Books for Kids and Tweens
January 2024
Recent Releases
The Apartment House on Poppy Hill
by Nina LaCour; illustrated by Sònia Albert 

Welcome to the cozy, old, pink-and-green apartment house in San Francisco’s Poppy Hill! Friendly nine-year-old Ella can introduce you to everyone...except for the mysterious Robinsons on the top floor. If you like the quirky neighborhood in Kate DiCamillo’s Tales from Deckawoo Drive stories but want to try reading something longer, this series starter is for you. (Ages 7-10.)
The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman
by Mari Lowe

Awkward, relatable Shaindy never seems to fit in with the other 6th-graders at her Orthodox Jewish school, so when popular girl Gayil asks for help pranking other students, Shaindy agrees. But then Shaindy faces a tough question: can she stay true to herself while being so mean? (Ages 9-12.)
Ink Girls
by Marieke Nijkamp; illustrated by Sylvia Bi

After her mentor is arrested for publishing the truth about the corrupt government in Siannerra, apprentice printer Cinzia seeks justice with new allies (including a pirate, a papermaker, and a principessa-in-training). Richly colored and highly detailed artwork pulls you into the adventure of this fantasy graphic novel. (Ages 8-12.)
Tagging Freedom
by Rhonda Roumani

Complicated and intense, this realistic story is told by two clashing characters: Samira, a Syrian American girl who uses her art skills to impress her popular classmates; and her cousin Kareem, a defiant graffiti artist in Damascus. Read-alike: Jasmine Warga’s Other Words for Home. (Ages 8-13.)
Punycorn
by Andi Watson

When the wicked Sir Ogre threatens the kingdom of Carbuncle with his magical Gauntlets of Ultimate Victory, the only hero for the job is clumsy, brave-hearted Punycorn. Pairing epic adventure with cute, candy-colored artwork, this graphic novel offers fun for lots of different readers. (Ages 7-11.)
Just Lizzie
by Karen Wilfrid

It’s a challenging year for 8th-grader Lizzie: a threatening neighbor forces her family to move, and her friends are all about crushes and dating while Lizzie just…isn’t. It’s not until learning about asexual plants in science class that Lizzie begins to understand why. Read-alike: Alex Gino’s Rick, another thoughtful book about understanding yourself. (Ages 10-13.)
Chapter Book Roundup
Looking for fun, easy-to-understand chapter books you can read on your own? Try the books on this list!
 
Henry, Like Always
by Jenn Bailey; illustrated by Mika Song

Friendly, autistic Henry is NOT excited about the class parade. It will be loud, and it will mean that Share Time is on the wrong day. Luckily, in finding a way to join in that works for him, Henry is able to help someone else, too. This honest, warmhearted book is 1st in a series -- look for Henry and the Something New, on shelves in March 2024. Read-alike: A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold. (Ages 6-9.)
Marya Khan and the Fabulous Jasmine Garden
by Saadia Faruqi; illustrated by Ani Bushry

Marya’s 3rd-grade class is starting a community garden, and smart, take-charge Marya just knows she should be chosen as class leader. So why does she have to share the role with ultra-annoying Alexa? This 2nd in the Marya Khan series is as funny and sweet as the 1st. Read-alike: Renée Watson’s Ryan Hart books. (Ages 6-9.)
Shermy & Shake, the Not-So-Nice Neighbor
by Kirby Larson; illustrated by Shinji Fujioka  

Quiet Shermy’s hopes for the summer disappear at the arrival of new neighbor Shake. Shake messes up Shermy’s puzzles, barges in on Shermy’s reading time, and doesn’t share snacks. To find out how they make friends anyway, pick up this funny and realistic book. (Ages 6-9.)
Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day
by Dawn Quigley; illustrated by Tara Audibert

It’s a snow day for seven-year-old Jo Jo! She’s been learning about ways of keeping healthy, so on this snow day she decides to organize winter Olympic games for everyone on her Ojibwe reservation. Cartoony artwork and Jo Jo’s offbeat attitude are sure to make you smile in this 3rd series entry. (Ages 6-10.)
The Party Diaries: Awesome Orange Birthday
by Mitali Banerjee Ruths; illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel 

Crafty and creative Priya loves a great party. She’s thrilled to plan a birthday bash for her Layla Aunty, but she’s also worried. She’s got to handle the invitations, the food, the decorations, AND make sure everything is orange, Layla Aunty’s favorite color. This upbeat story kicks off a series about Priya and her party-planning business. (Ages 6-10.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!