The Best New Kids’ & YA Books To Read Right Now
by the Brightly Editors
It’s hard to believe that the year is winding down. Thankfully, there is enough time to squeeze in some more fantastic books! Whether you’re hoping to find a new title from a beloved picture book creator or a thrilling debut novel to give your tween or teen, you’re in luck. There are plenty of exciting new books to explore on this list. Here are the best children’s and YA books coming your way this month.
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Picture Books
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A Cure for the Hiccups
Buy from:Readers of all ages can relate to Max’s dilemma in this adorable picture book. When she gets a terrible case of the hiccups, none of Max’s usual tricks gets them to stop. With some advice from her grandma, a few deep breaths, and a little patience, Max finds the solution to her problem.
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Goodnight, Crayons
Buy from:From snuggling with a cat to reading endless bedtime stories, each Crayon needs something special before they fall asleep. Kids who love the Crayons will enjoy snuggling up with this humorous bedtime story before they turn out the lights.
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Kat and Brandy
Buy from:Ever since she fell off her horse, Kat has been afraid to get back in the saddle. But when she meets a rescue horse named Brandy, she feels an instant connection. With patience and hard work, Kat gains the animal’s trust, and the two form an unbreakable bond. This heartfelt story celebrates the special relationship between humans and animals.
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Lolly on the Ice
Buy from:Children will relate to this adorable winter story about a girl experiencing stage fright. Lolly loves to skate, but freezes with fear every time she has an audience. With her dad’s encouragement, Lolly overcomes her jitters in time to participate in an ice-skating production.
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A Quick Trip to the Store
Buy from:When a family runs out of bananas, a girl and her mom head to the grocery store to pick some up. What starts as a quick errand turns into a wild adventure when the girl takes the cart and wanders through the aisles on her own. Kids will giggle all the way through this rib-tickling picture book!
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I Can Make a Movie!
Buy from:When her grandfather gets sick, aspiring filmmaker Nora borrows her mom’s phone and heads out into Kansas City to make a movie for him. This upbeat picture book shows readers what they can accomplish when they harness their determination and creativity.
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Words of Friendship
Buy from:Sunny is a little dog who helps his girl through her insecurities, worries, and difficult days. He stays by her side and reminds her that true friends accept you as you are and encourage you to believe in yourself. Reading this sweet book feels like getting a warm hug from your best friend.
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Gabby's Dollhouse Playhouse
Buy from:Kids who love Gabby’s Dollhouse will also love this book that opens up to become a carousel-style dollhouse. Each section of the carousel features flaps to lift, cut-outs to look through, and your child’s favorite characters to read about.
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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The Last Kids on Earth and the Destructor's Lair
Buy from:Young readers everywhere have been eagerly waiting for this book to hit their shelves! Join Jack on his 10th adventure as he and Quint race through the monster dimension to meet with a mysterious creature. This fast-paced and highly illustrated novel is a must-read for series fans!
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All the World's Your Stage Shakespeare for Today
Buy from:Introduce young readers to Shakespeare like never before! In All the World’s Your Stage, scholar Farah Karim-Cooper brings eight of the Bard’s most famous plays to life with lively retellings and stunning art. Full of adventure, humor, and heart, this beautifully crafted book shows kids that Shakespeare’s stories still shine today.
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Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower)
Buy from:When Rapunzel and Princess Hana (aka The Little Mermaid) switch places, each princess finds herself in an unexpected and unfamiliar situation. Now, each girl must navigate her bizarre circumstance, escape, and find her happily-ever-after. This fairy-tale switch-up is perfect for readers who love unconventional retellings.
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Super Pancake and the Terrible Toast (A Graphic Novel)
Buy from:When an old enemy shows up with plans to put everyone in Breakfast Town under mind control, Peggy Pancake knows she has to stop the villain. On top of saving the town, Peggy must survive the school talent show and fix her relationship with her brother. Kids won’t want to miss the latest syrup-filled adventure starring their favorite breakfast foods!
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The Dirt!: Wild Life Under the Soil's Surface
Buy from:Dive under the dirt to explore the incredible (and gross) world that exists in the soil. From insects to armadillos, kids will learn about the animals that live in the dirt and how the soil stays healthy. Young readers who love learning will enjoy this graphic nonfiction title.
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YA
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We Fell Apart
Buy from:Return to the world of We Were Liars with the latest addition to the bestselling series! Matilda travels to Hidden Beach to meet her estranged father, but when she arrives, he isn’t there. Instead, Matilda finds a brother, more questions than answers, and a heap of secrets.
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Deadly Ever After
Buy from:Fairy tales, true love, and suspense combine in this pulse-pounding romantasy debut. The gods offer two dead princesses a second chance at life if they can find true love’s kiss. However, the wrong kiss will send the girls to the afterlife permanently. Fantasy romance readers won’t be able to set this book down!
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The Secret Astronomers
Buy from:Two girls strike up an unlikely friendship by leaving each other notes in an old astronomy textbook in this one-of-a-kind mystery novel. As Copernicus and Kepler get to know each other, they also investigate a cold case that has puzzled their town for decades.
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Shiny Happy People
Buy from:An addictive drug, a video challenge, and nightmares come to life make this creepy novel an unputdownable thrill ride. When everyone around her falls under the spell of a new party drug, Kyra and her friend Logan set out to learn who and what is behind it. If you love thrills, chills, and things that go bump in the night, this horror novel is a must-read!
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Wheel of Wrath
Buy from:Fantasy lovers will be thrilled to jump back into The Fifth Realm series with this highly anticipated sequel to Spin of Fate. With the kingdom at war, Himalia, Aina, Aranel, and Meizan each find themselves drawn into different factions and must navigate their new realities. YA readers will love the intricate plot and political intrigue in this action-packed sequel!
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