The Best New Kids’ & YA Books To Read Right Now
by the Brightly Editors
March brings many exciting things: spring, St. Patrick’s Day, and new books to read! Whether you’re interested in exciting new books from fan-favorite creators or want to check out the most promising titles from new voices, this month has plenty to offer. Here are the best new kids’ and young adult books publishing this month.
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Picture Books
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Pizzasaurus
Buy from:While the other dinosaurs dine on smaller critters or plants, Pizzasaurus only eats one thing: pizza! This humorous and brightly illustrated picture book breaks the fourth wall, engaging young readers in celebrating their favorite cheesy food.
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The Future Book
Buy from:Crack open this rib-tickling book from bestselling and award-winning children’s author Mac Barnett to get a glimpse into the future. The narrator speaks directly to the reader, educating them on everything about the future, which will have kids laughing from beginning to end.
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Goldfinches
Buy from:Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver teamed up with Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Melissa Sweet to create this stunning ode to nature. As thistles grow and bloom, goldfinches gather the down from the blossoms to line their nests. Stunning illustrations and engaging text make this gorgeous picture book a must-have for bird lovers.
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Where Do Race Cars Sleep at Night?
Buy from:From the creative team that brought us Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? comes another bedtime book for vehicle-loving little ones. Before the cars power down their engines and get tucked in, they take a victory lap, brush their teeth, and put on their pj’s. This adorable picture book is the perfect addition to any racecar enthusiast’s bedtime reading stack.
(On sale: 3/24/2026)
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Grumpy Monkey Father’s Day Fuss
Buy from:Join your favorite curmudgeon in celebrating Father’s Day. Jim Panzee’s dad loves Father’s Day, but when Jim suggests doing something special for Grandpanzee, he’s surprised when his dad hesitates. Kids and dads alike will love the latest addition to the Grumpy Monkey series!
(On sale: 3/31/2026)
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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Aku: Journey to Ibra
Buy from:Outer space enthusiasts will love this new middle grade adventure about a boy named Aku who finds a mysterious astronaut helmet that transports him to another planet. There, Aku must gather his courage and his allies to save the planet from a rising threat.
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When Tomorrow Burns
Buy from:From the author of When You Trap a Tiger comes another heartfelt and thought-provoking novel for middle grade readers. Violet, Nomi, and Arthur used to be best friends, but drifted apart during middle school. Social media, bullying, and friendship drama collide in a fiery mess that the kids must learn to navigate.
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Gracie Wei #1: You’re a Winner, Gracie Wei
Buy from:Gracie’s family has a wall where they display awards that family members have won. Everyone in the family has an award on the wall except for Gracie, who plans to secure her spot on the wall by winning her class’s spelling bee competition. Growing readers will love this new chapter book series featuring friendship, a feisty heroine, and schoolroom drama.
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Squirrel Lock Holmes #1: The Pet Rock Mystery
Buy from:Join Detective Squirrel Lock Holmes and Mole Watson as they solve the case of a missing pet rock. Young readers will love the humorous dialogue and full-color illustrations as the detective and her sidekick ask questions, follow clues, and solve the mystery.
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Mystery on Macaw Mountain
Buy from:Kids who like nature, conservation, and mysteries will enjoy this novel set in Copan, Honduras. When some rare macaws vanish before they can be released into a bird sanctuary, Nico and his three cousins try to solve the case. They must follow the clues, rescue the birds, and stop the person responsible for their disappearance.
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Hafsa’s Way
Buy from:Tradition, expectations, and ambition collide in this heartfelt companion novel to Amal Unbound and Omar Rising. With considerable difficulty, Hafsa convinces her parents to allow her to enroll in a science camp for the summer. But when Hafsa arrives, she realizes that not only did she sign up for the wrong camp, but she doesn’t fit in with the other campers. Through perseverance and courage, Hafsa continues to pursue her dreams and makes the most of her unexpected situation.
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Shapes of Nature
Buy from:Wildlife enthusiasts will eagerly dive into this colorful book about everything from butterflies and beetles to fish and flowers. Vibrant photos and engaging text from bestselling author Ben Hoare make this book a treasure trove of information for nature-loving kids.
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YA
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The Dragon and the Sun Lotus
Buy from:If you’ve been (un)patiently waiting to read the sequel to The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, the wait is finally over! In this follow-up novel, beautiful demons called mó threaten to destroy Àn’yīng’s kingdom. To save the mortal realm, Àn’yīng must make new allies, raise an army, and embrace her immortal powers.
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Lies We Tell About the Stars
Buy from:When a catastrophic earthquake hits San Francisco, Celeste’s best friend, Nicky, vanishes without a trace. Convinced Nicky is still alive, Celeste takes his notebook and a new friend and sets out on a cross-country journey to find him. Drama, mystery, friendship, and romance converge in this emotional story of self-discovery.
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Her Hidden Fire
Buy from:Ionáin, the son of the ruling family, cannot channel magic, which threatens his family’s powerful position. To save him from banishment, a servant girl named Éadha passes her magic off as his. Her decision sends them both down an unexpected and perilous path that soon has Éadha questioning everything she knows.
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As Long as You Loathe Me
Buy from:Meera has a massive crush on her ex-best friend's boyfriend. To knock Lucy down a peg and hopefully win over her boyfriend at the same time, Meera hatches a plan that involves rekindling her and Lucy’s friendship. Of course, nothing goes as planned, and Meera soon finds herself falling in love with her ex-best friend.
(On sale: 3/31/2026)
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