Books for Kids and Tweens
October 2026
Focus On: New Graphic Novels
Rodeo Hawkins and the Sons of Disaster: A Graphic Novel by John Claude Bemis
Rodeo Hawkins and the Sons of Disaster
by John Claude Bemis
 
Sidney has finally found a family among legendary outlaw Rodeo Hawkins’s gang of interdimensional adventurers. But when an old enemy uses his former best friend, Walt, as bait, Sidney faces an impossible choice: rescue the friend who no longer remembers him or protect his new crew. The multiverse-spanning mayhem continues in this graphic novel sequel to Rodeo Hawkins and the Daughters of Mayhem. (Ages 9-12.)
The Hidden Dominion of Geordie James by Mike Dawson
The Hidden Dominion of Geordie James
by Mike Dawson
 
Loner Geordie James teams up with four other fifth graders for a science fair project about their place in the world. But his growing concern for a pig that escaped a factory farm threatens their work. As Geordie asks difficult questions, he discovers new ways to express himself, connect with friends, and understand his relationship with nature. (Ages 8-12.)
Raise the Bar: A Graphic Novel by Fernanda Frick H.
Raise the Bar
by Fernanda Frick H.
 
Sam Sanchez dreams of becoming Chile’s first weightlifting gold medalist, even without a coach or proper equipment. When she gets the chance to train with her Olympic hero, she seizes it--behind her parents’ backs. With new friends, a rival, and the Pan American Games in her sights, Sam discovers what chasing her dream really takes. (Ages 8-12.)
Midsummer Sisters by Niki Smith
Midsummer Sisters
by Niki Smith

With their parents' marriage in trouble, stepsisters and best friends Quinn and Kenzie are visiting Gramma on North Carolina's Outer Banks. There, they become attached to a wild foal, while also wondering what will happen if their parents get divorced. Delicate yet expressive artwork highlights the big emotions in this graphic novel. (Ages 9-12.)
The Adventures of Invisible Boy: Monster Mash: A Graphic Novel by Doogie Horner
The Adventures of Invisible Boy: Monster Mash
by Doogie Horner
 
When older kids discover Stanley and Gene’s invisibility powers, the boys must win a haunted house contest to keep their secret safe. Their imagination and inventions should give them an edge--until their mechanical monsters come to life and threaten Stanley’s sister. Halloween turns into a wild rescue mission in this third Invisible Boy graphic novel. (Ages 8-12.)
 
Cat Loaf Adventures Volume 1 by Kat Ariyn
Cat Loaf Adventures Volume 1
by Kat Ariyn
 
Meet Cat Loaf, a walking, talking loaf of bread with feline friends and a knack for mayhem! Together with Rye Loaf and Tabby Loaf, Cat Loaf takes on evil Lord Cinnabuns, befriends shy chocolate mousses, and makes plenty of messes. This collection brings the quirky WEBTOON comic to print for the first time. (Ages 8-12.)
Horror and Paranormal Stories
Hungry Bones by Louise Hung
Hungry Bones
by Louise Hung

After her mom makes them move again, Molly finds an unexpected companion in Jade, the ghost who haunts her new house. As the two Chinese American girls grow closer, Molly realizes that she'll have to investigate her new friend's forgotten past -- or else Jade could disappear forever. Read-alike: India Hill Brown's The Girl in the Lake. (Ages 9-13.)
It Happened to Anna by Tehlor Mejia
It Happened to Anna
by Tehlor Kay Mejia

For as long as she can remember, Sadie Rivera has been haunted by a jealous ghost. It killed her best friend Anna and won't let Sadie make new friends...until she meets cool but controlling Mal. Eerie and intense, It Happened to Anna puts a paranormal spin on toxic friendship. (Ages 8-12.)
The House Next Door by Ellen Oh
The House Next Door
by Ellen Oh

Rory knows from personal experience that the house next door is haunted by ghosts and monsters who target kids. So when a new family moves in, Rory makes friends with siblings Jack and Mira, and together they confront the supernatural dangers in the house's basement. If you like ghost stories that are spooky but not too scary, The House Next Door is for you. (Ages 8-13.)
The Creepening of Dogwood House by Eden Royce
The Creepening of Dogwood House
by Eden Royce

Still grieving his mom's sudden death, 12-year-old Roddie is adopted by the aunt he barely knows and brought to Dogwood House, the family's creepy old mansion in South Carolina. As the house reveals its unsettling secrets, Roddie learns to draw strength from his family's hoodoo heritage. Read-alike: Bumps in the Night by Amalie Howard. (Ages 8-12.)
The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella Winans
The Otherwoods
by Justine Pucella Winans

Most of the time, reluctant "chosen one" River Rydell ignores the ghosts and monsters only they can see. But when their new friend Avery is dragged into the terrifying Otherwoods, River -- along with their cat and a helpful teenage spirit -- sets out on a rescue mission. This supernatural adventure boasts a winning blend of horror, humor, and heart. Read-alikes: Clementine H. Hopeful Is Not a Hero by Noah Corey; Ghost Book by Remy Lai. (Ages 8-12.)
Contact your librarian for more great books! 
Forsyth County Public Library
660 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-703-2665

forsythlibrary.org