All Ages

The Best Children’s & YA Books of October

by the Brightly Editors

It might be spooky season, but these books for children and teens are heartwarming, magical, and filled with adventure! Chances are pretty good that you’re collecting ideas for holiday shopping, and you can’t go wrong with a good book or two. So keep reading to discover the best books releasing this month.

Picture Books

Sankofa

Sankofa

by Eric Adjepong, illustrated by Lala Watkins

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Food, family history, and Ghanaian culture combine into a delicious picture book for foodies of all ages. Kofi isn’t sure what dish to bring when his school class has a potluck cultural celebration. With a little encouragement and help from his family, Kofi finds the perfect food to share with his classmates.

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Busy Betty & the Circus Surprise

Busy Betty & the Circus Surprise

by Reese Witherspoon, illustrated by Xindi Yan

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Children who love stories about puppies, parties, and circuses will enjoy this delightful book from Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon. Betty and her best friend Mae want to throw her mom a surprise birthday party. But as the big day approaches, Betty receives her own surprise that upends all her plans.

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Begin Again

Begin Again

by Oliver Jeffers

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If you loved Oliver Jeffers’s New York Times bestselling picture books, Here We Are and What We’ll Build, add his latest work to your reading list. It’s a picture book for adults about the beginning of humanity, how we got where we are, and the challenge to create a bright future. With poignant text and Jeffers’s vibrant illustrations, this highly giftable book is an instant classic!

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Baby Race (Bluey)

Baby Race (Bluey)

by Golden Books

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Bluey’s mom tells the story of how she learned to walk in this adorable Little Golden Book. Tiny readers will love seeing their favorite Blue Heeler puppy as a baby, tackling one of the first significant milestones in a child’s life.

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Grumpy Monkey Yuck!

Grumpy Monkey Yuck!

by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang

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We can’t get enough of the loveable grouch, Grumpy Monkey. In his newest board book, Grumpy Monkey won’t try any new foods. But when he finally steps out of his comfort zone, he discovers a surprisingly delicious new snack. Toddlers will love reading about the beloved monkey grappling with a relatable problem.

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Santa’s Gotta Go!

Santa’s Gotta Go!

by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Courtney Lovett

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Most kids fantasize about meeting Santa, but what if he moved in with you? Monte and Mabel get a surprise houseguest on Christmas Eve, only to discover that Santa is a terrible roommate. He stays up all night and won’t let anyone sleep! Soon, the kids decide Santa has to go.

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Gift & Box

Gift & Box

by Ellen Mayer, illustrated by Brizida Magro

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This picture book uses a cute story to show kids how parcels travel from one destination to another. Although Gift and Box don’t know each other, Grandma wraps them up together and sends them on an unforgettable journey across land and sea. Eventually, they reach their destination and witness the joy of a child receiving a special mail delivery.

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The Most Magical Time of the Year!

The Most Magical Time of the Year!

by April Showers, illustrated by Anthony Conley

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Celebrate Christmas with the first holiday book in the Afro Unicorn series! When Santa fails to appear in their kingdom, Magical, Unique, and Divine step in to save the day. The three unicorns show everyone the true meaning of Christmas through acts of service and kindness.

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My Grandfather’s Song

My Grandfather’s Song

by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Liên

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From the creators of My First Day comes another gorgeous, whimsical picture book about a grandfather who worked hard to create a better future for his grandson. The lyrical text and stunning illustrations deliver messages of conservation and living in harmony with nature. It’s a rich reading experience that parents, grandparents, and children will enjoy.

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Lawrence & Sophia

Lawrence & Sophia

by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Brian Cronin

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Lawrence and Sophia both have anxiety and enjoy their friendship from a distance. But when disaster strikes, both boy and bird must step outside their comfort zones. This heartwarming picture book from the author of Click, Clack, Moo shows readers how friendships challenge us to be better.

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Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Forever Twelve

Forever Twelve

by Stacy McAnulty

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Peter Pan meets Tuck Everlasting in this action-packed adventure novel from the author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl. At a school for gifted children, four kids have a mysterious curse that keeps them twelve years old forever. They have accepted their fate of eternal youth until a new girl shows up who might know how to break the curse.

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Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen

Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen

by Geri Halliwell-Horner

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From Spice Girls pop star icon Geri Halliwell-Horner comes a fantasy adventure about finding your power. When Rosie gets sent to a secluded island for magical teens and endangered animals, she doesn’t expect to uncover long-lost family secrets. Soon, Rosie finds herself neck-deep in friendship drama and a competition to save the magical island from a mysterious threat.

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Remember Us

Remember Us

by Jacqueline Woodson

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Jacqueline Woodson has penned some of the most poignant novels for children, and her new release is no exception. This book is about a girl named Sage, who grapples with growing up, letting go, and holding on to people and memories. It’s a thought-provoking novel that challenges young readers to cherish people and connections over material things.

