The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness

 Haidt, Jonathan. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness. 2024. 400p. ISBN 9780593655030. 

Adolescent mental health always fluctuates, but back in the early 2010s a sudden and dramatic decline appeared in the statistics. Teens, especially girls, were suddenly facing increased rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide, and this phenomenon took place across many countries, not just the United States. The Anxious Generation argues that this mental health crisis is directly linked to the decline of a "play-based childhood," which began in the 1980s and was ultimately replaced by a "phone-based childhood" in the early 2010s. This shift, which arises with the invention of the iPhone and other smartphones, has interfered with the social and neurological development of children through various mechanisms, including sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, loneliness, and addiction.

The Anxious Generation explores the specific impacts of social media on adolescents, explaining why girls tend to be more negatively affected than boys, while boys are increasingly withdrawing into virtual worlds. Beyond diagnosing the problem, the author provides a clear call to action, offering four simple rules to help combat this epidemic, including banning phones in schools and increasing the amount of time children spend in unstructured play. The Anxious Generation outlines practical steps that parents, schools, tech companies, and governments can take to restore a healthier childhood environment and improve the well-being of the next generation.

An eye-opening study of our modern society, The Anxious Generation gives the readers a roadmap to improving mental health for our teens, and restoring some sanity to our polarized society.

Murdle, Jr.: Sleuths on the Loose

Karber, G. T. and Chris Grabenstein. Murdle, Jr.: Sleuths on the Loose. Book 1 of the Murdle Jr. Mysteries series. 2025. 353p. ISBN 9780316582254.

On a cloudy afternoon at Sacred Kidney private school's playground, junior detective Jake, proudly sporting her hard-earned detective badge, is poised to confront Brick, the school's biggest bully alongside her sidekick, Sterling, who has been threatened with the dreaded Cincinnati Twist. Their planned showdown is abruptly interrupted by a scream emanating from the library. The children are certain they heard Miss Saffron the librarian, but upon arriving at the scene, they find the library full of books but no sign of Miss Saffron. What happened? 

Jake seizes this mystery with both hands, and enlists a reluctant Brick along with sidekick Sterling to investigate Miss Saffron's disappearance. Despite the adults present in the library remaining silent, Jake, is determined to uncover the truth. Forming an unlikely alliance sealed with a pinky promise, this trio sets out to unravel the mystery of Miss Saffron's disappearance and solve the crime at Sacred Kidney before someone else gets hurt!

Score Out

Tores, Melisa. Score Out. Book 6 of the Perfect Balance Gymnastics series. 2023. 243p. ISBN 9781958613139

Carmen Alvarez is new to competitive gymnastics, and her Level 4 season is off to a rocky start, plagued by mistakes and falls. Despite her hard work, she faces a significant hurdle: she must achieve an All-Around score of 34.00 to qualify for Level 5 and follow her friends to the next level. As her season draws to a close, Carmen grapples with the possibility of not reaching this coveted score, leading her to wonder if she can convince her family and coaches to allow her one last chance at another meet, and if she'll be able to score out if she gets there.

Set within the world of gymnastics, the Score Out features relatable characters who face age-appropriate challenges, exploring the significant life lesson of persevering. Carmen is empowered girls by discover ing her own inner strength.

The Secret Library

Magoon, Kekla. The Secret Library. 2024. 384p. ISBN 9781536230888.

Since her grandpa's death, eleven-and-a-half-year-old Dally's life has become dull and restricted, with her exacting single mother already preparing her to take over the family business. Craving adventure, Dally uncovers a mysterious envelope her grandpa had left for her, containing a map. This map leads her to an ancient vault—a library of secrets where each book acts as a portal to a specific moment in time. Dally eagerly "checks out" various adventures, including an exhilarating outing with pirates, which soon leads her to delve into her family's hidden history.

As Dally escapes the demands of her present life by visiting this magical library daily, she discovers that the library itself harbors its own secrets and intentions, which could shape her future as profoundly as her mother's meticulous plans. This masterful middle-grade fantasy skillfully blends mystery and adventure, exploring a biracial child's journey to understand her identity alongside the legacy of the past. The narrative is praised for its crackling prose, playful plot twists, and timeless themes, offering a satisfying read that revolves around Dally's pivotal choice between her pre-ordained path and the allure of the unknown.

