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 Mighty Millie Novak

VP Anderson Author Of Blood City Rollers

From my list on team spirit for the girls, gays, and theys.

Why am I passionate about this?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve yearned to be part of a BFF-ship, like Anne Shirley-Cuthbert searching for her Diana Barry or Nancy Drew seeking her crewmates Bess and George. As I grew, I realized what I really wanted was to be part of something bigger than myself, working toward a common goal and solving problems bravely and creatively. In any given role, I’ve sought to find the best possible team for the job. Now that I’m a full-time creator, I’ve continued to prioritize people and collaborative practice over any given outcome. Sometimes, we win, sometimes we learn. But the important thing is that we try/learn together.

VP's book list on team spirit for the girls, gays, and theys

VP Anderson Why did VP love this book?

Though this fabulous new addition to the roller derby kidlit genre doesn’t come out until August, I was lucky enough (by nature of my derby community membership) to get a sneak peek, and am proud to say that Holden has taken a “novel” approach to enthusiastically recruiting the next generation of great roller derby players with relatable and nuanced skill.

IMO, tackling timely and relevant topics like social anxiety and family dysfunction along with team dynamics means taking a brave, 360 degree approach to the complex lives of today’s teens, however they roll. 

By Elizabeth Holden,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mighty Millie Novak as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Social anxiety, her parents’ divorce, and messy friendships won’t stop Millie’s pursuit of what she wants—in roller derby or in love. But her own lies might . . .

Sixteen-year-old Millie Novak is stuck in an “if only” rut. If only she were stronger and faster, maybe her roller derby teammates would take her seriously. If only she had the guts to go back to in-person learning, maybe she’d have a social life. If only she weren't such an awkward mess, maybe she could get the attention of that cute girl on the all-star derby team. And don’t get her…


Book cover of Give Me a Sign

Kathy MacMillan Author Of Sword and Verse

From Kathy's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author American Sign Language interpreter Storyteller Reader Educator Language geek

Kathy's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Kathy MacMillan Why did Kathy love this book?

I have been a counselor and director at a Deaf Camp for over 20 years. Having seen how many of our campers have discovered and embraced their Deaf identities at camp, I couldn’t wait to see how Deaf author Anna Sortino tackled this story.

Lilah’s story is both effective and affecting, touching on many hot topics in the Deaf community: cochlear implants, hearing social media influencers, interactions with law enforcement, feeling “not Deaf enough”. But the story is firmly grounded in Lilah’s singular experience.

Through Lilah’s interactions with campers and counselors, Sortino highlights the diversity of the Deaf community and the disabled community, with many different language preferences, communication styles, abilities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives coming together. And it’s got a sweet summer romance to boot!

By Anna Sortino,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Give Me a Sign as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Jenny Han meets CODA in this big-hearted YA debut about first love and Deaf pride at a summer camp.

Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least, that’s what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes—when you don’t feel “deaf enough” to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to meet the world’s expectations. But this summer, Lilah is ready for a change.

When Lilah becomes a counselor at a summer camp for the deaf and blind, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. Once there, she also finds a community. There are cute British lifeguards who break hearts…


Book cover of Operation: Happy

Laura Anne Bird Author Of Crossing the Pressure Line

From Laura's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Nature lover Meditator Coffee drinker Wisconsinite

Laura's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Laura Anne Bird Why did Laura love this book?

Spoiler alert: Although Operation: Happy takes place during some of the darkest days of WWII—think Pearl Harbor, late 1941—Jenni L. Walsh’s story does indeed have a happy ending.

The daughter of a military officer, twelve-year-old Jody has been raised to embrace a sense of change and adventure. It’s not always easy to adapt to new places and cultures, so it helps have her sweet pup nearby. Happy might be getting older and slowing down, but he and Jody can still enjoy simple things together (like playing sardines and conducting the ultimate treasure hunt) to distract themselves from scary air raid drills.

Happy is the beating heart of Jody’s story of resilience and courage, saving the day more than once. (And did I mention that he smiles, too?)

By Jenni L. Walsh,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Operation: Happy 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?

As World War II enters her backyard, a young girl tries to cope with the war and keep her family together by completing a bucket list with her best friend: her dog Happy. Featuring a dog's POV and inspired by real-life experiences of a young Pearl Harbor survivor, this historical middle-grade novel will inspire readers 8-12 to find courage in any situation.

It's 1940, and Jody is moving with her military family yet again-this time to a small naval base in Pearl Harbor. She's always created a "top ten" list for each new home to help her adjust, and with…


Book cover of The Labors of Hercules Beal

Tamara Ellis Smith Author Of Grief Is an Elephant

From Tamara's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Tamara's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Tamara Ellis Smith Why did Tamara love this book?

By Gary D. Schmidt,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Labors of Hercules Beal 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 award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt, a warm and witty novel in the tradition of The Wednesday Wars, in which a seventh grader has to figure out how to fulfill an assignment to perform the Twelve Labors of Hercules in real life-and makes discoveries about friendship, community, and himself along the way.

