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Kids' Reads - February 2026 |
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| Saber-Tooth by Robin GowFeeling lonely and angry after his brother (and best friend) leaves for college, trans and autistic eighth-grader Jasper begins a backyard fossil dig, spurred on by the voice of a saber-toothed tiger in his head. Told through high-impact poetry, Saber-Tooth explores how Jasper finds new friendships and excavates explosive emotions. (Ages 10-13.) |
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Bad Guys: Best of the Worst
by Maria S. Barbo
Join the Bad Guys on the heist that began all heists based on the Netflix animated show Mr. Wolf has finally recruited the perfect crew: Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Ms. Tarantula, and Mr. Piranha. He's got an expert safe-cracker, a tech wizard, a dynamic getaway driver, and a master of disguise. So what's the problem? Well... they still have to make a name for themselves as the best Bad Guys around. How tough can it be to make it on the Best of the Worst criminals list? Heists abound It's time for a Bad Guys origin story based on the hit Netflix show. Includes illustrations throughout.
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| The Moon Without Stars by Chanel MillerQuiet, creative Luna and her best friend Scott have gotten good at making zines to help their middle school classmates who are struggling. And it's those zines that grab the attention of the popular girls, forcing Luna to decide between social status and staying true to herself. Read-alike: Mallory in Full Color by Elisa Stone Leahy. (Ages 10-13.)
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Rainbow Magic Jewel Fairies: Sophie the Sapphire Fairy
by Daisy Meadows
The jewels from Queen Titania's crown are still missing! Jack Frost has hidden them in the human world, and now the Jewel Fairies don't have their powers. Help friends Kirsty and Rachel find Sophie the Sapphire Fairy's magic jewel in the sixth title in the Rainbow Magic Jewel Fairies series. Best friends Kirsty and Rachel have been looking for the missing jewels for each Jewel Fairy ever since Jack Frost stole them from the fairy queen's crown! One day, they visit the Mermaid Fountain and sense another missing jewel nearby. The girls meet Sophie the Sapphire Fairy and help her find the sapphire that grants wishes. But Jack Frost's goblins are trying to get ahold of it too! Can they help Sophie the Sapphire Fairy rescue her magic jewel? With age-appropriate text, a magical story, and illustrations throughout, this chapter book is perfect for kids who are starting to read independently. Get to know the Rainbow Magic series!With more than 40 million titles of the Rainbow Magic series sold worldwide, this beloved children's series is back with a fresh new look and ready for a new audience. Experience the friendship and adventures in Fairyland with these fantastic, introductory illustrated chapter books. This wonderfully engaging series features highly accessible stories, simple language, and black-and-white illustrations, perfect for newly independent readers. A fan favorite for decades, the series has thousands of positive reviews attesting to the fact that the Rainbow Magic series turned their child into a confident and dedicated reader.
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Rainbow Magic Special Edition: Lindsay the Luck Fairy
by Daisy Meadows
St. Patrick's Day is all about luck, but Jack Frost wants to change that! He stole the three lucky charms from Lindsay the Luck Fairy, and now everyone is having an unlucky day. Can best friends Rachel and Kirsty find the lucky charms before the holiday is over? Lindsay the Luck Fairy is out of luck now that Jack Frost has stolen her three magical charms. Now, people are unlucky when they play sports, make plans, and even try to find everyday items! Best friends Kirsty and Rachel are ready to help Lindsay find her charms. But will luck be on their side for their magical mission? This Rainbow Magic special edition includes three stories full of fairy adventures! Get to know the Rainbow Magic series!With more than 40 million titles of the Rainbow Magic series sold worldwide, this beloved children's series is back with a fresh new look and ready for a new audience. Experience the friendship and adventures in Fairyland with these fantastic, introductory illustrated chapter books. This wonderfully engaging series features highly accessible stories, simple language, and black-and-white illustrations, perfect for newly independent readers. A fan favorite for decades, the series has thousands of positive reviews attesting to the fact that the Rainbow Magic series turned their child into a confident and dedicated reader.
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| The Lions' Run by Sara PennypackerIn Nazi-occupied France, soft-hearted orphan Lucas discovers that small acts of courage, like helping his new friend Alice protect her beloved horse, can lead to bigger ones, like helping the Resistance. With realistic characters and growing suspense, this hopeful historical story will grab all kinds of readers. (Ages 8-13.)
