Books for Kids and Tweens
February 2026

Recent Releases
Queso, Just in Time by Ernesto Cisneros
Queso, Just in Time
by Ernesto Cisneros

Queso wishes under the full moon to see his late father again, and suddenly finds himself back in 1985 with twelve-year-old Pancho, the boy who will grow up to be his dad-and who needs Queso's help to imagine a better future-- Provided by publisher.
Saber-Tooth
by Robin Gow

Feeling lonely and angry after his brother (and best friend) leaves for college, trans and autistic eighth-grader Jasper begins a backyard fossil dig, spurred on by the voice of a saber-toothed tiger in his head. Told through high-impact poetry, Saber-Tooth explores how Jasper finds new friendships and excavates explosive emotions. (Ages 10-13.)
The Moon Without Stars
by Chanel Miller

Quiet, creative Luna and her best friend Scott have gotten good at making zines to help their middle school classmates who are struggling. And it's those zines that grab the attention of the popular girls, forcing Luna to decide between social status and staying true to herself. Read-alike: Mallory in Full Color by Elisa Stone Leahy. (Ages 10-13.)
 
The Ultimate Unofficial World Cup Book: Legends, Stats, and Stories from Soccer's Biggest Game by Maria S. Barbo
The Ultimate Unofficial World Cup Book: Legends, Stats, and Stories from Soccer's Biggest Game
by Maria S. Barbo

Your go-to guide for the Summer 2026 World Cup hosted by North America is packed with everything a fan needs to know! From star players and powerhouse teams to historic moments and record-breaking stats, this action-packed book is filled with full-color photos, fun facts, and must-know trivia. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the sport, you'll discover exciting stories, eye-popping facts, and all the essential details that make the World Cup the greatest sporting event on the planet.
The Lions' Run
by Sara Pennypacker

In Nazi-occupied France, soft-hearted orphan Lucas discovers that small acts of courage, like helping his new friend Alice protect her beloved horse, can lead to bigger ones, like helping the Resistance. With realistic characters and growing suspense, this hopeful historical story will grab all kinds of readers. (Ages 8-13.)
 
Gumshoe
by Brenna Thummler

Anxious Willa dreams of becoming a mailwoman, which makes it extra unfair when she's mistaken for mail-stealing outlaw Two Gum Tilly and forced to go on the run. Luckily, Willa is taken in by the Gumshoe Gang, fellow runaways determined to stop Tilly's crimes. Colorful, high-energy artwork will keep you glued to this Western-themed graphic novel. (Ages 8-13.)
 
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past!
 
The Partition Project
by Saadia Faruqi

At first, Texas 12-year-old Maha Raheem is annoyed by her Pakistani grandmother, Dadi. But when Dadi begins to share stories from the violent 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, Maha finds a subject for her school documentary project, as well as a new understanding of her history and heritage. Read-alikes: Reem Faruqi's Zarina Divided; Katherine Marsh's The Lost Year. (Ages 8-12.)
 
The Other Side of Perfect
by Melanie Florence and Richard Scrimger

Things get complicated after two Toronto middle schoolers' lives intersect unexpectedly: Autumn is a popular Cree girl, and Cody is a white classmate who stays with Autumn's family after running away from his racist, abusive dad. The two characters take turns narrating this bittersweet, realistic story. (Ages 9-13.)
 
It's All or Nothing, Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arango
It's All or Nothing, Vale
by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Being a top fencer is pretty much Vale Camacho's entire identity. When chronic pain following an accident limits her abilities, Vale's left frustrated and uncertain about how to compete, especially against new teammate (and crush) Myrka. Read-alikes: Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Curveball by Pablo Cartaya. (Ages 10-13.)
The Night Librarian
by Christopher Lincoln

Curiosity and boredom prompt twins Page and Turner to visit the New York Public Library, where an encounter with the night librarian reveals that magical energy is escaping from the books -- along with some dangerous fictional characters. Cartoony illustrations add to the offbeat energy in this graphic novel adventure. Read-alike: Kekla Magoon's The Secret Library, Polly Shulman's The Grimm Legacy. (Ages 8-12.) 
 
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science
by Kate McKinnon

After getting expelled from etiquette school again, orphaned sisters Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee Porch are invited to study with mad scientist Millicent Quibb -- and their first lessons involve enormous, puppy-eating worms. Fast-paced, clever, and unapologetically weird, this series-starter by actor Kate McKinnon is a must-read for fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. Next in the series: Secrets of the Purple Pearl.
 
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Brantford Public Library
173 Colborne Street
Brantford, Ontario N3T 2G8
519-756-2220

www.brantfordlibrary.ca