The Best Children’s and YA Books of July 2021
by the Brightly Editors
Summer is officially here, and it’s never felt so good! And nothing goes better with long summer days than a good book. With school out of session for several more weeks, there’s plenty of opportunities for your kids to get lost in a new literary adventure. So, while you’re melting in the (extreme) July heat, hand your child a few books and a popsicle and send them outside to enjoy the sunshine. Whether you have young children or teenagers, these are the best books coming out this month!
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Picture Books
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The Giggles Are Coming
Available from:Have you ever had a case of unexplained giggles that won’t stop? Kids will appreciate this funny-bone tickling story from the illustrator of the Ordinary People Change the World series. When two friends go to school on the first day, they start laughing and can’t stop — even though nothing funny happens. They’ll have to develop a creative way to quit giggling to make it through the day.
(On sale: 7/6/2021)Also available from: -
My Voice Is a Trumpet
Available from:Country music star Jimmie Allen penned this beautiful picture book debut about speaking out and speaking up. It’s an excellent reminder that no matter their age, race, or gender, each child has a powerful voice that can make a difference in the world.
(On sale: 7/13/2021)Also available from: -
Rocket Has a Sleepover
Have a sleepover with your favorite pup! When Rocket goes to a sleepover with his friends, he’s the only one that has a hard time falling asleep. The simple text and relatable story make this an excellent book for beginning readers.
(On sale: 7/13/2021) -
Hand to Hold
Available from:Reconnect with your child this summer with the help of this heartwarming picture book. With rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations, it’s a beautiful reminder of a parent’s unconditional love for their child. It’s the perfect addition to your bedtime reading stack!
(On sale: 7/20/2021)Also available from: -
Kalamata's Kitchen
Young food lovers will gobble up this delicious story about a little girl, her alligator friend, and a magical kitchen table that can transport them anywhere. Kalamata feels nervous about starting school, but when she and Al Dente (the alligator) go on a culinary adventure, she finds comfort and courage in the experience.
(On sale: 7/20/2021) -
It Took Two Wishes
Young readers will relate to this sweet story about a girl counting down to her birthday and the chance to make a wish. With vibrant and energetic illustrations, this charming story is about friendship, family, and the joy of a birthday wish (or two) coming true.
(On sale: 7/27/2021) -
T. Rexes Can't Tie Their Shoes
Available from:Jokes about T. Rexes and their tiny arms never get old. This silly story will have kids in stitches as they read about animals who can’t do many of the fun and exciting things humans take for granted. From riding bicycles to playing musical instruments, young readers will discover the joy of trying (and failing at) new things.
(On sale: 7/27/2021)Also available from:
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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Where Are the Constellations?
Available from:Kids interested in the night sky will pore over this informative book about constellations and how to find them. Readers will learn about stars, their life cycles, and the mythology and legends behind the famous constellations.
(On sale: 7/6/2021)Also available from: -
The Curse of the Crystal Cavern
Available from:The second graphic novel in The Pathfinder’s Society series will pull young readers back into the fast-paced adventure they fell in love with in The Mystery of the Moon Tower. Following the first book’s events, a group of friends finds themselves swept further into the mystery of an explorer and the treasure he left behind. It’s perfect for fans of The Goonies and The Last Kids on Earth.
(On sale: 7/13/2021)Also available from: -
Maya and the Robot
Available from:Friendship, a robot, and a science fair combine into a highly readable novel that kids will love. When Maya’s BFFs get assigned to a different fifth-grade class, she struggles to make new friends. But when she discovers an abandoned robot and fixes him up, they develop a strong friendship that boosts Maya’s confidence in other areas of her life.
(On sale: 7/13/2021)Also available from: -
Math Maker Lab
Get your kids excited about math by giving them a practical way to use it. With the help of this unique book, young mathematicians will combine their natural creativity with mathematics to complete several fun activities. Kids that learn by doing will love this action-oriented approach to using math in the real world.
(On sale: 7/13/2021) -
Super Sidekicks #2: Ocean's Revenge
Available from:Fans of Teen Titans Go! and Captain Underpants can’t get enough of this hilarious graphic novel series. In the second installment, the Super Sidekicks must figure out how to reduce pollution and save humanity from the ocean’s wrath. Young readers will giggle and cheer their way through this book while learning about environmental conservation at the same time.
(On sale: 7/27/2021)Also available from:
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Young Adult
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Six Crimson Cranes
Available from:Fairy tale lovers, rejoice! If you adored Elizabeth Lim’s first YA series, Spin the Dawn, you don’t want to miss this retelling of "The Wild Swans." Inspired by East Asian folklore, this book follows princess Shiori as she tries to rescue her brothers from a magical curse. Unfortunately, when Shiori accidentally uses forbidden magic, the queen turns her brothers into cranes, banishes Shiori, and forces her into silence. This breathtaking YA fantasy novel is a must-read!
(On sale: 7/6/2021)Also available from: -
The Taking of Jake Livingston
When an angry ghost starts haunting Jake Livingston, surviving high school takes on a whole new meaning. As a Black LGBTQ student at a nearly all-white school, Jake struggles to feel like he belongs. But when the ghost of a former school shooter appears, Jake’s role as a reluctant medium takes a deadly turn. YA readers looking for thrills and chills this summer will find them here.
(On sale: 7/13/2021) -
They'll Never Catch Us
Available from:If you’ve been hoping for more YA books featuring female athletes, you’re in luck! This mystery novel is about two track star sisters, fierce competition, and the mysterious disappearance of a teammate. With more plot twists than a pretzel, it’s a fast-paced thrill ride for fans of Karen M. McManus and Kara Thomas.
(On sale: 7/27/2021)Also available from: -
Radha & Jai's Recipe for Romance
Available from:When you need a few feel-good vibes, pick up this delectable YA rom-com. A former rising star in Kathak dancing, Radha has now sworn off performing. But when she meets a Bollywood dancer named Jai, she can’t resist his invitation to help choreograph the perfect performance for a competition. They fall in love over dance steps, good food, and family drama.
(On sale: 7/13/2021)Also available from: -
Small Favors
Keep a flashlight close by as you read this novel because you’re going to need it! When some people from her isolated town go missing in the woods, Ellery discovers a terrifying truth. The legendary monsters in the forest not only exist, but they also grant wishes in exchange for small favors. But the favors are more sinister than anyone realizes, and it’s up to Ellery to save her town from the fallout. This scary retelling of Rumpelstiltskin will give you goosebumps and keep you reading well past your bedtime.
(On sale: 7/27/2021) -
When All the Girls Are Sleeping
Secrets and ghosts and murder — oh, my! If you’re looking for a bone-chilling YA mystery novel to escape into this summer, you’ll love this haunting story from the author of All the Pretty Things. When new evidence surfaces suggesting that her ex-best friend was murdered, Haley goes looking for answers. But as she digs up secrets about her college prep school, its resident ghost, and her friend, she discovers that a killer is on the loose and planning to strike again.
(On sale: 7/13/2021)
