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Books for Kids and Tweens
 March 2026

Recent Releases
The Mighty Macy
by Kwame Alexander; illustrated by Kitt Thomas

After her school library is shut down, third-grader Macy is tapped to speak up for it at a big public meeting. But with a violin recital looming, plus homework and family pressure, Macy worries that she won't find her voice in time. Told in short, easy-to-read poems, this inspiring chapter book will keep you turning pages. (Ages 7-10.)
 
Some of Us Are Brave
by Saadia Faruqi

Yasir is a talented soccer player trying to help his single mom. Mona is an artist trying to handle too much responsibility. Cody is a bully trying to survive his dad's abuse. When Hurricane Harvey hits, these three Houston middle schoolers have to band together to make it through. Read-alike: Zane and the Hurricane by Rodman Philbrick. (Ages 8-12.)
 
A Kid Like Me
by Norm Feuti

Worried about starting middle school alongside a bunch of snobby rich kids, friends and trailer park neighbors Ethan and Ricky plan to build a group of other kids just like them. But new friendships don't happen according to plan in this honest, hopeful graphic novel. (Ages 8-12.)
 
When Tomorrow Burns
by Tae Keller

As wildfires threaten her hometown of Seattle, seventh-grader Nomi reunites with her former besties Vi and Arthur to track down a mysterious book of prophecies, hoping it can prevent disaster. Told in multiple voices (including a forest's), this latest book from Newbery Medalist Tae Keller is as unusual as it is moving. (Ages 10-13.)
 
The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan
by Jasmine Warga

Despite their tragic pasts, orphaned cheetah cub Chase and rescue dog Finnegan begin to trust again when they become friends through a zoo program. For fans of: heartfelt and bittersweet animal stories such as Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan series. (Ages 8-12.)
 
Harper Sharp: Kid Detective
by Jarrett Williams

Artist. Detective. Fifth-grader. Harper Sharp already has a lot going on, but when vandalism threatens the inventor's fair at school, he's determined to crack the case. With exaggerated, energetic artwork, this graphic novel mystery is the 1st in a new series. Read-alike: Casey Lyall's Howard Wallace, P.I. series. (Ages 8-12.)
 
Bunny and Clyde on the Lam: (A Funny Middle Grade Chapter Book Full of Escapes, Mix-Ups, and Big Mistakes - For Kids Ages 5-8) by Megan McDonald
Bunny and Clyde on the Lam: (A Funny Middle Grade Chapter Book Full of Escapes, Mix-Ups, and Big Mistakes - For Kids Ages 5-8)
by Megan McDonald

They couldn't be outlaws when they tried, but now they're being framed as fall guys? Judy Moody creator Megan McDonald and illustrator Scott Nash bring back the lovable pair for a comedy full of mischief, magic tricks, and misperceptions. Thornton's shiny new coin has vanished into thin air! Did someone steal it? All eyes fall on Bunny and Clyde, two bad bunnies at the scene of the crime. In a tight spot like this, there is only one thing for a declared pair of outlaws to do. RUN! Buckle up for another wild and wicked ride with Bunny and Clyde!
Defanged by H. E. Edgmon
Defanged
by H. E. Edgmon

To save the only life he's ever known, a tween vampire has to destroy it first in Defanged, a new speculative middle grade from author H.E. Edgmon.
Thick as Thieves: A Graphic Novel: Volume 2 by Dan Santat
Thick as Thieves: A Graphic Novel: Volume 2
by Dan Santat

There's trouble at the Society of Superheroes! Captain Amazing, the longtime hero of Metro City, has retired, and he's enjoying a much-needed vacation at the World's Biggest Ball of Yarn. But while he's away, there's trouble at home! A massive data breech disrupts the Society of Superheroes, and a flash drive containing sensitive information about Captain Amazing and other heroes winds up in reckless hands. Meanwhile, an unannounced visitor named Whipley arrives at the captain's house, and his pet sidekicks are skeptical of the stranger's intentions. The only sidekick excited by the visit is Shifty. Could Whipley be Shifty's loving, long-lost brother as he claims? Or is he framing the sidekicks for his own personal gain and vengeance?
Graphic Novel Round-Up
The New Girl
by Cassandra Calin

After moving with her family from Romania to Montreal, Canada, 13-year-old artist Lia has to find new friends, learn to speak French, and deal with painful periods. With manga-style art and authentically awkward characters, this graphic novel will grab fans of Svetlana Chmakova. (Ages 10-13.) 
 
Next Stop
by Debbie Fong

Driven by guilt and grief after her brother's death, Pia Xing sets out on a bus trip towards a lake that is said to make impossible things real. Each roadside stop reveals more of Pia's story in this graphic novel that pairs realistic emotions and offbeat humor with hints of magic.  Read-alike: Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart. (Ages 9-13.)
 
The Mighty Bite
by Nathan Hale

When friends Bite and Amber -- a not-actually-extinct trilobite and a walking whale -- meet a paleo-journalist who introduces them to internet videos, their quest for fame turns into a video battle among prehistoric creatures. Bursting with weird and wild humor, this graphic novel series opener is followed by Walrus Brawl at the Mall and Hog-Rocket Ruckus. (Ages 7-10.)
 
We Are Big Time
by Hena Khan; illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

Starting 9th grade at an Islamic school, Aliya joins the struggling basketball team. As the all-hijabi team improves, they have to face the pressure of the spotlight as well as their everyday problems. Full-color art brings extra energy to this graphic novel. Read-alikes: Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas; Jason Reynolds' Track series. (Ages 9-13.) 
Blue Stars: The Vice Principal Problem
by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith; illustrated by Molly Murakami

Even though they're part of the same Black and Muscogee family, cousins Maya and Riley don't get along...until they find a common enemy in the vice principal ruining their middle school. This funny slice-of-life graphic novel kicks off a new series. (Ages 8-12.)
The Ribbon Skirt
by Cameron Mukwa

With a powwow coming up, two-spirit Anishinaabe 10-year-old Anang begins a real-life quest to make their own ribbon skirt, connecting with spirits (including some snarky turtles) along the way. Created by a two-spirit author/illustrator, this colorful graphic novel is perfect for readers who prefer authentic, character-focused stories. (Ages 8-13.) 
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Related Programs and Events
Finding Your Joy with Mychal Threets, PBS Kids' Resident Librarian
Saturday, March 28, 11:00 AM
Main Library
901 Civic Campus Way
1st Floor, Banquet Hall

Join Mychal Threets, PBS Kids’ Resident Librarian, literacy advocate, and one of Time Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders, as he shares his personal journey through mental health, wellbeing, and self-care, and reads from his new picture book, I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy. Connect with other community members at this all-ages, family-friendly program. The program will include a 1-hour talk, followed by a 30–45 minute meet-and-greet and selfie line. The line will close once the 45-minute time limit is reached.
Brain Explorations
Saturday, April 4, 12:30 PM
Main Library
901 Civic Campus Way
2nd Floor, Young Adult Room

Brain Explorations teaches neuroscience concepts through fun, interactive workshops. Each Spring 2026 program date will take place on select Saturdays in the 2nd Floor Young Adult Room.
Kids Graphic Novel Club
Wednesday, April 15, 4:00 PM
Main Library
901 Civic Campus Way
2nd Floor Youth Library, Young Adult 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 Puzzled, by Pan Cooke.
 
How to Participate:
- Visit the 2nd Floor Youth Library service desk to register in person and pick up your copy (while supplies last).
- Read the graphic novel ahead of time and come ready to discuss! We’ll also have a themed craft and snacks. 
Includes email address ssfpladm@plsinfo.org and website for both SSF Main and Grand Avenue Library