Children's Books for 9–12 Year Olds

1039 children's books for 9–12 year olds, sorted by rating — page 2 of 11.

An A From Miss Keller

Patricia Polacco

How did Patricia Polacco become a writer? A perfect companion to the classic Thank You, Mr. Falker, The Art of Miss Chew, and Mr. Wayne’s Masterpiece, this book celebrates a teacher who inspired a young Patricia Polacco to become the writer and storyteller she is today. Trisha is nervous about being

An American Story (Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner)

Kwame Alexander

A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Book A 2023 New York Times Best Children's Book A 2023 Publisher's Weekly Best Picture Book An NPR Best Book of the Year #1 New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author of The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander, pens a powerful picture book that tells the story

An Elephant & Piggie Biggie!

Mo Willems

Mo Willems, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, celebrates ten years of Elephant & Piggie in this special bind-up collection: Today I Will Fly!; Watch Me Throw the Ball!; Can I Play Too?; the award-winning Let's Go For a Drive!; and I Really Like Slop!

An Ember in the Ashes

Sabaa Tahir

BOOK ONE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES One of Time Magazine's 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time Instant New York Times bestseller From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir Amazon's Best Young Adult Book of 2015 People's Choice Award winner - Favorite Fantasy Bustle's Best You

An Eye for an Eye

Peter Roop

A teenage girl questions her principles after her brother is captured during the Revolutionary War Fourteen-year-old Samantha Byrd is an excellent shot—she's even better than her brother at providing food for her family. Although the winds of war are blowing in Virginia, she knows that she could onl

AN HEIR OF DARKNESS AND RUIN

Renna’s father, Am\u002DRe, the god of darkness, chaos, and ruin, and despotic ruler of the Vasarys dimension. Eight years ago, Sethos overthrew and killed Am\u002DRe, who’d adopted him, and not only gained his throne, but also some of his powers, which flow through Renna’s veins, as well. When Sethos tells Renna that he intends to avenge his mother and homeland, Renna promises to help. He helps her learn how to wield her powers to their full, lethal potential. Their relationship becomes more intimate, but when he tells Renna about the destruction of Isyos, where Am\u002DRe once ruled, he leaves out a vital detail: The attackers, whom he aims to kill, were the Celestial Gods who had sheltered Renna in Taria—including Khellios, her past\u002Dlife love interest. While Sethos manipulates Renna, Khellios leaves Taria and goes on a quest to find her. Brower’s sequel is a captivating tale of betrayal, vengeance, and love, primarily told through the perspectives of Renna, Sethos, and Khellios\u003B this gives readers a keen and sometimes\u002Ddevastating understanding of each character’s motivations, which they sometimes hide from others. The masterful worldbuilding features well\u002Ddeveloped systems of both magic and governance. Readers may be mildly disappointed that Renna doesn’t have any meaningful interactions with other women, but her journey—during which she learns to accept and control her powers while maintaining a sense of right and wrong—is truly compelling, as is Sethos’ relentless desire for revenge. "

This gripping fantasy novel plunges readers into a world of contested thrones and ancient magic, where a reluctant heir must confront a legacy they never wanted. The story masterfully blends politica...

AN INTROVERT'S GUIDE TO LIFE AND LOVE

Genre

Navigating the complex social landscape of adolescence can feel particularly daunting for introverted teens, and this guide offers a validating and practical roadmap. The author provides actionable s...

Anastasia's Chosen Career

Lois Lowry

In her seventh adventure, the irrepressible Anastasia decides that charm school is the answer to her career dilemmas.

ANGEL EYE

Genre

This gripping supernatural thriller plunges readers into a world where a teenage girl discovers she possesses a unique ability to see angels—and the terrifying demons that wage war in the shadows of ...

Angelina Ballerina and the Dancing Princess

Katharine Holabird

"Angelina Ballerina is meeting a princess her age who loves to dance! Angelina can't wait to feel like a princess herself. She thinks the princess will be perfect and graceful, but soon she finds out that nobody is perfect, not even princesses -- but they can become perfect friends!"--Provided by pu

Angie Thomas

Keenan Jones

Angie Thomas was a teen rapper before writing the New York Times bestsellers The Hate U Give and On the Come Up. As a child in Jackson, Mississippi, Angie Thomas was surrounded by civil rights history. But instead of the equality her elders had fought for, she grew up amid poverty and gun violence.

Animal All-Stars Collection (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 1)

National Geographic Kids

Spark your child’s love of reading and help them build key skills with this five-book collection of Level 1 readers featuring kid-favorite animals! Hop along as a tadpole transforms into a frog. Play in the ocean waves with a family of sea otters. Climb trees with koalas, snuggle up for a nap with a

Animal Architects (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3)

Libby Romero

Explorers how animals build their homes.

ANIMAL CONTROL

Genre

This gripping thriller plunges readers into the high-stakes world of emergency response, where a specialized animal control unit faces a crisis far more dangerous than any routine call. The narrative...

ANIMAL STORIES

Genre

This collection of animal tales brings the natural world to life through engaging narratives that explore everything from backyard wildlife to exotic creatures. Each story combines vivid animal chara...

Animals in the City (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)

Elizabeth Carney

Discusses the different animals living in the city.

Animals in Young Adult Fiction

Walter Hogan

Of the many themes occurring in young adult literature, one that bears more extensive exploration is the adolescent-animal connection. Although substantial critical commentary has addressed children's animal stories and animals in adult fiction, very few studies have been devoted to adolescent-anima

Ann M. Martin

Marylou Morano Kjelle

When Ann M. Martin was asked to write the first four Baby-sitters Club books in 1985, she had no way of knowing she was about to change the face of children's publishing.

