|
|
Books for Kids and Tweens July 2025 |
|
|
|
|
| Their Just Desserts by Tracy Badua and Alechia DowSince they solved their first mystery (in The Cookie Crumbles), baker Laila and journalist Lucy have been too busy to spend much time together. When these middle school detectives are called on to go undercover at a kids' baking show, it tests both their skills and their friendship. (Ages 10-13.)
|
|
| Lu and Ren's Guide to Geozoology by Angela HsiehLu has always planned to be a traveling geozoologist like her ah-ma (grandmother), studying creatures like mossgoats, cloud jellyfish, and super-huge axolotls. So when Ah-ma's letters stop, Lu decides to search for her, with some help from her old friend Ren. Soft and dreamy artwork helps transport you to the magical setting of this sweet graphic novel adventure. For fans of: K. O'Neill's Tea Dragon Society series. (Ages 8-12.) |
|
| Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina; illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso One hundred years after falling to her death in the ocean, Graciela awakens as a sea spirit. Meanwhile, living boy Jorge accidentally delivers a ghost-killing harpoon to a vengeful villain. The quest to set things right on land and sea brings Graciela and Jorge together in this exciting and heartfelt fantasy. Read-alike: El Niño by Pam Muñoz Ryan. (Ages 10-13.) |
|
| The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls by Judith RossellWhen she arrives at the Midwatch Institute, headstrong Maggie Fishbone discovers that the gloomy-seeming orphanage is actually a school that trains girls to "solve mysteries and do good deeds and fight bad guys." Set in a 1920s-era world of airships and motorcars, this clever story offers plenty of intrigue and thrills. (Ages 8-12.) |
|
| The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun by Wendy Wan-Long ShangEven though her sisters are always-busy high achievers, 12-year-old Esme just wants a chill summer with her local swim team. Esme's mom, however, has competitive expectations that could shatter Esme's summer hopes. Readers who like slice-of-life books with real-feeling characters will enjoy diving into Esme's story. (Ages 8-12.) |
|
| On Guard! by Cassidy WassermanAt the start of seventh grade, Grace feels like a mess: her parents are getting divorced and her best friend just dumped her. Then, while hiding out in the gym, Grace discovers the school fencing team. Joining the sport gives her a new perspective in this realistic graphic novel filled with family angst and friendship drama. Read-alike: Jessixa Bagley's Duel. (Ages 9-13.) |
|
| Will on the Inside by Andrew EliopulosIt's a big change for seventh-grader Will when he's diagnosed with Crohn's disease, forcing him to temporarily quit the soccer team he loves while he gets used to new medication. Even bigger, though, is realizing that he might be gay -- and that his church group and soccer friends might treat him differently if he tells them. (Ages 9-13.) |
|
| Sam(ira)'s (Worst) Best Summer by Nina HamzaAfter a horrible year where her best friend turned into a bully, relatable middle schooler Sammy now faces an even worse summer: her house was just TP'd and her brother Imran, who's autistic, is sure it's because they're brown and Muslim. How is Sammy supposed to trust in a new friendship with neighbor Alice when it feels like everyone is against her? (Ages 9-13.) |
|
| The Last Rhee Witch by Jenna Lee-YunFeeling like a misfit in her own life, Korean American 12-year-old Ronnie heads to summer camp, where she encounters a hollow-eyed gwishin (ghost), a witch-hunting dokkaebi (goblin), and secrets about her own heritage. If you like paranormal fantasy with a dash of creepiness, don't miss The Last Rhee Witch. (Ages 8-12.) |
|
| Daughters of the Lamp by Nedda LewersIn 10th-century Baghdad, servant Morgana is on the run after a sorcerer attacks her boss, Ali Baba. In present-day Cairo, science-loving Egyptian American Sahara fears that her uncle's bride-to-be might be an actual witch. Find out how the two stories connect in this series starter that blends fantasy and folkore. (Ages 8-12.) |
|
| Olivetti by Allie MillingtonWhile searching for his mom, Beatrice, after her sudden disappearance, shy and anxious Ernest gets help from an unusual ally: Olivetti, the old family typewriter who remembers everything Beatrice ever typed with him. Narrated by both Ernest and Olivetti, this family story is both quirky and bittersweet. (Ages 9-13.) |
|
| The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. SalerniTwelve-year-old Garnet Carrefour, who can communicate with stones, is excited to finally meet her extended family and learn about their nature powers. But excitement turns to dread once she arrives at the ancient mansion where her relatives live under a curse. You'll be captivated by the chilling gothic vibes and deadly secrets in this fantasy mystery. For fans of: Netflix's Wednesday. (Ages 8-12.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|