Herc Beal knows who he's named after-a mythical hero-but he's no superhero. He's the smallest kid in his class. So when his homeroom teacher at his new middle school gives him the assignment of duplicating the mythical Hercules's amazing feats in real life, he's skeptical. After all, there…


Book cover of Scareground

Carolyn Ward Author Of Bella Bright and the Ghost Game

From my list on spooky Halloween books for children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a children’s horror author, editor, and mentor who has been writing and reading about the genre for ten years. I love seeing how my fellow authors take quite terrifying themes and content and creatively develop them into fun and creepy stories suitable for the youngest readers. It is a thrilling responsibility, and I hope we all bring something slightly different to the table for those who love the dark!

Carolyn's book list on spooky Halloween books for children

Carolyn Ward Why did Carolyn love this book?

I adored this creepy, spooky middle-grade book set in Victorian-time London. It tells the story of 12-year-old Nancy Crumpet and her terrifying adventure with Skelter Tombola, who owns the amazing Scareground.

The descriptions were so powerful that I felt like I was right in the story with Nancy, experiencing the scary magic of the fair. The link between Nancy and Skelter is skillfully revealed, and the chapters kept my heart thumping throughout. I couldn’t put it down!

By Angela Kecojevic,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Scareground 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.


Book cover of Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures

Carolyn Watson Dubisch Author Of The Dragon in The Closet, Book One

From my list on graphics and comics for kids learning to read.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been writing and drawing children’s books and comic books for kids for over 23 years. I've always loved the comic book format and visual storytelling. Reading pictures is actually very stimulating for kids and adults alike. I’m also a parent to three daughters and teach art at an elementary school locally, so I work with children and see what captures their imaginations and inspires them. As someone who’s written and illustrated numerous graphic novels for kids, moderates a children’s book review group, and reads so many of the newest books available, I selected these graphic novels as some of the best I’ve read in the different genres that have been released recently.

Carolyn's book list on graphics and comics for kids learning to read

Carolyn Watson Dubisch Why did Carolyn love this book?

Ember is a very small boy, alone in a city and very overlooked.

He dreams of making friends and of going to school and fitting in. When he encounters a giant sea turtle named Lua who tells him of the island of Lost Creatures, which is where he went to school when he was small.

Lua and Ember travel together across the Ocean to find the school in some incredibly beautiful passages in the middle of the book. Their journey and his struggle to fit in at his new school make for an incredible middle grade graphic novel that really speaks to all children.

The art is just stunning and it’s an easy-to-follow and beautiful story. I’ve enjoyed this writer/artist’s other graphic novels and this new one doesn’t disappoint!

By Jason Pamment,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures 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?

From Treasure in the Lake’s Jason Pamment comes a story of friendship and self-discovery, in a gorgeously illustrated world perfect for fans of Hilda and Over the Garden Wall.

Fitting in can be hard, especially when you’re as small as Ember, a tiny boy living alone in a city of giants.

But Ember’s luck changes when he meets Lua, a kindly sea turtle, who escorts him across the ocean to a school for little creatures on a wondrous island. ­Here, Ember learns that first days can be hard, too—especially when they involve bizarre, fantastical cave-dwellers, ferocious storms, and classmates that,…


Book cover of We Got the Beat

Christen Randall Author Of The No-Girlfriend Rule

From my list on young adult books that put fierce, fabulous fat girls front and center.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up as a fat kid, I hardly ever saw myself reflected in the media I consumed. If I did, it was by someone relegated to the side character status as the funny fat friend or the cautionary tale. Now, it’s my great joy to spread the word about books that put fat people in the spotlight—living our best lives, falling in love, and just having our much-deserved Main Character Moments.

Christen's book list on young adult books that put fierce, fabulous fat girls front and center

Christen Randall Why did Christen love this book?

Jenna Miller’s books read like the best sort of secret between friends, except the friends are anyone who is at least a little bit nerdy—and as a fat nerdy person, I was instantly in.

The main character Jordan felt so relatable to me; everything from the Doctor Who references to being kind of in love with your ex-best friend to the realistic fears of a queer, fat teenager just trying to get by hit just right. As someone who also grew up queer and fat, I had to finish this one in a day!

By Jenna Miller,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked We Got the Beat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

"Charmingly wry and sharply perceptive. An ode to first love, complicated friendships, and the messy joy of rewriting your own story." -Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Jordan Elliott is a fat, nerdy lesbian and the first junior to be named editor in chief of the school newspaper. Okay, that last part hasn't happened yet, but it will. It's positive thinking that has gotten Jordan this far. Ever since Mackenzie West, her friend-turned-enemy, humiliated her at the start of freshman year, Jordan has thrown herself into journalism and kept her eyes trained…


Book cover of Out of Character

Diane Billas Author Of Does Love Always Win?

