The Next Chapter:
Books for Kids and Tweens
September 2025
Recent Releases
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
by Frances Hardinge; illustrated by Emily Gravett

In Feather’s world, the crumbling Wall is humanity’s only shield from the deadly, uncontrollable Forest. But when a stranger threatens her community, Feather has no choice but to venture beyond the Wall and into the unknown. Even though it’s short, this illustrated fantasy is sure to grip your imagination. 
 
Art alert: this chapter book is full of gorgeous illustrations by Emily Gravett.
 
Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence
Beyond Mulberry Glen
by Millie Florence

Eleven-year-old Lydia Green lives with a fairy guardian, a philosopher and twin troublemakers known as the Zs, and when a foolish choice by the Zs puts her family in danger, she must leave home for a magical world. 
 
Try this next: Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell or The Faerie Door by Bruce Maxwell.
The Last Resort
by Erin Entrada Kelly

When 11-year-old Lila arrives at her deceased Grandpa Clem’s inn, she discovers that it’s packed with ghosts -- including Grandpa Clem himself, who wants Lila to investigate his supposed murder. This paranormal thriller series starter features interactive QR codes, but you don’t have to use them to enjoy the eerie vibes. Next in the series: The Claiming by Jasmine Warga, out in 2026. 
 
Also available as an audiobook HERE.
 
Reviewers say: "Kelly deploys intensely scary scenes and chilling prose to manifest an eerie series-starting adventure." (Publishers Weekly)
 
Popcorn by Rob Harrell
Popcorn
by Rob Harrell

Seventh-grader Andrew worries a lot on a good day. And today -- a school picture day packed with small mishaps and big fears -- is not a good day. Sprinkled with Andrew’s doodle-style "Anxiety Files" comics, this relatable slice of middle school life has both humor and heart. Winner of the 2025 Schneider Family Book Award.
 
Read-alike: Just Roll With It by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie. 
Wish I Was a Baller
by Amar Shah; illustrated by Rashad Doucet

These days, author Amar Shah is a professional sports journalist. But in 1995, he was a basketball-obsessed 14-year-old who wanted to learn everything about his sports heroes. This fast-paced graphic memoir offers a look at the triumphs and challenges of chasing your dreams. 
 
Pair it with: Who Is Shaqille O'Neal? by Ellen Labrecque
Back to School: School Sleuths
The house of found objects by Jo Beckett-King
The House of Found Objects
by Jo Beckett-King

Bea and her cousin Celine must locate their grandmother's precious painting and the mysterious individual leading them from clue to clue.
 
For fans of: Beth Lincoln's The Swifts and Margaret Peterson Haddix's Greystone Secrets series.
 
 
The Frindle files by Andrew Clements
The Frindle Files
by Andrew Clements

Josh Willet is a techie, a serious gamer. Which is why Josh and his friends can't stand Mr. N's ELA class; it's a strict no-tech zone. Mr. N makes them write everything out by hand, he won't use a Smartboard, and he's obsessed with some hundred-year-oldgrammar book. Then Josh discovers a secret; turns out Mr. N's been keeping a lot more than technology from his students! Together with his best friend Vanessa, and using all the computer skills they've got, Josh is determined to solve the mystery of Mr. N's past. And maybe get some screentime back, too?
 
Read it for: clever, mischievous characters and a suspenseful plot
Judy Moody, girl detective by Megan McDonald
Judy Moody, Girl Detective
by Megan McDonald

When a puppy who is being trained as a police dog goes missing, third-grader Judy forms a detective agency to solve the mystery, imitating her literary heroine, Nancy Drew.
 
Series alert: join Judy Moody  on more adventures!
Drew Leclair gets a clue by Katryn Bury
Drew Leclair Gets a Clue
by Katryn Bury

When a cyberbully posts embarrassing rumors about other students at school, Drew, to protect her own secret, puts her sleuthing skills to good use to find the culprit, who just might be one of her closest friends.
 
Classic connections: an "emotionally realistic" mystery with a nod to both Nancy Drew and Harriet the Spy
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Handley Regional Library System
100 W Piccadilly St
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 662-9041

https://www.handleyregional.org/
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