Forsyth County Public Library: Books for Kids and Tweens: January 2026

Recent Releases

A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez
by María Dolores Águila

Based on the true story of Roberto Alvarez and the Lemon Grove Incident, this vivid and uplifting middle grade debut novel in verse about one young child's courage to stand up for what is right, and the determination of the Mexican community is perfect for fans of Esperanza Rising and Inside Out and Back Again. (Ages 8-12)

The Stolen Songbird
by Judith Eagle

While her moms are traveling, 12-year-old Caro and her secret pet rabbit, His Nibs, are sent to stay with strict great-aunt Gam. It's there that Caro discovers a stolen painting and gets caught up with a treacherous gang of art thieves. This twisty illustrated mystery plunges you into an adventure across 1950s London. (Ages 8-12)

Vote for the G.O.A.T.
by Ali Terese

After they’re wrongfully blamed for kidnapping their school’s adorable goat mascot, seventh-graders Meg (an injured soccer star) and Jo (a chronically ill fashionista) gather a squad to steal the goat back. This smart, funny, and empowering heist story will grab all kinds of readers. (Ages 8-12)

Xolo
by Donna Barba Higuera

In Aztec mythology, the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl gets the credit for reviving humanity after their destruction. But in this eye-catching and emotional graphic novel, dog-headed Xolotl (god of lightning, misfortune, and death) proves himself as the real hero. For fans of: underdog characters and bright, bold artwork. (Ages 7-10)

The Picasso Curse
by Dan Gutman

After accidentally buying a real Picasso drawing at a flea market, average middle-schooler Edwin has to deal with unwanted fame while figuring out what to do with a super-valuable (and maybe cursed) work of art. Popular author Dan Gutman delivers Edwin’s story (plus intriguing bits of art history) with his distinctive quirky humor. (Ages 8-12)

How to Free a Jinn
by Raidah Shah Idil

When anxious middle-schooler Insyirah and her mom move from Australia to Malaysia to care for her grandmother, Insyirah makes a startling discovery: she's inherited the ability to see powerful spirits known as jinn. This supernatural thriller is packed with excitement and Malaysian mythology. (Ages 8-12)

Wolf Club
by James Bird

The Breakfast Club meets Hatchet in this middle-grade novel about three kids who ditch detention to search for an elusive white wolf, who may have the magical powers they need to face their challenges and heal their hearts. (Ages 9-12)

The Planet, the Portal, and a Pizza
by Wendy Mass and Nora Raleigh Baskin

Piper, who's obsessed with robotics, and Raisa, the daughter of a scientist, live in alternate versions of the same town -- until Raisa tests her mom's portal device and ends up in Piper's world. Soon, the girls are on a time-twisting voyage through the multiverse, with their parents' fates at stake. Read-alikes: Carlos Hernandez's Sal and Gabi series; Erin Entrada Kelly's The First State of Being. (Ages 9-12)

Ask your librarian for more great books!