Book Lists

Chapter Books & Middle Grade, Novels & Graphic Novels

5/9/2020

Middle Grade and Chapter Book fiction is booming in both prose and graphic form! Whether it's hilarious, insightful, silly, spooky, heartwarming, or all of the above, young readers are lucky enough to be living in a golden age of children's books. These high-interest novels and graphic novels are sure to delight kids... but if you're a grownup and you want in on the fun, that's cool, too. ;-)

These spring 2020 releases are posted in order of release date, and are either brand new, or will be available very soon at bookstores and online. Please support your favorite bookstores and your local economy if you can! Click on the book jackets for links to Bookshop.org, which directly helps local bookstores.

DERBY DAREDEVILS #1: KENZIE KICKSTARTS A TEAM
by Kit Rosewater &
illus by Sophie Escabasse;
Abrams; March 24, 2020

Ever since they can remember, fifth-graders Kenzie (aka Kenzilla) and Shelly (aka Bomb Shell) have dreamed of becoming roller derby superstars... With lots of humor and an authentic middle-grade voice, book one of this illustrated series follows Kenzie, Shelly, and the rest of the Derby Daredevils as they learn how to fall--and get back up again. Age 8-12

BIRD & SQUIRREL:
ALL OR NOTHING!
by James Burks
Graphix; April 21, 2020

Squirrel helps Bird overcome his biggest challenge yet -- FAMILY!

While dealing with the scorching desert heat and dirty tricks from another team, Bird and Squirrel are put to the ultimate test of endurance and sportsmanship. Along the way, the duo learns that, win or lose, having good friends and family will always get you to the finish line. Age 7-10

RICK
by Alex Gino
Scholastic; April 21, 2020

From the award-winning author of George, the story of a boy who needs to explore his own identity apart from his jerk of a best friend.

Rick's never questioned much. He's gone along with his best friend Jeff even when Jeff's acted like a bully and a jerk. And he hasn't given his own identity much thought, because everyone else around him seemed to have figured it out. But now he's gotten to middle school, and new doors are opening... Age 8-12

FRIGHTVILLE:
#1: DON'T LET THE DOLL IN
#2: CURSE OF THE WISH EATER by Mike Ford;
Scholastic; May 21, 2020

For fans of GOOSEBUMPS!

Welcome to Frightville: One-stop shopping for all your fears!

In book 1, "Don't Let the Doll In" - a pretty doll turns out to be pretty haunted. In book 2, "Curse of the Wish-Eater", a set of chattering teeth grants wishes the hard way...
Age 7-10

GERONIMO STILTON: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL!
Book 1: The Sewer Rat Stink
by Tom Angleberger
Scholastic; May 5, 2020

"Fresh, funny, and fast-paced. The free-style artwork and anything-goes story will make kids want to write and draw their own books!" -Dav Pilkey

A stinky smell is taking over New Mouse City! No mouse can live like this! Geronimo and his best friend Hercule, the private detective, head underground into the sewer world of Mouse Island to investigate. Can they save the city from the stench? Age 7-10

AMERICAN AS PANEER PIE
by Supriya Kelkar
S&S; June 5, 2020

An Indian American girl navigates prejudice in her small town and learns the power of her own voice in this brilliant gem of a middle grade novel full of humor and heart, perfect for fans of Front Desk and Amina's Voice.

As the only Indian American kid in her small town, Lekha Divekar feels like she has two versions of herself: Home Lekha, who loves watching Bollywood movies and eating Indian food, and School Lekha, who pins her hair over her bindi birthmark and avoids confrontation at all costs, especially when someone teases her for being Indian.

When a girl Lekha's age moves in across the street, Lekha is excited to hear that her name is Avantika and she's Desi, too! Finally, there will be someone else around who gets it.... Age 8-12

Civics & Social Studies

4/15/2020

From environmental activism and stewardship of our planet, to governance and democracy -- from economics, to immigration, to community-building -- there is so much for young citizens to learn about our world and how they can appreciate it, protect it, engage with it, and change it.

These titles are all either brand-new or forthcoming soon, and can be purchased at your favorite bookstore. Click on the book jackets for more info!

THANK YOU, GARDEN
by Liz Garton Scanlon & Simone Shin
S&S - 3/3/2020

A community garden unites children and neighbors in this celebration of all the things that grow there, from flowers and fruits to friendships. This ode to friendship, community, and working together for a better world will have young readers gathering their friends young and old to plant something together.

