The most recommended new children's books

Who picked these books? Meet our 136 experts.

136 authors created a book list connected to new children's, and here are their favorite new children's books.
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Book cover of Nell & the Netherbeast

Marty Kelley Author Of Pugnapped!: Commander Universe Saves the Day

From Marty's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Drummer Hiker Pizza afficianado Stone and steel creature creator

Marty's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Marty Kelley Why did Marty love this book?

Adi is a friend and a terrific author. On top of being very funny, her books have a deeper way of connecting with the reader. She is masterful at plot development and creating authentic voices for each of her characters.

This book is a funny, supernatural jaunt with over-the-top villains, vengeful ghosts, useless adults, and a cat who is very clearly not actually a cat.

It’s an enjoyable read that kept me reading “Just one more chapter…” before shutting off the light and going to sleep. 

By Adi Rule,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Nell & the Netherbeast as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

The Netherbeast, a slinking creature with an overwhelming stench, impossibly charms young Nell. Befriending this shapeshifter propels Nell into an unforgettable summer. A beast, a haunting, a fire, and a basement that should be avoided at all costs are just part of the adventures Nell didn't ask for. This story is equal parts heart-pounding and heartwarming.

Twelve-year-old Nell Stoker loves animals. She's been working toward becoming a junior volunteer at her local animal shelter for what feels like forever. But now it's summertime, and her parents are making her go to her Aunt Jerry's old bed and breakfast in Deer…


Book cover of The Silver Road

Kieran Fanning Author Of Irish Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends

From Kieran's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Teacher Creative Word wizard Bad tennis player

Kieran's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Kieran Fanning Why did Kieran love this book?

It is a magical adventure that catapults ancient Irish mythology into the 21st century, with a heroine full of heart and courage, all stitched together, like The Silver Road of the title, with themes of friendship, family, and environmental conservation.

O'Hart's writing sings from the pages, like a love song for old Ireland, remixed for a modern generation. This is my favorite children's book of the year.

By Sinead O'Hart,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Silver Road as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Myth and magic combine in this unforgettable adventure drawing on Irish folklore, from award-winning author Sinead O'Hart.

The seandraiocht - the Old Magic - isn't remembered like it once was. Its power is fading...

When Rose is entrusted with a powerful stone by a Frost Giant, she is swept into an adventure full of danger. The stone can be used for great good or great evil, depending on its keeper. It leads Rose to discover the magic that runs through all of Ireland. A magic that is threaded together beneath the land: the Silver Road. But the Silver Road is…


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Book cover of Marvelous Jackson

Marvelous Jackson by Laura Anne Bird,

Since losing his mom, thirteen-year-old Jack Wilson has spent most of his time seeing just how much trouble he can get away with so that he feels like a winner at something. But he takes his mischief too far and is faced with the possibility of unbearable consequences. He…

Book cover of A Wolf Called Fire

Ana Velez Author Of The Three Little Guinea Pigs and the Andean Fox

From Ana's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Ana's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Ana Velez Why did Ana love this book?

I got an advanced uncorrected proof of this book and I was hooked. I lost myself in the wolf world.

By Rosanne Parry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Wolf Called Fire as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

The stand-alone companion to Rosanne Parry’s New York Times bestseller A Wolf Called Wander tells the wilderness survival story of the wolf pup known as Warm and is illustrated in black and white throughout. This Voice of the Wilderness Novel features extensive back matter, including a map.

Warm is the smallest pup, the one his father calls the heart of the pack. But all Warm sees is his bigger brothers Sharp and Swift, even his sisters Pounce and Wag, winning all the wrestling matches. Just as Warm is finding his place, enemy wolves destroy and scatter the pack. Warm helps…


Book cover of Plague-Busters! Medicine's Battles with History's Deadliest Diseases

Lucy Jane Santos Author Of Half Lives: The Unlikely History of Radium

From Lucy's 6-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Historian Curious Macabre

Lucy's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Lucy's 6-year-old's favorite books.

Lucy Jane Santos Why did Lucy's 6-year-old love this book?

My niece loves this book because it’s gruesome (but not too gruesome – this is an author who knows their audience!) but also full of fascinating facts.

I love this book because it allows me to share an aspect of history that I am fascinated about in an easily digestible way. It is also impeccably researched and pitched perfectly

By Lindsey Fitzharris, Adrian Teal,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Plague-Busters! Medicine's Battles with History's Deadliest Diseases as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Smallpox! Rabies! Black Death! Throughout history humankind has been plagued by . . . well, by plagues. The symptoms of these diseases were gruesome-but the remedies were even worse.

Get to know the ickiest illnesses that have infected humans and affected civilizations through the ages. Each chapter explores the story of a disease, including the scary symptoms, kooky cures, and brilliant breakthroughs that it spawned. Medical historian and bestselling author Lindsey Fitzharris lays out the facts with her trademark wit, and Adrian Teal adds humor with cartoons and caricatures drawn in pitch black and blood red. Diseases covered in this…


Book cover of The Dark Lord's Daughter

Rachanee Lumayno Author Of Heir of Amber and Fire

From Rachanee's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Rachanee's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Rachanee Lumayno Why did Rachanee love this book?

