October 2026 list by K. Pearson
Absent by Rex Ogle
Absent
by Rex Ogle

With a dad in jail and a lack of teachers interested in helping him learn, Manny doesn’t see the point in anything besides skateboarding and writing lyrics. Calvin has so many responsibilities to his father and little brothers that when his bike is stolen, he can’t make it to school on time. And while Liam is studious and wants to become a doctor, he is tormented by bullies and hides out in an unused janitor’s closet instead of going to class. When the boys are thrown together in detention, they realize that they might still have a lot to learn―not just from their teachers, but from each other.

Stacey and the Mystery of Stoneybrook (the Baby-Sitters Club #35) by Ann M. Martin
The Baby-Sitters Club #35: Stacey and the Mystery of Stoneybrook 
by Ann M. Martin

Unlike Claudia and Dawn, Stacey's never been much for mysteries and ghost stories. But when she and Charlotte Johanssen hear terrible noises coming out of the old Hennessey place, Stacey thinks the Baby-sitters definitely have a mystery on their hands. Mallory claims the house once made her have a horrible nightmare. And Kristy discovers that it was built on top of a graveyard Does Stoneybrook have a real, live haunted house? The Baby-sitters are going to find out--no matter how scary it maybe be.

Daisy Davenport Saves the Day (Girl of the Year 2027 Novel) by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Daisy Davenport Saves the Day 
by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Daisy Davenport can't wait for a summer filled with soccer, camp activities, and time with her best friend at sleepaway camp. But once she arrives, she struggles with homesickness, fear of the dark, and conflicts among her cabinmates. As a camp-wide competition hangs in the balance, Daisy learns about teamwork, friendship, and finding confidence in herself.


Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Fairy Double: (A Magical Middle Grade Chapter Book about Fairies and Elves for Kids Ages 5-9) by Megan McDonald
Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Fairy Double
by Megan McDonald

Eliza has a bad case of the hiccups. According to her neighbor Mr. McQuestion, that might mean that elves are trying to get her attention. It might mean that they need her elph. Help, that is So through the tiny fairy door Eliza and Haiku, her dragonfly familiar, tumble--straight into another adventure on the Other Side. First, they meet Eliza's fairy double, a mini version of Eliza but one who is wearing funny clothes and a funny hat and acting, well, funny. Then they meet the other elves of Elfindor, who claim that Eliza's double is not her true double but an imposter. Who should they believe? 

Flight: A Story of Seeking Refuge by Alan Gratz
Flight: A Story of Seeking Refuge
by Alan Gratz

Daniela López is on a life-or-death journey. Forced to flee their beloved home in Honduras, Dani and her family were headed north in search of safety--until a treacherous mistake ripped Dani's parents away. Now, Dani and her younger brother Carlos are on their own, and they have no choice but to keep going, in the desperate hope of finding their parents at the Mexico-United States border. But to get there, they will have to ride on top of a roaring freight train known as "The Beast."

Greta Grimsdark and the Normal New Neighbor by Haley Neil
Greta Grimsdark and the Normal New Neighbor
by Haley Neil

Greta Grimsdark lives in a haunted castle at the edge of a dreary forest. Her parents, Mumsy and Pops, are dragons. She has three brothers: Zombert (who is part zombie), Gothric (who is likely a vampire), and Hauntsley (who is definitely a ghost). Greta is not a dragon or zombie or a vampire or a ghost. She's something even scarier. . . a human child.

Holidays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
Holidays at the Castle
by Jessica Day George

After traveling to new lands and across seas, Celie is thrilled to be home at her beloved Castle for the winter holidays. From the delicious feasts and beautiful decorations to the gift exchanges and amazing magical displays, the holidays are the best time of the year! Celie can't wait to celebrate with the rest of the Glower family and their special guests, the royals of Grath. But the night before the festivities begin, the griffins start acting out, chasing the other animals and snapping at anyone who approaches. The holidays are meant to bring everyone together, but with all the chaos and a blizzard rolling in, will they still be able to celebrate?

I Survived the Night of the Lions, 2025 (I Survived #26) by Lauren Tarshis
I Survived the Night of the Lions, 2025 
by Lauren Tarshis

After a baseball injury ends his Little League dreams, eleven-year-old Dylan travels to Botswana with his filmmaker sister. What begins as an exciting wildlife adventure turns into a fight for survival when a plane crash leaves him stranded in the African wilderness. Alone and injured, Dylan must rely on his courage and determination to survive among dangerous animals, including lions.