WHEREVER I GO by Mary Wagley Copp & Munir D. Mohammed
S&S - 4/21/20

A hopeful and timely picture book about a spirited little girl living in a refugee camp.

Filled with hope, love, and respect, Wherever I Go is a timely tribute to the strength and courage of refugees around the world.

CITIZEN BABY: MY PRESIDENT by Megan E. Bryant, Daniel Prosterman & Micah Player - PRH - 5/5/20

What does the president do all day? Citizen Baby knows! Learn all about the most powerful person in the world from the most powerful person in the household.

WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS by Carole Lindstrom & Michaela Goade
Macmillan - 3/17/20

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption—a bold and lyrical picture book about one young water protector who takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.

DIRT CHEAP
by Mark Hoffmann
Knopf - 4/21/20

Anyone, of any age, can be a great entrepreneur!

"A terrific treatise for early financial literacy that subtly teaches about worth determination, pricing structures, coin values, marketing techniques, and the reward of hard work, all supported by a delightful story with a round-headed protagonist in amusingly huge, face-swallowing glasses and itty-bitty pigtails."--Booklist

CITIZEN BABY: MY CONGRESS by Megan E. Bryant, Daniel Prosterman & Micah Player - PRH - 5/5/20

How does Congress work? A house divided against itself cannot stand, and neither can Citizen Baby (yet!). Come along as Citizen Baby cuts through the partisan rancor to reveal the inner workings of the legislative branch.

THE NEXT PRESIDENT
by Kate Messner & Adam Rex - Chronicle 3/24/20

An inspiring and informative book for kids about the past and future of America's presidents. Right now—today!—there are at least 10 future presidents alive in America. They could be playing basketball, like Barack Obama, or helping in the garden, like Dwight D. Eisenhower. They could be solving math problems or reading books. They could be making art—or already making change.

Who will be the NEXT president? Could it be you?

CITIZEN BABY: MY VOTE by Megan E. Bryant, Daniel Prosterman & Micah Player - PRH - 5/5/20

Citizen Baby knows a thing or two about voting. It's important to meet the candidates (they love babies!) and to call voters. Plus, you get a sticker at the polls! Children and adults alike will enjoy learning about voting in this adorable, informative board book.

CITIZEN BABY: MY SUPREME COURT by Megan E. Bryant, Daniel Prosterman & Micah Player - PRH - 5/5/20

What makes the Supreme Court so supreme? Citizen Baby will consider the evidence and rule on what many consider to be the most powerful branch of government.

Historical and Modern Biographies

4/5/2020

Lots of kids LOVE reading real stories from history, and all about the lives of heroes. Introduce them to scientists, founding fathers, athletes, and everyday folks who did amazing things, with these biographies for a range of ages.

All of these titles are either brand-new or coming very soon. They should be available at your favorite online retailer -- we urge you to support your local independent bookstore if you are able to do so! Many bookstores are still shipping direct from their websites, or you can order from Bookshop.Org. Click the book jackets for more info or to find a copy of your own.

ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP by Annette Bay Pimentel & Nabi Ali - Sourcebooks - 3/10/20

This is the story of a little girl whose fight for Americans with Disabilities changed everything.
Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change--even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but the way the world around her was built made it hard to do even simple things. Like going to school, or eating lunch in the cafeteria. She convinced DC lawmakers to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act by climbing the steps of the Capitol building without her wheelchair!

A SPORTING CHANCE by Lori Alexander & Allan Drummond - HMH - April 7, 2020

Telling the inspiring human story behind the creation of the Paralympics, this young readers biography artfully combines archival photos, full-color illustrations, and a riveting narrative to honor the life of Ludwig Guttmann, whose work profoundly changed so many lives.

Dedicating his life to helping patients labeled “incurables,” Ludwig Guttmann fought for the rights of paraplegics to live a full life. The young doctor believed—and eventually proved—that physical movement is key to healing, a discovery that led him to create the first Paralympic Games.

