KIDS CHAPTER BOOKS
Benny on the Case by Wesley King is a heartfelt character-driven mystery featuring a neurodivergent male protagonist that explores friendship, belonging, and family. [-School Library Journal]
In Grace Lin’s The Gate, the Girl and the Dragon, a Stone Lion cub travels from the spirit realm into ours in order to save his world from a sinister force. Captivating, thrilling, and emotionally satisfying. [-Kirkus]
Clare is The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest, a lonely silver-tailed fox, who ushers animals’ souls into the Afterlife. When a mysterious badger spirit appears, Clare’s world is turned upside down. Aubrey Hartman’s tale is heartbreaking, marvelously funny, and generously redemptive. [-Kirkus]
William Samuels and his father leave their lives as sharecroppers in Texas to join the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush. Will’s Race for Home, by Jewell Parker Rhodes, is an edge-of-your-seat adventure survival story, as Will and his father face the dangers of violence and racism at every turn. [-Lauren]
KIDS GRAPHIC NOVELS
“I generally don’t like to recommend sequels, but Beetle & the Chimera Carnival by Aliza Layne is an exception. The first book in the series was so delightful and heartfelt, I waited eagerly for the sequel. The wait was well worth it. Just as heartfelt as the first, Layne really captures how scary and monstrous it feels to be a tween girl. And not just in the fact that Beetle is a literal goblin.” [-Eliza E]
If there’s one thing that can bridge the human/undead divide, it’s donuts. Dracula’s Brunch Club by Brian Gonsar is a friendly, funny vampire story with a little bit of bite. [-Kirkus]
In Gus Gordon’s Into the Bewilderness, best friends Luis (the large furry one) and Pablo (the small furry one) decide to venture from their cozy home into the Big City. It doesn’t go at all well for the two rustic cabin mates – but luckily, they have each other. [-Kirkus]
In A Song for You & I by Kay O’Neill, two young people travel their own paths to personal authenticity. A sweet and thoughtful rumination on the joy of being one’s true self. [-Kirkus]
KIDS NONFICTION
Through Squamish language and cultural traditions, learn about Indigenous plant relationships and how we are all connected to nature in The Land Knows Me: A Nature Walk Exploring Indigenous Wisdom by Leigh Joseph and illustrated by Natalie Schnitter. [-publisher]
In My Presentation Today Is About the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon Tok, translated by Nancy Forest-Flier and illustrated by Annemarie van Haeringen, hilarity ensues when animals give class presentations about other animals. A brilliant use of anthropomorphic animals, serving up facts and entertainment. [-Kirkus]
“Much like she does in her adult nonfiction book (Marsha), in One Day in June: A Story Inspired by the Life and Activism of Marsha P. Johnson (illustrated by Charlot Kristensen), author Tourmaline tells Johnson’s story for younger audiences and contextualizes her legacy amidst today’s movements for Black Lives and trans liberation. I needed tissues for this one!” [-Nico]
Author Patricia Morris Buckley (Kahnawá:ke Mohawk) and illustrator E.B. Lewis (Lenni-Lenape) pay tribute to the courage and perseverance of Iroquois steelworkers in To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering Cities. [-Kirkus]
Explore more of our favorite Kids books of the year, here:
Happy Reading and Sharing!