The Best New Children’s & YA Books of December
by the Brightly Editors
The year isn’t over yet, and you still have time to finish your 2024 reading goals (or start on your 2025 goals). Whether you’re looking for good books for little children or teens, you’ll find plenty of exciting new books this month to dive into. From heartfelt picture books and hilarious middle grade novels to spine-tingling YA thrillers, here are the best books of the month.
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Picture Books
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Let’s Celebrate Korean New Year!
Buy from:Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Madeleine and Eloise! The sisters prepare for the holiday by wearing special clothes, decorating, setting up games, and preparing food. But when Madeleine forgets the most important part of the festivities, Eloise steps up to help. This sweet picture book is the perfect way to introduce young readers to Lunar New Year.
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Mr. Krup’s Pup
Buy from:This quirky and humorous story will resonate with pet lovers of all ages. Mr. Krup loves his dog more than anything in the world. So, when the dog expresses an interest in the moon, Mr. Krup builds a rocket ship and blasts into space to find the perfect gift for his furry friend.
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Bigfoot’s Big Heart
Buy from:As a well-known introvert, Bigfoot relies on his long-distance pen pals for friendship. When Bigfoot loses the Valentine’s Day cards he made, a scout troop comes to his rescue. If you love unconventional holiday stories, pick up this adorable picture book!
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Andy Johnson and the March for Justice
Buy from:Faith, history, and a march for justice combine in this rallying cry for action. When Andy’s dad announces that their family is going to a march, Andy feels they are answering God’s call to fight for justice. This inspiring picture book filters modern and historical social issues through a biblical lens.
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Wilder Child
Buy from:Encourage your kid to get outside, connect with nature, and get dirty with this heartfelt picture book. Readers will follow along as the children in the story enjoy the wonders of nature through play. Your little ones will feel inspired to head into the great outdoors and have their own adventures.
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We Are Lion Dancers
Buy from:Learn about one of the most exciting Lunar New Year traditions with this early reader book — the lion dance! Siblings Lily and Noah pitch in to help a group of lion dancers create an impressive display for the parade. They even make a lion costume for themselves. The engaging story, colorful illustrations, and fun facts make this book an excellent choice for growing readers.
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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Harriet Hound
Buy from:Eight-year-old Harriet has autism and a fantastic superpower — the ability to summon her family’s rescue dogs whenever there’s trouble. Each dog also has unique skills, from keeping watch to staying calm. With Harriet’s spunky personality and plenty of pups to adore, this early chapter book is a must-read for canine-loving kids.
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Super Magic Boy: I Am a Space Tiger
Buy from:What gift do you get the best mom on earth? Something from outer space, of course! Hugo forgot to get his mami a birthday gift, so he jets into space to the planet of Space Tigers to find one. But he must help the Space Tigers out of a pickle before finding the perfect present.
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Millie Magnus Won’t Be Bullied
Buy from:Young readers who enjoy books featuring spunky girls, friendship trouble, and slice-of-life stories will love this humorous chapter book. When a boy at school starts bullying Millie, she confronts him with unexpected results. But new information helps Millie turn the boy from a foe to a friend.
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YA
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When the Mapou Sings
Buy from:This gorgeous novel-in-verse will sweep you into a breathtaking adventure in 1930s Haiti. When her best friend vanishes, 16-year-old Lucille leaves her mountain home to search for her. She finds work, love, and peril as she looks for her friend and dodges the danger shadowing her. Part thriller and part heartfelt journey, this moving book is well worth the read.
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The Party
Buy from:Get your fill of hair-raising chills with the latest thriller from #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Natasha Preston! Bessie and her friends head to a manor in the English countryside for a relaxing spring break. But their week of fun takes a sinister turn when her friends start dying one by one. A storm, a killer, and the deadliest party ever make this thriller a must-read!
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You’re Dead to Me
Buy from:Ruby’s identity as her school’s anonymous gossip blogger gets exposed, and she finds herself the object of everyone’s anger. But when her own ghost confronts her, covered in a bloody prom dress, she realizes that someone is planning to kill her. Ruby has one week before the dance to find the killer and stop them before she meets her grim fate.
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A Cruel Thirst
Buy from:If you have been craving a young adult vampire novel with forbidden romance and ancient curses, look no further! Carolina wants to prove herself as a vampire hunter, while Lalo wants to become human again and return to his calm, predictable life. Sparks fly as the huntress and the vampire forge an unlikely alliance to seek out a common enemy in this swoon-worthy, action-packed romantasy novel.
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Dating and Dragons
Buy from:Hoping to make friends at her new school, Quinn joins an immersive and intense D&D campaign. But her growing feelings for a cute yet frustrating campaign member go directly against the group’s rules. Eventually, Quinn must risk her heart and her place in the group for a chance at love.
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Ex Marks the Spot
Buy from:Puzzles, travel, and a treasure hunt combine in this adorable second-chance romance from the author of American Panda. When Gemma’s grandfather dies, he leaves her a series of riddles that lead to an inheritance. She enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend to help her solve the clues and find the money. As they travel through Taipei, Gemma learns about her heritage, family, and what her heart truly wants.
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