JANE GOODALL: A CHAMPION OF CHIMPANZEES by Sarah Albee & Gustavo Mazali - HC - 3/17/20

Jane Goodall was the first person to study wild chimpanzees up close in a rain forest. She befriended the chimps and discovered amazing facts about their behaviors. What she learned forever changed how people look at these animals.
Jane Goodall: A Champion of Chimpanzees is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

BOX by Carole Boston Weatherford & Michele Wood, Candlewick - 4/14/20

This moving, lyrical tale about the cost and fragility of freedom follows the life of a man who courageously shipped himself out of slavery.

Henry Brown wrote that long before he came to be known as Box, he “entered the world a slave.” He was put to work as a child and passed down from one generation to the next — as property. When he was an adult, his wife and children were sold away from him out of spite. Henry Brown watched as his family left bound in chains, headed to the deeper South. What more could be taken from him? But then hope — and help — came in the form of the Underground Railroad. Escape!

MOST WANTED by Sarah Jane Marsh & Edwin Fotheringham, LB - March 24, 2020

John Hancock and Samuel Adams were an unlikely pair of troublemakers. Hancock was young and dashing. Adams was old and stodgy. But working together, they rallied the people of Boston against the unfair policies of Great Britain and inspired American resistance. And to King George, they became a royal pain. When the British army began marching, sending Hancock and Adams fleeing into the woods, the two couldn't help but worry--this time, had they gone too far?

G.O.A.T. - Serena Williams by Tami Charles - Sterling - Summer 2020

G.O.A.T. is an acronym that stands for Greatest Of All Time--and it takes lifelong dedication, nonstop hard work, and undeniable, unbelievable talent even to be considered for that honor. Serena Williams is the most decorated female tennis player of all time. Find out all about this powerhouse player and her dozens of amazing victories in this entertaining book that's packed with stats, sidebars, and details about the athlete's journey. Sports-crazed kids will love it.

Engaging STEM Stories

3/23/2020

Calling all young scientists and engineers! Here's a selection of terrific upcoming STEM books that everyone should check out.

Some of these titles are already out in the world, and the rest are coming VERY soon -- we urge you, if you are able, to order or pre-order from your local independent bookstore or Bookshop.Org, as these small businesses need our support during this difficult time.

Click on the book jackets for links and more info!

TRACKING PYTHONS
by Kate Messner
Millbrook - March 3, 2020

Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, so when one showed up dead along the side of a Florida highway in 1979, scientists wondered where it came from. No one knew the snakes had launched a full-scale invasion. Pet pythons that escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild, and these enormous predators began eating every animal in their path. Delve into the science of pythons and their role as invasive predators.

ROVER THROWS A PARTY
by Kristin L Gray & Scott Magoon
Knopf - March 31, 2020

In 2013, NASA programmed their Curiosity rover to hum "Happy Birthday to You" in honor of its first year on Mars. Inspired by this anecdote, this is the tale of a lonely rover and his party, accompanied by fascinating Mars rover facts that help explain the real science behind the story. This fun birthday tale provides an accessible, kid-friendly look at one of NASA's coolest programs.

LIBBY LOVES SCIENCE by Kimberly Derting, Shelli R Johannes & Joelle Murray - Greenwillow - June 9, 2020

Libby and her friends volunteer to run the science booth at their school fair and have some great ideas, but Libby does not always follow directions precisely. Includes a worksheet for each experiment mentioned!

SOLVE THIS: FORENSICS
by Kate Messner & Anne Ruppert
NatGeo - March 19, 2020

C.S.I. meets National Geographic in this forensics-filled adventure. Examine the evidence and consider the suspects to put your crime-solving skills to the test.

Calling all budding sleuths! Solve your way through each entertaining, imaginary G-rated mystery to explore the forensic science of investigating and analyzing evidence. You'll study smudges on a computer keyboard, dust for fingerprints, examine bite marks on a discarded snack, analyze toxicology tests on blood samples, and much, much more. Piece together the clues to see if you can solve each case.

MACHINES THAT THINK!
by Don Brown - Abrams
April 28, 2020

The BIG IDEAS series is a funny and accessible Graphic Novel series about science and history... Machines That Think! explores machines from ancient history to today that perform a multitude of tasks, from making mind-numbing calculations to working on assembly lines. Included are fascinating looks at the world’s earliest calculators, the birth of computer programming, and the arrival of smartphones. Contributors discussed include Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, Ada Lovelace, and Bill Gates. From the abacus to artificial intelligence, machines through the ages have pushed the boundaries of human capability and creativity.