Patricia C Wrede is one of my all-time favorite authors, so I was excited when she released a new book. Wrede's characters are always fun--smart, snarky, with strong viewpoints. I'm not even the target audience (it's a middle grade book), but I always love her writing. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun, light fantasy that can be read in a few hours or days.

By Patricia C. Wrede,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Dark Lord's Daughter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

From the New York Times bestselling author of Dealing with Dragons comes this timeless fantasy, about an ordinary girl who discovers she's the heir to a dark throne, and must find her place between her life on Earth and her magical inheritance.

"A heart-stopping, unique adventure for all!" -Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Kayla is just an ordinary girl . . . or so she thinks. When a day at the state fair is interrupted by the news that she's the daughter of a "Dark Lord," she and her family are quickly whisked to another world-one that's…


Book cover of Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote

Michelle Meadows Author Of Jimmy's Rhythm And Blues: The Extraordinary Life Of James Baldwin

From my list on children’s books about famous writers who made history.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of many acclaimed books for children. Connection, compassion, and family are common themes in my work. My books include Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: One Girl Can Make a Difference, Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles, and Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins. I also contributed research and writing to Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy by Misty Copeland. I studied journalism and literature at Syracuse University. 

Michelle's book list on children’s books about famous writers who made history

Michelle Meadows Why did Michelle love this book?

I love how this book describes what Ida B. Wells was like as a young child, as well as her parents. Ida learned about standing up for what’s right from them. Dinah Johnson effectively weaves this theme throughout the whole book.

I think kids can learn so much from this story of courage. Page by page, kids will see how Ida wasn’t afraid to write newspaper articles about Black people being lynched so that she could bring attention to racism and injustice. Kids will also see how she wasn’t afraid to step forward in the Women’s March of 1913.

I was especially drawn to the back matter of this book, which includes rare pictures of Ida with her family from the 1900s and a comprehensive timeline of her life.

By Dinah Johnson, Jerry Jordan (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

A stunning picture book biography about the early life of Ida B. Wells, her incredible work as a suffragist, and her critical role in the Women's March of 1913.

Ida B. Wells grew up during a time when women did not have the right to vote. But Ida aspired for equality; she had learned from her parents to forge a life through hope and bravery, so she worked tirelessly to fight for an America that was fair to everyone regardless of race and gender. Her courageous activism made her one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history.…


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Book cover of Haven

Haven by Valerie Biel,

Taking only what they can quickly pack, 11-year-old Mardella and her mom secretly move away from their abusive home to start a fresh life in Haven, MN. But Mardella’s sure she's to blame—if only she hadn’t dialed 911, her dad wouldn’t be in jail, her mom wouldn't have been fired,…

Book cover of The Perilous Performance at Milkweed Meadow

Karol Ruth Silverstein Author Of Cursed

From Karol's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Unapologetic underdog Champion of misfits Disability activist Fearless ally Obsessed with cats

Karol's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Karol Ruth Silverstein Why did Karol love this book?

This is actually the sequel to The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow, starting the same inquisitive, story-telling rabbit, Butternut. I hadn’t read the first book before getting an advance reader copy of the second but thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. In this book, Butternut’s celebrity as the meadow’s best entertainer is threatened by a traveling troupe of thespian turkeys who convince all of the creatures of the meadow to put on a grand show. Butternut’s “brambles” (think intuition) are telling her something is off with these turkeys, but she’s not sure if it's just jealousy or the generalized anxiety she sometimes experiences. Naturally, it turns out the turkeys ARE up to no good and Butternut has to scramble to find a way to save her friends. The amazing thing about this duology (I subsequently read the first book and loved it too) is that, though it’s anthropomorphic, the characters feel incredibly…

By Elaine Dimopoulos, Doug Salati (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Perilous Performance at Milkweed Meadow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Butternut and the meadow creatures return in this middle-grade adventure sequel that will charm animal-loving fans of The Tale of Despereaux and Clarice the Brave. Illustrated by Caldecott winner Doug Salati.

After their remarkable rescue, the meadow creatures are back—now closer than ever and with beloved rabbit Butternut still captivating them all with her storytelling. But when a dazzling group of traveling turkeys shows up and persuades the meadow creatures to join them in putting on performance, Butternut is not sure she can find her place in all the excitement. She questions her storytelling abilities compared to this new crew.…


Book cover of Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star

Kate Foster Author Of All the Small Wonderful Things

From my list on middle grade about neurodivergent kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an autistic person and mother of an autistic child and a huge part of my book-loving life is finding characters like us. Up until the last few years that’s not been easy, but this lack of fair representation has driven me to seek out books that shine a spotlight on neurodivergent children, smashing stereotypes and harmful notions that continue to be promoted and adored via mainstream media. Recommending books that portray neurodivergent characters in a way that does more harm than good and reinforces the stigma and treatment of neurodivergent people in real life, so I use my platform to talk about the right books telling the right stories. 

