In October of 1859, American abolitionist John Brown led an attempted takeover of the federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia) with the intent to liberate the enslaved populations both there and to the south. This book, which speaks to James McBride’s incredible talent, is historical and humorous and all-around eye-opening.

A high-stakes thriller about the power of rediscovering a stolen history, Warrior Girl Unearthed is the second YA novel from Chippewa author Angeline Boulley. A compelling read, it will have you racing through late summer and early fall alongside many memorable characters as they navigate the intergenerational issues facing one Ojibwe community—in fiction and in life.

In The Night Circus, magic abounds both under and outside of the famous black and white striped tent. Set in the fall season and orbiting a dreamlike traveling circus–not to mention two dueling magicians!–this novel is vivid and winding in all of the best ways.