Geo's Fortune

Mucha, Amy. Geo's Fortune. 2025. 272p. ISBN 9781682636718.

At 13, Geo has lived with her goth mother her whole life. Her father died when she was very young, so ever since then it's been the two of them against the world. When her mother needs to secure employment to avoid foreclosure on the house, Geo suddenly sees that her life could change irrevocably, since her mother cannot find work locally. With a move on the horizon, Geo is in urgent need of money, so she decides to start a fortune-telling business with her best friend Lana. Using Lana's rock collection as props, Geo launches herself into interpreting what the rocks say about people who pick them, despite having no belief in psychic powers or knowledge of rocks and crystals. Geo is content to offer fake fortunes to anyone willing to pay, prioritizing quick cash over genuine mystical abilities. 

However, Geo's seemingly harmless scheme takes an unexpected turn when her fabricated predictions begin to mysteriously come true. Her friends quickly become convinced of her psychic abilities, a notion Geo desperately tries to refute. She firmly believes in logic and dismisses concepts like psychic powers, healing energies, or manifesting. Now, she's left questioning her own beliefs as her fake fortunes manifest into reality, challenging her rational worldview. Can Geo figure out what is happening to her before she goes too far?

A delightful tale, all of the characters in Geo's Fortune are realistically portrayed. Geo is insecure but knows how to get things done. Lana doesn't want to lose her best friend. Feather is spacey and out there, but she brings a passion and an explanation to the story. Fans of friendship stories will appreciate Geo's efforts to avoid moving and start a new life elsewhere.

It Found Us

Currie, Lindsay. It Found Us. 2023. 288p. ISBN 9781728259499.

Twelve-year-old Hazel Woods, a budding detective, finds herself unexpectedly drawn into a terrifying mystery when her friend Everett mysteriously vanishes after a game of hide-and-seek in the local cemetery. Hazel and her brother, Den, begin to uncover a series of eerie clues, including whispered counting, the scent of smoke, and a chillingly cold presence that seems to follow them. 

As they delve deeper, they realize that Everett's disappearance may be connected to the cemetery's dark history and the lingering spirits of its past. Hazel, with her keen observational skills and unwavering determination, must decipher the cryptic clues and uncover the truth before it's too late for Everett. 

This spooky mystery explores themes of friendship, loss, and the lingering power of the past, inviting readers to join Hazel on a thrilling and suspenseful journey to save her friend and unravel the secrets of the haunted cemetery.

Montgomery Bonbon: Mystery at the Manor

Becket-King, Alasdair. Montgomery Bonbon: Mystery at the Manor. Book 3 of the Montgomery Bonbon series. 2025. 288p. ISBN 9781536241686.

As her keen alter-ego, Montgomery Bonbon, Bonnie Montgomery takes on the crucial task of delivering a priceless diamond to Adderstone Manor, the residence of the renowned, now-retired master thief, Fergus Croke. However, the situation quickly escalates when Croke is discovered dead mere hours later. Suspicion immediately falls upon each of his four protégés, all of whom are seasoned criminals themselves. This presents a unique challenge for even the brilliant Bonbon: with every suspect being a known crook, discerning the true culprit becomes an intricate puzzle.

With the assistance of Grampa Banks and an unexpectedly undercover best friend, Bonbon dives into the investigation. It doesn't take long for her to unravel a web of hidden identities and discover a multitude of motives. The mystery also leads her to a rather peculiar hedge maze populated by monkeys, adding an eccentric twist to the case. The pressing question remains: can Bonbon and her team unmask the killer before they strike again or disappear without a trace?

Fans of light mysteries will enjoy this action-packed adventure. 

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez

Paulino, Jasminne. The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez. 2025. 304p. ISBN 9780593859315.

Seventh-grader Alex Ramirez is captivated by space, spending his free time watching rocket launch videos with his Papi and immersing himself in the NASA website. His ultimate dream is to become an astronaut, a goal he knows will require rigorous study. However, Alex's aspirations are continually thwarted by his placement in the school's SC (self-contained) classroom, where he faces the monotony of repetitive worksheets and outdated reading materials. This segregation prevents him from joining Ms. Rosef's mainstream science class, which Alex believes is the crucial first step on his journey to NASA.

