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Books for Kids and Tweens February 2026 |
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| Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. FlakeIt's 1938, and Hattie Mae Jenkins has left rural North Carolina for busy Philadelphia. There, she grapples with homesickness and mean girls as she tries to find her place at an elite girls' school. This vivid historical story in verse stands on its own, but fans of Once in a Blue Moon will enjoy revisiting familiar characters. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Saber-Tooth by Robin GowFeeling lonely and angry after his brother (and best friend) leaves for college, trans and autistic eighth-grader Jasper begins a backyard fossil dig, spurred on by the voice of a saber-toothed tiger in his head. Told through high-impact poetry, Saber-Tooth explores how Jasper finds new friendships and excavates explosive emotions. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| The Moon Without Stars by Chanel MillerQuiet, creative Luna and her best friend Scott have gotten good at making zines to help their middle school classmates who are struggling. And it's those zines that grab the attention of the popular girls, forcing Luna to decide between social status and staying true to herself. Read-alike: Mallory in Full Color by Elisa Stone Leahy. (Ages 10-13.)
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| Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game by Kadir NelsonHit the court with award-winning author/illustrator Kadir Nelson in Basket Ball, a history of the game from its humble beginnings to the high-profile sport of today. Combining vivid full-color paintings with fascinating facts and a focus on Black excellence, this overview is a must-read for sports fans. For fans of: We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, also by Kadir Nelson. (Ages 9-13.)
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| The Lions' Run by Sara PennypackerIn Nazi-occupied France, soft-hearted orphan Lucas discovers that small acts of courage, like helping his new friend Alice protect her beloved horse, can lead to bigger ones, like helping the Resistance. With realistic characters and growing suspense, this hopeful historical story will grab all kinds of readers. (Ages 8-13.)
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| Gumshoe by Brenna ThummlerAnxious Willa dreams of becoming a mailwoman, which makes it extra unfair when she's mistaken for mail-stealing outlaw Two Gum Tilly and forced to go on the run. Luckily, Willa is taken in by the Gumshoe Gang, fellow runaways determined to stop Tilly's crimes. Colorful, high-energy artwork will keep you glued to this Western-themed graphic novel. (Ages 8-13.)
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The Mighty Macy by Kwame AlexanderA young girl finds her voice--and discovers the power of speaking up for herself and her community--in this sweet and humorous chapter book by award-winning and #1 bestselling author Kwame Alexander, perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean and Ruby and the Booker Boys.
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The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann HayduIn this poignant, magical tale by the acclaimed author of Eventown, two girls find themselves dropped into each other's world--and must face down dragons they've only imagined. Auden Denny Greene is happiest with her friend Runa, creating stories set in their imaginary land of Sorrowfeld, where princesses rule and cursed dragons are a constant danger. But now that they are turning twelve, Runa seems ready to give up on the magic of Sorrowfeld just when Denny needs it the most. The magical beasts of Impossible Creatures meet the body-swap of Freaky Friday, set in a world as fantastical as Wicked's Oz!
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A Kid Like Me: A Graphic Novel by Norm FeutiPerfect for fans of Jeff Kinney and Terri Libensen, A Kid Like Me is a timely exploration about finding your place in the ever-evolving social landscape that is middle school, written and illustrated by award-winning graphic novelist Norm Feuti. Ethan doesn't want to stand out, he just wants to fit in. But fitting in is tough when your peers call out your ancient cell phone, busted backpack, and discount clothing. To make matters worse, his best friend, Ricky, insists on hanging out with a group of guys who just don't get him. Can Ethan figure out where he belongs without forgetting who he is and who he wants to be?
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| The Partition Project by Saadia FaruqiAt first, Texas 12-year-old Maha Raheem is annoyed by her Pakistani grandmother, Dadi. But when Dadi begins to share stories from the violent 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, Maha finds a subject for her school documentary project, as well as a new understanding of her history and heritage. Read-alikes: Reem Faruqi's Zarina Divided; Katherine Marsh's The Lost Year. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Other Side of Perfect by Melanie Florence and Richard ScrimgerThings get complicated after two Toronto middle schoolers' lives intersect unexpectedly: Autumn is a popular Cree girl, and Cody is a white classmate who stays with Autumn's family after running away from his racist, abusive dad. The two characters take turns narrating this bittersweet, realistic story. (Ages 9-13.)
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| Gut Reaction by Kirby Larson and Quinn WyattBaking makes Tess feel closer to her late dad, and she's eager to compete in this year's big baking competition. But there are plenty of complications in her way, including stomach pains that turn out to be Crohn's disease. Realistic fiction fans won't want to miss this funny yet sensitive look at life with chronic illness. Read-alike: The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet by Jake Maia Arlow. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Night Librarian by Christopher LincolnCuriosity and boredom prompt twins Page and Turner to visit the New York Public Library, where an encounter with the night librarian reveals that magical energy is escaping from the books -- along with some dangerous fictional characters. Cartoony illustrations add to the offbeat energy in this graphic novel adventure. Read-alike: Kekla Magoon's The Secret Library, Polly Shulman's The Grimm Legacy. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnonAfter getting expelled from etiquette school again, orphaned sisters Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee Porch are invited to study with mad scientist Millicent Quibb -- and their first lessons involve enormous, puppy-eating worms. Fast-paced, clever, and unapologetically weird, this series-starter by actor Kate McKinnon is a must-read for fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. Next in the series: Secrets of the Purple Pearl.
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Contact your librarian for more great books! |
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901 Civic Campus Way 2nd Floor Community Room
The Kids Graphic Novel Club is a group for kids ages 9–12 who love reading and talking about graphic novels! This month’s pick is Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library: The Graphic Novel, by Chris Grabenstein.
Click the link to learn how to participate! |
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901 Civic Campus Way 2nd Floor Young Adult Room
Create your own unique journal at Junk Journal Club-- a monthly club for teens to be creative and meet new friends. Bring your own materials or use the ones we will provide. No artistic experience is needed to join.
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