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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan

Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan

by Gabe Soria and Who HQ, illustrated by Brittney Williams

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Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time, and young sports fans will love this graphic novelization of his performance in the 1997 Flu Game. Even though Michael didn’t feel well during the NBA finals, he persevered and hit the court with everything he had. This action-packed story will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.

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Matilda

Matilda

by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake

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Roald Dahl’s classic story about a young girl with superhuman abilities is now a musical on Netflix! This edition contains the original story, Quentin Blake’s distinctive illustrations, and a new movie tie-in cover. It’s the perfect opportunity to read the book and watch the movie as a family or with a book club.

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Superworld: Save Noah

Superworld: Save Noah

by Yarrow Cheney and Carrie Cheney

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Superhero fans will get caught up in this highly illustrated novel that turns the traditional superhero story on its head. Twelve-year-old Noah is the only person in the entire world that doesn’t have superpowers. But he might also be the only person who can stop a villain’s diabolical plan to take over the Earth.

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Sweet Valley Twins: Best Friends

Sweet Valley Twins: Best Friends

by Francine Pascal, illustrated by Claudia Aguirre, adapted by Nicole Andelfinger

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Send your young reader to middle school with Jessica and Elizabeth in this humorous graphic novel adaptation of the classic Sweet Valley High novels. The twin sisters and best friends have a tough year ahead with friendship challenges, drama, and diverging interests.

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Doodleville #2: Art Attacks!

Doodleville #2: Art Attacks!

by Chad Sell

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Drew’s doodles wreak havoc at the Art Institute of Chicago in the second book in the Doodleville series. When Drew tries to correct a mistake, she accidentally sets her doodles loose in the museum. Now, Drew and her friends must stop them before they destroy every priceless piece of history within its walls. Vivid artwork and an action-packed story make this book irresistible.

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Futureland: Battle for the Park

Futureland: Battle for the Park

by H.D. Hunter, illustrated by Khadijah Khatib

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Kids who love video games will obsess over this high-tech adventure. Everyone in Atlanta, Georgia, is thrilled when a flying amusement park appears above the city. But soon, disappearing park guests, malfunctioning rides, and a mysterious tech thief push the park owners’ son, Cam, to take matters into his own hands. This captivating thrill ride will keep young readers glued to the page.

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The Invisible Spy (The Forgotten Five, Book 2)

The Invisible Spy (The Forgotten Five, Book 2)

by Lisa McMann

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Readers who enjoyed the first book in the New York Times bestselling series, The Forgotten Five, will be thrilled to get their hands on the sequel. In this installment, the five friends search for their missing parents, free Birdie and Brix’s mom from captivity, and uncover a disturbing conspiracy at the presidential palace.

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PAWS: Mindy Makes Some Space

PAWS: Mindy Makes Some Space

by Nathan Fairbairn, illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn

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Kids who love The Baby-Sitters Club and Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Guts) can’t get enough of this adorable graphic novel series about a group of friends and their dog-walking business. Even though business is going well, Mindy’s life has turned upside down. She feels left out when her mom gets distracted by her new boyfriend and her friends focus on a newcomer to their business. Pets, friendship, and entrepreneurship combine in this highly readable sequel.

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Knock-Knock Jokes and Silly Stories for Kids

Knock-Knock Jokes and Silly Stories for Kids

by May B. Gigglin, illustrated by Jeremy Nguyen

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Knock-knock jokes are a staple for young comedians, and now kids can get plenty of new material with this official Brightly Book! Inside, young readers will find hundreds of ready-to-use jokes and funny stories that will improve their skills in reading and joke-telling. They’ll be the funniest kid on the playground!

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The Ultimate Riddle Game for Kids

The Ultimate Riddle Game for Kids

by Zeitgeist

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This book of riddles, puzzles, and brainteasers is an excellent stocking stuffer for kids who enjoy a challenge. Inside, they’ll find plenty of games and questions to stimulate their brains and make them think creatively. It’s a fantastic screen-free activity to get them (and you) through the holiday break.

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YA

Seasparrow

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

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

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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