Annie and the Wild Animals

Jan Brett

Where is Taffy? Annie looks and looks, but she can't find her marmalade cat anywhere. When Taffy doesn't come home, Annie is lonely, so she puts a corn cake at the edge of the woods. Maybe a small furry creature will come for a nibble and become her pet. Instead, a giant moose finds the corn cake. B

Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Jennifer Lombardo

Everyone experiences anxious feelings in stressful situations, such as before a big test or when giving a speech. However, anxiety disorders are characterized by fear or worry that is disproportionate to the situation and difficult to control. It is sometimes accompanied by panic disorder, which cau

APHMAU

adding a little magic to Aphmau’s birthday cake. Once consumed, the cake transforms Aphmau into a wolf\u002Dgirl. More birthday wishes backfire, cueing video game–inspired hijinks all over town. But can Aphmau right the wrongs in time? The author, a successful online content creator who shares a name with her protagonist, delivers a Minecraft\u002Dinspired graphic novel that successfully brings her brand to a new format. Cacciatore’s adorable, candy\u002Dcolored art incorporates video game conventions like status bars to effortlessly meld mediums. The fast pace and quick cuts are delightfully chaotic, echoing the original YouTube format. Age\u002Dappropriate tween romance elements especially stand out. Character bios provide a helpful entry point to those new to Aphmau’s world. Aphmau has brown skin and purple hair\u003B other cast members vary in skin tone."

This vibrant guide dives deep into the expansive universe of a beloved online gaming and role-play series, offering fans a comprehensive look at its characters, story arcs, and the creative mind behi...

Apollo's Deadly Bow and Arrow

Baby Professor

Instead of fairy tales why not introduce mythology to your little ones? Myths are reflective of the collective thoughts of the locals. They feature customs traditions and the belief systems of that time. Even the clothing and weapons illustrated in a mythological story are based on historical facts.

Appelemando's Dreams

Patricia Polacco

Appelemando loves to dream! The villagers think he will never amount to much, but his friends know better. They can see his dreams drift up from the top of his head and float into the sky. Then, one rainy day, Appelemando's dreams are blown onto all the wet walls and roofs of the town, covering the

ARCANA

the Arcana, an ancient society of witches based in London that’s tasked with investigating and containing supernatural occurrences. But the Majors, the Arcana’s ruling body, are less than pleased with this development\u003B Eli’s arrival coincides with strange happenings. Determined to get to the bottom of the Majors’ caginess and explain the dark energy stalking them, Eli and James band together with levelheaded trans woman Daphne, library\u002Dloving researcher Grayson, and tarot reader Koko to uncover the truth. Prentice\u002DJones’ illustrations employ a muted color palette of cool blues, olive browns, and burgundies that flow organically into one another, accentuating the clean, uncluttered panels and fluid lines. He also plays effectively with proportion and shape in his character drawings. The cast members, who largely seem to be adults rather than teens, are diverse across many dimensions, including race and body type. This first installment in a new series teases satisfying developments to come."

This gripping fantasy novel plunges readers into a world where magical tarot cards hold immense power, weaving a tale of destiny, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative follows a compelling protag...

Are You There God? It's Me Margaret.

Judy Blume

Margaret Simon has a lot of things to think about--making friends in a new school, boys and dances and parties, growing physically "normal" and choosing a religion. "With sensitivity and humor, Judy Blume has captured the joys, fears, and uncertainties that surround a girl approaching adolescence."-

Arrow to the Sun

Gerald McDermott

With vibrant colors and bold geometric forms, Gerald McDermott brilliantly captures the stylized look of Pueblo Indian art in this Caldecott Award-winning retelling of an ancient legend. A young boy searches for his father, but before he can claim his heritage he must first prove his worthiness by p

ARTICULATE

hearing. "

This innovative guide to communication skills offers young people practical strategies for expressing themselves clearly and confidently in various social situations. The book covers essential techni...

AS A JEW

ethical principles and care for others. The struggle to embrace a heritage has been irrevocably complicated by the struggle to embrace a Jewish nation\u002Dstate. In fluent, conversational prose, the author (a former speechwriter for the Obamas) outlines some of the major historical principles behind Judaism. In her account, Judaism is a story of survival, a constant reinventing of tradition for a changing world, and a commitment to preserving the past while living in the present. More than any specific list of laws, rules, or observances, this feature of Judaism lies at the heart of the author’s story. She writes from personal experience, from historical research, and from a truly literary perspective. Responding to the prevalence of anti\u002DJewish incidents after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, she writes: “Relying on incident counts can be like trying to measure humidity with a bucket, as if it were rain. You can wind up with an empty bucket and a lot of people proclaiming that it’s all in your head. Even as you stand before them drenched in sweat and feeling suffocated, they may still insist that you’re overreacting, even making it all up.” It may be uniquely hard to be a Jew these days. But, Jewish or not, it’s even harder to be a mensch."

This powerful memoir offers young readers an intimate window into Jewish identity and heritage through the author's personal journey of self-discovery. The narrative weaves together family stories, c...

AS I REMEMBER...

Sherwin, who serves as the editor of this collection of memoiristic vignettes and miscellaneous writings by his aunt, Maria Gluck. The first section offers Maria’s reflections on growing up in a small village in Czechoslovakia in the early 20th century, written prior to her death in 2013. She intended it for her youngest brother, who didn’t remember much from his early childhood overseas, and it traces more than 100 years of family history. Maria recalls, for instance, the differences between her mother’s and father’s extended families\u003B although both were Jewish and followed kosher practices, her father’s family were prosperous business owners, while her mother’s came from more humble origins and were more conservative religiously. The book provides a unique lens into Jewish life in Europe prior to World War II, and later, it harrowingly tells how Maria and her siblings narrowly escaped the Holocaust by immigrating to Columbus, Ohio, in 1940\u003B almost the entirety of their family who remained in Europe were killed by the Nazi regime. Maria’s memoir is fewer than 200 pages in length, followed by more than 450 pages of miscellaneous musings. This eclectic assortment includes additional commentary on her family tree, early writings of an anticipated second book, and even a fictional story that centers on similar themes as the memoir.Many of these reflections, however, repeat information, making the narrative feel quite repetitive at times. Sherwin, as editor, presents them in a lightly edited format that lends a feeling of authenticity to a work that aims to preserve Maria’s memories for posterity. He prefaces his aunt’s writings with introductions, and provides a good deal of editorial commentary and notes that provide historical context, clarification, and translations of Hebrew and Yiddish terminology: “I came from a very balabuste family [well cared for, religious, and close\u002Dknit family], well known and respected,” reads a representative passage from the first page of her remembrance. Sherwin allows Maria to tell her story in her own words, including accounts of controversial disputes with family members\u003B many readers won’t share all of her views, such as her opposition to gay marriage. He reflects on his personal memories of Maria, as well, who never had children of her own\u003B for example, he presents the eulogy he delivered at her funeral, which includes an anecdote about visiting her apartment in Queens, New York. Originally written using IBM’s ViaVoice software when Maria was in her 90s, the book’s conversational style presents a narrative that’s full of fascinating detail, despite occasional stream\u002Dof\u002Dconsciousness tangents. Sherwin’s editorial commentary throughout effectively accomplishes its task of adding useful context to her ruminations, where necessary. "

This posthumously published memoir offers a poignant window into pre-war Jewish life in Czechoslovakia through the intimate recollections of Maria Gluck, compiled and edited by her nephew. The first ...

