Great New Children’s Books for Older Readers

Kids , Book List

Nothing Else But Miracles

Title: Nothing Else But Miracles
By: Albus, Kate
Published: 2023

Suggested ages and title descriptions are from the publisher or each item's library catalog record.

Historical Fiction (World War 2)
Ages 9 to 12

When 12-year-old Dory Byrne's pop left New York City's Lower East Side to fight Hitler, he promised her and her brothers that they'd be safe. Like he always said, "the neighborhood will give you what you need." But when a new landlord threatens their home in the community that's raised them and kept them safe, the secret elevator--and the abandoned hotel it leads to--provides just the solution they need.


Something Like Home

Title: Something Like Home
By: Arango, Andrea Beatriz
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction/Verse Novel
Ages 10 to 14

When a lost dog helps Laura find a way home to her family, they discover family in each other along the way.


Duel

Title: Duel
By: Bagley, Jessixa
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel
Ages 8 to 12

Sixth grader Lucy is brand-new to middle school, and when her older sister GiGi--the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade--humiliates her in the cafeteria, Lucy snaps and challenges her to a fencing duel.


Ready, Set, Dough!

Title: Ready, Set, Dough!
By: Baptist, Kelly J.
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 8 to 10

Sixth-grader Zoe sets her sights on winning a laptop by becoming the top cookie-dough seller in her class, but as she becomes more obsessed with winning, she begins to lose sight of what is really important.


Crowned: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora

Title: Crowned: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora
By: Bethencourt, Kahran
Published: 2023

Folktales/Photography
Ages 7 and up

A collection of reimagined classic fairy tales, African, and African American folktales that bring to life past, present, and future visions of Black culture.


Two Tribes

Title: Two Tribes
By: Bowen Cohen, Emily
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel
Ages 8 to 12

Mia is still getting used to living with her mom and stepfather, and to the new role their Jewish identity plays in their home. Feeling out of place at home and at her Jewish day school, Mia finds herself thinking more and more about her Muscogee father, who lives with his new family in Oklahoma. Her mother doesn't want to talk about him, but Mia can't help but feel like she's missing a part of herself without him in her life.


The Last Unexplored Place on Earth

Title: The Last Unexplored Place on Earth
By: Brown Aly
Published: 2023

Non-Fiction (Deep Sea/Science)
Ages 9 to 12

Alvin Submersible, a deep-sea vessel that can sink miles below the surface, takes readers on a tour of the ocean floor where they will explore underwater volcanoes, discover lost hydrogen bombs, hear about storied shipwrecks and meet hundreds of new species living far beneath the waves.


Of All Tribes: American Indians and Alcatraz

Title: Of All Tribes: American Indians and Alcatraz
By: Bruchac, Joseph
Published: 2023

Non-Fiction/History
Ages 10 to 14

On November 20, 1969, a group of 89 Native Americans--most of them young activists in their twenties, led by Richard Oakes, LaNada Means, and others--crossed San Francisco Bay under the cover of darkness. They called themselves the "Indians of All Tribes." Their objective was to occupy the abandoned prison on Alcatraz Island ("The Rock"), a mile and a half across the treacherous waters.


Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key

Title: Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key
By: Crowder, Tracy Occomy
Published: 2023

Mystery
Ages 9 to 13

In 2008 South Side Chicago, ten-year-old Montgomery "Monty" Carver's hunt to find the origins of a mysterious golden key leads him to discover the rich history of his community.


Mari and the Case of the El Cocodrilo

Title: Mari and the Case of the El Cocodrilo
By: Cuevas, Adriana
Published: 2023

Supernatural/Superstition
Ages 8 to 12

Mari never suspects that failing to toss her effigy in the fire would bring something much worse than sneering words at school: a curse of bad luck from El Cocodrilo. At first, it's just possessed violins and grade sabotaging pencils, but once El Cocodrilo learns that he becomes more powerful with each new misery, her luck goes from bad to nightmarish as the curse spreads to her friend Keisha.


The Dreamatics

Title: The Dreamatics
By: Cuevas, Michelle
Published: 2023

Fantasy
Ages 8 to 12

The theatre's troupe call themselves the Dreamatics, and each night when a girl named Luna goes to sleep, they produce her spectacular dreams: dreams of memories, family, and her beloved dog, Murph. But when something devastating happens in Luna's waking life, the theatre falls under new management in the form of the Bad Dreams. Now it's up to a loyal stagehand named Dormir and the Dreamatics to put things right and restore balance in their world and in Luna's.


