#5. "Dog Man Unleashed" by Dav Pilkey

From the writer of "Captain Underpants" comes the latest story in his spin-off Dog Man series. For those unfamiliar, Dav Pilkey likes his humor rich with lowbrow slapstick and play on words. In the first "Dog Man" novel, he explored an origin that had enough off the wall humor to suggest that this character couldn't only rival his biggest hit, but maybe could take on a life of its own. Of course, the first novel was too sloppy to be just that, but "Dog Man Unleashed" may officially show the half-dog/half-man/all hero character as something greater. In an absurd yet focused story, "Dog Man" comes to life with an assurance that is a vast improvement over the original as well as villains that are possibly even greater than before. This is everything that a sequel should be, let alone for something as ridiculous as "Dog Man."

#4. "From the Mississippi Delta" by Endisha Ida Mae Holland

There have been many books about the Civil Rights Movement over the years. Many have detailed important moments in American history. However, there's likely few that open with passages as staggering as Endisha Ida Mae Holland's memoir. Before the audience has time to understand the world of young Ida, nicknamed Cat, there is a humiliating moment where her mother, nicknamed Ain't Baby, chastises her for wetting the bed. It's enough to suggest that the novel to follow won't be a serious and heartfelt exploration into one woman's life in Mississippi, but what follows is more than that. It's a story of redemption, heartbreak, and admiration for those who made a difference in our lives, no matter how minuscule the effort may be.

#3. "Dog Man" by Dav Pilkey

It may be hard to believe, but Dav Pilkey has been the renegade author of an adult superhero who flies around in underpants for 20 years. In 2013, the "Captain Underpants" series became the most banned book in American schools (yes, even beating S&M fiction like "Fifty Shades of Grey") for being insensitive and juvenile. It only makes sense then that its latest spin-off "Dog Man" has a certain obsession with the low brow jokes and sloppy animation. To add further subtext, the series was created by two characters, of whom are chastised for their crude humor. Yet for those willing to put pretensions aside, what Pilkey has created yet again is a delightful, bizarre, and just plain fun superhero riff that doesn't take itself too seriously. Is it the best book ever? Not even by Pilkey's standards. Yet it's hard to deny that "Dog Man" at least has a good time with what it has, and your willingness to go along will determine your own mileage.