AT THE HEART OF CONFLICT

undermining decades of peacebuilding work. Sandra Melone, founder and CEO of Zancora Consulting, touches on the subject of peacemaking as it relates to supporting women’s rights. “When a government claims that girls and women have the right to health and education,” she attests, “I would say, show us where the health services and education actually are.” The assemblage of these voices makes for valuable storytelling\u003B these are men and women who have faced what Helen Kezie\u002DNwoha describes in her introduction as “the growing complexity of achieving negotiated settlements” in an increasingly fragmented and extremist world."

This powerful exploration of conflict resolution for teens tackles the complex emotions and social dynamics that young people navigate daily, from schoolyard disagreements to family tensions and frie...

AT THE WAKE

a simple, horrifying motto: “Take all you want. Eat all you take.” It’s a lesson that Achiel learned in World War II–era Belgium, where he was born, and where his disturbing, violent nature found its darkest flowering—first, through various black\u002Dmarket schemes, and ultimately, through rounding up and murdering Jewish people as a German soldier.Given license to do as he pleased, Achiel was untroubled by his choice: “I spoke fluent German, so why not?” he notes at one point. He made an easy transition to life in the United States after the war, where he shed his Nazi past as easily as a rattlesnake loses its skin. However, his adult children—Sophie, Lucas, Ruby, and Ronnie—find it hard to shake off Achiel’s later murder of man named Clifford Ellis in 1975. It’s a crime that will leave them buckling under the weight of their own moral compromises, as one character plaintively admits: “I did what Dad told me. Am I going to get into trouble now?” Bit by bit, the story unfolds in a haunting, evocative style, zigzagging with jump\u002Dcut logic from their father’s imprisonment in the ’70s to the carefree American 1960s,’40s\u002Dera Belgium, and back again. Readers may find these narrative shifts endearing or irritating, but they’re a feature, not a bug, highlighting how people recall unspeakable crimes in disjointed fashion. The weight of the tragedy gradually becomes clear via court papers, letters, and even the prayers of Achiel’s wife, Lucia, who finally confesses: “Yes, I can forgive him, but I can’t love him.” Rewards are plentiful for readers who pay sharp attention. "

This powerful collection of contemporary poetry explores the raw emotional landscape of grief and remembrance through vivid, accessible verse that speaks directly to young adult readers navigating lo...

Attack of the Talking Toilets

Dav Pilkey

Principal Krupp becomes the superhero Captain Underpants in order to save the world and his school from the Turbo Toilet 2000.

Audacious Kids

Jerome Griswold

Griswold examines twelve classics of children's literature and determines that each has a concealed wish to "overthrow parents" which makes these classics particularly American.

AUDITION

their physical suffering, lingering amnesia, and the need to keep up a constant stream of mind\u002Dwiping chatter—but a careful reader can begin to put together the story behind this story as snatches of the lives the giants lived “before the classroom” begin to come into focus. Stunningly inventive, this book is told in three parts that explore the simultaneity of past, present, and future as the three main characters’ voices loop and swell around each other. Though readers may find themselves challenged by this form—akin to Virginia Woolf’s The Waves meeting a 21st century version of Philip K. Dick—the rewards of a sustained read are abundant."

This gripping YA novel plunges readers into the high-stakes world of competitive performing arts, where ambition and adolescence collide with breathtaking intensity. The story follows a talented teen...

AURORA

the Collector, who has light skin, green eyes, and black hair. Wounded blue\u002Deyed Kendal, who’s born from Vash’s remaining essence, is left for dead but saved by purple\u002Dskinned, pink\u002Dhaired Alinua, a self\u002Dexiled cloud elf with a curse—or maybe a gift. With no way of knowing which she bestowed on Kendal, the two decide to travel together to rescue Vash’s soul. Meanwhile, a great mage, who’s light\u002Dskinned and brown\u002Dhaired and has power over all the elements, accidentally springs a trap that was millennia in the making. Fighting for control of his body, he’s saved by Kendal and Alinua and agrees to assist them—if they help him find a means to expel the malevolent spirit before it implements its plans. The plot\u002Ddriven story balances action sequences with intriguing plot developments and extensive worldbuilding. Red renders her full\u002Dcolor illustrations in a clean style that effectively conveys dynamic moments. However, information is too often introduced well in advance of its relevance, interrupting the pacing and creating information overload. This disjointed approach makes it difficult to ground oneself within the story or fully connect with the characters. "

This middle-grade novel follows a young protagonist navigating the complexities of identity and belonging against a backdrop of magical realism, blending everyday challenges with extraordinary circum...

