his biggest robot ever, the Gigabot has been stolen. Now the robot thief is taking the Gigabot straight toward Animal Town! King Viking can’t stop the Gigabot on his own, so he has no choice… he has to ask Super Rabbit Boy for help! Will Super Rabbit Boy find a way to stop the giant Gigabot? And who is the robot thief?

book 16 in the Press Start! series

Book cover for Sunflower Hour by Poppy Green

Sunflower Hour by Poppy Green


All summer long, Sophie Mouse has been looking forward to the one golden hour when the sunflowers are in their best bloom. She has even planned a whole picnic to celebrate! But no one seems as interested in the sunflowers as Sophie is. How can she convince everyone to stop and smell the flowers?

book 22 in The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series

Book cover for I'm a Poet and I Know It! by Dan Gutman

I’m a Poet and I Know It! by Dan Gutman


To celebrate National Poetry Month, Ella Mentry School will have a schoolwide poem-writing contest, and all the students have to enter. There’s just one problem. A.J. has no time for rhymes!

But when an amazing secret prize is revealed, will A.J. be inspired to write a winning poem? And can he beat Little Miss Know-It-All Andrea—the best poet in school?

book 12 in the My Weird School Special series

Book cover for Carrot Chaos by Kit Holliday

Carrot Chaos by Kit Holliday


Squeak, squeak! What could be better than a dress-up costume? A guinea pig in a dress-up costume! Welcome to the world of Sparkle Pigs!

Muffin and Ziggy are complete opposites; they have no chance of becoming friends. That is, until the two guinea pigs discover a door at the back of their new hutch. A door…or is it a portal?

Once they cross the threshold, Muffin and Ziggy are whisked off to Piggieland, where no guinea pig is complete without the perfect party outfit. Feather boa? For sure! Cape? Born to wear one!

But the residents of Piggieland need help, and Muffin and Ziggy are just the pigs for the job. They’ll have to come together if they want to succeed!

book 1 in the Sparkle Pigs series

Book cover for It's Now or Nether! by Caleb Zane Huett

It’s Now or Nether! by Caleb Zane Huett


Morgan, Ash and the rest of the team discover that their new friend Eek has travelled into the dark and dangerous Nether alone. Well, not exactly alone—there’s a hostile skeleton that Eek thinks is his friend following him every step of the way!!! To make matters worse, in the real world, the team gets stuck in detention, leaving Ash to go after Eek alone.

book 2 in the Minecraft Ironsword Academy series

Book cover for Running Hot and Cold! by Caleb Zane Huett

Running Hot and Cold! by Caleb Zane Huett


When the Evoker King transformed himself into the Evoker Kid, a total noob who only wants to experience everything the world of Minecraft has to offer, he didn’t leave a clue as to what he wanted Harper and her friends to do. Now that the the team is closer than ever to facing the Ender Dragon.

Harper takes it upon herself to figure out their whole plan down to the last detail—but she doesn’t know how they’re going to make it work with the odds stacked against them. Everything starts to feel overwhelming, especially since they don’t really know what will happen to Eek after they beat the Ender Dragon.

book 3 in the Minecraft Ironsword Academy series

Book cover for Superstitions of The Scottish Play by Carolyn Keene

Superstitions of “The Scottish Play” by Carolyn Keene


When Ned is cast in a stage production of Macbeth, led by the famous but peculiar director Bear Larouche, Nancy volunteers to help with the set. She’s also allowed to sit in on a few rehearsals, where she gets an earful from the director about theater: never say “Macbeth” out loud—only refer to it as “The Scottish Play”—never wear blue, no peacock feathers onstage, and so on.

The play is off to a promising start until Ned breaks the most important rule and accidentally says “Macbeth” in the theater. And then accidents begin happening during rehearsals. It quickly goes from odd to scary, and the director is ready to cancel the show.

Nancy might not believe in superstition, but she does believe in intuition, and hers is telling her that the cause behind these incidents isn’t a curse, but someone in the cast. It’s up to her to find out who before opening night.

book 26 in the Nancy Drew Diaries series

Book cover for Sky Battles by Kieran Larwood

Sky Battles by Kieran Larwood


ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE? It’s time to fight or take flight!

Kit can hardly believe he’s now a professional Dungeon Runner. With his teammates Sandy and Thorn, they set off to a city in the clouds to compete.