We Still Belong

Title: We Still Belong
By: Day, Christine
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 8 to 12

Wesley's hopeful plans for Indigenous Peoples' Day (and asking her crush to the dance) go all wrong-until she finds herself surrounded by the love of her Indigenous family and community at the intertribal powwow.


Once in a Blue Moon

Title: Once in a Blue Moon
By: Flake, Sharon
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction/Novel in Verse
Ages 8 to 12

James Henry used to be brave. He hasn't been the same since that fateful night at the lighthouse when his ma went searching for Dog. Now months later, he feels as small as the space between the numbers on a watch, nervous day and night, barely able to go outside. Even words have a hard time leaving his mouth. The only person he speaks to is Hattie, his courageous twin sister, who fiercely protects him, especially from bullies.


Ruptured

Title: Ruptured
By: Fritz, Joanne
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 8 to 12

Phoebe navigates fear, grief, and hope for recovery about when her mother has a ruptured brain aneurysm while their family is on vacation, and right after her mother shares that she's planning to leave Phoebe's father.


Things in the Basement

Title: Things in the Basement
By: Hatke, Ben
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel/Fantasy/Adventure
Ages 6 to 11

It was supposed to just be a normal basement--some storage boxes, dust, you know, the usual basement stuff. But when Milo is sent by his mother to fetch a sock from the basement of the historic home they've moved into, Milo finds a door in the back that he's never seen before. Turns out that the basement of his house is enormous. In fact, there is a whole world down there. As Milo travels ever deeper into the Basement World, he meets the many Things that live in the shadows and gloom...and he learns that to face his fears he must approach even the strangest creatures with kindness.


The Nightmare King

Title: The Nightmare King
By: Hermon, Daka
Published: 2023

Horror
Ages 8 to 12

Things haven't been the same since Shane's accident. One minute he was a normal kid playing a game of tag with his friends, and the next he's the boy who came back from the dead. Now, every time Shane falls asleep, he's pulled into a dark world where the evil Nightmare King reigns. The King is collecting children and keeping them as treasure. Despite the threat of capture by the Nightmare King, he can't stay awake forever. Shane will have to take matters into his own hands...if he gives himself over to his nightmares, can he hold on to the good in himself long enough to bring down the King?


Alebrijes

Title: Alebrijes
By: Higuera, Donna Barba
Published: 2023

Dystopia/Science Fiction
Ages 10 to 14

When Gabi is caught stealing precious fruit from the Pocatelan elite, Leando takes the fall. But his exile proves more than he ever could have imagined--far from a simple banishment, his consciousness is placed inside an ancient drone and left to fend on its own. But beyond the walls of Pocatel lie other alebrijes like Leandro who seek for a better world--as well as mutant monsters, wasteland pirates, a hidden oasis, and the truth.


Eagle Drums

Title: Eagle Drums
By: Hopson, Nasuġraq Rainey
Published: 2023

Indigenous Folktale
Ages 8 to 12

Winter approaches, and there's much to do if Piŋa's family wants to be prepared: hunting, fishing, gathering, and more. Now, Piŋa must travel up the mountain to collect obsidian for knapping -- the same mountain where his two older brothers disappeared. As he leaves, Piŋa reassures his parents that he will not succumb to the same fate as his brothers. He will return. But when he reaches the mountaintop, he is confronted by a terrifying eagle god named Savik, who gives the boy a choice: Follow me, or die like your brothers.


Farther Than the Moon

Title: Farther Than the Moon
By: Lackey, Lindsay
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 10 to 14

All thirteen-year-old Houston Stewart has ever wanted is to become an astronaut. His dreams feel like they're finally coming true when he's accepted to the highly-competitive Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program---if only he could bring his little brother, Robbie, with him. Ever since their dad left, Houston and Robbie have been inseparable. It's hard to tell where Houston's love of space ends and where Robbie's begins. But Robbie's cerebral palsy and epilepsy mean he needs medical attention at home, so Houston is forced to take this giant leap for the two of them all on his own.


Ghost Book

Title: Ghost Book
By: Lai, Remy
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel/Chinese Mythology
Ages 8 to 12

July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren't real. So she pretends they don't exist. Which is incredibly difficult now, as it's Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world.


