All Ages

The Best Children’s and YA Books of November

by the Brightly Editors

With Halloween in the rearview mirror and the holiday season just around the corner, it’s an excellent time to think about gifts for your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for cheerful picture books for a young reader or fast-paced adventure novels for your tween or teen, we have you covered. Here are the best books coming your way this month.

  • Picture Books

  • My Fade Is Fresh

    by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Kitt Thomas

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    Getting a haircut that expresses your personality is a rite of passage for most kids. Visit a barbershop with a little girl as she decides which haircut will suit her best. This girl’s confidence is contagious and will help young readers feel ready for their next visit to the barbershop or hair salon.

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  • A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree

    by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brandon James Scott

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    Award-winning author Daniel Bernstrom teams up with beloved illustrator Brandon James to deliver a rollicking, hilarious picture book. With its rhyming, easy-to-read text and vibrant illustrations, this rib-tickling story is perfect for reading aloud to a group or for beginning readers to tackle on their own.

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  • Cozy in Love

    by Jan Brett

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    Beloved children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett brings readers a second adventure starring the lovable musk ox named Cozy. In this story, Cozy wants to catch his crush’s eye but runs into some challenges. When a beluga whale gets trapped in a frozen inlet, it’s up to Cozy to save the day. He frees the whale and wins his crush’s heart in one fell swoop.

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  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Snacks

    by Eric Carle

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    Munch your way through this die-cut board book featuring everyone’s favorite caterpillar! As the caterpillar eats its snacks, readers will learn about opposites like sweet and salty, cold and hot, and soft and crunchy.

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  • Little Black Girl

    by Kirby Howell-Baptiste, illustrated by Paul Davey

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    Children and adults will love this inspiring picture book from actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste. Readers follow a young, robotics-loving girl as she designs and builds a robot for the school fair. The beautiful, rhyming verse and stunning artwork uplift and encourage young readers to chase their dreams.

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  • Little Black Boy

    by Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Larry C. Fields III, illustrated by Paul Davey

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    Actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste and actor Larry Fields pen a beautiful and empowering story about a young boy who falls in love with the ocean and its animals. He puts his passion into action by cleaning up litter and encouraging others to care for the beach.

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  • I Don't Care

    by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal

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    This rhyming picture book from award-winning author Julie Fogliano celebrates the joys of friendship. Two little girls compare their similarities and differences, deciding that their friendship is a beautiful culmination of both. Two separate Caldecott Honorees, Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal, illustrate the different characters and their unique qualities.

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  • Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out

    by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang

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    It might seem early to think about Valentine’s Day, but showing love and kindness to family and friends is a year-long topic. In this book, grumpy Jim Panzee learns that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for mushy, gushy love. It can also be an excellent opportunity to show appreciation to the important people in your life.

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  • YA

  • Seasparrow

    by Kristin Cashore

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    Return to the Graceling Realm with the fifth book in this bestselling YA fantasy series. Hava and her crew sail home, dealing with surprise storms, mysterious passengers, and a journey across a frozen wasteland. Series fans won’t be disappointed in this latest installment. If you haven’t read this series yet, this is the perfect time to get caught up!

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  • Nubia: The Awakening

    by Omar Epps and Clarence A. Haynes

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    Refugees, magical powers, and technology intersect in this futuristic novel from actor and producer Omar Epps and writer Clarence A. Haynes. Three Nubian refugees struggle to get by in a constantly flooded New York City. But as superhuman abilities manifest in Zuberi, Uzochi, and Lencho, the three teens must choose whether to use their powers to escape poverty or fight for equal rights for everyone.

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  • Five Survive

    by Holly Jackson

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    When you’re craving a dose of chills, grab the latest novel from the queen of YA thrillers — Holly Jackson. Red Kenny and five friends set out on an unforgettable road trip. But when their RV breaks down on a deserted road, Red quickly realizes something sinister is happening. Six teens left on the trip, but only five will return.

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