Books for Kids and Tweens
March 2024
Recent Releases
Ferris
by Kate DiCamillo

Meet Ferris, a 10-year-old word nerd who’s just trying to keep up with the antics of her loving, eccentric family, from her little sister’s attempts to become an outlaw to her grandmother's obsession with a ghost. This tender, offbeat tale is sure to satisfy fans of award-winning author Kate DiCamillo. (Ages 8-12.)
Bumps in the Night
by Amalie Howard

After being sent from Colorado to stay with her Granny in Trinidad, 12-year-old troublemaker Rika begins to uncover her witchy family history, as well as the truth behind the magic and menace of Caribbean folktales. For fans of: Tracey Baptiste’s Jumbies series. (Ages 8-12.)
The First State of Being
by Erin Entrada Kelly

It’s 1999, and a possible Y2K disaster is looming when 12-year-old Michael meets Ridge, a newcomer whose strange behavior has an even stranger explanation: he’s a time-traveler from 2199. Thought-provoking science blends with relatable characters in this latest book from beloved author Erin Entrada Kelly. (Ages 9-13.)
Drawing Deena
by Hena Khan

From her family’s money trouble to school stress, it seems like everything makes Pakistani American Deena feel so worried she gets sick. Could Deena’s art help her communicate when her words can't? This hopeful story will grab readers who like a deep dive into a character’s mind. (Ages 8-12.)
Medusa
by Katherine Marsh

In this fresh, smart twist on mythological fantasy, 7th-grader Ava learns the hard way that she’s descended from the so-called monster Medusa. From there, her journey of self-discovery takes her from “monster rehab” boarding school all the way to Olympus. (Ages 8-12.)
Bunny and Clyde
by Megan McDonald; illustrated by Scott Nash

From the author of the Judy Moody series comes a short, sassy chapter book about a well-behaved bunny-and-chipmunk duo who decide to turn bad. But when it comes to doing wrong, Bunny and Clyde can’t get it right! Read-alike: Kara LaReau’s Infamous Ratsos series. (Ages 6-9.)
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past!
 
A Taste of Magic
by J. Elle

Desperate to raise enough money to save the secret magic academy hidden in the back of her neighborhood beauty shop, 12-year-old witch Kyana enters a baking contest with a high-dollar prize...and accidentally mixes disaster into her cupcakes. Read-alike: Anna Meriano’s equally bewitching and heartfelt Love Sugar Magic series. (Ages 8-12.)
Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves
by L.M. Elliott

World War II reaches the American homefront in this bitterweet, authentic story starring 13-year-old Louisa June. As the Germans torpedo American ships near Louisa June’s Virginia hometown, she and her family try to stay strong despite separation, grief, and danger. Read-alike: Island of Spies by Sheila Turnage. (Ages 9-13.)
Ride On
by Faith Erin Hicks

Realizing that she can’t afford to keep riding competitively at the fancy horse stables, middle schooler Victoria switches to Edgewood, where she finds unexpected friendship and a new attitude. Realistic, expressive artwork brings added depth to this graphic novel. (Ages 10-13.)
Lily and the Night Creatures
by Nick Lake; illustrated by Emily Gravett

Already stressed by frequent illness and a baby sibling on the way, Lily is horrified when her parents are replaced by coal-eyed impostors. Thankfully, she’s got a squad of talking animal allies to help her set things right. With eerie illustrations, this whimsical and creepy tale is perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. (Ages 8-12.)
The Science of Being Angry
by Nicole Melleby

Hot-tempered 11-year-old Joey sometimes reacts to things with her fists, which can be a problem for her and her loved ones. Joey wants to know why she’s like this, and she suspects that finding her biological dad is the only the way to find out. (Ages 9-13.)
Violet & Jobie in the Wild
by Lynne Rae Perkins

After years of comfy, cozy, indoor life, house-mouse siblings Violet and Jobie are suddenly forced to make their way in the great outdoors. Cute artwork and a wide-eyed sense of wonder keep this survival story feeling lighthearted. (Ages 7-11.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!