Picture Books that Celebrate Nature

3/18/2020

School may be out for a while, but at least we can go outside and observe nature! Or... bring the outside in, with these beautiful new picture books. Learn facts about all kinds of animals, or take a virtual tour of a working farm. Contemplate the poetry of the trees, or the magic of the intertidal zone. Discover how species come back from near-extinction... and so much more.

Click on each book jacket to learn more about it and order a copy of your own. Each of these titles is either brand new or coming out in the next couple of months (publication dates are noted on each listing) -- we can't wait for you to read them!

We encourage you to support your local independent bookstore wherever possible; each of these titles can be ordered or pre-ordered at your retailer of choice.

IF WE WERE GONE
by John Coy & Leslie Capannelli - Millbrook 3/3/20

Water, air, sunlight, plants . . . we need these elements to live in this world. But does the world need us? And what would happen to the world if humans were gone?

TALES OF THE DAIRY GODMOTHER by Viola Butler & Ward Jenkins
FeedingMinds-3/17/20

With the help of his Dairy Godmother, Chuck is taken—poof!—on a memorable and delicious adventure to a dairy farm. He finds out exactly where ice cream comes from and gains an even deeper love and appreciation for his favorite food.

OUTSIDE IN by Deborah Underwood & Cindy Derby - HMH - 4/14/20

Outside is waiting, the most patient playmate of all. The most generous friend. The most miraculous inventor. This thought-provoking picture book poetically underscores our powerful and enduring connection with nature, not so easily obscured by lives spent indoors.

THE FARM THAT FEEDS US by Nancy Castaldo & Ginnie Hsu
Quarto - 5/19/20

Where does our food come from? What role do farms play? What’s it like to be a farmer? In this charmingly illustrated book, follow a farm throughout the year to discover how the farmer grows fresh and tasty food for us to eat in a sustainable and natural way.

BRINGING BACK THE WOLVES by Jude Isabella & Kim Smith
KidsCan Press- 3/3/20

An unintended experiment in Yellowstone National Park, in which an ecosystem is devastated and then remarkably rehabilitated, provides crucial lessons about nature's intricate balancing act.

DOWN UNDER THE PIER by Nell Cross Beckerman & Rachell Sumpter - CameronKids - 4/7/20

There’s lots of fun to be had up on the pier—the Ferris wheel, the rollercoaster, Skee-Ball and Whac-A-Mole, cotton candy, copper coins, the carousel. But it’s down under the pier, at low tide, where the real magic can be found. The best part? It’s free.

EAT YOUR ROCKS, CROC by Jess Keating & Pete Oswald - Orchard - 5/5/ 20

Dr. Sugar Glider travels around the world to help animals (and, on occasion, plants!) with all sorts of problems. Whether it's a crocodile with a sick stomach, a creeped-out krill, a stressed meerkat, or a male praying mantis trying to date, Dr. Glider is ready to offer advice!

GREEN ON GREEN by Dianne White & Felicita Sala - Beach Lane - 3/17/20

A child is on a colorful journey through the seasons, filled with yellow flowers and blue coral in spring and summer and orange pumpkins and green pine forests in fall and winter. All the while, there is another colorful change on the horizon—the birth of a new sibling.

IN THE WOODS by David Elliott & Rob Dunlavey - Candlewick - 4/7/20

The animals in the dark woods are secretive, their inner lives a mystery. The stealthy bobcat, the inquisitive raccoon, and the dignified bear waking up from his winter nap are just a few of the glorious animals featured in this clever collection of poems and woodland scenes.

WHEN THE STORM COMES by Linda Ashman & Taeeun Yoo - Paulsen - 5/26/20

When stormy skies threaten, people stock up on supplies, bring in their outside toys, and check the news for updates. And during the storm, if the power goes out, they can play games and tell stories by candlelight. But what do animals do? They watch and listen, look for a cozy den or some other sheltered spot, and hunker down to wait. After the storm, while the people are cleaning up their yards, making repairs, and checking on the neighbors, the animals emerge from their hiding places and shake off the rain. And everyone is happy to be out in the sunshine again, grateful for better weather and the company of friends.

Books for New and Forthcoming Humans

3/16/2020

Our talented authors and illustrators turn their attention to books for and about new babies!

