|
|
Books for Kids and Tweens August 2025 |
|
|
|
|
| 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.) |
|
|
|
Cousins in the time of magic
by Emma Otheguy
Cousins Jorge, Camila and Siggy are transported through a time portal in their aunt's yard to 1862 and must race to deliver a sword to General Ignacio Zaragoza in time for the historic Battle of Puebla in Mexico.
(Ages 8-12.)
|
|
|
|
Candle Island
by Lauren Wolk
When 12-year-old Lucretia and her mom, both painters, arrive among the feuding residents of tiny Candle Island, Maine, they’re recovering from a big loss…and hiding a big secret. Vibrant descriptions and larger-than-life characters round out this offbeat story of family bonds, friendships, and creativity. (Ages 10-13.)
|
|
|
|
13 Ways To Say Goodbye
by Kate Fussner
Nina always followed her older sister, Lily. But just before her thirteenth birthday, Lily died, leaving Nina behind forever. In the three years since she lost her sister, Nina has completed Lily's secret Before Birthday lists to continue in her footsteps. But now Nina is catching up. When Nina flies to Paris, France, and completes tasks that Lily never finished, Nina finds herself magically transported inside of her own memories, face-to-face with the ghosts of her past. With her birthday looming and the last list running out, Nina is torn between visiting her sister in her memories and adventuring in the present, including crushing hard on her art classmate, Sylvie. Should she follow Lily's instructions or try something new? And what happens when she finishes the list? (Ages 10-14.)
|
|
| 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.) |
|
|
|
At Home In a Faraway Place
by Lynne Rae Perkins
Lissie, her dad and grandmother travel to Guatemala to visit her dad's high school friend, and soon Lissie is embracing new discoveries and experiencing almost disasters, in a story exploring empathy, friendship, discovery and the life-changing epiphanies of travel. (Ages 8-12.)
|
|
| 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.) |
|
Contact your librarian for more great books!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|