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Books for Kids and Tweens September 2026 |
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| No Place on Earth by Andrea Beatriz ArangoAfter his parents separate, anxious Puerto Rican 11-year-old Gustavo moves with his mom to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. There, his anxiety dreams get even worse -- until he meets new classmate Kordell inside their shared dreamscape. This hopeful and emotionally powerful read blends fantasy with realistic mental health challenges. (Ages 10-13.)
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| Rex Rocket: Cosmic Wiener Dog by John GallagherThis graphic novel series starter introduces stretchy blue weiner dog Rex Rocket, captain of the hot-dog-shaped starship SS Sagan. In short, slapstick-filled chapters, Rex and his crew of misfits pursue missions throughout the galaxy. For fans of: Dav Pilkey's Dog Man series or Mac Barnett's First Cat in Space books. (Ages 7-10.)
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| Roi and Me and the Double V: A WWII Story by Sandra W. HeadenIn the early 1940s, Black 12-year-old friends Marvel and Roi are dealing with all the different ways in which World War II impacts their hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, including the shipyard that aims to destroy the running track where Olympic hopeful Marvel trains. Memorable characters anchor this historical fiction story inspired by real events. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Secrets at Sparhawk Point by Anna Rose JohnsonWelcome to 1943 Sparhawk Point, Michigan, where four friends -- Swedish American sisters Ingrid and Beatrice and Ojibwe brothers Alex and Jack -- invent a fake cryptid to draw tourists to the struggling small town. Try this next: The Blossoming Summer, another thoughtful and moving historical fiction book by Ojibwe author Anna Rose Johnson. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Hometown by Shaun TanTold through minimal words and super-detailed artwork, this graphic novel begins with the unnamed, human-shaped main character matter-of-factly introducing their family (outlandish creatures of different shapes and sizes) and hometown (a whimsical, eerie landscape). Their comfortable life is upended, however, when a human astronaut arrives and insists that they return with him to their "real" home. Read-alike: Oasis by Guojing. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo CartayaA road trip turns into a bonding opportunity for 13-year-old Gonzalo (a quiet artist grieving for his father) and his grumpy abuelo Alberto (author of a popular fantasy series for kids). Told mostly by Gonzalo -- with interruptions from a quirky narrator -- this moving adventure will leave you thinking about how stories shape our lives. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace LinTrapped in the human realm and facing a high-stakes quest to retrieve the Sacred Sphere, Stone Lion spirit Jin will need all of his courage -- plus some new allies -- to set things right. Inspired by Chinese folklore and filled with colorful illustrations, this spellbinding read will grab fans of fantasy and mythology. Read-alike: Aimee Lim's The Spindle of Fate. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Incorruptibles by Lauren MagazinerIn a future where sorcerers oppress humans, 13-year-old orphan Fiora gets a chance to join the resistance fighters known as the Incorruptibles -- but first she'll have to uncover the traitor in their midst. With a diverse cast and lots of action, this series opener will keep readers intrigued. Next in the series: Lightmare. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Opal Watson: Private Eye by Brittany J. ThurmanMeet detective Opal Watson: she's in seventh grade, she has a degenerative eye disease, she sometimes uses a cane, and she's determined to find out the truth behind the strange noises plaguing the historic Chicago apartment building where she lives. Based on a popular podcast, this smart puzzle mystery is the 1st in a series. Next in the series: A Case Most Fowl. (Ages 8-12.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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