After hearing "not yet" from his teacher for what feels like the millionth time, Alex resolves to take matters into his own hands. Determined to prove his capabilities, he embarks on a mission to convince everyone—his teachers, parents, and schoolmates—that he is indeed capable of extraordinary achievements and is ready to pursue his goals of becoming an astronaut.

Fans of main characters overcoming limitations placed on them will appreciate Alex's efforts to overcome a system that deems him not able to fully participate. Alex feels real, and his issues, though subtle, subtly influence the way the story evolves without being front and center. 

Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods… in Our Own Words

Campbell, Jen, editor. Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods… in Our Own Words. 2025. 368p. ISBN 9780571380022.

This book serves as an anthology that explores the experiences of growing up with a disability. It features twenty-two autobiographical stories from some of the most celebrated writers within the disabled community. Directly addressing the often isolating nature of childhood disability, Owning It acknowledges that even with supportive loved ones, it's rare to have peers facing similar challenges—until now, through the shared narratives in this collection.

These powerful, firsthand accounts cover a wide range of experiences, from navigating school sports and the awkwardness of receiving unsolicited free items, to balancing hospital visits with a burgeoning social life. For disabled children, this anthology offers a much-needed sense of companionship and recognition. For non-disabled children, it provides an invaluable own-voice perspective, fostering empathy and understanding. It's truly a powerful and essential book that fills a significant void.

The Big Splash

Ahn, Angela. The Big Splash. Book 2 of the Julia on the Go! series. 2025. 176p. ISBN 9781774882078.

Julia and her Vipers swim team are thrown into disarray when their beloved Coach Marissa has to leave due to a family emergency. She is replaced by the stern and humorless Coach Nathan. His strict methods, devoid of any fun, lead to discontent among the team, with some members even quitting. To add to their woes, Coach Nathan tasks them with organizing a car wash fundraiser in a very short time, a task met with little enthusiasm.

However, the team's perspective shifts when they discover that an impending increase in pool rental fees threatens their practice time and even the team's existence. Julia steps up to lead the fundraising efforts, rallying the Vipers to action. In the process, she gains a deeper understanding of her perceived nemesis, Olivia, and the seemingly cold Coach Nathan. This experience teaches Julia that initial judgments can be misleading, and that working together can lead to unexpected discoveries and stronger team bonds.

Dust

Bowling, Dusti. Dust. 2023. 304p. ISBN 9780316414234.

Avalyn, who moved to Clear Canyon City, Arizona, ten years ago for its dry air after a near-fatal asthma attack, finds her ability to breathe freely threatened by the arrival of Adam. Adam, a quiet and disheveled new student, immediately becomes a target for the bullies who have long tormented Avalyn and her friends. As Avalyn gets to know him, she begins to suspect a supernatural connection between his emotional state and the sudden, strange increase in dust storms plaguing the town.

The situation escalates as massive black walls of dust begin to roll in after school, hinting at more severe problems in Adam's home life. Avalyn is faced with the daunting task of standing up for her new friend, a decision that could have profound implications for her own well-being, as her very ability to breathe seems to depend on it. 

While the premise offers an intriguing blend of supernatural elements and social commentary, the execution struggles to fully develop the emotional depth of Avalyn's connection to Adam's powers, leaving the magical realism feeling underdeveloped in favor of the interpersonal drama. Readers will still appreciate this tale of resilience and will cheer Avalyn on as she tries to help another person who really needs it!

Stinetinglers 4: 3 Chilling Tales by the Master of Scary Stories

Stine, R.L. Stinetinglers 4: 3 Chilling Tales by the Master of Scary Stories. 2025. 224p. ISBN 9781250367952.

Stinetinglers 4 presents a collection of chilling tales set in the town of Hollow Hills, each focusing on young protagonists facing sinister situations. In the first story, Tony's passion for old comics leads him into dangerous territory, threatening his very existence. In the second story, Kylie navigates a summer job at a pet store, where the more gruesome inhabitants begin to have a disturbing influence on her. Finally, in the third story, Teddy suspects his new substitute teacher harbors a monstrous secret, forcing him to weigh the risks of revealing the truth against enduring Mr. Howell's wrath.

