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Books for Kids and Tweens December 2025 |
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| The Last Ember: The Aerimander Chronicles Book 1 by Lily Berlin DoddAfter wealthy 12-year-old chemist Eva is unknowingly given the egg of an aerimander, a supposedly extinct, dragon-like creature, she joins forces with orphaned would-be thief Dusty to keep the egg out of evil hands. Witty humor and thoughtful takes on science and magic will draw fantasy fans to this series opener. (Ages 10-13.)
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| Chris Makes a Friend by Alex GinoSent to stay with their grandparents while their mom recovers from surgery, bookish 12-year-old Chris and her athletic younger sister Becca are both having a tough time. But then Chris meets Mia, and their friendship helps her understand more about herself and her complicated family. Read-alike: Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Fooled by Susan Haas with Lexi HaasAlong with the other disabled kids at her unsupportive middle school, wheelchair-using fantasy fan Lil Evers is used to being sidelined. But after some wizard school roleplaying accidentally convinces people that she and her friends can do magic, Lil is suddenly getting a lot of attention -- both good and bad. Likeable, authentic characters anchor this own voices story. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Winging It by Megan Wagner Lloyd; illustrated by Michelle Mee NutterTwelve-year-old Luna doesn't want to move across the country with her dad, especially not to move in with the strict grandma she hardly knows. But after discovering old nature journals from the mom she never knew, Luna finds unexpected connections to her new home. Cartoony art and honest emotions make this graphic novel a strong choice for realistic fiction fans. (Ages 8-12.)
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Holding on for Dear Life
by Dusti Bowling
Thirteen-year-old Canyon loves bull riding. Doctors have warned him about the dangers of his repeated concussions, but bull riding is the only thing he and his dad connect on ever since Canyon's mom died. Canyon is convinced winning the championship will be the thing to bring them together again, and that all the pain will be worth it. Besides, Canyon has a secret way to help his hurt: playing the fiddle. When Canyon is unexpectedly chosen for a music competition show, a new dream begins to form. But Dad is getting worse, and Canyon feels more pressure than ever to hold his family together. Soon Canyon begins to wonder if he's holding on to all the right things, or if there're some he needs to let go of.
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| Night Chef by Mika SongNight Chef is a raccoon cook who lives inside the walls of a fancy human restaurant. When she meets baby crow Ichi, Night Chef ventures out of her safe home in search of the hatchling's family. Illustrated with watercolor art and set in a cozy animal-centric world, this graphic novel will appeal to both foodies and fantasy fans. Read-alike: Rutabaga the Adventure Chef by Eric Colossal. (Ages 6-10.)
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| Growing Home by Beth Ferry; illustrated by The Fan BrothersIn 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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Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect
by Hilda Eunice Burgos
Miguel Rosado wants nothing more than to see and draw the world... or, at least anywhere beyond his family's Washington Heights bodega. Too bad his mami and papi have him working long hours after school, hoping he'll appreciate the effort it takes to keep the store afloat. For newly-adopted cat Lolo, long hours at the store sounds just perfect if it means he's far away from the hungry, lonely nights he once spent out in the freezing cold. But when Miguel ditches his responsibilities and lies to his parents to join art club, his dream of juggling it all comes crashing down. Lolo will have to decide if he's willing to be there for his new friend Miguel through anything--even venturing back into the frightful outdoors and busy New York City sidewalks. Can they trust each other enough to take on this adventure together?
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| Catty Corner Lands on Her Feet by Julie MurphyShy second-grader Catty, who's half-cat and half-girl, is about to try human school for the first time. Can she find her way, or will her failure to fit in "go down in hissssstory"? For more pun-filled stories about Catty, check out the next book in the series, Catty Corner Pounces Into Action. (Ages 6-9.)
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| Jasper Rabbit's Creepy Tales: Troubling Tonsils! by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Peter BrownBlending humor and horror, this series starter stars Charlie Marmot, who's supposed to have his tonsils removed -- except his tonsils seem to have a mind of their own, as well as a thirst for revenge! Told in the eerie style of an old-school black-and-white TV show, this illustrated chapter book will keep you guessing until the end. (Ages 6-9.)
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Millie Magnus Won't Be Bullied
by Brittany Mazique
Millie Magnus can't wait for family field day at school. She has her friends, her pet chick Extra Spicy, her mother the mayor, and her mother's know-it-all assistant Josephine to support her. The only thing preventing Millie from feeling great is the school bully, Buckley. So when Millie learns that she and her mother will compete against Buckley and his father on Field Day, Millie's favorite day, she's devastated. Mom encourages her to stand up to Buckley, but when Millie takes this advice too far, she ends up in hot water with the principal. Worse, Josephine must act as her partner when Mom is too busy to participate in the race. But both Josephine and Buckley have a few surprises in store in this charming illustrated series kickoff
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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