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Project F

Project F

by Jeanne DuPrau

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If you or your kids loved City of Ember, don’t miss Jeanne DuPrau’s new post-apocalyptic novel. Hundreds of years in the future, 13-year-old Keith makes a world-changing discovery that promises untold adventure. Suddenly, Keith must decide if this new technology is worth the cost to himself, his family, community, and society.

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Like a Charm

Like a Charm

by Elle McNicoll

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A neurodivergent girl discovers a hidden world filled with mystical creatures, magic, and curses in this novel from the author of A Kind of Spark. At first, Ramya is thrilled to explore the new world only she can see. But when greed threatens to destroy everything that makes the realm remarkable, Ramya must do everything she can to expose the villains and save the creatures who live there.

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Who Is Harry Styles?

Who Is Harry Styles?

by Kirsten Anderson and Who HQ, illustrated by Andrew Thomson

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This new chapter book lets kids get all the tea on their favorite British pop star. They’ll learn about his childhood, how his music career started, and how it’s going. Readers will love poring over the illustrations and fun facts about this standout musician and actor.

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Essential Life Skills for Boys

Essential Life Skills for Boys

by Scott Todnem, illustrated by Martha Sue Coursey

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If you know a tween or young teenage boy, this book is a must-have! It teaches kids essential life skills, from proper hygiene to personal finance. The easy-to-read text covers online safety, tipping etiquette, basic cooking skills, good communication, and more. It’s an excellent guidebook to life for every modern boy.

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PAWS: Priya Puts Herself First

PAWS: Priya Puts Herself First

by Nathan Fairbairn, illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn

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Young readers everywhere have fallen in love with this pup-tastic graphic novel series! In this installment, internet fame and an eviction notice pull the girls in different directions, making it challenging to keep their friendship and dog-walking business alive. Each girl must examine her priorities for them to pull through.

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Would You Rather? Box Set

Would You Rather? Box Set

by Lindsey Daly

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Challenge your kids to think up creative answers to hilarious “Would You Rather?” questions with this three-book boxed set. With 160 questions in each book, kids will have plenty of material to laugh, think, and compete over. It’s the perfect activity for road trips, rainy days, sleepovers, or parties.

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Sparkle

Sparkle

by Lakita Wilson

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When Sparkle gets diagnosed with alopecia at the end of middle school, it seems like her dreams of becoming a social media superstar have gone out the window. Now, anxiety, wigs, and lost opportunities fill her days. It’s not easy keeping something like this a secret, and Sparkle must decide whether to embrace herself or continue trying to hide her condition.

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Kid Smoothies: A Healthy Kids’ Cookbook

Kid Smoothies: A Healthy Kids’ Cookbook

by Erin Fletter

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Let your kid get crafty in the kitchen with this beginner-friendly cookbook for smoothie lovers! With over 40 recipes, simple instructions, and colorful photos, kids will be well on their way to whipping up delicious and healthy concoctions in no time.
On sale: 10/24/2023

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Science Magic Tricks for Kids

Science Magic Tricks for Kids

by Kathy Gendreau, photographs by Nancy Cho

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A magician never reveals their secrets, except in this book. Kids will discover the science behind the illusions as they learn the ins and outs of over 50 magic tricks. This book also provides tips and tricks for putting on a good magic show, engaging an audience, and ideas for experimentation.

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YA

The Homecoming War

The Homecoming War

by Addie Woolridge

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When their two high schools merge, rival class presidents Meg and Chris must learn how to cooperate to pull off a stellar homecoming celebration. Pick this one up if you love cute YA romances, an enemies-to-lovers plot, and a strong, feisty main character!

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Eight Dates and Nights

Eight Dates and Nights

by Betsy Aldredge

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Hannah isn’t thrilled to spend Hanukkah in her grandmother’s small Texas town. So, when she meets Noah, an overly enthusiastic Jewish teen, she reluctantly agrees to celebrate with him. As they progress through the eight nights, Hannah begins to see Hanukkah and Noah in a new light. This charming YA romance is the perfect holiday read!

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Bittersweet in the Hollow

Bittersweet in the Hollow

by Kate Pearsall

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A murder, a monster, and a girl with amnesia make this spooky novel a must-read for YA horror lovers. Linden vanished into the forest a year ago and returned with no memories of that night. So, when another girl disappears and turns up dead, Linden knows something sinister lurks in the forest. Linden and her sisters plunge headfirst into a bone-chilling mystery that will send shivers down your spine.

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Sinner’s Isle

Sinner’s Isle

by Angela Montoya

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This sizzling fantasy romance novel combines witches, pirates, and an enchanted island. Mariano’s pirate ship gets attacked, and he washes up on the shore of an island. There, he meets Rosa, a beautiful witch who possesses a power coveted by the wealthiest people on the island. The unlikely duo team up to outwit their enemies and fall in love in this swoon-worthy adventure.

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