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The Best Children’s and YA Books of March

by the Brightly Editors

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March is an exciting month for new book releases! From hilarious picture books to heart-pounding young adult novels, there is something for every kind of reader. Whether you’re looking for stories with strong female characters, positive messages, or immersive fantasy to escape into, here are the best children’s and YA books releasing this month.

Picture Books

Good Job, George!

Good Job, George!

by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Andrew Joyner

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A helpful little boy, a naughty dog, and a room full of paint — any parent of young children knows that this is a recipe for disaster. Kids and parents alike will smile and laugh along with George as he “helps” his parents paint a room in their house. It’s a must-read for any child who loves to get involved in household tasks.

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People Are Wild

People Are Wild

by Margaux Meganck

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What do animals think of humans? Kids will laugh along as they see themselves from a wild animal’s perspective. This book challenges children’s assumptions about animals, humans, and their roles in the environment. Gorgeous illustrations and engaging text make this a must-read for any young animal lover.

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She Persisted in Science

She Persisted in Science

by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

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Young scientists will feel inspired by this collection of short biographies. Each woman featured in this book ignored the naysayers and persisted through thick and thin to reach her goals. Curious children and kids with big dreams in STEM will love learning about these fascinating women. Check out the rest of the She Persisted series for more stories about strong women.

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Why Not You?

Why Not You?

by Ciara and Russell Wilson with JaNay Brown Wood, illustrated by Jessica Gibson

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Colorful illustrations and positive mantras from a Grammy-winning popstar and a Super Bowl champion quarterback make this picture book a must-have. It brims with uplifting messages designed to boost children’s confidence and encourage them to pursue their passions. This book makes an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. It’s also available as an audiobook!

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In You I See

In You I See

by Rachel Emily, illustrated by Jodie Howard

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Early reviewers are raving about this stunning picture book. Gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt poetry encourage children to look for the best in themselves and others. The gentle narrative helps young readers feel their parent’s unconditional love and learn how unique and precious they are.

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I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared

I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared

by Seth Meyers, illustrated by Rob Sayegh

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Get ready to laugh your way through comedian Seth Meyers’s new picture book about a brave rabbit and an anxious bear going on an adventure together. This hilarious and thoughtful story shows readers that feeling scared is okay, and bravery shows up when you least expect it. Kids will ask to read and reread this book every night. It’s also available as an audiobook for when you need a break.

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Just Try One Bite

Just Try One Bite

by Adam Mansbach and Camila Alves McConaughey, illustrated by Mike Boldt

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Audiobook lovers will get a kick out of listening to this humorous story about three siblings trying to get their parents to try healthy foods. Younger children can listen and follow along with a physical copy, too. Bouncy rhyme, over-the-top antics, and a common theme turned on its head make this book a blast to read.

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Nana the Great Comes to Visit

Nana the Great Comes to Visit

by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by David Hohn

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Grandparents are the best! This bright and colorful picture book celebrates how Nana (or any grandparent) improves life. From building a fort to eating dessert, Nana encourages her grandkids to live life to the fullest. It’s a fantastic book for grandparents and grandchildren to read together, and it makes an excellent gift, too.

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There’s a Rock Concert in My Bedroom

There’s a Rock Concert in My Bedroom

by Kevin Jonas and Danielle Jonas, illustrated by Courtney Dawson

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Little music lovers will go wild over this joyful picture book from Kevin and Danielle Jonas. It’s about a girl named Emma who signs up for her school talent show and gets hit with a bout of stage fright. But she has plenty of people to remind her what she loves about music and why she signed up to perform. For an extra-special reading experience, turn on the audiobook and enjoy the narration and sound effects while you flip through the pages.

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Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Finn and the Subatomic Slip-and-Slide

Finn and the Subatomic Slip-and-Slide

by Michael Buckley

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Kids who love time travel stories will eagerly jump back into this series for the last installment. Journey through time and space with Finn and his friends as they search for his missing father and save the world (again) from a plague of giant bugs. The action-packed series conclusion will keep readers glued to the page!

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Max and the Midknights: The Tower of Time

Max and the Midknights: The Tower of Time

by Lincoln C. Peirce

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Young readers can’t get enough of this bestselling and hilarious series from the author of Big Nate. In the third book, Max must capture her evil twin, defeat numerous opponents, and uncover a massive secret about her past. Wit, humor, and plenty of peril combine into an unputdownable adventure that series fans will love.

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Gabby Gets It Together

Gabby Gets It Together

by Nathan Fairbairn, illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn

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Friendship, The Babysitters Club vibes, and adorable dogs make this new graphic novel series perfect for realistic fiction readers. When best friends Gabby, Priya, and Mindy form an after-school dog walking business, they expect cuddles and kisses from their furry friends. But things get complicated as the girls try to balance their conflicting interests and personalities.

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Alien Summer #1

Alien Summer #1

by James S. Murray and Carsen Smith

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This series starter is like Independence Day for middle grade readers. When aliens escape from Area 51, a group of friends get caught in the action and must defend the base. Kids that like science-fiction stories filled with action, gadgets, and humor won’t be able to set this one down.

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Children of the Flying City

Children of the Flying City

by Jason Sheehan

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Middle grade readers who love getting immersed in another world will devour this new fantasy novel. It’s about a boy named Milo Quick who has a bounty on his head, his faithful friends, and the formerly magnificent city that harbors a dangerous secret. This fast-paced thrill ride is perfect for young readers who like magic, breathtaking adventure, and stories about kids saving the world.

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YA

All My Rage

All My Rage

by Sabaa Tahir

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When you’re ready for a book that will make you cry, laugh, and contemplate, pick up this poignant novel from the New York Times bestselling author of An Ember in the Ashes. After an enormous argument, Salahudin’s and Noor’s lifelong friendship goes belly-up, leaving them to deal with their troubles alone. Sal struggles to save his family’s motel from ruin, and Noor looks for an opportunity to escape their small town and her abusive uncle.

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Crimson Reign

Crimson Reign

by Amélie Wen Zhao

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The final book in the Blood Heir trilogy is hitting shelves this month, and now is the perfect time to binge-read (or reread) the entire series. Inspired by the story of Anastasia Romanov, this fantasy novel will sweep you into a world filled with conspiracies, magic, undercover royalty, and devilishly handsome crime lords. It’s a must-read for fantasy lovers!

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The Fear

The Fear

by Natasha Preston

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A social media challenge turns deadly in the newest thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Twin and The Lake. It’s all fun and games for Izzy and her friends until someone loses their life. As the bodies of dead classmates pile up, Izzy launches an investigation into the murders and tracks down the killer.

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Great or Nothing

Great or Nothing

by Joy McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe, and Jessica Spotswood

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If you love historical fiction, stories about sisterhood, and strong female characters, pick up this unique retelling of Little Women. Four authors write the stories of the March sisters as they grieve, love, and figure out who they are.

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Kiss & Tell

Kiss & Tell

by Abid Khorram

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Go backstage in the pop music industry with this novel about a boy band star, his nasty breakup, and dating in the public eye. Now that he’s “out,” everyone expects Hunter to play the part of the perfect LGBTQ celebrity. But Hunter disagrees with everyone else’s definition of perfection, and he must decide whether to obey every command his Label gives him or be true to himself.

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