Books for Kids and Tweens
July 2025

Recent Releases
Everything's wrong! : a bear, a hare, and trouble everywhere
by Jory John

"Best friends Jeff and Anders start the day with the best of intentions, but before long, everything goes haywire. From power outages, to spilled breakfasts, to missing socks, a series of irritating incidents sends the bear-and-bunny duo on an epic journey that will test their fortitude and their friendship. Can these pals work together to salvage this disastrous day? Another read-out-loud, laugh-out-loud picture book from bestselling author Jory John, paired with standout talent Erin Kraan, reminds us that even when your day seems to go completely off the rails, you can make it through any challenge--especially when you have a good friend by your side"
Graciela in the Abyss
by Meg Medina; illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso 

One hundred years after falling to her death in the ocean, Graciela awakens as a sea spirit. Meanwhile, living boy Jorge accidentally delivers a ghost-killing harpoon to a vengeful villain. The quest to set things right on land and sea brings Graciela and Jorge together in this exciting and heartfelt fantasy. Read-alike: El Niño by Pam Muñoz Ryan. (Ages 10-13.)
The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls
by Judith Rossell

When she arrives at the Midwatch Institute, headstrong Maggie Fishbone discovers that the gloomy-seeming orphanage is actually a school that trains girls to "solve mysteries and do good deeds and fight bad guys." Set in a 1920s-era world of airships and motorcars, this clever story offers plenty of intrigue and thrills. (Ages 8-12.)
The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun
by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Even though her sisters are always-busy high achievers, 12-year-old Esme just wants a chill summer with her local swim team. Esme's mom, however, has competitive expectations that could shatter Esme's summer hopes. Readers who like slice-of-life books with real-feeling characters will enjoy diving into Esme's story. (Ages 8-12.) 
Astronautical!
by Brooklin Stormie

"A century ago, planet Zephyr exploded under mysterious circumstances. Ever since, generations have been living out their lives on the remaining floating planet chunks. Brothers Max and Lari and their father Captain Cherryhair deliver goods around the galaxy on their spaceship-until their father is suddenly kidnapped by the fox minions of Cynosure, the Planet Breaker. Luckily, a couple of stars with a ferryboat business offer to help the brothers on their rescue mission. But when Max sustains a life-threatening black hole injury, little brother Lari finally has to step up and take care of his chronically in-charge big brother. Will Lari be able to figure out the secret of the broken planet and face the powerful Cynosure? Can he save not only his brother,but the people of Zephyr too?"
On Guard!
by Cassidy Wasserman

At the start of seventh grade, Grace feels like a mess: her parents are getting divorced and her best friend just dumped her. Then, while hiding out in the gym, Grace discovers the school fencing team. Joining the sport gives her a new perspective in this realistic graphic novel filled with family angst and friendship drama. Read-alike: Jessixa Bagley's Duel. (Ages 9-13.)
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past!
 
Will on the Inside
by Andrew Eliopulos

It's a big change for seventh-grader Will when he's diagnosed with Crohn's disease, forcing him to temporarily quit the soccer team he loves while he gets used to new medication. Even bigger, though, is realizing that he might be gay -- and that his church group and soccer friends might treat him differently if he tells them. (Ages 9-13.)
Sam(ira)'s (Worst) Best Summer
by Nina Hamza

After a horrible year where her best friend turned into a bully, relatable middle schooler Sammy now faces an even worse summer: her house was just TP'd and her brother Imran, who's autistic, is sure it's because they're brown and Muslim. How is Sammy supposed to trust in a new friendship with neighbor Alice when it feels like everyone is against her? (Ages 9-13.)
The Last Rhee Witch
by Jenna Lee-Yun

Feeling like a misfit in her own life, Korean American 12-year-old Ronnie heads to summer camp, where she encounters a hollow-eyed gwishin (ghost), a witch-hunting dokkaebi (goblin), and secrets about her own heritage. If you like paranormal fantasy with a dash of creepiness, don't miss The Last Rhee Witch. (Ages 8-12.)
Daughters of the Lamp
by Nedda Lewers

In 10th-century Baghdad, servant Morgana is on the run after a sorcerer attacks her boss, Ali Baba. In present-day Cairo, science-loving Egyptian American Sahara fears that her uncle's bride-to-be might be an actual witch. Find out how the two stories connect in this series starter that blends fantasy and folkore. (Ages 8-12.)
Olivetti
by Allie Millington

While searching for his mom, Beatrice, after her sudden disappearance, shy and anxious Ernest gets help from an unusual ally: Olivetti, the old family typewriter who remembers everything Beatrice ever typed with him. Narrated by both Ernest and Olivetti, this family story is both quirky and bittersweet. (Ages 9-13.)
The Carrefour Curse
by Dianne K. Salerni

Twelve-year-old Garnet Carrefour, who can communicate with stones, is excited to finally meet her extended family and learn about their nature powers. But excitement turns to dread once she arrives at the ancient mansion where her relatives live under a curse. You'll be captivated by the chilling gothic vibes and deadly secrets in this fantasy mystery. For fans of: Netflix's Wednesday. (Ages 8-12.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Oswego Public Library District
Montgomery Campus - 1111 Reading Drive, 60538
Oswego Campus - 32 West Jefferson, 60543
(630) 554-3150

https://www.oswego.lib.il.us/