Aurora's Gift

Emily Bunny

Based on a true story, Aurora is an extraordinary young girl who has Autism. This rhyming picture story book helps children to understand the world from the point of view of an autistic child and to understand alternative ways of communication that can be used by those with autism spectrum disorders

Autism in Young Adult Novels

Marilyn Irwin

An estimated 1 in 110 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although the public awareness of autism has grown significantly, teens are not as educated about this subject as they should be. When accurately and positively presented, literature has been shown to help the cla

AUTOMATIC NOODLE

the restaurant owners, who skipped town to avoid fraud charges. Needing to pay off their contracts and seeking a purpose, they decide to reopen as a noodle shop, even though their limited civil rights mean what they’re doing isn’t entirely legal. Why is it so important to make tasty food when robots can’t eat? To what degree should they pander to human comfort to make this place a success, and more seriously, prevent the authorities from noticing that robots are running a restaurant without human supervision? As they confront these weighty issues as well as the logistics of developing their enterprise, an online review\u002Dtrolling campaign from “robophobes” threatens to downgrade them out of business. On the surface, this novella could be viewed as the SF equivalent of Travis Baldree’s cozy fantasy Legends \u0026amp\u003B Lattes (2022), about an orc’s quest to establish a coffee shop. But this richly flavored bowl of noodles offers additional toppings, such as edgy social commentary about climate change, PTSD, and the ways in which social media and apps like Yelp and DoorDash gatekeep restaurant publicity, ratings, and sales, creating a distorted depiction of a business with little resemblance to its physical reality. The robots also serve as a metaphor for transgender people specifically and minorities in a general sense, as the story explores the uneasy balance between attempting to assimilate to get along and trying to feel at ease in one’s own body and personhood."

This clever picture book tackles the universal challenge of picky eating with humor and heart, following a young inventor who creates a machine to make the "perfect" noodles only to discover that cul...

Autumn Street

Lois Lowry

Elizabeth is forced to grow up when her father goes to fight in World War II. Her family moves in with her grandfather, and a special friend is struck by tragedy. An ALA Notable Children's Book.

AW, NUTS!

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This hilarious picture book follows a determined squirrel's increasingly frantic attempts to claim a prized acorn, delivering a masterclass in physical comedy and escalating frustration that will hav...

AWAKE

white supremacy, racism, sexism, greed, and ugly secrets. “Imagine my surprise when I began discussing white supremacy, and tons of my Christian followers lost their shit,” she writes brightly. (There’s not a lot of blue language here, but when it comes, it’s just right.) The author goes on to write of middle\u002Dage dating, “purity culture,” body shaming, and a careful kind of forgiveness while proclaiming a hard\u002Dwon feminism: “Women are the eighth wonders of the world. May we love this little life with exposed beating hearts, tender regardless, despite it all.”"

This candid memoir offers modern readers a powerful exploration of complex social issues through the author's deeply personal lens, tackling difficult topics with refreshing honesty and courage that ...

Awesome Animals

National Geographic

Introduces ten animals found around the world, describing their physical characteristics and unusual behavior, in a text that contains word puzzles and mazes.

BAD AMERICANS

a wealthy man named Olive Mixer. (While the scenario may seem like the premise of a reality TV show, Mixer insists that the goings\u002Don are not being recorded.) In this first installment of a series, six of the participants have their turns to say their pieces. These range from a nurse named Andrea who talks about “how ordinary people who work essential jobs stood up to this horrendous virus” to a part\u002Dtime handyman named Ricard who doesn’t quite trust Freemasons. In between the stories there is socializing, games, and even a shark attack (not to mention large and varied meals). Food is mentioned quite a lot throughout the book—one character tells of a dinner in Montana that included “trout, pinto bean, and ham soup with fry bread, chillicothe, sirloin mutton” as well as “a dessert called kuchen, a cross between cake and pie filled with, in this case, flathead cherries.” Details like these culinary lists do not exactly leap from the page\u003B what proves to be more impactful are the reflections of the guests, which do indeed run a gamut. Ricard, for instance, offends just about everyone present with his story, causing most to sit in “silent disdain” as they listen to him speak. The fictional characters’ sentiments are carefully crafted, offering an intriguing range of realistic reactions to the Covid\u002D19 pandemic."

This unflinching examination of the American experiment tackles the nation's most complex and controversial figures, from founding fathers with problematic legacies to modern-day icons whose actions ...

Baloney and Friends

Greg Pizzoli

In this easy-to-read graphic novel series from an award-winning creator, four funny animal friends and their wacky adventures "will inspire young readers to write and draw their own stories" (Dav Pilkey). Meet Baloney! He's the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the ho

Bath Time!

Sandra Boynton

Featuring a beachful of bare-bellied hippos—including one tiny baby who can only say “Bee Bo”—the Belly Button Book is a quirky addition to the phenomenally successful Boynton on Board series. Every page captivates with Sandra Boynton’s inimitable illustrations and joyful rhyming text: Soon after da

Bayou Suzette

Lois Lenski

A Cajun girl tries to keep her family together on the Louisiana bayou It’s been almost 2 years since Suzette’s father caught 2 bullets in his back. Since then, he’s been bed-ridden, too sick to hunt or fish or do any of the things a bayou man must do to keep his family fed. While he heals, Suzette s

Bear Counts

Karma Wilson

Numbers, numbers everywhere. Can you count along with Bear?

Bear Wants More

Karma Wilson

It's springtime, and Bear has just woken up from a long winter's nap-very hugry and thin!

Bear's Loose Tooth

Karma Wilson

Bear's friends help him understand about losing teeth.

Bear's New Friend

Karma Wilson

Bear and his friends persuade a bashful owl to play with them.

Beastly Beauty (eBook)

Jennifer Donnelly

From New York Times bestselling, carnegie-award-winning author Jennifer Donnelly comes a revolutionary, gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast that will forever change how you think about beauty, power, and what it really means to follow your heart.

Because of Winn-Dixie

Kate DiCamillo

Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida, and all the good things that happen to her because of her big ugly dog Winn-Dixie.

Because of Winn-Dixie Anniversary Edition

Kate DiCamillo

Revisit Kate DiCamillo’s beloved first novel with a beautiful twentieth-anniversary edition featuring an introduction by Ann Patchett. “This book is (I hope) a hymn of praise to dogs, friendship, and the South,” Kate DiCamillo said of her best-selling debut novel, which has been awarded a Newbery Ho

BECOMING JFK

high cheekbones\u003B only minor flaw was a gap between her two front teeth, which Jack liked.” More narrative distance might have allowed for a more rigorous examination of the tension between Jack’s immense privilege and his personal struggles."

This compelling biography traces John F. Kennedy's transformation from a privileged but sickly youth into the charismatic leader who captured a generation. Drawing on historical records and personal ...

Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late

Laura Overdeck

Laura Overdeck wants to start a revolution—in the way we introduce math to children.

