A new school year is the perfect time to dive into new books! Here is a list of new recommendations for children and teens as they gear up to go back to school.
Preschool
“Penelope Rex vs. The New Kid” by Ryan T. Higgins
Join beloved picture book character Penelope Rex as she learns about standing out and feeling special when a new dinosaur joins the classroom!
“Even Steven” by Carrie Finison
This picture book follows a young boy named Steven as he learns about fairness and sharing with others.
“Cat’s New Book” by Natalie Belhassen
Everyone wants to borrow Cat’s new book! Cat learns that sharing might get messy, but books are even more special when they’re shared.
Elementary School
“Green Jolene and the Backyard Bees” by Wendy Mass
Third grader Jolene Greenfield decides to spend her summer helping her neighbor, a beekeeper, create a pollinator garden for his struggling bees.
“Nadia Islam, On the Record” by Adiba Jaigirdar
Eight-year-old Nadia isn’t looking forward to her summer trip to Bangladesh, but when she lands, she learns about flooding in the region. Along with her aunt, Nadia uses her journalism skills to report on the country’s experience with climate change.
“Max, a Little Axolotl 2: Breaking Out!” by Joey Spiotto
In this colorful sequel to the graphic novel “Max, a Little Axolotl,” Max meets a new axolotl in the aquarium who has trouble adjusting to her new home. Max and his friends are determined to show her that she belongs, while also educating the reader about nature conservation!
Middle School
“When Tomorrow Burns” by Tae Keller
Childhood best friends Nomi, Vi, and Arthur reunite as middle schoolers to try and recover a book they found as kids that could predict the future.
“Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories About the Ocean” by Mary Boone
Ocean enthusiasts can learn about some of the craziest true stories from the sea, like people being swallowed by whales or wrestling octopuses!
“Rayana Johnson’s Giant Leap” by Jill Tew
Thirteen-year-old Rayana Johnson’s true passion is outer space, but for now her mind is stuck on Earth as she navigates the uncertainty of family arguments, friendship troubles, and her first period.
High School
“Young World” by Soman Chainani
This dystopian novel follows 17-year-old Benton Young as he unexpectedly gets elected President of the United States. Tensions rise around the world as more countries begin electing teenagers as their leaders.
“Heartstopper: Volume 6” by Alice Oseman
The final installation of the beloved “Heartstopper” graphic novel series follows Nick and Charlie as they deal with university applications, new jobs and an uncertain future.
“The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue” by Zoulfa Katouh
This young adult novel follows high schooler Jihad Dabbagh as she navigates severe depression, racism and bullying after losing her mother. Jihad begins painting her mother’s journey from Syria to cope with these challenges, and to her surprise, everything she paints begins popping up in giant murals across New York City.