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Books for Kids and Tweens August 2026 |
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| Reading the Bones: Homo Naledi and the Mysteries of Human Evolution by Marc Aronson and John S. MeadIn a difficult-to-reach cave in South Africa, a group of researchers known as "the Underground Astronauts" unearth the fossils of what seems to be a new human ancestor: Homo naledi. And you're right there with them in this fascinating book that makes complicated topics feel easy to understand. For another blend of real-world science and adventure, try The Skull in the Rock, also co-written by Marc Aronson. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Wolf's Belly by John August; illustrated by Simón EstradaLonging to prove herself to her family full of adventurers, red-caped Lu sets out to slay a fearsome wolf...only to wind up in its belly. There, she finds a village of other survivors, and searches for a way to set them all free. Packed with dramatic artwork and characters from familiar fairy tales, this graphic novel will grab fans of thoughtful, funny fantasy. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Raven, Rising by Christine Hartman DerrTwelve-year-old Cherokee kid Raven is a skillful baker -- some of her treats even have a hint of magic. But she hasn't baked at all since her parents died. Stuck in a new town and a new school she hates, Raven grapples with guilt, grief, and trying to find friends when it feels like she'll never fit in. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Offside by Christina Diaz Gonzalez; illustrated by Mari CostaAfter their middle school finally makes the soccer team tryouts co-ed, sabotage from the guys means that Nicky and Fabiola are the only two girls who make the cut. With such a bad start, not to mention some language differences, can the new team figure out how to work together? This graphic novel combines on-the-field action with authentic emotions. Read-alikes: Tryouts by Sarah Sax; The Breakaways by Cathy G. Johnson. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. JacksonAfter her grandmother's death, grieving, ghost-obsessed 12-year-old Harmony joins her blues musician dad on tour. At a stop in Savannah, Georgia, Harmony encounters what might be a real haunting, leading her to investigate a local unsolved murder -- and maybe find a missing person. For fans of: smart paranormal mysteries inspired by Black history, like those by India Hill Brown. (Ages 10-13.)
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| Spindlewood by Freddie KölschAfter a misunderstanding sends her to the Spindlewood School of Seeing, eighth-grader Lilah Black finds new friends and gets caught up in a years-old mystery, all while hiding that she's the only Unseeing student at school full of Seers. If you like supernatural school stories, you don't want to miss this snarky, spooky read. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Shook by Julian Randall; illustrated by Nathan WalkerAmbitious, basketball-obsessed 12-year-old Malik "Shake" Page accidentally lives up to his nickname when a broken ankle leaves him shaken and sidelined. Shake's crisis of confidence -- and its impact on his friends and family -- is described through powerful poems, lists, groupchats, and illustrations that will keep you turning the pages. For fans of: Kwame Alexander's The Crossover. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Crumble by Meredith McClaren; illustrated by Andrea BellAt first, Emily is successful at practicing her family's special skill: magically baking good feelings into desserts for their bakery. But then tragedy strikes, and Emily's sadness begins seeping into her baked goods. Cute, colorful artwork balances the serious elements in this touching graphic novel. (Ages 7-11.) |
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| The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey HartmanNot quite alive and not quite dead, Clare the fox is content with his cozy home in Deadwood Forest, where he ushers souls into the Afterlife. That changes, however, when a badger soul named Gingersnipes makes Clare question everything he once understood. This charming and bittersweet story is sure to tug on your heartstrings. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| The Strongest Heart by Saadia FaruqiHis dad's untreated mental illness has always made life unstable for sarcastic, folktale-loving Mo. But when they move from New York to Texas to stay with Mo's aunt and cousin, Mo begins to wonder if life could be different. Fans of realistic fiction should check out this painfully honest yet hopeful story, inspired by the author's own family. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Oasis by GuojingWhile their mom works to earn them a brighter future in Oasis City, siblings JieJie and DiDi must survive in a barren desert, braving the sandstorms alone -- until they discover an abandoned robot and activate its "Mother Mode." Moody, softly swirling artwork brings this absorbing graphic novel to life. Read-alike: The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly. (Ages 8-12.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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