The Best New Kids’ & YA Books To Read Right Now
by the Brightly Editors
The dog days of summer have arrived, and so have new books! With just a few weeks left before school starts, kids will want to make the most of their remaining time off. From humorous picture books to spooky novels, kids and teens of all ages will find thrilling new reads this month. Here are the best new books for children, tweens, and teens hitting bookshelves in August.
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Picture Books
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Piggle the Pig: Party Problems
Available from:Piggle the pig prepares to host his friends for a party in his second picture book. He bakes a cake, makes a pizza, and whips up some muffins. But all that work makes him hungry! Kids and adults will laugh along with Piggle’s hilarious misadventures in party hosting. And don’t miss Piggle’s first book, Piggle the Pig: The Perfect Pigsty.
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What Shoes Does a Hippopotamus Choose?
Available from:Little fashion lovers will adore this picture book about the shoes animals wear. From crocodiles teetering in high heels to cats sporting ballet flats, each animal enjoys showing off their kicks. But what shoes do hippos wear? You’ll have to read this charming book to find out!
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Sundust
Available from:This gorgeous picture book celebrates the unique beauty and adventure found in the desert. Two siblings follow a trail of sundust into the wilderness, where they appreciate the flora and fauna they find. Kids will love learning more about this vibrant landscape.
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Menudo Sunday
Available from:Learn to count in Spanish and English while enjoying a comforting story about family and food. When a large family gathers to enjoy a traditional Mexican meal, the bowl of soup gets broken in the chaos. The family works together to cook up another pot of the delicious soup.
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Bob the Vampire Snail
Available from:It’s never too early to get into the spirit of Halloween, and Bob the snail will help you do that. Bob is just like every other snail until the night he turns into a vampire. While he’s sleeping upside down and avoiding the sun, he starts to feel lonely — until he meets someone like himself. Readers of all ages will laugh along with Bob as he adjusts to his new undead life.
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Perla and the Pirate
Preorder from:Perla the dog has superpowers! When her human sibling gets lost, Perla knows it's up to her to save him. This adorable and funny picture book is an excellent choice for dog lovers of all ages. Make sure to check out the first book in the series, Perla The Mighty Dog.
(On sale: 8/26/2025)
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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The Library of Unruly Treasures
Available from:Kids who loved The Penderwicks series will want to read the author’s newest novel. It’s about a girl named Gwen who spends two weeks with her uncle and his opinionated dog, Pumpkin. When Gwen discovers some library-dwelling creatures who need help, she and Pumpkin team up to save the day.
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Sugar Shack
Available from:Join Jen, Reese, and Andy in the final installment of the Peapod Farm graphic novel series. Just when Jen feels like her new stepsisters have accepted her, she faces a major setback. But as the girls help get the farm ready for winter, they also iron out the wrinkles in their relationship.
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Gloam
Available from:After her mom dies, Gwen and her siblings move into a dilapidated home that gives her the creeps. But the creaking floorboards and rotting walls are nothing compared to the beautiful yet terrifying babysitter looking after the children. When nobody will listen to her concerns, Gwen realizes it’s up to her to defend her family. This monster-filled horror novel will send shivers racing up your spine!
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The Only Ghost in School
Available from:When his family moves to a new town, Ghostie goes from being one of many spooks to the only ghost in school. Now, Ghostie must navigate the human world, make friends, and try not to scare everyone away in the process. This not-so-spooky chapter book features full-color illustrations and a humorous story that will have young readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.
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Deepwater Creek: A Graphic Novel
Preorder from:Fishing, friendship, and river monsters — this bone-chilling graphic novel has everything a young horror lover could want. When Wade and his friends go on one last fishing trip before school starts, they catch something far bigger and more terrifying than a fish. Nobody believes the kids’ wild tale, so they have no choice but to tackle the monster themselves.
(On sale: 8/26/2025)
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Mabel Makes (^Up) a Friend: A Graphic Novel
Preorder from:When Mabel starts second grade, she finds herself in a new class without her best friends. Although she struggles to adjust, Mabel soon makes (up) a new friend: an elephant named Mr. E. This sweet and funny young graphic novel is perfect for readers who enjoy slice-of-life and friendship stories.
(On sale: 8/26/2025)
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School Dance
Preorder from:Young readers who have enjoyed The Brinkley Yearbooks series will love the latest installment. Milo wishes he could get excited about the school dance, but as the unfortunate victim of a bad dancing curse, he is dreading it. With some guidance from his abuela, Milo learns how to tackle both the curse and the dance floor.
(On sale: 8/26/2025)
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Grin
Preorder from:Kids looking for an extra dose of horror will find it in this twisty novel. Danny is excited to spend a week visiting his Uncle Bill and playing every game in his retro arcade. But when Danny discovers a game that possesses its players, his week of fun takes a horrifying turn. With more chills than an ice chest, this novel will keep readers up well past bedtime!
(On sale: 8/26/2025)
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YA
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The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel
Available from:This graphic novel adaptation of the #1 New York Times bestselling series is the thrilling adventure you didn’t know you needed! Follow a teen girl named Blue and a group of boys from a nearby private school as they get pulled into a world filled with magic, adventure, and danger.
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Girls of Dark Divine
Available from:Emberlyn dreams of joining the ballet theater of New Kora. However, her dream becomes a nightmare when she discovers that the spotlight and beautiful dances hide a dark secret. A curse binds the dancers to the show’s creator, and the only way out is by turning to dust. With the help of a mysterious boy, Emberlyn sets out to find the source of the magic and break the curse without destroying everyone she cares about in the process.
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Starstrike
Available from:If you loved Skyward, add this series to your “to-read” list! In this sequel to Moonstorm, Hwa Young hides amongst the rebels after betraying the Empire. While Hwa Young works on rescuing an imprisoned friend, she also learns that the rebels are just as corrupt as the Empire. This high-octane sequel is your next binge-worthy read!
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Sync
Preorder from:Keep a box of tissues on hand because this YA novel in verse will give you all the feels. Twins Storm and Lake get separated in foster care and write letters that they never send to each other. As the respective siblings deal with precarious situations, first loves, and harrowing difficulties, they do everything they can to find their way back to each other.
(On sale: 8/26/2025)
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