Dwight Foster Public Library: Kids' Books (for Ages 8-12): April 2026

Lionel Messi's World Cup Triumph: (History's Greatest Games #1)
by Chris Barish

It's the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, and Lionel Messi--one of the greatest players to ever take the field--is one match away from victory. Despite his many awards and accolades, Messi has never been able to add a World Cup trophy to his collection. If Argentina wins, this would be a historic moment not just for the country, but for the entire legacy of soccer on the international stage. Travel back in time to learn how the World Cup began and see the incredible players--from Maradona to Mbappe--who built it into the global phenomenon we know today. This exciting new graphic novel series offers a portal to the past, putting young readers in the middle of the most epic moments in sports history. Along with action-packed games and nail-biting victories, this series zooms out to explore the incredible backstories, social and political issues, and larger historical context that truly make these games the greatest in history.

Who Hid the Stars?: How Light Pollution Changes Our World
by Danio Miserocchi

When streetlights outshine the stars, what does that mean for plants, animals, and us? This absorbing nonfiction picture book investigates artificial light and its unexpected impact on our planet. Who Hid the Stars? explores fascinating topics including: How artificial light developed throughout history--from fire to LEDs How city lights interrupt bird migration patterns, How streetlights gather insects--and their predators, How turtles struggle to hatch without darkness, How plant growth changes in artificial light, How humans can fight light pollution and stop it from harming nature! With lush ink, acrylic, and digital illustrations and scientifically sound, yet approachable text, Who Hid the Stars? is a memorable way to explore conservation and biodiversity. This book will ignite children's curiosity and inspire them to take care of Earth--starting by turning out the lights.

Wilderness Hacks
by Joslin Brorsen

Hatchet meets Survivor in this high-action, humor-filled middle grade adventure about two kids stranded in the wilderness, whose annoyance with each other rivals the roaring rapids and ferocious predators they must face. 12-year-old Sadie Hahn didn't plan to eat grubs on camera to win a contest. And she definitely didn't plan to win first prize--a guest appearance on a Youtube show hosted by America's favorite 13-year-old survivalist Radley Shaw. But she'll do anything to cheer up her little brother Silas, who's too young to qualify. Rad has millions of followers and exactly zero real-life friends, so the contest is a great chance for him to hang out with kids his own age. But it's hate-at-first-sight when Silas throws a wrench in his plan and Sadie decides Rad is just a clueless poser who doesn't know the first thing about survival. Disaster strikes when their scripted rafting trip turns into a real fight for survival. Lost in the mountains, Rad and Sadie must find shelter, build a fire, forage for food and try not to become food for a hungry predator. But can they stop bickering long enough to hack it in the wilderness? And will that be enough to keep them alive?

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan
by Jasmine Warga

Finnegan is a rescue dog with a broken heart. Chase is an anxious cheetah cub, newly orphaned. The two animals couldn't be more different. But one day, they are brought together for the unlikeliest of reasons: Finnegan must help Chase gain the confidence she needs to perform as part of an educational program for children at a zoo. Finnegan and Chase have each suffered losses and have trouble trusting. Yet somehow, they are just what the other needs. But if Finnegan isn’t able to help Chase overcome her fears, he won’t just be letting Chase down—he could be risking his new home as well.

Steven and Parker: Dinos Are Forever! (a Graphic Novel)
by Parker James

Meet StEvEn and his best buddy, Parker. StEvEn is an eight-year-old obsessed with all things dino, and has even assumed the role of CEO of the Dino Club, a club of his own making. Parker is his long-suffering older brother who tries to keep StEvEn out of trouble. At the Orange County Fair, StEvEn feels left out when he can't go on a ride with Parker and Bianca, StEvEn's one true love (AKA Parker's girlfriend). But a chance encounter with Tatum, a lost Dino plushie, leads to misadventures at the fair and at school as StEvEn desperately tries to run out the clock before Tatum's real owner comes for him. Inspired by the popular YouTube series, StEvEn and Parker: Dinos are Forever is a riotous tale of over-the-top sibling antics and friendship that'll have you laughing out loud.

The Greenies
by Emma Mills

The Baby-Sitters Club meets The Breakfast Club in this fun and fresh graphic novel about a girl who reluctantly joins the Environmental Club at her new school--and finds friendship and community where she least expects it. After her parents' divorce, seventh grader Violet is forced to start all over. Now the new kid, at a new school, in a new town, she must navigate unfamiliar territory. Luckily, Violet falls in with a new group of (maybe?) friends. But when they wind up in detention, they're forced to join the under-attended Environmental Club--and mischief ensues. What will become of this rag-tag group? Fans of Raina Telgemeier will love this hilarious and heartfelt story about making friends, making mistakes, and making it up as you go along--until you end up just where you were meant to be.