BEGIN AGAIN

“Em”—a woman whom he struggles to recall but can’t. He and Tora survive in the wilderness by hunting, although they ultimately befriend a bear cub, whom Bjorn names Sild and who’s seemingly lost his mother. The woods are teeming with peculiarities, including a floating orb and an invisible presence that Bjorn consistently feels. Puzzling images inhabit his dreams, as well, including a recurring image of a house that he’s certain was once his. He vows to track it down, and Tora and Sild join him on his pilgrimage. What awaits Bjorn, though, are more questions: Is he who he appears to be, and what led him to that cabin in the woods in the first place? As the novel progresses, Maddox adds backstory, twists, and overt genre elements to the mix. Although the elucidation of Bjorn’s murky history treads familiar territory, this character\u002Ddriven tale, which includes flashbacks of Em, offers fresh takes on themes of devotion and retaining one’s identity. The best scenes unfold in the forest, where the author’s lyrical prose shines brightest: “The river was black with winter, the current cloying, haggard, pulling against the banks like an animal caught in a snare. Bjorn stood at its edge, his breath rising in pale plumes, his body still as frost\u002Dladen stone.” Throughout, a persistent moodiness prevails, escalating the suspense\u003B it often feels as if something is watching Bjorn, poised to strike. Overall, this is a tightly packed epic tale that smartly focuses on a personal journey of regaining a past and forging a future."

This powerful novel explores the complex journey of self-discovery and reinvention that defines the teenage years, following a protagonist who must rebuild their identity after a life-altering event ...

BEHIND THE EYE

an ample assortment of photographs."

This photographic journey offers young readers an intimate exploration of the natural world through stunning wildlife imagery that captures animals in their authentic habitats. Each photograph serves...

BELLE STARR

the time he met 21\u002Dyear\u002Dold Eliza Pennington\u003B some of his offspring by earlier marriages were older than his new bride. John and Eliza had six children of their own: Their second son, Bud, was Myra’s favorite. They galloped together on horseback through the countryside, he taught her how to handle a gun, and by the time she was a teenager, “she was a fearless rider and a crack shot.” His death during the Civil War upended her life: She vowed, somehow, to get revenge. Educated briefly at a female academy in Carthage, Missouri, where she was one of the first students, she learned by living. Wallis captures the rousing atmosphere of the lawless west—Belle’s family moved to Texas after Carthage was burned by guerrillas—with outlaws going “on the scout” to evade capture\u003B horse thieves\u003B bank, train, and stagecoach robbers\u003B and murderous gangs terrorizing communities. Although Belle never killed anyone and was convicted only once, of horse theft, her life revolved around outlaws: family, lovers, husbands. Her first husband’s escapades led to his being murdered at age 29. Another husband, a mixed\u002Drace Cherokee, was killed in an exchange of “deadly gunplay,” as was Belle herself, ambushed in a murder still unsolved. Wallis’ Belle is a brazen woman, refusing to bow to the constrictions of her time: lawless, if not an outlaw herself."

This gritty historical novel plunges readers into the untamed American West through the eyes of its most notorious female outlaw, Belle Starr. The narrative vividly captures her transformation from a...

Belly Button Book!

Sandra Boynton

Hippopotamuses celebrate their belly buttons.

BENEATH OUR FEET

the BBC TV series Digging for Britain, which describes the exploits of two English hobbyists who scour the countryside with their metal detectors. Readers will not regret looking it up. Organic objects decay (mostly)\u003B stone and bone survive\u003B metals are a mixed bag. Amateur searchers, with or without detectors, find bottle caps, discarded toys, and metal scraps. Less often, items from distant times turn up—buttons, bullets, arrowheads, coins, jewelry, tools, and weapons. Almost no one finds a treasure trove or “hoard,” but “almost no one” among thousands of searchers produces a steady stream of bonanzas that will dazzle readers poring over the hundreds of crisp images. People on this island seemed to love burying stuff, and even Stone Age inhabitants had a taste for gold and knew what to do with it. Gold does not decompose, but it’s an exception, and most of the text describes efforts to find, extract, clean, reassemble, decipher, and interpret long\u002Dburied relics. Despite the lovely images, this book alone should not be anyone’s introduction to prehistoric Britain. The authors deliver a short summary of the era at the beginning of each chapter but stay focused on the objects themselves: the finders’ experience as well as that of the landowners. Rich hoards have sold for immense sums to private collectors, but precious metals and “treasures” belong to the nation, and public\u002Dspirited owners donate what they find."

This engaging exploration of soil science and earth systems reveals the complex world hidden just below the surface, transforming ordinary ground into a landscape teeming with life, geological proces...

BETWEEN

ancient aliens: “whoever created these bridges supposedly used gravitational fields to sync the movements of Earth and Carpes—and depending on that flux, either the eastern or southern portals activated accordingly.” However, what stands out is the compelling strength of its central character, and the emotional turmoil she faces\u003B Marda’s fight to save her family, despite Car Spellen’s schemes, is often affecting. However, Lily, Tony, and Ben lack convincing character arcs—in part, because Marda receives so much more attention. Similarly, the relationships that eventually form between the characters, while sometimes heartwarming, ultimately feels rushed and shallowly developed. Hopefully, a stronger sequel with remedy this."

This gripping young adult novel explores the liminal space between life and death, where protagonist Alex must navigate a mysterious realm filled with shadows, secrets, and impossible choices. The at...

BETWEEN TWO RIVERS

young students learning cuneiform, the Mesopotamian writing system. The author, an honorary fellow in Assyriology at Oxford, puts each of the objects in the context of the daily life of the era when they were made. So we learn about a young scholar who left his toothmarks on the clay tablet he was using for his assignment, or a barkeeper whose furniture budget included a suspiciously large number of beds. The hundreds of thousands of surviving cuneiform documents include not only royal decrees and official documents but letters between ordinary people—two mentioned here are a wife asking her husband to come home and a merchant planning his route to dodge tax collectors. The Sumerians, Babylonians, and other peoples who lived in the era were highly conscious of history, drawing connections between themselves and their predecessors—sometimes more than 1,000 years earlier. Their literary achievements include the Epic of Gilgamesh (which the author tells her young daughter as a bedtime story). The era’s advances in astronomy and mathematics contradict any notion that these were primitive, unenlightened times. Still, as the chapter on a stone mace found in the museum makes clear, brutal warfare was a too\u002Dcommon part of life, then as now. A final chapter on the priestess in whose palace the museum was located shows the important and varied roles played by women in Mesopotamian society."