Characteristic of R.L. Stine's signature blend of humor and nightmarish fun, Stinetinglers 4 aims to deliver scares and reinforce Stine's legacy in the horror genre. The individual stories, though promising in premise, sometimes feel constrained by their short format, potentially leaving readers wishing for more developed plots and deeper explorations of their unsettling magical elements.

The Trouble with Heroes

Messner, Kate. The Trouble with Heroes. 2025. 368p. ISBN 9781547616398.

Finn Connelly, a struggling seventh-grader, feels overshadowed by the heroic legacy of his late father, a star athlete and firefighter who died two years prior. Finn's life takes an unexpected turn when he's caught on camera vandalizing a cemetery, specifically kicking down the headstone of a legendary local mountain climber. Instead of punishment, the climber's daughter offers Finn an unusual proposition: if he climbs all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks with her deceased mother's dog, his debt will be considered paid.

Over the course of three months, Finn embarks on a journey filled with misadventures, muddy trails, and surprising mentors. As he conquers each peak, the expansive views offer him clarity, slowly helping him understand himself and his father better. However, the mountains hold their own challenges, and with September approaching, Finn faces a final summit that proves to be a formidable test, potentially exceeding even a hero's capabilities.

In the Trouble with Heroes, Finn comes to terms with his father's death, and learns forgiveness and letting go. Fans of redemption stories will love to read about Finn growing up and gaining valuable insights about his own life.

Noise

Raymundo, Kathleen. Noise. 2019. 28p. ISBN 9781793189530. Available at GFX RAY on the library shelves. 

Cathryn is entering 7th grade. She cherishes her solitude and manages to secure an empty seat on the school bus on the first day of school. Unfortunately, a talkative little 4th-grade boy named Tyler is in the seat right before hers, and, after introducing himself, keeps interrupting her for tools like paper, pencil, and scissors. When he asks her for a balloon, Cathryn's temper flares, and she tells him to stop interrupting her.

Based on a true story, Noise explores the unexpected joy found in unlikely connections. Their contrasting personalities set the stage for a unique relationship that unfolds against the backdrop of their daily lives. Short and beautifully illustrated, this story demonstrates how these two characters, despite their initial differences, come to find happiness and fulfillment in each other's company. It's a tale that celebrates the beauty of human connection and the surprising ways in which people can bring light and meaning into each other's lives, even when they least expect it.

Stargazing

Wang, Jen. Stargazing. 2019. 213p. ISBN 9781250183880. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

When Moon moves in her family's accessory dwelling, Christine meets a girl that is her polar opposite. Moon is bold, spontaneous and artistic, which is a stark contrast to Christine's own personality, despite their shared Chinese-American upbringing in the same suburb. An unexpected friendship blossoms between the two, which quickly evolves into a deep bond where they share intimate moments and dreams, including plans for the school talent show. Moon even confides in Christine about her visions of celestial beings who suggest her true home lies beyond Earth.

However, their seemingly idyllic friendship faces a sudden and unforeseen crisis. Christine, who has grown reliant on Moon's vibrant and supportive presence, is suddenly faced with the challenge of being the steadfast friend Moon now desperately needs when she is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Will Christine step up and provide the necessary support and strength for Moon during this difficult time?

Beautifully illustrated, Stargazing explores the true depth and resilience of a connection between friends. Both Christine and Moon are realistic characters who face growing pains and whose friendship evolves. 

Please Pay Attention

Sumner, Jaime. Please Pay Attention. 2025. 240p. ISBN 9781665956079

Bea Coughlin's life is irrevocably altered by a school shooting that claims the lives of three of her school mates and her 6th grade teacher, dividing her existence into a stark "Before" and "After." Struggling to cope with the overwhelming grief and the sense of helplessness she experienced in her wheelchair during the tragedy, Bea finds herself disconnected from the wave of activism that sweeps through her community. The marches and protests, while well-intentioned, fail to alleviate her internal turmoil, leaving her feeling isolated in her grief.

Seeking solace and healing, Bea discovers the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding. Through her interactions with the horses, she gradually begins to reconnect with herself, her adopted mother, and  she rediscover a sense of normalcy. As her emotional wounds begin to heal, Bea finds her voice and the courage to advocate for change, transforming her personal trauma into a powerful force for action. She moves beyond her initial feelings of helplessness to become a driving force in the fight against gun violence.