Tethered to Other Stars

Title: Tethered to Other Stars
By: Leahy, Elisa Stone
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 8 to 12

Seventh grader Wendy Toledo knows that black holes and immigration police have one thing in common: they can both make things disappear without a trace. When her family moves to a new all-American neighborhood, Wendy knows the plan: keep her head down, build a telescope that will win the science fair, and stay on her family's safe orbit. But that's easier said than done when there's a woman hiding out from ICE agents in the church across the alley, and making Wendy's parents very nervous.


In the Tunnel

Title: In the Tunnel
By: Lee, Julie
Published: 2023

Historical Fiction (Korean War, 1950s)
Ages 8 to 12

Fourteen-year-old Myung-gi flees North Korea with his family during the height of the devastating Korean War, beginning an epic struggle for survival that pushes them to the brink.


Tiger Daughter

Title: Tiger Daughter
By: Lim, Rebecca
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 10 and up

Both Wen and Henry dream of escaping their town, and together they come up with a plan to take an entrance exam for a selective school far from home. When tragedy strikes, it will take all of Wen's resilience to get herself and Henry through the storm.


Chinese Menu: The History, Myths and Legends of Your Favorite Foods

Title: Chinese Menu: The History, Myths and Legends of Your Favorite Foods
By: Lin, Grace
Published: 2023

Food/History/Chinese Folklore
Ages 8 to 12

The origin stories of each Chinese dish told using the framework of Chinese cuisine--oftentimes based in folklore, both ancient and contemporary.


Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir

Title: Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir
By: Martin, Pedro
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel/Memoir/Humor
Ages 10 to 14

Pedro Martin's grown up in the U.S. hearing stories about his legendary abuelito, but during a family road trip to Mexico, he connects with his grandfather and learns more about his own Mexican identity in this moving and hilarious graphic memoir.


Where Are the Aliens?: The Search for Life Beyond Earth

Title: Where Are the Aliens?: The Search for Life Beyond Earth
By: McAnulty, Stacy
Published: 2023

Non-Fiction
Ages 10 and up

Spoiler: Scientists haven't discovered life beyond Earth, not even a single teeny-tiny organism. But there's a whole lot of outer space, and humans have searched only a fraction of a fraction of it. So do you believe in the possibility of life out there? Or do you think Earth is perfectly unique in its ability to grow organisms?


The Witch's Wings and Other Terrifying Tales (Are  You Afraid of the Dark?)

Title: The Witch's Wings and Other Terrifying Tales (Are You Afraid of the Dark?)
By: Mejia, Tehlor Kay
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel/Horror
Ages 10-13

A new Midnight Society gathers around the campfire to share urban legends, folklores, and all manner of spooky stories. These three terrifying tales feature haunted buses, monstrous creatures, and spine-chilling mysteries guaranteed to have you reaching for the light switch!


Welcome to Our Table

Title: Welcome to Our Table
By: Mucha, Laura
Published: 2023

Non-Fiction
Ages 7 to 10

Food is not just for filling our tummies. It brings people together, helps us make memroies, and allows us to explore the world. In this ... book filled with facts and phrases, children can learn all about what people in other countries eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as where our food comes from, and the stories, cultures, and traditions behind what we eat.


Ink Girls

Title: Ink Girls
By: Nijkamp, Marieke
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel
Ages 8 to 12

In a vibrant city that thrives on trade and invention, two girls from very different walks of life join forces to fight censorship and protect the people they love.


Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures

Title: Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures
By: Pamment, Jason
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Ages 8 to 12

Fitting in can be hard, especially when you're as small as Ember, a tiny boy living alone in a city of giants. But Ember's luck changes when he meets Lua, a kindly sea turtle, who escorts him across the ocean to a school for little creatures on a wondrous island. Here, Ember learns that first days can be hard, too--especially when they involve bizarre, fantastical cave dwellers, ferocious storms, and classmates that, from the very start, aren't at all interested in making friends.


Stuntboy, In-Between Time

Title: Stuntboy, In-Between Time
By: Reynolds, Jason
Published: 2023

Superheroes/Heavily illustrated
Ages 7 to 12

Portico Reeves, or Stuntboy the greatest superhero people have never heard of, tries to manage his frets and navigate his new normal with divorced parents, bullies in his building, and a newfound friend.