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Love Rolls in
by Erin Soderberg Downing
Healing begins with a tail wag.A heartwarming and fun middle grade series from bestselling author Erin Soderberg Downing about a unique animal sanctuary, the full-time family who live there, and the rotating stable of animal guests who will learn what it really feels like to be loved and cared for.Siblings Ruby and Henry have an unusual kind of home life compared to their friends. Their family operates an animal sanctuary with a unique collection of full-time pet residents: a pig, a dog, the world's bossiest cat, two silly goats, and a llama who thinks he's a human. Not to mention, Ruby and Henry's mom is also a vet at the animal clinic in town.Let's just say, when it comes to animals, it's hard for Ruby and Henry's family to say no. But a couple months ago, their parents decided that the farm is full. No additional resident farm animals. No more fosters. Of course, rules are meant to be broken...A scared puppy has just arrived at their mom's clinic, and he's lost mobility in his back legs because of an injury. What's worse is that the newly named Arlo clearly knows he's been abandoned. But with Ruby's builder brain, Henry's heart, and a little bit of kindness from their ragtag group of animals at the sanctuary, they might just be able to teach Arlo how to trust again.
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Dr. Zeus
by James Patterson
Middle School meets Percy Jackson in this exciting adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson, where Greek gods task an ordinary twelve-year-old with a big mission. Nick Andino isn't exactly hero material. He's perfectly happy working at his family's Greek diner, pining over his crush, and avoiding his bully. His life isn't very exciting... until destiny comes calling. Dr. Zeus, the over-the-top king of the gods, zooms into town with a quest that Nick must complete to save Andinos past and present from being erased from history. Accompanied by a fast-talking Hermes, Nick journeys back to ancient Greece, where his ancestors await--along with new friends and a whole host of Greek gods and monsters. Can Nick be the hero the Andinos need, or will his story be another Greek tragedy? This fast-paced, feel-good adventure from the world's favorite storyteller has black-and-white illustrations throughout, and amphitheaters full of humor and heart.
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The Best Beginner's Guide to Dogs and Puppies for Kids: Everything You Need to Know about Breeds, Training, Safety, and More!
by Lynn Guelzow
You've got a new puppy or dog--or desperately want to get one. Now what? Whether you have a dog, are dreaming of a new puppy, or just love anything with four paws, this guide is packed with the essential advice and fun facts every dog-loving kid needs. Every chapter begins with a short real-life story to introduce the topic and show why it matters--covering everything from puppy chewing and house-training to how to connect with your pup and understand what they need. Over 100 adorable pictures will keep young readers interested in these life-long lessons for both ends of the leash. The Best Beginner's Guide to Dogs and Puppies for Kids covers a lot of important topics, including the following: Preparing your home for a dogDog breeds and their characteristicsReal-life heroes and amazing dogs in movies and books House-trainingBasic obedience and mannersNutrition and health careUnique needs of puppies and young dogsGrooming basicsAnd so much more!This guide will help you learn how to build a wonderful relationship, avoid common mistakes, and keep your new pet healthy and happy!
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| Gumshoe by Brenna ThummlerAnxious Willa dreams of becoming a mailwoman, which makes it extra unfair when she's mistaken for mail-stealing outlaw Two Gum Tilly and forced to go on the run. Luckily, Willa is taken in by the Gumshoe Gang, fellow runaways determined to stop Tilly's crimes. Colorful, high-energy artwork will keep you glued to this Western-themed graphic novel. (Ages 8-13.)
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Unfairies: A Graphic Novel
by Huw Aaron
Artemis Fowl meets Dogman in the first book of this madcap graphic novel series following factions of sneaky, double-crossing fairies who will do anything for control of their world, The Garden. Some stories will tell you that fairies are sweet, beautiful, and kind creatures who fly around with sparkly wands. But they are WRONG! Fairies are horrible, rude back stabbers who are constantly at war with each other. (They're not even magical, for crying out loud!) And then there's Pip, a clueless tree fairy who couldn't give two hoots about power and would rather just have a party. But after being tasked with delivering an important message from the root stores all the way to the top of the tree, Pip is thrown into a whirlwind adventure involving a dubious ancient prophecy, epic acorn-based warfare, and sinister plots that could shatter the delicate peace among the fairies for good. The Garden may be in desperate need of a hero . . . Too bad it'll have to settle for Pip.
