Books for Kids and Tweens
June 2025
Recent Releases
J vs. K
by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft

The 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. Read-alike: The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. (Ages 8-12.)
Return to Sender
by Vera Brosgol

While grieving his father and failing to fit in with his ultra-rich new classmates, ten-year-old foodie Oliver makes a life-changing discovery: a mysterious mail slot that grants wishes! Filled with dark humor and vivid illustrations, this tale of magic -- and consequences -- will stick with you after the final page. (Ages 8-12.)
Don't Cause Trouble
by Arree Chung

Ming Lee was hoping for a fresh start in middle school, but he is as desperately uncool as always – not to mention stuck in ESL even though he only speaks English. How’s he supposed to stick up for himself when his parents’ biggest rule is to keep out of trouble? This colorful graphic novel offers a relatable story inspired by the author’s real life. (Ages 9-13.)
Same Page
by Elly Swartz

Bess Stein is stunned to learn people don't want certain books in the school vending machine, and the person leading the fight is her friend's mom, but Bess wants to ensure kids who might like the books can read them.
The beat I drum
by Dusti Bowling

Finding the beat of the drums helps teenage Connor navigate his Tourette's Syndrome, friendships, and family problems
El Niño
by Pam Muñoz Ryan; illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Two years ago, Kai’s sister Cali, a champion swimmer, disappeared in the Pacific Ocean. Now, grieving and struggling to live up to Cali’s legacy, eighth-grader Kai becomes obsessed with the legendary undersea queen Califia. Blending mythology with reality, this illustrated tale will appeal to readers who love outside-the-box storytelling. Read-alike: Secrets We Tell the Sea by Martha Riva Palacio Obón. (Ages 8-13.)
Weird But True! Space: 300 Out-of-this-world Facts
by National Geographic Kids

Blast off to the strangest places the universe has to offer with 300 unbelievable facts about all things space! Packed with amazing photos and quirky illustrations, the latest 'Weird But True!' is truly out of this world! Did you know that some planets--like Saturn and Jupiter--have diamond rain? Or that black holes can 'burp'? How about the fact that the newest toilet on the International Space Station cost NASA a cool $23 million?
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Benicia Public Library
150 East L Street, Benicia, California 94510
(707) 746-4343

https://benicialibrary.org/