The Best Children’s and YA Books of March 2021
by the Brightly Editors
March has never felt so good! With spring on the horizon and warmer weather creeping in, we’re feeling our spirits lift. And after the challenges of the last 12 months, we all deserve a little sunshine in our lives. Kids and parents especially could use some brighter days, so we’re sharing the best and brightest children’s and YA books being published this month.
Whether you’re interested in heartfelt picture books or pulse-pounding novels, you’ll find the most notable books of the month on this list.
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Picture Books
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Big Feelings
Available from:From the creators of All Are Welcome comes a colorful new picture book about managing feelings. From sadness to excitement and everything in between, this picture book helps children identify and handle their emotions. It’s an excellent book for storytime, preschool, and classroom settings.
(On sale: 3/2/2021)Also available from: -
Laxmi’s Mooch
Available from:When a friend draws attention to the dark hair growing above Laxmi’s lip, she suddenly feels self-conscious. With some help from her parents, Laxmi learns that body hair is nothing to be ashamed of and grows differently on everyone. Cheerful illustrations and a body-positive message make this picture book a must-read.
(On sale: 3/2/2021)Also available from: -
Follow That Food! (Waffles + Mochi)
What better way to celebrate spring than with a colorful picture book about food from around the world? Join Waffles and Mochi as they start their new jobs at the supermarket and create a special dish for their friends. Based on the new Netflix series produced by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, this tasty book will be a favorite of young readers!
(On sale: 3/2/2021)Preorder from: -
My Monster and Me
Available from:A little boy’s worries take on the shape of a monster and follow him everywhere. No matter what he does, his worry monster always hovers next to him. With vibrant illustrations and an engaging story, TV star Nadiya Hussain empowers children with an effective way of sharing and managing their worries.
(On sale: 3/2/2021)Also available from: -
The Ramble Shamble Children
Available from:Five children live in a ramble shamble house and love taking care of it. But when they realize their home isn’t like other people’s houses, the kids try to improve it—with some unintended consequences. This feel-good story reminds readers that every home (and every family) is different—and that’s okay.
(On sale: 3/9/2021)Also available from: -
The Tree in Me
Available from:Spring is the perfect time to enjoy this stunning picture book about the wonders of human connection. The story uses nature as a metaphor to explore themes of community, self-esteem, creativity, and purpose. If you loved My Heart and The Book of Mistakes, keep a lookout for Corinna Luyken’s newest book. You won’t want to miss it.
(On sale: 3/16/2021)Also available from: -
Coquí in the City
Available from:Moving to a new place is hard, and Miguel feels sad about leaving Puerto Rico to move to New York City. But as Mama, Miguel, and his pet frog Coquí explore their new home, he realizes that the city holds more similarities to Puerto Rico than he thought. This lovely picture book is perfect for children who have recently relocated or are nervous about an upcoming move.
(On sale: 3/16/2021)Also available from: -
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race
Available from:Talking about race with children can feel daunting, but research suggests that having difficult conversations at a young age leads to higher self-esteem and self-awareness. This board book series is a fantastic conversation starter for sensitive subjects with your child.
(On sale: 3/16/2021)Also available from: -
My Little Brave Girl
Available from:Many parents and caregivers grew up watching and listening to actress and singer Hilary Duff. Now, you can share her love letter to little girls with the kids in your life. Inspired by her experiences as a mother, Hilary explores all the ways girls must be brave, day after day.
(On sale: 3/23/2021)Also available from: -
Who Was Jackie Robinson?: A Who Was? Board Book
Available from:Introduce your preschooler to influential people and figures with this educational board book series. Sports lovers will enjoy learning about Jackie Robinson and how he changed the game of professional baseball forever. If you have a young animal lover, check out Who Is Jane Goodall?: A Who Was? Board Book, which also is available this month.
(On sale: 3/30/2021)Also available from: -
Hugo and the Impossible Thing
Available from:All the forest animals want to know what’s beyond the Impossible Thing, but none of them have tried to get past it. Despite the other animals’ skepticism, Hugo decides to try. This delightful story shows young readers that anything is possible with a little determination.
(On sale: 3/30/2021)Also available from:
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers
Available from:Former First Lady Michelle Obama is one of the most influential women of our time. Now, children can read about her life, struggles, achievements, and dreams in the young reader’s adaptation of her memoir. Inspirational and uplifting, this book shows kids how to figure out who they are and what they want to become.
(On sale: 3/2/2021)Also available from: -
Aster and the Mixed-Up Magic
Available from:Graphic novel lovers will be thrilled to get their hands on the sequel to Aster and the Accidental Magic. Aster has adjusted to life in the country, and she’s ready for a break from magical disasters. But another adventure is just beginning. Come along for a hilarious new escapade featuring your favorite spunky girl and her pet dog.
(On sale: 3/2/2021)Also available from: -
The Elephant in the Room
Available from:Immigration, animal rescue, family, and friendship combine into a heartfelt story for fans of The One and Only Ivan. When Sila and her Dad meet an older man named Gino, they feel an instant connection. As their friendship deepens, they expand their circle to include an elephant and a boy from school. As Sila’s world grows, she learns that help and hope pop up when you least expect it.
(On sale: 3/2/2021)Also available from: -
Starfish
Available from:Ellie has been bullied about her weight almost her entire life. Her mom’s criticism doesn’t help, either. But thankfully, Ellie’s dad, therapist, and a new neighbor give her the support she needs to be herself. This poignant and body-positive novel is a touching reminder of the importance of friendship and courage.
(On sale: 3/9/2021)Also available from:
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YA
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Good Girl, Bad Blood
Available from:Pip doesn’t want to be a detective anymore. She wants to focus on running her viral true-crime podcast and staying out of danger. But when a girl goes missing, and the police refuse to investigate, Pip knows she has to do something. In this heart-pounding sequel to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Pip will dig up even more dark secrets about her small town—with the whole country watching.
(On sale: 3/2/2021)Also available from: -
Home Is Not a Country
Available from:This groundbreaking novel-in-verse takes an honest look at the challenges unique to the children of immigrants. Nima feels like she doesn’t fit in anywhere—at school or home. She’ll have to come to grips with the loss of her best friend, find her place in the world, and figure out who she is in this timely and poignant novel.
(On sale: 3/2/2021)Also available from: -
Tell Me My Name
Available from:Fans of We Were Liars and The Great Gatsby will love this twisty thriller. When Ivy arrives on Commodore Island, Fern’s life changes from dull and comfortable to wild and exciting. But it doesn’t take long for Fern to realize there’s more to Ivy’s lavish lifestyle than she lets on. As the dry summer turns the island into kindling, Fern uncovers secrets that will change her world forever.
(On sale: 3/9/2021)Also available from: -
A Queen of Gilded Horns
Available from:If your teen loved A River of Royal Blood, they’ll be happy to know that the sequel is coming out this month. With both princesses on the run and a revolution stirring, Eva and Isa must work together to unite their people and save the queendom. This conclusion to the buzz-worthy duology will keep readers enthralled to the last page. If you’re new to this series, now is the perfect time to catch up on your reading!
(On sale: 3/16/2021)Also available from:
