Books for Kids and Tweens
June 2025
Recent Releases
J vs. K
by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft

The friendly trash talk between two Newbery Award-winning authors gets a funny, fictional twist in this story about cartoonist J and poet K, two rival fifth-graders each determined to win their school’s storytelling contest. This graphic novel hybrid offers plenty of jokes alongside useful advice for young artists and authors. Read-alike: The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. (Ages 8-12.)
Return to Sender
by Vera Brosgol

While grieving his father and failing to fit in with his ultra-rich new classmates, ten-year-old foodie Oliver makes a life-changing discovery: a mysterious mail slot that grants wishes! Filled with dark humor and vivid illustrations, this tale of magic -- and consequences -- will stick with you after the final page. (Ages 8-12.)
Don't Cause Trouble
by Arree Chung

Ming Lee was hoping for a fresh start in middle school, but he is as desperately uncool as always – not to mention stuck in ESL even though he only speaks English. How’s he supposed to stick up for himself when his parents’ biggest rule is to keep out of trouble? This colorful graphic novel offers a relatable story inspired by the author’s real life. (Ages 9-13.)
Fighter in the woods : the true story of a Jewish girl who joined the partisans in World War II
by Joshua Greene

After being imprisoned in a Nazi ghetto, Celia Kassow escaped into the woods and joined the Soviet partisans, who were resistance fighters, where she refused kitchen duty and insisted on going on patrol, in a true story about bravery and grit.
Chess club : the winning move
by Rebecca Donnelly

"Twists, turns, and surprises await four friends as they form their new chess club and make it through middle school."
Spirit Service
by Sarena and Sasha Nanua

After getting zapped by an unusual old rotary phone, middle school friends Raveena, Aiko, Blair, and Lillian suddenly gain the ability to talk to spirits -- and there are a lot of spirits in their eccentric hometown. Combining the upbeat friendships of The Baby-Sitters Club with creepy paranormal events, this series starter will grab lots of different readers. (Ages 8-12.)
El Niño
by Pam Muñoz Ryan; illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Two years ago, Kai’s sister Cali, a champion swimmer, disappeared in the Pacific Ocean. Now, grieving and struggling to live up to Cali’s legacy, eighth-grader Kai becomes obsessed with the legendary undersea queen Califia. Blending mythology with reality, this illustrated tale will appeal to readers who love outside-the-box storytelling. Read-alike: Secrets We Tell the Sea by Martha Riva Palacio Obón. (Ages 8-13.)
Band Nerd
by Sarah Clawson Willis; illustrated by Emma Cormarie

Seventh grade at Windley School of the Arts isn’t easy for Lucy, and her dad’s out-of-control drinking makes things difficult at home, too. Still, Lucy’s decided that she will win first-chair flute, no matter what. Clean-lined artwork keeps the focus on emotions in this moving graphic novel. (Ages 9-13.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Brantford Public Library
173 Colborne Street
Brantford, Ontario N3T 2G8
519-756-2220

www.brantfordlibrary.ca