Kate's book list on middle grade about neurodivergent kids

Kate Foster Why did Kate love this book?

Cosima Unfortunate is a remarkable historical mystery packed full of adventure that centers a group of girls, disabled or different in some way, who are sent away, or taken by force, to live and learn in a rather unpleasant school, but who together embark upon a daring heist.

It has all the markings of a future classic, and thankfully is also the start of a series. Though the main character is physically disabled, I’ve chosen this book because some of the supporting characters are neurodivergent and are portrayed accurately and sensitively and play essential roles in the plot. Each girl is feisty and determined, brilliant and brave, and shine when allowed to be themselves.

By Laura Noakes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Meet Cosima Unfortunate, and prepare to go on the adventure of a lifetime . . . A breathtaking tale of mystery, family and friendship from a phenomenal new voice, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Tamzin Merchant, Hana Tooke and Robin Stevens.

'Gorgeous and powerfully inclusive...' Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn

Cosima has spent all her life at the Home for Unfortunate Girls, along with her best friends: Pearl, Mary and Diya. Cos longs for a real home and a real family. But when Cos finds out that famed explorer Lord Francis Fitzroy is planning to adopt them, she and…


Book cover of Not Quite a Ghost

Meg Eden Kuyatt Author Of The Girl in the Walls

From Meg's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Meg's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Meg Eden Kuyatt Why did Meg love this book?

Oh, this book is so real for anyone that’s had chronic illness/disability….I’m so grateful for the chronic fatigue rep! Young me needed this book, and current me definitely needs this book right now, as I lay bed-bound.

There's a great slow-build of the horror, more of a horror of the everyday with a hint of the ghostly. Comments like “just diagnose her already!” indicate the need for books like this, to help kids and adults alike have empathy for folks who don’t know what’s wrong, but know something is wrong with their bodies, and can’t keep up with the pace of “normal”. When you're well, it's easy to overlook how little we understand about bodies, and how unempathetic and unhelpful the healthcare system can be when there's not an easy, obvious answer. Reading this book, I can’t help but be reminded of when I got sick in high school. My…

By Anne Ursu,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Not Quite a Ghost as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

From the award-winning author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy comes an unforgettable and deeply personal story of the ghosts that surround us—and the ones we carry inside.

The house seemed to sit apart from the others on Katydid Street, silent and alone, like it didn’t fit among them. For Violet Hart—whose family is about to move into the house on Katydid Street—very little felt like it fit anymore. Like their old home, suddenly too small since her mother remarried and the new baby arrived. Or Violet’s group of friends, which, since they started middle school, isn’t enough for…


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Book cover of Wand

Wand by Landra Jennings,

Eleven-year-old Mira wishes everything could go back to the way it was. Before she changed schools and had to quit gymnastics. Especially before Papa died. Now she spends her days cooking and cleaning for her stepsisters and Val—who she still won’t call mom and still won’t forgive for the terrible…

Book cover of Alice the Cat

Kerri Schlottman Author Of Tell Me One Thing

From my list on fierce female protagonists.

Why am I passionate about this?

My sister and I were raised by our single mother in Southeast Detroit, who worked hard to put herself through law school when we were kids. We had a lot of financial struggles growing up, and I had to overcome many obstacles to get where I am today. Because of that, I am drawn to fierce female protagonists who overcome challenges and don’t shy away from struggle. In my own creative writing, I tend to feature strong female characters who have faced some type of instability and have worked hard to better their circumstances. I love an underdog and think there’s a lot of unsung narratives to tell.

Kerri's book list on fierce female protagonists

Kerri Schlottman Why did Kerri love this book?

I am always looking for books for the middle-grade kiddos in my life, and this book is the perfect book for a fierce youngster. It follows the story of Tessa, a somewhat mouthy (in the best way) young teen who is dealing with a host of issues, including the recent death of her mom.

The minute I met Tessa, I was rooting for her. She's angry and grieving but also charming and tender-hearted. When her aging cat leads her to an abandoned house in the neighborhood, a whole new realm opens to her–one with ghosts, goths, and unexpected allies.

This book is my new favorite gift!

By Tim Cummings,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Alice the Cat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

On the verge of her thirteenth birthday, Tess' s life is falling apart. Her mother is dead. Her father is like a zombie. And now her beloved cat, Alice, has started running into the street when cars go by, trying to get run over. The only thing Tess can think of that might help? Running away. As she ventures from home, Tess stumbles upon a crew of manga-loving goth kids hiding out in the local haunted house performing se ances. There, she discovers that the house' s ghostly entity desperately wants a cat to care for in the afterlife, and…


Book cover of Nell & the Netherbeast
Book cover of The Silver Road
Book cover of A Wolf Called Fire

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