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The Pi-Rats Vol. 1: Set Sail for Treasure!
by Alexis Vivallo
Big adventures in a bite-sized package! A pirate rat crew, The Pi-Rats, take on the world! The Captain of the Pi-Rats, along with his trusty crew, Miguel and José, set sail on this sea-faring adventure! When the Pi-Rats crash their teapot ship on a mysterious island, they must band together to explore--and survive--the creatures that live there! Beyond that though, they must try to save the other rats from a wizard and his yowling beast. Then, the Pi-Rats fight! Are the Pi-Rats over so soon? Now venturing into the sewers for treasure, our intrepid heroes have separated and joined new crews... but is this goodbye for now or goodbye for ever? And can they all escape the stinking sewers?
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The the Dragon's Eyes
by Megan Chew
Li-Ann is excited when her best friend Emma invites her to a sleepover ... until her mom reminds her that the Lunar New Year Eve family reunion dinner falls on the same evening, and it is an important tradition that she absolutely cannot miss. When Li-Ann finds her grandmother's old kong ming lantern, she offers to restore it, if her mom would let her go to the party. Mom's we'll see response is enough to spur Li-Ann into action. But just as she paints the finishing touches on the lantern, something unexpected happens, and she is whisked off into the night sky on an adventure that helps her understand her mom's firm stand. This entrancing story, written and illustrated by Megan Chew, addresses the struggles of second-generation immigrant children while celebrating the importance of staying connected to family and one's cultural roots.
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The Fact-Finders Rainforest: Walk Through Wild, Magical Worlds!
by DK
Join Lily and Mango as they adventure through the world's magical rainforests in this fun, non-fiction graphic novel packed with fun facts and engaging characters. From towering trees to verdant plants and a host of incredible animals that live there, discover these diverse ecosystems that are teeming with life at every level in this rainforest book for kids ages 7-9. Filled with bite-sized information, colorful illustrations, and a fun story, this graphic novel will engage every budding forest expert and nature explorer. With the help of the Fact-Finders, children will stock up on their knowledge as well as understand the importance of maintaining the ecological balance on Earth. This educational graphic novel for kids offers: Age-appropriate vocabulary that explains a wide range of both familiar and unfamiliar topics and terms.Fun and engaging characters and facts are provided in a conversational style for an immersive learning experience.A visually exciting way to learn crucial information on rainforests, plant life, and wildlife.Try catching up with a spider monkey, swing along the liana vines, and enjoy the blissful shade of the mahogany trees alongside Lily and Mango. Along the way, find out how you can contribute to the environment and forest conservation. How long have these mysterious forests been around? How many of these exist today? Why is the Amazon called the lungs of our planet? Find out all about these magnificent forests in this exciting graphic novel and become a brave jungle explorer. More in the series The Fact-Finders is a fun, nonfiction graphic novel series that teaches kids all about a variety of topics in the world around them. If you enjoyed The Fact-Finders Rainforest, why not try The Fact-Finders Ocean to explore the wonderful world beneath the waves?
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| The Partition Project by Saadia FaruqiAt first, Texas 12-year-old Maha Raheem is annoyed by her Pakistani grandmother, Dadi. But when Dadi begins to share stories from the violent 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, Maha finds a subject for her school documentary project, as well as a new understanding of her history and heritage. Read-alikes: Reem Faruqi's Zarina Divided; Katherine Marsh's The Lost Year. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Other Side of Perfect by Melanie Florence and Richard ScrimgerThings get complicated after two Toronto middle schoolers' lives intersect unexpectedly: Autumn is a popular Cree girl, and Cody is a white classmate who stays with Autumn's family after running away from his racist, abusive dad. The two characters take turns narrating this bittersweet, realistic story. (Ages 9-13.)
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| Gut Reaction by Kirby Larson and Quinn WyattBaking makes Tess feel closer to her late dad, and she's eager to compete in this year's big baking competition. But there are plenty of complications in her way, including stomach pains that turn out to be Crohn's disease. Realistic fiction fans won't want to miss this funny yet sensitive look at life with chronic illness. Read-alike: The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet by Jake Maia Arlow. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Night Librarian by Christopher LincolnCuriosity and boredom prompt twins Page and Turner to visit the New York Public Library, where an encounter with the night librarian reveals that magical energy is escaping from the books -- along with some dangerous fictional characters. Cartoony illustrations add to the offbeat energy in this graphic novel adventure. Read-alike: Kekla Magoon's The Secret Library, Polly Shulman's The Grimm Legacy. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnonAfter getting expelled from etiquette school again, orphaned sisters Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee Porch are invited to study with mad scientist Millicent Quibb -- and their first lessons involve enormous, puppy-eating worms. Fast-paced, clever, and unapologetically weird, this series-starter by actor Kate McKinnon is a must-read for fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. Next in the series: Secrets of the Purple Pearl.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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