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Books for Kids and Tweens November 2026 |
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| Where the Wild Horses Are by Amy AlznauerThe Extreme Mustang Makeover contest is the perfect chance for 12-year-old aspiring cowboy Nash to train a horse of her own for the summer. As she bonds with mustang Reverie, however, Nash also must face her complicated friendship with visiting cousin Benny, who's Deaf like Nash's parents. If you love relatable characters and emotional depth, don't miss Where the Wild Horses Are. (Ages 10-13.)
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| Mischief and Monsters by Adrianna CuevasSix feet tall at 12 years old, quiet Jordi Acosta already stands out, but he's still figuring out how to stand up for what he values -- a task made more urgent by the greedy energy company threatening the wildlife refuge where Jordi's mom protects cryptids. This offbeat, suspenseful blend of creature feature and real-world issues will keep you turning pages. Read-alikes: Zoraida Cordova's Valentina Salazar Is Not a Monster Hunter and Lija Fisher's The Cryptid Catcher. (Ages 9-12.) |
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| The Wump by Tony DiterlizziBullied at school and at home, bug-loving 11-year-old Timothy Quibble is fed up. He's also haunted by a shadowy monster known as the Wump -- a monster Timothy could unleash to get revenge. This illustrated supernatural story offers a creepy spin on an all-too-real situation. For fans of: Paul Tremblay's Another. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Realmsweep by H.E. EdgmonTo prove to his parents that he's responsible enough to take gender-affirming transfiguration tonics, 12-year-old Prince Rowdy of the Kingdom of Texas assembles a team of misfits to compete in Realmsweep, a risky magical scavenger hunt held across the Allied Lands. Intriguing world-building and a complex main character add depth to this fantasy adventure. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan by Victoria JamiesonAlmost-fourth-grader Mabel plans to spend the summer hanging out with her stuffed animal friends and building a treehouse. Those plans have to change, however, after her parents announce that they're expecting a new baby. This funny, realistic graphic novel is the 1st in a new series from the creator of Roller Girl. Read-alikes: Cynthia Rylant's Rosetown; Elizabeth Montague's Camp Frenemies. (Ages 7-10.) |
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| It Came From the Creek by Amy Sarig KingIt's the summer of 1980, and when she's not taking on mean boys in a kickball tournament, 10-year-old Katy and her friend Joel are working on a high-stakes project: to prove that the dangerous toxic waste in their local creek is due to illegal dumping. Although this is a companion book to Me and Marvin Gardens, you don't need to have read that book to enjoy this inspiring environmental story. (Ages 9-12.)
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| Licorice by Kara Lareau; illustrated by Kelly MurphyAt first, shelter cat Kitty is overjoyed to be adopted by kindhearted young Max. But as Kitty tries to settle in, she's overwhelmed by the eerie, lingering shadow of Licorice, Max's previous -- and apparently perfect -- cat. Delicately shaded artwork adds depth to this animal fantasy that's equal parts haunting and cozy. (Ages 8-12.)
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| This Is a Door by Daniel NayeriMeet Ing (short for Nothing the Younger), a not-so-bright orphan whose determination to find his purpose spurs him into a funny yet profound quest. The shapes of the words on the page are part of the storytelling in this unique, fairy tale-inspired take on a classic "hero's journey." (Ages 8-12.)
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| Dasia (Forever) by Nic StoneDuring a hospital stay for chemotherapy with no family to support her, lonely 13-year-old Dasia meets fellow cancer patient Jimmy. Though they seem like opposites at first, the two girls soon begin to open up. Told through their talks and Dasia's unsent letters to her incarcerated brother, this tender and moving story will make you think about the things that help us survive. (Ages 9-13.)
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| Leaving Birdsong by Brenda WoodsIn this standalone follow-up to The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA, it's 1946 and 11-year-old Abigail and her family are moving from Birdsong, South Carolina, to Detroit, Michigan. It's a big change, and Abigail's honest, observant point of view gives readers a strong sense of one Black girl's life in a specific time and place. Read-alike: Lesa Cline-Ransome's Finding Langston. (Ages 10-13.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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