Healing Hounds (Just Like Home, Book Three) by Erin Soderberg Downing
Just Like Home: Healing Hounds 
by Erin Soderberg Downing

Ruby and Henry welcome their next guest when an adorable, fluffy dog has to be rehomed when his owner moves into an assisted living community. After a short stay on the farm while they try to help ease the transition from a life the pup is used to, the kids soon discover that what Walter needs help with most is finding a way to help others. And that's not going to happen on the farm. But when Ruby and Henry get the idea to work with a local agency to train Walter as a therapy pup, they begin to see just how much joy he's able to bring to others.

The Runaway Cyclops by Jordan Quinn
The Kingdom of Wrenly: The Runaway Cyclops
by Jordan Quinn

Clara and Lucas are camping on the outskirts of Trellis when, one night, they hear a deep, unsettling growl. Stranger still, their tent is whisked away by something with a very large tail. And when a Knight of Trellis appears with warning of a Cyclops on the loose, Clara and Lucas realize there's more to their mysterious encounter than meets the giant eye. 

Ghost Light (the Last Resort #3) by Sara Farizan
The Last Resort
by Sara Farizan

Rosteen is dead. He knows he's dead. And yet... he's still around. He died as a kid in the 1980s, but here he is in the 2020s, brought back to The Last Resort by Lila, Tobias, and Caleb -- who desperately need his help. The problem? An evil ghost wants to make a comeback and cause a few more disasters that will inevitably cost people their lives. The only way for Rosteen, Lila, Tobias, and Caleb to stop her is to travel to the sites of some of her more infamous disasters in the past and find objects from those times that will somehow defeat her. And to do that, they'll need to bring back another ghost -- the one that killed Lila and Caleb's grandfather. 

Neverfear by Katherine Rundell
The Neverfear
by Katherine Rundell

It's the Midsummer Feast on the islet of Glimt, and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone's lips is bandits. Reports of masked men wreaking havoc are spreading throughout the Archipelago. Christopher and Anya have faced danger before; they think they are prepared for this threat--until they are ambushed and someone very close to them is kidnapped. Their frantic quest to pay the ransom will take them on a wild journey across Glimouria. Together they must face giants, duel with pirates, and race against deadly karkadanns. But just when they think they might succeed, there will come the most Herculean task of all . . .

Quest of the Drowned Lands by Linda Trinh
Quest of the Drowned Lands
by Linda Trinh

In the magical land of Van Lang, ten-year-old Riverwise Cam and their teammates face a new challenge when flooding destroys rice fields and leaves people hungry. With the help of their ally animal, Emerald, Cam works to find a solution, but disagreements within the group threaten their success. This action-packed sequel explores teamwork, problem-solving, and how young people can make a difference in their communities.


Island of Skulls by Peter Burns
School For Thieves: Island of Skulls
by Peter Burns

In the aftermath of the attack on the Shadow League, the crimson flu is rampant at Beaufort's School for the Deceptive Arts. Each house is sent to a remote location for the summer to quarantine, and Tom's house, led by the Corsair, is sent to a private island in the Mediterranean, once owned by the notorious Duke of Nimes. The duke is said to have hidden a spectacular treasure in one of the caves that pepper the island--as well as a terrifying weapon. And the students are tasked with tracking down his hiding spot. But what is this mysterious treasure? And who are the deadly opponents sabotaging their efforts? The most valuable lesson Tom might learn this summer is: trust no one.

The Secret Bookstore Sleuth Society (Deluxe Edition) by Lindsay Currie
The Secret Bookstore Sleuth Society 
by Lindsay Currie

When Merrick McGee's grandmother moves in and Merrick begins homeschooling, she misses her friends and her old school. During a fierce ice storm, her friends end up stranded with her at a bookstore-inn, where a mysterious death occurs. Convinced it was murder, Merrick and her friends form the Secret Bookstore Sleuth Society to investigate. As they search for clues, Merrick discovers that her grandmother may hold the key to solving the case.