But with new dangers at every turn, Kit and his friends will need their wits and bravery to take on enemies as well as monsters. Are they ready for the big leagues? There’s only one way to find out!

Have you got what it takes to survive the Dungeon?

Now is your chance to prove it!

book 2 in the Dungeon Runners series

Book cover for A Minecraft Movie by David Lewman

A Minecraft Movie by David Lewman


Based on the best-selling video game of all time, A Minecraft Movie brings the action to life as stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Emma Myers are transported inside the world of Minecraft, where they will have to avoid exploding creepers, battle dangerous piglins, and learn the arts of building, crafting, and creating to survive. This junior novelization retells the whole exciting story and features a full-color eight-page insert of images from the movie!

part of the Minecraft series

Book cover for Ash the Blaze Dragon by Maddy Mara

Ash the Blaze Dragon by Maddy Mara


Ash is returning to the Magic Forest, with her friends Maya and Eloise. There, they are able to turn into amazing Fire Dragons and use their special powers to protect the creatures there.

The Chaos Queen is still determined to take over the forest, no matter the cost. Ash must harness all her bravery to lead a quest into the Fire Realm. If she and her friends don’t work quickly, the realm will cool completely—and be lost forever!

book 17 in the Dragon Girls series

Book cover for Etta Flies High by Maddy Mara

Etta Flies High by Maddy Mara


Welcome back to the Magic Forest!

It’s almost time for the fairies’ favorite spring event-the Midblossom Ball. But something isn’t right with the Forever Tree. It’s starting to wilt, and none of the fairy wands are working properly! Etta and the other Alpha Wings must travel to the Wandmakers for help.

The forest can be dangerous, though, and they need to watch out for Serpentina, the ancient snake spirit. Will the Alpha Wings be able to fix their wands and save everyone’s magic?

book 5 in the Forever Fairies series

Book cover for Maya the Ember Dragon by Maddy Mara

Maya the Ember Dragon by Maddy Mara


We are Dragon Girls—hear us roar!

Maya is returning to the Magic Forest with her friends Eloise and Ash for an important quest. When the girls transform into powerful Fire Dragons, they become the hope that the animals there desperately need.

Beating the Chaos Queen is far from an easy task, however. Maya must take charge and work with her friends to save the land and the creatures they love before it’s too late.

book 18 in the Dragon Girls series

Book cover for Get Well, Pug by Kyla May

Get Well, Pug by Kyla May


Bub is so excited to perform in Bella’s pet choir with Duchess and Luna. But then Bub hurts his leg and he has to wear a BIG BAD CONE! He’s crushed that the cone doesn’t match his costume. Can Bub’s friends convince him that the show must go on?

book 12 in the Diary of a Pug series

Book cover for Sea Otter Sunrise by Mary Pope Osborne

Sea Otter Sunrise by Mary Pope Osborne


It’s bright and early when the magic tree house spins Jack and Annie to Monterey Bay, California. It’s their mission to collect sea urchins in the underwater kelp forests! But they know nothing about collecting sea urchins—can a grouchy boat captain help them? Maybe.

But Jack and Annie have another problem when Annie finds a badly injured sea otter. They’re not supposed to help the otter . . . but it’s the right thing to do. Can they convince the grouchy boat captain to help them?

book 40 in the Magic Tree House series

Book cover for Troubling Tonsils! by Aaron Reynolds

Troubling Tonsils! by Aaron Reynolds


Jasper the Rabbit is back! A little older and wiser, he collects creepy stories to share as cautionary tales. If you’re ready for some chills and chuckles alike, tune in as Jasper weaves the yarn of Charlie Marmot and the particular pickle he found himself in.

See, Charlie here has a his tonsils have become infected and have to come out. No biggie, right? But when he decides he wants to keep them in a jar for show and tell, things get creepy… First, strange slurping sounds in his room keep Charlie awake the night before his surgery. Then, he goes to the doctor only to be told his tonsils are already gone! Could it be they’re out for revenge?

part of the Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales! series

Book cover for Blast From the Past by Geronimo Stilton

Blast From The Past by Geronimo Stilton


When you’re with Geronimo Stilton, it’s always a fabumouse adventure!