This powerful novel explores the complex journey of a teenage girl navigating cultural identity and family expectations while caught between her immigrant parents' traditions and her American upbring...

Beverly, Right Here

Kate DiCamillo

As featured on The Today Show’s Read with Jenna Jr. Book Club Revisiting once again the world of Raymie Nightingale, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo turns her focus to the tough-talking, inescapably tenderhearted Beverly. Beverly put her foot down on the gas. They went faster still. This wa

BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD

far the book’s greatest strength\u003B there seems to be no facet of the subject the author doesn’t examine in detail. Costante asserts that no matter what the event is, the presentation is crucial to the enjoyment of attendees (Chicago Bears fans sitting knee\u002Ddeep in snow notwithstanding)\u003B as any fan will acknowledge, poor bathroom arrangements or clueless staff can spoil a sports outing a lot quicker than a team doing poorly. Every sporting event director should read this book."

This compelling sports narrative goes far deeper than the final score, exploring the complex world of youth athletics where character is the ultimate measure of success. The story follows a young ath...

Big Bear, Small Mouse

Karma Wilson

"A big bear and a small mouse discover all of the opposites between their animal friends"--]cProvided by publisher.

Big Box of Boynton Set 1!

Sandra Boynton

Three bestselling and beloved Boynton board books, in a giftable boxed set! Together in a bold, happy slipcase: Barnyard Dance!, Oh My Oh My Oh My Dinosaurs!, and Pajama Time! It’s the wonderfulest introduction to the world of Boynton—square-dancing pigs and sheep, wide-eyed dinosaurs, and a sleepy,

Big Shot (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #16)

Jeff Kinney

In Big Shot, book 16 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley and sports just don’t mix. After a disastrous field day competition at school, Greg decides that when it comes to his athletic career, he’s officially retired. But after his mom

Bill and Pete to the Rescue

Tomie dePaola

Little Jane Allison Crocodile has been kidnapped by the Bad Guy's Big Bad Brother from Louisiana! Stowing away on a ship bound for New Orleans, Bill and his bird buddy, Pete, head to the rescue. But when Pete gets caught by the Rich Lady, it's up to Bill to save the day. Kids and parents everywhere

BIND ME TIGHTER STILL

the untimely death of a guest." />

This haunting psychological thriller explores the dark undercurrents of grief and obsession through the lens of a teenage protagonist grappling with a mysterious death at a family gathering. The narr...

Bink and Gollie: Two for One

Kate DiCamillo

"Utterly chuckle-worthy, charming, and (thank goodness) still refreshing." — Kirkus Reviews The state fair is in town, and now Bink and Gollie - utter opposites and best friends extraordinaire - must use teamwork and their gray matter while navigating its many wonders. Will the energetic Bink win th

Biography Today, Annual Cumulation 1992

Laurie Lanzen Harris

Biographical profiles written especially for young readers ages 9 and above.

BIRCH AND JAY

a chance encounter with rebellious Elder Elm. Meanwhile, 19\u002Dyear\u002Dold Birch, seeking her own adventure, left her fathers behind to set out after Jay, to whom she is “promised.” Although extreme weather and wild animals plagued their journeys, they each soon learned that humans were a far more dangerous threat. The Six, leaders of an “old\u002Dfashioned city\u002Dstate,” wanted to use environmentally destructive technology that could return Earth to the brink of collapse. The easy\u002Dto\u002Dfollow narrative switches between Birch’s and Jay’s perspectives in the year 2173 with their storylines half a century earlier. The engaging premise is full of poignant reminders that the greatest challenge humanity faces is itself\u003B the climate change warnings are unsubtle but don’t detract from the steady pacing. Race in this world is an “antiquated” concept\u003B Birch is racially ambiguous, and Jay has Nordic and Asian Indian ancestry."

This middle-grade novel explores the evolving friendship between two very different boys navigating the challenges of early adolescence. Birch, quiet and observant, finds his world turned upside down...

BIRD SCHOOL

Genre

This charming picture book offers young readers an engaging introduction to the world of birds through a clever school-day metaphor that makes ornithology accessible and fun. Following a day in the l...

BIRTH OF A DYNASTY

a tyrannical dynasty and largely follows two characters as they struggle to survive in a viper pit of political intrigue while also trying to find a way to attain vengeance for atrocities done to their families." />

This gripping historical narrative chronicles the dramatic rise of a powerful ruling family, tracing their journey from humble origins to the pinnacle of political influence through meticulous resear...

Birthday Gone Wrong

Greve

Birthday Gone Wrong introduces early readers to chapter books by creating a familiar setting that showcases a variety of important social and emotional concepts associated with growing up. Rourke's Beginning Chapter Books deliver realistic fictional narratives that are relatable and fun to young rea

Black And White

David MacAulay

Four brief "stories" about parents, trains, and cows, or is it really all one story? The author recommends careful inspection of words and pictures to both minimize and enhance confusion.

BLACK MOSES

Black people.” Following the Civil War, Gayle writes, supposedly emancipated Blacks had good reason to want to leave the South: Reconstruction was fast proving a failure, having been abandoned by the federal government, and resurgent white supremacy forced a choice: “Ku Klux or Kansas.” Kansas was indeed a destination in what Gayle rightly considers the first Great Migration, preceded by a movement to settle white abolitionists there in order to block the expansion of the slave states. “The negotiated and retreating Reconstruction made McCabe’s argument for a Black state for him,” Gayle writes, but Kansas wasn’t all it was promised to be, and was little friendlier than the South in many ways. Although towns such as Nicodemus were founded, they were so isolated and removed from white market centers that self\u002Dsufficiency was all but impossible. Enter Oklahoma, which McCabe promised, as one contemporary newspaper reported, to be “the New Canaan of the Colored Race.” Hundreds of Blacks settled there during the land rush era, but always in the face of opposition from whites, one leader of whom promised that “if the negroes try to Africanize Oklahoma, they will find that we will enrich our soil with them.” Both promised and very real violence finally drove McCabe away, his project doomed, and, on attaining statehood, Oklahoma quickly established Jim Crow laws to ensure white supremacy and crush the migrants’ dreams."

