|
|
The Next Chapter: Books for Kids and Tweens June 2025 |
|
|
|
|
| J vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry CraftThe friendly trash talk between two Newbery Award-winning authors gets a funny, fictional twist in this story about cartoonist J and poet K, two rival fifth-graders each determined to win their school’s storytelling contest. This graphic novel hybrid offers plenty of jokes alongside useful advice for young artists and authors. |
|
|
|
Benny on the Case by Wesley KingEleven-year-old Benny, a boy with Mosaic Down syndrome, navigates a new mainstream classroom, standing up to bullies, making new friends, and uncovering a government conspiracy threatening to close down the retirement home owned by his mother. Don't miss: Check out the glossary of regional sayings since the book is set in Newfoundland. |
|
|
|
A Day at the Beach by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron KoertgeDuring a single day on a New Jersey beach, you can follow the overlapping activities of 28 different kids (and two dogs). Ranging from funny (losing your swim trunks) to painful (facing racism and grief), this easy-to-browse book offers a fresh point of view in every chapter. For fans of: Jason Reynolds’ Look Both Ways. Reviewers say: " A sandy slice-of-life treat, rich in feeling and insight from dawn to dark." (Kirkus) |
|
|
|
The Big Splash by Angela AhnJulia is dismayed to learn that Coach Marissa has to leave the Vipers swim team for an urgent family matter. Coach Nathan, their new temporary coach, is strict and humorless. He doesn't even let them have Splash Time! And it's not just Julia who's upset--two of her teammates have even quit the team. So it's no surprise that the team is not enthusiastic when Coach Nathan asks them to put together a car wash fundraiser for the team. But then they learn that there's going to be a big increase in pool rental fees, which means the Vipers may lose practice days, or worse, not be able to swim at all. Julia takes the lead and gets the Vipers organized. Along the way, she learns more about her nemesis, teammate Olivia, and even Coach Nathan. Maybe first impressions aren't always the most accurate. Series alert: this is the second book in the Julia On The Go! series. You can also enjoy the first title, Swimming Into Trouble. |
|
|
|
The Burning Season by Caroline Starr RoseWhen a wildfire breaks out on her watch, twelve-year-old Opal, a fourth-generation fire lookout-in-training, must face her fears in order to save the forest she loves and her family. How it's told: "The adventure starts fast in this wilderness survival verse novel... (for readers) who enjoy Dusti Bowling's The Canyon's Edge, and Gary Paulsen's Brian's Saga series. |
|
|
|
The Swifts: A Gallery of Rogues by Beth LincolnShenanigan Swift is off to Paris with her sister and their uncle Maelstrom to solve the mystery of a strange series of elaborately staged art museum heists, in this hilarious, quick-witted story that celebrates words, family and lots of shenanigans. Reviewers say: "Another smart, silly whodunit" (Kirkus) |
|
|
|
The Van Gogh Deception by Deron R HicksDiscovered in Washington D.C.'s National Gallery with no memory of who he is, a young boy begins a high-stakes race to piece together disjointed clues about his origins while using his limited knowledge to prevent one of the greatest art frauds ever committed, in a story complemented by QR codes about depicted masterpieces. |
|
|
|
Duet by Elise Broach; illustrated by Ziyue ChenThe unlikely partnership of singing goldfinch Mirabelle and human piano prodigy Michael kicks off this quirky tale, which leads to a treasure hunt for the lost piano of famed composer Frédéric Chopin.
Why it stands out: Not only is this musical mystery rich with details and fascinating history, it also offers a literal bird's-eye view, since Mirabelle herself narrates the story.
|
|
|
|
Fitz and Cleo: Get Creative by Jonathan Stutzman and Heather FoxFitz and Cleo are back and feeling artistic! Siblings (the closest), ghosts (the friendliest), best friends (the tightest), cat owners (Mister Boo approves!), and now bandmates (only the gnarliest!), these two know how to keep spirits high and the good times rolling! In their first-ever second book, join the most adorable apparitions this way of the afterlife through ten gut-busting creative farces. |
|
Contact your librarian for more great books!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|