The Greatest Kid in the World by John David Anderson

 

Zeke Stahls is not the best kid in the world. Some days, he struggles just to be good. He'd rather be pulling pranks than doing extra credit, and he's too busy doing experiments on his little brother, or tormenting his older sister, Jackie, to volunteer for charity. Which is why Zeke and his family are SHOCKED when he is selected as a contestant in an online competition to find the World's         Greatest Kid!

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

 

This is a special book and a must read in my opinion! This is the book that I hope wins the Newbery Gold Medal for 2026!

Born during WWI, Pocket Bear was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier's jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always looked upward. That way his soldier could always see his good luck charm from home. Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial leader of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. Zephyrina is a cat and a thief and Pocket's best friend. This is an unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty and kindness, Pocket Bear reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible. 

~this was taken, in part, from the inside cover of the book