Art Attack by James Ponti
The Sherlock Society: Art Attack
by James Ponti

The Sherlock Society's latest case is tracking down stealth graffiti artist Funky Munky--well-known for their artistic statements calling out local politicians--on behalf of a developer who wants them to create a mural for a new hotel. Their investigation leads Alex, Zoe, Lina, and Yadi deep into the very colorful south Florida art scene. But finding someone who doesn't want to be found is challenging, and it doesn't help that Miami Art Week is coming up, bringing lots of attention--and lots of new artists--to the area. The Sherlock Society's best bet is an elaborate sting operation, which involves them picking up spray cans themselves. Can they trap their quarry without exposing themselves?

Stella & Marigold: Past and Presents: Book 3 by Annie Barrows
Stella & Marigold: Past and Presents
by Annie Barrows

Sisters Stella and Marigold live in an old house and love using their imaginations to turn everyday discoveries into adventures. When they find evidence that another child once lived in their home and left messages and treasures behind, they become fascinated with the mysterious girl and begin making plans of their own. Filled with humor, friendship, and sisterly affection, this charming early chapter book celebrates curiosity, creativity, and growing up together.


The Swifts: A Garden of Vipers by Beth Lincoln
The Swifts: A Garden of Vipers
by Beth Lincoln

The Swift siblings head to New York City when their cousin Atrocious asks for help solving a murder. During a snowstorm, they become trapped in a greenhouse skyscraper owned by the wealthy DeMille family, where a poisoner is hiding among the many suspects. As Shenanigan Swift investigates, she must untangle family secrets, rivalries, and clues to uncover the killer. Filled with clever wordplay, humor, and mystery, this fast-paced adventure is another fun case for the talented young sleuths.


Fearless (the Taylors #2) by Jen Calonita
The Taylors: Fearless 
by Jen Calonita

The Taylor sisters are thrilled when their fifth-grade class trip takes them to Nashville, especially aspiring songwriter Teffy, who dreams of attending a songwriting workshop at the Country Music Hall of Fame. But each sister faces her own worries, from homesickness and self-doubt to difficult friendships and tough choices. As they navigate the ups and downs of the trip, the Taylors learn to overcome their fears by supporting one another and working together.


An Armada of Trouble by James Patterson
The Time Travel Twins: An Armada of Trouble
by James Patterson

Twins Pew and Basket Church are on one last mission to solve a long-running family mystery, but their search keeps sending them through time. This adventure lands them in 16th-century England, where they encounter Shakespeare, royal intrigue, and their old enemy, Pirate Macaulay, who is plotting to disrupt history. Using quick thinking, disguises, and teamwork, the twins must stop Macaulay, solve the clues, and uncover the truth behind their family's secrets in a fast-paced story full of humor, action, and time-travel adventures.


The Unusuals by Gail Carson Levine
The Unusuals
by Gail Carson Levine

In medieval Winchester, three unlikely friends, Chera, Lummie, and Joan, cross religious and social boundaries as a Jewish-Christian trio in a time when such friendships are uncommon. When Chera's grandmother and Joan's mother are murdered, the children become determined to uncover the truth, especially when they fear another loved one may be in danger. Despite adults dismissing their concerns, the friends devise a risky plan and enlist unexpected allies to seek justice. This historical mystery explores friendship, courage, prejudice, faith, and the power of standing together against the odds.


Warriors Super Edition: Darktail's Judgment by Erin Hunter
Warriors Super Edition: Darktail's Judgment
by Erin Hunter

Darkpaw grows up waiting for his WindClan father to return, but years of disappointment turn his hope into anger. After tragedy strikes, he becomes the rogue Darktail and sets out on a path of revenge. As his hatred grows, Darktail transforms into one of the most feared villains in the Warriors world.


The World of Emily Windsnap: Emily's Great Idea: (A Magical Mermaid Early Reader Chapter Book about Friendship and Teamwork for Kids Ages 5-8) by Liz Kessler
The World of Emily Windsnap: Emily's Great Idea
by Liz Kessler

Semi-mer Emily and her friend Mandy are devastated to learn that a deteriorating pier is set to be demolished, threatening not only a beloved amusement park but also homes and underwater habitats. Determined to save the pier and the community that depends on it, Emily teams up with friends from both the human and mermaid worlds. Together, they devise a creative solution that shows the power of friendship, teamwork, and caring for the environment.