These titles have either just hit stores, or will be released in Spring 2020. We encourage you to buy or pre-order these titles from your favorite retailer; you can click on the images below to see the books at IndieBound.com.

I LOVE MY TUTU, TOO! by Ross Burach - Scholastic - March 3, 2020

What's more irresistible than a pink tutu? Dancing in a pink tutu, of course, and inviting friends to join you!

* "A rollicking tutu lovefest." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

In this jubilant rhyming romp, a penguin, a bear, a toucan, and even a gnu (who knew?) are all wearing their tutus today. As a parade of other curious critters join the fun -- I know a ewe with a new tutu. You do? I do. Woo-hoo! -- the number of tutus grows, until they reach 10 tutus. Then it's time to dance!
Abundant alliteration and rollicking rhythms will have little ones laughing and dancing till they drop -- and joyfully learning to count along the way.

MAIL DUCK by Erica Sirotich
Abrams Appleseed - April 21, 2020

Come along on Mail Duck's delivery route for a day full of lift-the-flap surprises!

Mail Duck is delivering differently shaped packages to all his friends on his mail route. (Trudy likes triangles, and Harry likes hearts!) Lift the flaps to peek inside and guess what each friend received. Then head back to the post office for a big surprise: a thank-you celebration for Mail Duck planned by all his pals using the various packages they received throughout the story! There are plenty of sweet and silly details to unpack in this charming board book.

DO CATS MOO by Salina Yoon
Sterling - 5/12/20

Do cats moo? Do cats chow? All I know is cats go MEOW This novelty board book, with fun text and colorful illustrations, features adorable puppies, hamsters, and bunnies, as well as the cuddly title cat and other favorite pets. Kids will happily lift the flap on each big animal "mouth" to uncover what sound it makes.

MY DADDY AND ME by Linda Ashman & Jane Massey - Cartwheel - March 3, 2020

In the spirit of read-aloud family favorites like Guess How Much I Love You and I Love You Through and Through comes a fresh classic about the eternal love between father and child.

Daddy wakes before I rise.
Drinks his coffee. Rubs his eyes.
Sees me standing on the stair.
Picks me up. Smooths my hair.

Discover a poignant, heartfelt ode to the special love between father and child. From sharing a quiet moment over the comics section at breakfast, to playing at bathtime before tucking into bed, My Daddy and Me celebrates the day-to-day joys of fatherhood. With tender, rhyming text from Linda Ashman, and sweet, tender illustrations by Jane Massey, in a cuddly padded board format, this book is perfect for daddies everywhere -- who love and guide their little ones morning, noon, and night!

BORN by John Sobol & Cindy Derby
Groundwood Books - May 5, 2020

As she is born, the baby in this story goes through a time of intense movement and change before she takes her first breath and cries. Warm hands wrap her in a blanket, and she is held in loving arms. She has arrived!
Sobol captures the mystery and wonder of the birth experience in this deeply sympathetic tale. Reading this book together will enable children and their parents to celebrate the joy and emotional power of that remarkable moment.
Cindy Derby's soft, gentle illustrations beautifully complement the poem.

DO SHARKS BARK by Salina Yoon
Sterling - 5/12/20

Do sharks stamp? Do sharks stomp? All I know is sharks go CHOMP With flaps to lift that reveal the sounds each animal makes, this fun board book introduces preschoolers to singing whales, roaring polar bears, snappy crabs, and growling hippos, along with the chompy title shark and other popular creatures.

Book Lists

Chapter Books & Middle Grade, Novels & Graphic Novels

DERBY DAREDEVILS #1: KENZIE KICKSTARTS A TEAMby Kit Rosewater &illus by Sophie Escabasse;​Abrams; March 24, 2020

BIRD & SQUIRREL: ​ALL OR NOTHING!by James BurksGraphix; April 21, 2020

RICKby Alex GinoScholastic; April 21, 2020

FRIGHTVILLE: #1: DON'T LET THE DOLL IN#2: CURSE OF THE WISH EATER by Mike Ford; Scholastic; May 21, 2020

GERONIMO STILTON: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL!Book 1: The Sewer Rat Stinkby Tom AnglebergerScholastic; May 5, 2020

AMERICAN AS PANEER PIEby Supriya KelkarS&S; June 5, 2020