This gritty coming-of-age novel follows a troubled teenager navigating the harsh realities of the foster care system and urban survival, delivering an unflinching portrait of resilience in the face o...

BLACK SOLDIERS, WHITE LAWS

a white mob was impending, and indeed they met with a confrontation that led to the deaths of 20 people. In response, military historian Haymond recounts, the Army charged 118 soldiers with mutiny. Hammond chronicles, corroborated by a later Army inquiry, that the soldiers’ defense was sorely inadequate\u003B the officer conducting it was not a lawyer, and the trial was laced with perjurious testimony and racist rhetoric. The trial also revealed incompetence, at the very least, of the white officers who commanded the 24th Infantry Regiment, with the officer in charge being “willing to ­either abandon his junior officers to death at the hands of mutinous troops or, assuming that they ­were still alive, leave them to ­handle ­things without him.” Whether there was a mutiny, strictly speaking, remains controversial. If self\u002Ddefense, then, as Haymond notes, it “can be seen as a legitimate, if hasty, military response to a perceived threat,” but if a vigilante action by Black soldiers, then “a criminal act for which­ there is no excuse or exculpation.” In the end, 110 soldiers were found guilty, with 19 executed and the rest sentenced to life in prison. Thanks to the efforts of historians, including Haymond, and the support of numerous retired flag officers with “extensive experience with military justice,” however, the Army granted clemency more than a century later, returning those Buffalo Soldiers to honorable status—too little, too late, of course, but something."

This powerful examination of military justice and racial discrimination provides a meticulously researched account of how Black service members have navigated systemic inequality within the armed for...

BLACK SWAN SHOCK

the earthquake. Vettori’s detailed disaster\u002Dthemed tale could conceivably prepare some present\u002Dday readers for real\u002Dlife disasters. The author, an emergency\u002Dservices professional, clearly has a taste for disaster fiction, and her take on the calamities erupting around her characters makes them feel real—and there are terrorists afoot, as well. Syia also doesn’t much like the Electromagnetic Sound and Holographic Isler Communication Operating Network that everyone’s using to communicate—especially the “increasingly popular brain implant version”—and it turns out that the good doctor is right to be wary of it. However, Vettori has effectively left that bit of the mystery for the final installment to come.  "

Hey there, I know right now life doesn't feel okay, you feel trapped inside yourself day after day. But just know, you are going to get better, you are not on your own. 'Cause it's me, I'm here with you, and you should never feel alone.

BLESSINGS AND DISASTERS

Okeowo’s account, many of Alabama’s Native Americans, few but politically astute and relatively affluent, seem as wary of their Black neighbors as of their white ones, while the white mayor of Montgomery permitted the erection of historical markers relating to slavery only because he reckoned that they would draw tourist dollars. Okeowo ventures theses that Alabamians and others will find fascinating and provocative, among them the thought that the Lost Cause myth was in good part crafted by “certain white women” and that much of the ugliness of Alabama’s past—“Indian removal, the slave trade, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow”—is absent by design from official histories and “public stories.”"

This collection of contemporary poetry explores the complex terrain of adolescence through alternating moments of profound insight and chaotic emotion. The poet captures the raw intensity of teenage ...

Blue in the Face

Gerry Swallow

A rollicking and humorous tale from the author of A Whole Nother Story--with black and white illustrations--about a reluctant hero saving a world you only thought you knew.

BONES AND BERSERKERS

Frank Lloyd Wright. Others feature the discovery of a haunted well filled with the corpses of soldiers killed in a Civil War battle, gruesome revenge, and monsters like the Boo Hag, a skin changer who sucks blood through sleepers’ noses. All these tales, eerie as they are on their own, are cranked up into screamer territory by Hale’s two\u002Dtone illustrations, which, with indecent relish and fanatical attention to realistic detail, depict fresh and not\u002Dso\u002Dfresh corpses, a radiation victim’s rotted face, a man’s buttocks being hacked off with a sword, leering skeletons, chopped\u002Doff limbs, and creepy night creatures with big, sharp teeth. The cast of storytellers, horrified onlookers, and all\u002Dtoo\u002Doften mutilated victims is racially diverse."

This gripping collection of Norse mythology brings ancient legends to life with visceral battles, treacherous gods, and monstrous creatures that will captivate middle grade and young adult readers. T...

Boom Town Boy

Lois Lenski

A boy and his grandpa hope to strike oil in drought-ridden Oklahoma It's hot in Oklahoma. There's no wind, the wells are dry, and the ground is dead. Orvie's family is doing everything they can to keep their farm going. If they miss a payment on the mortgage, the bank will take their home away, and

BORN EQUAL

nature, free and independent.” Jefferson held slaves and thus worked from a hypocritical position, but, Amar writes, his fellow Virginian George Washington “seemed open to long\u002Dterm reforms extinguishing slavery,” endorsing a law that simplified the process of manumission. States such as South Carolina “did not concede, as did many Virginia planters, that slavery was wrong and should ideally end, sometime, somehow.” Slavery did end, of course, even if a different inequality came on its heels: “Amendments designed to smash slavocrats were twisted like pretzels into political and judicial doctrines designed to protect plutocrats,” Amar writes, a process of corruption that continues today. Moreover, as the author rightly emphasizes, after the liberation of formerly enslaved Black people, the acquisition of civil and political rights did not extend to any women or Indigenous people, the former of whom did not attain the right to vote until 1920 because—unlike the male Black vote, which was needed to shore up Republicanism—“woman suffrage would not solve any immediate problem faced by these men.”"

This powerful young adult novel tackles the complex realities of social inequality through the intersecting lives of diverse teenagers navigating systemic barriers and personal challenges. The narrat...