From my list on young adult fiction sapphic romance novels.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about young adult sapphic romance books because this is something I wished I would have read in high school. If I had novels similar to these when I was growing up I might have realized that I identify as queer sooner and it could have helped me understand more about myself. Because of this, I’ve been an avid reader, and writer, of sapphic young adult romances. If it’s sapphic, send it my way. I hope you enjoy these sapphic novels as much as I have!

Diane's book list on young adult fiction sapphic romance novels

Diane Billas Why did Diane love this book?

I recommend Out of Character because the book is very swoon-worthy but still being real. This was on my TBR for so long, especially because it talks about role-playing, something that I find really intriguing.

One aspect I really enjoy about this book is the characters have so many layers. The one love interest, Rowan was my favorite character but all the characters were great. I really enjoyed role-playing scenes interspersed between the chapters. I couldn’t wait to figure out what was going to happen. I honestly can’t wait to re-read this book and also read whatever the author writes next! 

By Jenna Miller,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Out of Character as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Dumplin' meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller's queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.

If you asked seventeen-year-old Cass Williams to describe herself, she'd happily tell you she's fat, a lesbian, and obsessed with the Tide Wars books. What she won't tell you-or anyone in her life-is that she's part of an online Tide Wars roleplay community. Sure, it's nerdy as hell, but when she's behind the screen writing scenes as Captain Aresha, she doesn't have to think about her mother who walked out or how unexpectedly stressful it is dating…


Book cover of Hands

Mia Wenjen Author Of Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

From my list on children's books about boxing.

Why am I passionate about this?

Did you know that boxing is the number one fitness trend in America, outpacing spinning and yoga? It’s a workout that engages the mind and the body, incorporating strength training, cardio, and reflexes. But why is this good for children? Self-confidence! Self-discipline! Healthy lifestyle! The value of hard work! Meeting people who are different from you. All three of my children have gravitated to boxing. My son started at age 8 and continues to train as a college student. My middle daughter trained for the Golden Gloves as her COVID-19 pandemic focus. My oldest daughter has recently found her way into boxing after graduating from Rhode Island College of Design. 

Mia's book list on children's books about boxing

Mia Wenjen Why did Mia love this book?

Torrey Maldonado captures the voices and choices of a gritty neighborhood with grace and hope. 

Trev lives in the projects and has to learn to fight to stay safe. When his stepfather hits his mother, he has to make the decision to use his hands for fighting or for a better future as an artist. What is the best way to help his family? 

By Torrey Maldonado,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hands as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Trev would do anything to protect his mum and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad's return stresses Trev - because when he left, he threatened Trev's mum. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally. He starts learning to box to handle his stepdad. But everyone isn't a fan of his plan, because Trev's a talented artist, and his hands could actually help him build a better future. And they're letting him know. But their advice for some distant future feels useless in his reality right now. Ultimately, Trev knows his future is in…


Book cover of Rare Birds

Tricia Springstubb Author Of The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe

From my list on middle grade fiction about The Thing with Feathers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve written books for kids of all ages, and always there were birds. Sparrows singing on windowsills, cardinals arrowing across yards, cormorants diving into Lake Erie, pigeons poking beneath park benches. Those things with feathers make my own heart sing!  Slowly it dawned on me that I wanted to write a book where birds didn’t just flit across the pages but nested at the story’s heart. I had to do a lot of bird research for Perfect. What I learned about the precious, fragile bonds among all Earth’s creatures became one of the book’s themes: big and small, bound by gravity or able to defy it, we are all deeply connected. 

Tricia's book list on middle grade fiction about The Thing with Feathers

Tricia Springstubb Why did Tricia love this book?

Because…the ending is amazing! Well, not only the ending, but wow, the ending.

Many middle grade novels deal with loss and grief, but none better than this one, with a catharsis that’s totally organic and fully earned. Inspired by Miller’s experience of his own mother’s heart transplant, this coming-of-age story follows Graham in his quest to spot the Snail Kite, an elusive bird his ill mother has always wanted to see.

Family and friendship are at the heart of the story, but along the way, readers learn lots of tantalizing truths about birds, those symbols of hope and promise.  

By Jeff Miller,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rare Birds 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?

Jeff Miller's heartbreaking, coming-of-age middle-grade novel-inspired by his personal experience living through his own parent's heart transplant-invites readers into the world of a twelve-year-old birdwatcher looking for a place to call home and a way to save his mother, even if it means venturing deep into Florida swampland.

Twelve-year-old Graham Dodds is no stranger to hospital waiting rooms. Sometimes, he feels like his entire life is one big waiting room. Waiting for the next doctor to tell them what's wrong with his mom. Waiting to find out what city they're moving to next. Waiting to see if they will finally…


Book cover of Mighty Millie Novak
Book cover of Give Me a Sign
Book cover of Operation: Happy

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