The Best New Kids’ & YA Books To Read Right Now
by Brightly Editors
With summer winding down and school starting soon, there is just enough time to squeeze in a few more books. Whether you want to enjoy reading a picture book to your little one or let your tween or teen take a last-minute literary adventure, these exciting new books are just the thing. Here are the best books for children, tweens, and teens coming your way this month.
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Picture Books
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Bluey’s Heelerween
Buy from:Join Bluey, Bingo, and Muffin as they enjoy a not-so-spooky Halloween night. The dogs play games, paint faces, and go on festive adventures. This is the perfect book to get your little one ready for Halloween!
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Hey, Little Human
Buy from:Have you ever wondered what animals think about humans? This gorgeously illustrated picture book invites tiny readers to see themselves through an animal’s eyes. From our natural curiosity to our ability to build amazing things, children will love learning how humans fit into and affect the natural world.
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Owl by Myself
Buy from:From the beloved creator of Sleepy Sheepy and The Good Egg comes a new story featuring an adorable and independent owl. Follow along as this little owl goes through his day, trying to do everything “owl by himself.” Whether he’s tying shoelaces or getting ready for bed, he gives every task his best attempt, with rib-tickling results.
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A Night for the Rice Carriers
Buy from:This incredible picture book tells the story of two West African women who smuggled grains of rice in their hair as they fled enslavement. The rice allowed them to start over in their new home. A young girl and her grandmother celebrate and share the story of these brave women in this book.
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Swing
Buy from:A budding tennis star wants to be like her hero, Arthur Ashe. While her tennis swing improves with practice, her father gently helps her see that her off-court behavior could use some work. Retro-style artwork and spare text make this book a delight for young sports fans.
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Billy and the Hole
Buy from:This unique and macabre picture book brilliantly teaches a lesson on toxic relationships. Billy finds an enormous hole under his favorite tree — and it talks! The hole makes demands, and Billy, afraid to anger the talking hole, gives it what it wants. At first, the hole showers Billy with praise and makes him feel good, but as it grows more demanding, Billy must decide how far he will go to please it.
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Richard Scarry’s Busiest People Ever 50th Anniversary Edition
Buy from:If you love Richard Scarry, you need this 50th anniversary edition on your shelf! When the grocery store in Busytown gets robbed, Sergeant Murphy and Lowly chase the thief through town on their motorcycle. As they race through the streets, they see people working all sorts of jobs. This book is perfect for children learning about their communities and the people who make them run smoothly.
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Perla and the Princess
Buy from:Perla the dog is back and better than ever in her third adventure with her human brother, Nico Rico. During a neighborhood Cinco de Mayo party, Nico and a new friend get lost, and Perla steps in to save the day. Little dog lovers will enjoy Perla’s latest escapade!
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The Beginner’s Guide to Being a Wizard
Buy from:This hilarious guidebook on becoming a wizard is a must-read for any kid who has dreamed of magical abilities. Whether learning how to cast your first spell or memorizing proper dueling etiquette, this book has all the rules, advice, and guidance an aspiring wizard could want.
(On sale: 8/25/2026)
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Luisa at Your Service
Buy from:Luisa is a young Colombian girl who can’t wait to show you the most important sights in her hometown. Readers follow an unconventional tour through Luisa’s home, her relatives, and her favorite spots around town. The text blends English and Spanish, highlighting what makes one little town special to the people who live there.
(On sale: 8/25/2026)
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The Last Leaf
Buy from:When a little dog named Parker notices all the trees losing their leaves, he starts to worry. What will happen when all the leaves are gone? He ventures into the forest and asks every animal he sees until a bear patiently teaches him about the seasons. Beautiful artwork and upbeat text make this book a delight for both the eyes and the ears.
(On sale: 8/25/2026)
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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Rex Rocket: Cosmic Wiener Dog
Buy from:Send your young reader on an intergalactic space adventure with a stretchy blue wiener dog named Rex Rocket! Rex and his crew head to another planet on a special mission, but discover a world in chaos upon arrival. Rex may not be the best dog for the job, but with some luck and help from his friends, he just might succeed.
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Kiki and the New Magic
Buy from:Return to the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service with this charming sequel! In her second adventure, Kiki navigates the ups and downs of fame and friendship along with increasingly challenging tasks. If your young reader loved the first book or its movie adaptation, add this one to their reading list!
(On sale: 8/25/2026)
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No Place on Earth
Buy from:Soon after his family moves to Yellowstone National Park, Gus’s nightmares get worse than they’ve ever been. But when he meets one of his new classmates inside his dreams, the boys bond over their bizarre connection and turn to each other for support. This unique story from the Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All explores themes of courage, friendship, and mental health.
(On sale: 8/25/2026)
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YA
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The Dream Thieves: The Graphic Novel
Buy from:If you loved the graphic novel adaptation of The Raven Boys, then this sequel is a must-read! Blue and her friends face the consequences of waking the ley line, while Ronan’s magical dreams trigger new and unexpected challenges. Atmospheric, full-color artwork and dark magic make this spooky graphic novel perfect for fall.
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Wings of Reverie
Buy from:If your teen grew up watching Disney’s Tinker Bell movies, they’ll love this series of novels set in that universe. When Periwinkle accidentally finds a thread of lost magic, she starts to dream for the first time. Soon, she discovers that the Winter Woods are in trouble, and it’s up to her and a handsome but unpredictable ally to save them.
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The Hardest Ones to Fool
Buy from:Amelia Wu is dating three different boys at the same time, and none of them know about each other. But when her best friend gets murdered, Amelia’s carefully constructed world starts to fall apart. However, Amelia isn’t about to let her romances blow up, and she’s willing to do literally anything to keep them together. Get ready for twists, turns, and surprising free falls in this YA thriller!
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Natural Selection
Buy from:If you’re in the mood for a funny yet horror-filled feminist revenge novel, look no further! Megan, Megan, and Meghan all have their reasons for disliking a boy named Kevin. And when a grizzly bear starts killing abusive men and boys in their small rural town, the three girls form a macabre bond. This YA thriller expertly combines gore, humor, and revenge into one unputdownable package.
(On sale: 8/25/2026)
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