The Best Children’s and YA Books of August

by the Brightly Editors

Summer is winding down, and school will start soon (if it hasn’t already). But with a few weeks of warm weather and long days left, it’s a fantastic time to squeeze in more reading. Whether you have teens, tweens, or littles, you’ll find plenty of excellent books on this list to tackle during these last days of summer. Here are the best children’s and YA books of August.

  • Chapter Books & Middle Grade

  • Mexikid

    by Pedro Martin

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    This highly readable graphic memoir combines a road trip, a legendary grandfather, and plenty of humor. Pedro and his large family squeeze into a Winnebago and travel to Mexico to pick up their abuelito and bring him back to the US. The trip offers Pedro many opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

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  • The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet

    by Jake Mala Arlow

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    An unfortunate incident leads to an even less fortunate medical diagnosis for 12-year-old Al — Crohn’s disease. Now, she must navigate her illness, deal with crushes, and make it to the bathroom in time, all while surviving middle school. This hilarious book will keep kids laughing while increasing awareness of chronic illness in childhood.

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  • Make a Move, Sunny Park!

    by Jessica Kim

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    Sunny has always been comfortable being her best friend’s sidekick. But when they both try out for the dance team and only Sunny makes the cut, she finds herself in unfamiliar territory. Suddenly, she must learn who she is without her outgoing friend beside her — and how to soak up the spotlight herself.

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  • More Tales to Keep You Up at Night

    by Dan Poblocki, illustrated by Marle Bergeron

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    Young horror lovers will get their fill of thrills and chills with this delightfully scary novel! Gilbert finds a collection of old cassette tapes filled with spooky stories and listens to them one by one. Each tape presents hair-raising stories and offers a way for Gilbert to help his injured brother in the hospital. However, doing so changes everything — and not for the best.

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  • Tiger Daughter

    by Rebecca Lim

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    This heartbreaking yet hopeful novel tackles family expectations, abuse, grief, friendship, and hope. Wen and her friend Henry plan to escape their first-generation immigrant homes and make new lives for themselves. But a tragedy upends their plans and forces them to face the complex realities of life together.

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  • Night of the Ninjas Graphic Novel

    by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Kelly Matthews and Nichole Matthews, adapted by Jenny Laird

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    Send your growing reader on an adventure in ancient Japan with Jack, Annie, and a ninja warrior. The popular chapter book has now been adapted into a full-color graphic novel that will appeal to series fans and first-time readers alike.

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  • Barely Floating

    by Lillam Rivera

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    For fans of Starfish by Lisa Fipps, Barely Floating is about a young girl named Natalia who wants to compete on a synchronized swimming team. Despite her size, skin color, and the objections of everyone around her, Natalia fights for her vision. With tenacity and hard work, Natalia can show everyone she belongs in the sport.

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  • YA

  • True True

    by Don P. Hooper

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    When Gil transfers to a mostly white prep school in Manhattan from his public school in Brooklyn, he feels like a fish out of water. One fight with the school’s golden boy later, Gil finds himself suspended and planning revenge against the racist school administration. But as the battle heats up, Gil realizes that the fight could cost him everything he truly cares about.

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  • Forty Words for Love

    by Aisha Saeed

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    A tragedy sends a magical town into a downward spiral as tourism dries up and the local businesses suffer. Amid growing tensions between the town and a neighboring community, Yasmine and Rafay meet, become friends, and fall in love despite the warnings and threats from their elders. This gorgeous forbidden romance novel is the perfect read to end the summer.

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  • American Royals IV: Reign

    by Katharine McGee

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    Return to the world of America’s royal family with this series finale! Queen Beatrice is in a coma, and her future — and the country’s — depends on her siblings. But Princess Samantha has run off with her boyfriend, and Prince Jefferson has claimed the throne. Whether you’re new to this series or a long-time fan, this is the perfect time to binge-read all four books!

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  • Her Radiant Curse

    by Elizabeth Lim

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    From the New York Times bestselling author of Six Crimson Cranes and Spin the Dawn comes a new Asian folklore-inspired fairy tale to obsess over. When her beautiful sister Vanna becomes the prize in a betrothal contest, Channi uses her sharp wits to save Vanna from marriage. Doing so sets off a terrible battle that will strain the empire and the bonds of sisterhood to the brink.

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  • House of Marionne

    by J. Elle

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    Bridgerton meets Throne of Glass in this breathtaking fantasy romance. 17-year-old Quell joins an order of magical elites to learn how to squash her dark magic and evade an assassin hunting her. Between magic lessons and glittering balls, Quell falls in love with the boy training to kill her. When she discovers the depths of the ruling class’s corruption, Quell must embrace her dark powers to save the people she loves.

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  • My Father, The Panda Killer

    by Jamie Jo Hoang

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    Jane and her younger brother live with their abusive, first-generation immigrant father. His temper is short, and the beatings are plenty. Jane learns about her father’s history as she prepares to leave home and attend college. What she discovers is heartbreaking and eye-opening. Told in the alternating voices of Jane and her father, Phúc, this novel is a must-read for everyone who wants to understand refugees and the effects of war.

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