Picture Day

Title: Picture Day
By: Sax, Sarah
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel/Realistic Fiction
Ages 8 to 12

Viv never looks forward to picture day. Her mom always makes her wear a boring braid, and no one at school notices her--aside from her two best friends, Milo and Al, of course. But enough is enough. This year, Viv is taking matters into her own hands. Literally. Enter: a pair of scissors. And, well, a new hairstyle. Just in time for photos! Suddenly Viv is an overnight trendsetter at Brinkley Middle School.


Eli Over Easy

Title: Eli Over Easy
By: Stamper, Phil
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction

Ages 8 to 12

The last few months have been pretty tough for Eli. He moved to New York City and left his small town in Minnesota with his extended family and everyone he knows. He hasn't made any new friends. And his mom died unexpectedly, shattering his whole world. He misses Mom more and more every day, but Dad refuses to talk about her, leaving Eli alone in his grief. Then Eli finds a stash of instructional cooking videos his mom made, revealing her dream of being a celebrity chef. With the help of the cute new neighbor boy, Mathias, Eli decides to follow his mother's recipes using her videos.


Let's Fill This World With Kindness: True Tales of Goodwill in Action

Title: Let's Fill This World With Kindness: True Tales of Goodwill in Action
By: Stewart, Alexandra
Published: 2023

Non-Fiction/Empathy
Ages 8 to 12

Kindness is a superpower! We all feel the weight of the world on our shoulders sometimes. It's easy to forget how powerful we are. Through more than twenty-five true stories in these pages, you'll discover that no matter who you are or where you live, kindness to yourself and others can be an amazing source of strength.


Coyote Queen

Title: Coyote Queen
By: Vitalis, Jessica
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 8 to 12

Twelve-year-old Fud feels trapped. She lives a precarious life in a cramped trailer with her mom and her mom's alcoholic ex-boxer boyfriend, Larry. Fud can see it's only a matter of time until Larry explodes again, even if her mom keeps on making excuses for his behavior. If only Fud could find a way to be as free as the coyotes roaming the Wyoming countryside: strong, smart, independent, and always willing to protect their own


Ways to Build Dreams

Title: Ways to Build Dreams
By: Watson, Renee
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 7 to 10

Middle school is just around the corner for Ryan Hart, which means it's time to start thinking about the future--and not just how to prank her brother, Ray! During Black History Month, Ryan learns more about her ancestors and local Black pioneers, and their hopes for the future, for her generation.


More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

Title: More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
By: Williams, Yohuru
Published: 2023

Non-Fiction
Ages 10 to 14

Without diminishing the words of Dr. King, More Than a Dream looks at the march through a wider lens, using Black newspaper reports as a primary resource, recognizing the overlooked work of socialist organizers and Black women protesters, and repositioning this momentous day as radical in its roots, methods, demands, and results.


Remember Us

Title: Remember Us
By: Woodson, Jacqueline
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 10 and up

It seems like Sage's whole world is on fire the summer before she starts seventh grade. As house after house burns down, her Bushwick neighborhood gets referred to as "The Matchbox" in the local newspaper. And while Sage prefers to spend her time shooting hoops with the guys, she's also still trying to figure out her place inside the circle of girls she's known since childhood. A group that each day, feels further and further away from her.


Jawbreaker

Title: Jawbreaker
By: Wyman, Christina
Published: 2023

Realistic Fiction
Ages 8 to 12

Max Plink's life is complicated. Her parents aren't getting along. The school bullies are relentless, and her own sister is the cruelest of them. Worst of all, her mouth is a mess. With a mismatched puzzle of a jaw, Max has a Class II malocclusion, otherwise known as a severe overbite. She already has braces, which means she lives on Advil and soft foods after each orthodontist appointment. But now Max has to wear painful (and totally awkward) orthodontic headgear nicknamed "the jawbreaker." Could things get any worse? Yes..


Atana and the Firebird

Title: Atana and the Firebird
By: Zhou, Vivian
Published: 2023

Graphic Novel/Fantasy

When Ren, a rare firebird, crashes into her life, mermaid Atana, determined to protect Ren, embarks on an adventure that takes them to strange new islands and entangles them with the powerful Witch Queen, who holds the key to Atana's past.


Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

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