What Fell from the Sky

Cuevas, Adrianna. What Fell from the Sky. 2025. 304p. ISBN 9780374390457.

Pineda Matlage, a middle schooler in rural Texas, finds his life turned upside down when the U.S. Army descends upon his town for a supposed training exercise. However, Pineda knows the real reason for their presence: he's secretly harboring an alien creature he named Luisa who crash-landed in his barn. He's promised to help Luisa find her family, but the army's occupation, complete with checkpoints and surveillance, makes this task seem impossible. Pineda soon discovers the army's true motive: to capture and study the alien visitors for their own purposes.

Enlisting the aid of his friends, a sympathetic Black soldier navigating a newly integrated army, and a group of disgruntled townspeople, Pineda embarks on a daring mission to protect his alien friend and reunite her with her parents. This unlikely alliance finds themselves caught in a high-stakes adventure, challenging the authority of the U.S. government and uncovering a conspiracy that extends far beyond their small town. The people of Lariat, united by their shared determination, will face unexpected dangers and forge extraordinary bonds in their fight for justice and understanding as they seek to free Luisa and her parents.

The City of Lost Cats

Lloyd Kyi, Tanya. The City of Lost Cats. 2025. 288p. ISBN 9781774882108.

Fiona, struggling to adjust to life with her distant Aunt Tanis and her slimy boyfriend Dex after her parents' death, finds solace in an abandoned mansion filled with stray cats and birds. She discovered the mansion while skipping on summer dance classes. When the mansion is threatened with demolition, Fiona is determined to save it, seeing it as a symbol of finding a safe home, a feeling she deeply understands. However, the mansion's feline residents, led by the self-proclaimed "King" Cot, and prowling black cat Piper, have their own agenda, suspecting the newly arrived birds are behind the demolition threat.

As the demolition begins, Fiona seeks help throughout her community while the cats clash over their preferred methods of dealing with the situation. Cot wants to expel the birds, while Piper believes she can intimidate the demolition team. The birds, meanwhile, simply long to return to their original home. Fiona realizes that saving "The City" will require more than just her efforts; she must unite the disparate animals and rally her community to stop the luxury condo development and create a better future for everyone.

Right Back at You

Mackler, Carolyn. Right Back at You. 2025. 240p. ISBN 9781338734218.

Mason, a contemporary teenager living in New York City, is grappling with his parents' separation and bullying at school. He writes a personal letter to Albert Einstein as part of a class assignment. Frustrated, he impulsively throws the letter into his closet. The next day, he receives a reply, not from Einstein, but from Talia, a girl living in 1987. Talia faces her own set of challenges, including antisemitic bullying from her classmates, and feels betrayed by her supposed friends.

Talia, finding herself isolated and needing someone to confide in, discovers an unexpected connection with Mason, a boy from the future. Their correspondence becomes a lifeline for both of them, offering solace and understanding across the barriers of time. They form a unique bond, sharing their struggles and offering support, proving that even across decades, shared experiences of isolation and the need for connection can forge a powerful friendship.

Readers who enjoy time travel stories will appreciate the communication and support both Mason and Talia gain from becoming friends. 

 

Friends Forever

Hale, Shannon and Leuyen Pham, illustrator. Friends Forever. Book 3 of the Friends series. 2021. 304p. ISBN 9781250317568. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following an eventful sixth grade year in Best Friends, Shannon, an eighth grader, is navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, where everything feels increasingly complex and ever-changing. She's struggling with the social pressures of her peers, who are beginning to date while she remains on the sidelines, and she constantly battles an underlying sense of unhappiness. Despite her efforts to appear cheerful, Shannon grapples with insecurities and undiagnosed depression, leading her to question if there's something fundamentally wrong with her.

Haunted by the fear of disappointing those who care about her, Shannon embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She questions her identity and seeks to understand who she truly wants to be, rather than conforming to the expectations of others. Through their relatable storytelling and heartfelt illustrations, the authors create a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages, offering a message of self-acceptance and reassurance that everyone is inherently worthy.