BORN IN FLAMES

deregulation and accompanying shifts in the economic system, which spurred disinvestment in cities and reshaped the insurance industry, with companies making much of their money by investing customer premiums in stock, bond, and money markets. The 1970s Bronx fires were frequently blamed on tenants, a relatively small number of whom did commit arson, Ansfield writes. But this excellent book delivers the truth about “the burning years.”"

This powerful debut novel follows a young woman's journey through a dystopian society where she must navigate oppressive systems while discovering her own revolutionary potential. The narrative blend...

BOX TALES

extension, encourages readers to appreciate the sweet treats they gobble up. Burks’ agreeably over\u002Dthe\u002Dtop cartoon artwork leans into the drama\u003B Bea and Box’s gung\u002Dho partnership is infectiously enjoyable. These two have a lot to learn, but they’re ready to meet the challenge. Bea and her mom have brown hair and olive skin\u003B Mrs. Gomez welcomes them in Spanish and is cued Latine."

This innovative collection transforms ordinary cardboard boxes into extraordinary storytelling tools, offering a fresh approach to sparking children's imagination through everyday materials. Each pro...

BOXED

Genre

This collection of critical assessments offers readers a curated journey through contemporary literature, providing sharp analysis and thoughtful perspectives on recent publications. The reviews span...

BOY FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

Genre

A young man's journey from the rural landscapes of the North Country to the complexities of urban life forms the emotional core of this compelling coming-of-age novel. The narrative explores themes o...

Boynton's Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set)

Sandra Boynton

These four favorite board books from beloved and bestselling Sandra Boynton are now available in one hilarious set! The Big Yellow Box is a perfect collection for terrific little kids. Includes four wildly popular books: The Going to Bed Book Horns to Toes Opposites But Not the Hippopotamus

BRADY VS. BELICHICK

Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains in Casablanca. Unlike “the politically correct crowd who split it down the middle,” Myers picks a winner in his contrived matchup, but his methodology, like much else in this book, is uninspired."

This gripping sports narrative chronicles the dramatic breakup and subsequent rivalry between legendary quarterback Tom Brady and master strategist coach Bill Belichick, whose two-decade partnership ...

Bravery Is a Superpower

Mari Schuh

A new neighbor moves in across the street. You say hello, even though you're nervous. You make a mistake but tell the truth. Being brave can be hard, but it's worth it. Learn more ways you can show bravery and use your superpower to help everyone around you!

BREAKLANDS

the Rumblers, and they kidnap him in the hope of selling him to the highest bidder. In a world where everyone has some sort of psychic ability, telekinetic Adam stands out as a super\u002Dpowerful being known as a Shaper. This makes him incredibly valuable, and the Rumblers know that he’ll fetch a high price in Tradetown. Kasa teams up with Gargarin, who can track the kidnappers and her sibling. On the way, they pick up Toy, who has a vehicle, and the tough Ruth, who has an impressive healing ability. However, a being named Shattersword is also after the Rumblers to get to Adam, under the direction of Rask—one of the most powerful Shapers, who controls the empire. Kasa doesn’t care about any of that, though\u003B she just wants her brother back, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes. However, will they ever be safe again, now that people know what he’s capable of? In this first collected volume of a new series, writer Jordan and artist Tyasseta transport readers to a world that’s 147 years “after the break”—much like our own, but with a wide range of superpowered people. The brightly colored milieu, with a diversity of body types and skin colors, feels realistic and offers a future that’s recognizable, even as strange creatures roam the world of the Breaklands. The banter between the heroes of the story gives it a found\u002Dfamily feel and make them easy to root for, as when Gargarin says that he has a plan, and Ruth asks if it’s a good one: “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Gargarin quips."

This gritty graphic novel plunges readers into a dangerous, post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious event has granted superpowers to nearly everyone, except for one ordinary teenager. The story fol...

Broadening Critical Boundaries in Children’s and Young Adult

Amie A. Doughty

This collection of essays explores a wealth of topics in children’s and young adult (YA) literature and culture. The contributions include an examination of the Watchbird cartoons by Munro Leaf and their attempts to teach morals and manners; an ethnographic study about the role of public youth libra

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? 50th Anniversary Edition with Audio CD

Bill Martin, Jr.

Children see a variety of animals, each one a different color, and a teacher looking at them.

Bud, Not Buddy

Christopher Paul Curtis

Hit the road with Bud in this Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning classic about a boy on a journey to find his father—from Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. It’s 1936, in Flint Michigan. Times may be hard, an

BUFF SOUL

cops, Moa’s debauchery starts to look less like youthful exploration and more like a serious problem. When Åsa disappears from her band duties, Moa recalls a time when she was part of a search party for a woman named Sofia who was found dead. When she finds Åsa and they go home, there’s no glamour left in the tour for Moa. She tries to address Åsa’s out\u002Dof\u002Dcontrol behavior, but Åsa turns it back around on her friend. For Moa, it was less about the drugs and more about indulging in the chaos and inoculating herself from the consequences. Åsa and Moa reaffirm their commitment to their friendship and vow to regain stability. Though the characters skirt up to the edge of the addiction\u002Drelated horror, they manage to help each other through sticky situations and get home mostly unscathed."

This powerful collection of poetry and prose explores the complex emotional landscape of modern adolescence with raw honesty and lyrical precision. The author crafts verses that tackle identity, ment...

Bully

Patricia Polacco

Patricia Polacco takes on cliques and online bullying Lyla finds a great friend in Jamie on her first day of school, but when Lyla makes the cheerleading squad and a clique of popular girls invites her to join them, Jamie is left behind. Lyla knows bullying when she sees it, though, and when she see

Bullying

Kathleen Winkler

Examines what bullying is, why bullies behave the way they do, and why victims take the abuse, and discusses ways that people are working to end bullying and make the world more secure for children.

BURY OUR BONES IN THE MIDNIGHT SOIL

Genre

This haunting debut novel plunges readers into a world where ancestral magic and environmental collapse collide, following a young protagonist who discovers her family's power to communicate with the...

But Not the Armadillo

Sandra Boynton

“Boynton is the absolute master of board books.”—The New York Times Book Review For more than forty years, readers have wondered what happens to the armadillo on the last page of Sandra Boynton’s But Not the Hippopotamus. At last, comes the long-awaited sequel! The armadillo follows the less-travele