The Best Children’s and YA Books of January 2021
by the Brightly Editors
New year, new books! And we’ve never needed them more. From delightful picture books to adventurous novels for children and teens, these new books are sure to put a smile on your face. Whether you want to educate or entertain, here are the best children’s and YA books hitting bookstore shelves this month.
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Picture Books
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C Is for Country
Available from:Lil Nas X took the country music world by storm with his single "Old Town Road," which has been certified 14-times platinum. Now, you can join the superstar and his pony as they explore the alphabet and the countryside. Music lovers will enjoy the celebration of rural life and finding hidden objects in the illustrations.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Also available from: -
The Reading House Set 1: Letter Recognition A-L
Available from:Supplement your child’s reading lessons at home, or give your preschooler a head start with this must-have series. Children will learn both upper and lower case letters, along with simple sentences that reinforce their sounds. With the help of cheerful animal characters and bright colors, kids will be well on their way to reading like a pro.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Also available from: -
There's a Superhero in Your Book
Available from:The latest book in the Who’s In Your Book? series is perfect for superhero fans! With interactive actions, this book is great for reading to small groups or one-on-one. Your child can tap, whiz, and stretch their way through the pages as they release the superhero’s powers.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Also available from: -
Welcome Flower Child
Available from:Most people know their birthstone and zodiac signs, but have you ever heard of a birth flower? The illustrator of Uni the Unicorn introduces readers to each month’s birth flower and describes why it’s unique. If you want a beautiful gift book that will be cherished for years to come, look no further.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Also available from: -
Champ and Major: First Dogs
Available from:Champ used to visit the White House when his dad was the vice president. Now that Joe Biden is the president, Champ gets to live there. He’s excited to show his little brother Major the ropes. Dog-loving kids will ask to read this delightful book again and again.
(On Sale: 1/19/2021)Also available from: -
Bunny Roo and Duckling Too
Available from:If you’re a fan of the beautiful picture book Bunny Roo, I Love You, you’ll adore this companion book. It celebrates children’s limitless energy and their parent’s attempts to keep up. The charming illustrations and cheerful text make this the perfect bedtime read.
(On Sale: 1/19/2021)Also available from:
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Middle Grade & Chapter Books
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The Book of Dares
Available from:Encourage your boy to grow into a good man with this book of 100 original dares from violence prevention organization A Call to Men. Through unique challenges, this book teaches boys how to be kind, authentic, and brave. It also includes helpful resources for parents and educators.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Related: 5 Ways Parents Can Dare Boys to Be Kind, Bold, and Brave
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Katie the Catsitter
Available from:Do you have a cat-loving kid? This graphic novel is a must-read for anyone obsessed with cats, mysteries, and superheroes. Katie suspects her upstairs neighbor of being a villain. It will take some snooping (and cat herding) to find out the truth. With furry felines, friendship drama, and mystery, this book is perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Also available from: -
The Lion of Mars
Available from:Bell is a regular kid who lives on Mars. Like most kids, he’s naturally curious about the secrets that grownups keep. When all the adults in the US colony get sick, it’s up to Bell and the other kids to save them. If your child is obsessed with NASA and SpaceX, they’ll love this futuristic adventure novel.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Also available from: -
She Persisted: Harriet Tubman
Available from:Harriet Tubman is one of the most notable people associated with the Underground Railroad. Children can learn about the remarkable woman with this chapter book inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted. With illustrations and easy-to-read text, kids will discover how Harriet’s persistence helped her escape slavery and assist others in their escape as well.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Also available from: -
The STEM Night Disaster
Available from:Get ready for a STEM night sabotage that will keep kids glued to the page. Kate and her best friend Birdie are preparing for their school’s STEM night, but Kate’s project keeps getting ruined. She’ll have to use her science smarts to catch the culprit and save her project from further damage. The STEM Night Disaster is the third book in the Kate the Chemist series.
(On Sale: 1/12/2021)Also available from: -
Journey to the Moon #1
Available from:Val is a real scientist, just like her parents. She loves everything about space and even has a laboratory. When Val and her friends get lost in space, they’ll need each other’s help to get home in one piece. The simple text and exciting adventure will help growing readers gain confidence and strengthen their reading skills.
(On Sale: 1/12/2021)Also available from: -
Who Is Kamala Harris?
Available from:As the first woman, African American, and South Asian American elected to the vice presidency, Kamala Harris made history. Part of the new Who HQ NOW series, this chapter book takes kids through Kamala’s journey from law school to the White House.
(On Sale: 1/19/2021)Also available from: -
Dream Big!
Abigail Harrison is the founder of The Mars Generation and has plans to go to space one day. If your kids also have big dreams, they’ll love this inspirational guide book. They’ll find advice, tips, and exercises to help them discover what they’re passionate about and make a plan for success.
(On Sale: 1/19/2021)Preorder from: -
Invasion of the Living Ted
Available from:The final installment of this chuckle-worthy series is finally here! With Grizz planning another invasion, Lisa Marie and Vernon will have to battle their most fearsome foe ever. Young readers that love action-packed comedy will get a kick out of this hilarious series.
(On Sale: 1/26/2021)Also available from:
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YA
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The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaption
Available from:Experience the great American novel as you’ve never seen it before. With excerpts from the original text and stunning illustrations throughout, this graphic novel makes the iconic book accessible to a whole new generation of readers.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Also available from: -
Influence
Available from:Dive into the secretive world of teen influencers with this YA thriller from the author of Pretty Little Liars and social media personality Lilia Buckingham. To the followers of four teenage influencers living in L.A., they appear to have perfect lives. But underneath the glitz and glamour, the girls keep dark secrets. And they’ll do anything to keep them hidden.
(On Sale: 1/5/2021)Also available from: -
Chlorine Sky
Available from:Mahogany L. Browne delivers a heartbreaking novel in verse for teens about growing up. When Skyy’s best friend becomes her biggest bully, she must learn to stand on her own two feet. As she moves on and meets new people, she discovers her inner strength and resilience.
(On Sale: 1/12/2021)Also available from: -
Winterkeep
Available from:Avid fans of the Graceling Realm series will be happy to know that the fourth book in the bestselling and award-winning series has arrived. In this installment, Bitterblue ventures to the nation of Winterkeep, a place of magic, wonder, and danger. It's been eight years since the third book in the series was published, so readers will be happy to jump back into this action-packed fantasy series.
(On Sale: 1/19/2021)Also available from: -
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Available from:Get swept into a story of forbidden romance and peril set in 1950s San Francisco. When Lily and Kathleen fall in love at a lesbian bar in Chinatown, they put themselves and their families in jeopardy. With Lily’s father in danger of being deported, the girls will risk everything for their love.
(On Sale: 1/19/2021)Also available from:
