Books for Kids and Tweens September 2025
Resources @ Metropolitan Library System
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a program designed to help parents prepare their children for one of life’s big milestones: kindergarten. Research has shown that children get ready to read long before they enter school. An excellent way to get your child ready to learn is to read to them.
Explora for Elementary School Student Research
Elementary students can easily search for information about animals, arts and music, biographies, math, science, and more using resources like Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, the American Heritage Children's Dictionary, popular full-text elementary school magazines, eBooks, thousands of images, and videos. For educators, it also includes lesson plans, professional development materials, and a Curriculum Standards Module.
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
An educational site intended to teach K-12 students about our nation’s Federal government, history and political structure.

Recent Releases
The Library of Unruly Treasures
by Jeanne Birdsall; illustrated by Matt Phelan

One summer, lonely 11-year-old Gwen finds unexpected friendship: first, with her kind great-uncle Matthew, and then with the Lahdukan, a hidden clan of tiny, winged people who declare Gwen their new leader. Readers who love sincere, old-fashioned fantasy will relish this tale of magic in the real world. (Ages 8-12.)
Dream On
by Shannon Hale; illustrated by Marcela Cespedes

With a too-big family, too-intense emotions, and a too-cool best friend, life feels like too much for fourth-grader Cassie. When a letter from a magazine contest declares that she’s a winner, Cassie starts fantasizing about how the promised prizes could fix all her problems. For fans of: author Shannon Hale’s Friends series and other honest, heartfelt graphic novels about the ups and downs of everyday life. (Ages 8-12.)
 
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
by Frances Hardinge; illustrated by Emily Gravett

In Feather’s world, the crumbling Wall is humanity’s only shield from the deadly, uncontrollable Forest. But when a stranger threatens her community, Feather has no choice but to venture beyond the Wall and into the unknown. Even though it’s short, this illustrated fantasy is sure to grip your imagination. (Ages 8-13.)
The Last Resort
by Erin Entrada Kelly

When 11-year-old Lila arrives at her deceased Grandpa Clem’s inn, she discovers that it’s packed with ghosts -- including Grandpa Clem himself, who wants Lila to investigate his supposed murder. This paranormal thriller series starter features interactive QR codes, but you don’t have to use them to enjoy the eerie vibes. Next in the series: The Claiming by Jasmine Warga, out in 2026. (Ages 8-12.)
The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story
by Daniel Nayeri

As World War II rages across Iran in 1941, 13-year-old Babak and his little sister Sana are orphaned. Hoping to work as a teacher with the nomadic Bakhtiari people, Babak straps a chalkboard to his back and leads Sana on a dangerous trek into the mountains. This historical story is bittersweet and full of fascinating details. Read-alike: Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan. (Ages 9-13.)
Elvira Vance and the Monster Mystery
by Kacy Ritter

In the Texas town of Marfa, humans live uneasily alongside cryptids, creatures, and monsters of all kinds. When the humans blame a chupacabra for a high-profile crime, 11-year-old half-human, half-siren Elvira decides to investigate. If you like supernatural sleuths, don’t miss this funny, twisty mystery. (Ages 8-12.)
Wish I Was a Baller
by Amar Shah; illustrated by Rashad Doucet

These days, author Amar Shah is a professional sports journalist. But in 1995, he was a basketball-obsessed 14-year-old who wanted to learn everything about his sports heroes. This fast-paced graphic memoir offers a look at the triumphs and challenges of chasing your dreams. (Ages 10-13.)
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.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!