Geronimo and Trap set out to open their own vintage store. Amongst their inventory is a very special jacket. But someone wants to steal it! Can Geronimo keep it safe?

book 84 in the Geronimo Stilton series

Book cover for Say My Name! Say My Name! by R.L. Stine

Say My Name! Say My Name! by R.L. Stine


Something fishy is going on!

What happens when a talking fish, a runaway dog, and a heard of hog-like creatures descend on the woods behind Cody Brachman’s house? An abosolute nightmare! His friend Sam wanted to stay inside and play video games all day, but Cody insisted they go wading in the creek.

What starts as a fun morning in the water quickly turns into the scariest day the two friends have ever experienced. If Cody can’t figure out why everything is going wrong, he’s worried he won’t live to swim another day!

book 4 in the Goosebumps House of Shivers series

Book cover for Revenge of the Raccoons by Susan Tan

Revenge of the Raccoons by Susan Tan


Ember is convinced that trash cans are evil. They’re big, scary, and super mysterious. So, when Ember comes face-to-face with a pair of raccoon sisters who are stealing things from all the trash cans, he knows they’re up to no good! Will Ember and the other pets be able to stop the sneaky raccoons from taking over the neighborhood, one trash can at a time?

book 7 in the Pets Rule! series

Book cover for Magic of the Wizard Dragon by Tracey West

Magic of the Wizard Dragon by Tracey West


Zoltan the wizard is now a Wizard Dragon! As a dragon, he plans to free the evil wizard Maldred. Drake and Worm meet Zoltan’s son, Wolfgang, who wants to help stop his father! So Drake, Worm, and Wolfgang travel to Barga, where they meet an Earth Dragon named Kinguq and her Dragon Master Nanu. Kinguq and Nanu guard a secret door to the powerful Earthquake Dragon, called the Naga. It is also where Maldred is trapped. Can Drake, Wolfgang, and Nanu stop Zoltan from opening the door? What will happen if Maldred gets released?

book 29 in the Dragon Masters series

Book cover for Night of the Dream Dragon by Tracey West

Night of the Dream Dragon by Tracey West


Evil wizard Zoltan has entered the Dream World without permission. He is searching for the Dream Fountain. Anyone who drinks from it can make their dreams real! With the help of Mamu, a Dream Dragon, and her Dragon Master Kishar, Drake and Worm chase after Zoltan in the Dream World. Can the Dragon Masters stop the wizard before he reaches the fountain? And what is Zoltan’s evil plan?

book 28 in the Dragon Masters series

Book cover for The Emerald Egg by Kayla Whaley

The Emerald Egg by Kayla Whaley


E IS FOR EMU EGG . . .

Crack that case! While visiting her cousin in Australia, Abbi learns that a valuable carved emu egg has been stolen. Who is the thief? Could it be Abbi’s aunt who hates the egg? Or the visiting couple who likes to collect rare items? Or. . . is it Abbi’s favorite cousin? With the help of her friends, Abbi and her friends, Lydia and Daniel, will crack this case wide open!

book 5 in the A to Z Animal Mysteries series

Book cover for The Mystery at Emerald Pond by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

The Mystery at Emerald Pond by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver


When the Pond Squad is invited to participate in the Emerald Pond Games, they can’t wait to compete. Playing sports, making new friends, and spending time with Maxwell—Emerald Pond’s cool mallard duck—sounds like a perfect afternoon to Willow. But when Maxwell mysteriously disappears in the middle of a game, the animals know something’s wrong.

With all the strange plastic items floating around the pond, Willow is sure Maxwell is in danger. Fortunately, Detective Duck is on the job, solving these puzzling mysteries before they get out of hand and destroy another habitat! The Pond Squad will have to work together to clean up their environment and rescue Maxwell in this charming new mystery.

book 3 in the Detective Duck series

Book cover for Search for the Silver Shell by Robin Yardi

Search for the Silver Shell by Robin Yardi


More than anything, Princess Finn and her friends, Moon and Link, want to become Coral Keepers — mermaid magicians sworn to protect the Queendom of Anjeea. Finn is a shark magician, but she is struggling to pass her shark-magic test. And now, an evil magician named Rozaro is plotting to steal the throne! Only the power of the Silver Shell can stop him. Can Finn master her shark magic, find the magical shell, and protect Anjeea?

book 1 in the Coral Keepers series

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