Books for Kids and Tweens
July 2025

Colorful Button Making!

Bring your artistic talents and make up to five buttons! 
Ages 5-11
 
Reynolda Manor Branch Library 
Thursday, August 14
4:00pm–5:00pm
 

Kid's Art Hour!
 
This month, we'll be making paper animal marionettes!
Ages 6-12
 
Rural Hall Branch Library
Thursday, August 19
3:00pm–4:00pm

Recent Releases
No Purchase Necessary
by Maria Marianayagam

Ajay Anthonipillai wins a million-dollar prize in a candy bar he stole trying to impress a popular kid, pushing Ajay to navigate his identity and morality in deciding whether to claim something that could change his family's life forever. (Ages 8-12)

"A warm and thought-provoking tale that explores thorny ethical issues and the pressures of belonging to a strict immigrant family. The author rolls generous quantities of Sri Lankan food and customs into a story that is... centered on the virtues of honesty, and adds an array of spicy side dishes ranging from sweet budding romance and a dollop of redemption for the bully." — Booklist
All the Blues in the Sky
by Renée Watson

On Sage's 13th birthday, her best friend Angel was killed in an accident. Now, a heartbroken Sage attends a counseling group as she faces life without the person who understood her best. Blending poetry and prose, All the Blues in the Sky is a bittersweet and hopeful story of grief and recovery. (Ages 10-13)

“A phenomenal and realistic portrayal of a teenager experiencing the loss of a loved one for the first time. A must for all middle-grade collections.” ―Booklist
Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum
by Alasdair Beckett-King; illustrated by Claire Powell

After discovering a murdered museum guard in a locked room, ten-year-old Bonnie Montgomery knows just what to do: she puts on a costume (complete with fake mustache) and becomes famous detective Montgomery Bonbon! Absurd humor and energetic artwork add to the offbeat fun of this series opener. (Ages 8-12)

"Comedian Beckett-King’s sparkling series-starting debut delivers constant laughs and witty rejoinders. Whimsical Edward Gorey–esque b&w illustrations by Powell enhance this brilliantly crafted mystery’s absurdist delight."
― Publishers Weekly
Max in the Land of Lies
by Adam Gidwitz

Max Bretzfeld has become a British spy and is returning to Germany with two missions: to infiltrate the Funkhaus, the center of Nazi radio and propaganda; and to find his parents. (Ages 8-12)

“This heartfelt historical novel explores big questions of autonomy and allegiance with an admirable protagonist readers will respect and adore.” —Booklist
The Monster Storm
by Lourdes Heuer

Follow island residents as they celebrate the first day of fall by participating in festival competitions and when a storm hits that night, gathering to tell spooky stories about the monster of Seashell Key. (Ages 5-8)

"Entertaining stories and charming illustrations will keep them hooked."―Booklist

Read the eBook or listen to the digital audiobook.
Will's Race for Home
by Jewell Parker Rhodes

In 1889, a young Black family hears about a land rush, so Will and his father set out from Texas to Oklahoma, racing thousands of others on a difficult journey to where land is free. (Ages 8-12)

"This fast-paced and eventful ride through the West [is] an accessible and engaging read... An exciting gallop through real history with little-known heroes taking the lead."  ― Kirkus
Not-So-Retro Reads
Check out these awesome recent books that you may have missed!
 
A Copycat Conundrum
by Lisa Yee

 After solving the case of the Royal Rumpus, Olive Cobin Zang and her elite team of underdogs are on top of the world. As the awkward, crime-fighting Misfits, they’re acing every mission thrown at them from NOCK (aka No One Can Know, the covert agency they work for).

But when their classmate Zeke starts receiving threatening notes, the Misfits are stumped. They’re no strangers to danger, but this case is a total head-scratcher. Who would target kind, friendly Zeke . . . unless he’s not what he seems to be? (Ages 8-12)

Listen to the digital audiobook.
Samira's Worst Best Summer
by Nina Hamza

After 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)

“A bolstering pick for introverts and fans of friendship dramas, with positive incidental representation of autism in the family.” — Booklist
The Last Rhee Witch
by Jenna Lee-Yun

Feeling 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)

"Readers will enjoy this spooky middle grade mystery featuring an endearing cast of characters." —School Library Journal
Daughters of the Lamp
by Nedda Lewers

In 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 folklore. (Ages 8-12)

"This terrific two-pronged adventure [brings] together modern life and classic tales of Ali Baba, with some gratifying twists. . . . A memorable adventure that’s as exciting as it is insightful." —Booklist
Olivetti
by Allie Millington

While 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)

"Debut author Millington skillfully delivers a complex storyline that deals with heavy topics. With plenty of quotable wisdom, richly textured language, and dry humor, this work reads like a classic." 
― Kirkus Reviews

Listen to the audiobook via Libby.
Danilo Was Here
by Tamika Burgess

Things are already tough for Danilo Osorio Jr. and his family in 1989 when the United States invades Panamá, destroying the family's home and forcing them into a refugee camp. Then Danilo takes a chance on playing youth baseball in the U.S., where he's met with new difficulties. Intense and heart-wrenching, Danilo's story will grab fans of serious realistic fiction. (Ages 8-12)

"This coming-of-age story highlights the Black Panamanian experience while touching upon an important but often glossed-over moment in history." — Booklist
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Forsyth County Public Library
660 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-703-2665

forsythlibrary.org