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Books for Kids and Tweens January 2026 |
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Growing Home
by Beth Ferry; illustrated by The Fan Brothers
In this quirky illustrated chapter book, you'll meet the non-human residents of the Tupper household: grumpy goldfish Toasty, pretty plant Ivy, wise spider Arthur, and sweet violet Ollie. They're an unlikely bunch, but with the help of a magical antique, they might be able to protect their home from looming threats. Read-alike: Lauren Castillo's Our Friend Hedgehog. (Ages 6-9.)
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| Xolo by Donna Barba Higuera; illustrated by Mariana Ruiz JohnsonIn Aztec mythology, the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl gets the credit for reviving humanity after their destruction. But in this eye-catching and emotional graphic novel, dog-headed Xolotl (god of lightning, misfortune, and death) proves himself as the real hero. For fans of: underdog characters and bright, bold artwork. (Ages 7-10.)
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The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
by Aubrey Hartman
Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest, living a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place. An undead fox serving as the Usher of souls has his life upended when a mysterious badger soul appears-- Despite Clare’s efforts to usher Gingersnipes into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave.
Desperate for help, they set out on a treacherous journey to find a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo! (Ages 8 -12.)
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The Trouble With Heroes
by Kate Messner
After an act of vandalism, angry and grieving 13-year-old Finn accepts an unusual deal to make amends: he’s got to climb 46 Adirondack peaks alongside a crew of volunteers and a smelly, slobbery dog. Told through poems, letters, and other snippets from Finn’s life, this moving and funny story is a snapshot of a change-filled summer. Read-alike: Each of Us A Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo and Ndengo Gladys Mwilelo. (Ages 10-13.)
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Busted
by Dan Gemeinhart
An unexpected rent hike is threatening to push 12-year-old Oscar and his grandfather, Pops, from their home at Sunny Days Retirement Community. That's why Oscar agrees to a risky job: sneaking 104-year-old Jimmy Deluca, a rumored mobster, out of the retirement home. Things get out of hand fast in this hilarious joyride. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Asterwood by Jacquelyn StolosAfter a violet-eyed girl leads her down a forbidden path in the woods, 10-year-old Madelyn discovers magical forest-dwellers, terrifying cannibals, greedy Tree Eaters, and the truth about the mother she's never known. If you love a deep dive into a complicated fantasy world, don't miss this dark, spellbinding tale. (Ages 8-12.)
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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.)
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Chickenpox
by Remy Lai
In 1994 Indonesia, 12-year-old Abby feels like she lives in a zoo thanks to her four younger siblings -- and that's before chickenpox traps them all home together. Hilarious artwork adds to the mayhem in this funny graphic novel with a relatable main character. Read-alike: Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Twins by Varian Johnson. (Ages 9-13.)
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Ask your librarian for more great books!
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