The Best New Kids’ & YA Books To Read Right Now
by Brightly Editors
If fall wasn’t your favorite time of year before, it will be after you see the books coming out this month! September is one of the most exciting times for new book releases, and this year’s lineup is no exception. This month, you’ll find new titles from beloved authors, continuations of favorite series, and must-read debuts. So grab a pumpkin-spiced anything and get ready to meet this month’s best new books!
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Picture Books
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Dragon Dog
Buy from:From the brilliant creative team behind the Grumpy Monkey series comes a new picture book adventure featuring a fierce dog with a softer side. After his owner abandons him, Dragon Dog fights anything and anyone who challenges him until he meets a lamb named Dandelion. The unlikely duo forms an unusual and hilarious bond that readers of all ages won’t be able to resist!
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Spells to Cast on Your Parents
Buy from:This hilarious picture book debut from comedian and actor Pete Holmes already has fans and readers raving. A pessimistic dragon doesn’t believe that you have any magical powers, so you must cast a spell (or several) on your parents to convince him. Get ready to giggle, laugh, and perform every dramatic spell in this book. It’s a must-read for fans of The Book With No Pictures!
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I Am a Spicy Nugget
Buy from:When a little girl isn’t allowed to adopt a pet penguin, her anger boils over until her feisty feelings turn her into a spicy nugget. But spicy nuggets get carried away sometimes, and her temper tantrum has her raging at anyone who gets in her way, including an innocent teddy bear. Any child who has ever felt overcome by their emotions will relate to this funny and thoughtful book.
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In Case of las Moscas
Buy from:When Diego overhears something his Abuela says in Spanish, he misunderstands it and believes he needs to prepare for an attack by an enormous swarm of flies. He even recruits his friends and classmates to help him prepare to fight off the insects. This funny picture book puts a humorous spin on miscommunication and the challenges that multilingual families face.
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Gruffalo Granny
Buy from:Don’t miss the highly anticipated release of the first Gruffalo book in over 20 years! Readers will love returning to the world of this beloved classic and meeting Gruffalo Granny, who is coming for a visit. If these books were an important part of your childhood, then mark your calendar for September 15!
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Young Cat, Old Cat
Buy from:This gorgeous story follows a little girl and her pet cat from their first meeting to every playful, mischievous moment they share. Eventually, the girl must say goodbye to her beloved cat and learn how to move on. With embroidery and appliqué illustrations, simple text, and a heartfelt story, this timeless book will become a favorite of every little cat lover.
(On sale: 9/22/2026)
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Wake Up, Poppyville!
Buy from:Welcome to Poppyville, a whimsical town filled with magic and charm. When night falls, two travelers watch the town come to life. With its residents running around delivering cakes, visiting the creamery, and catching fallen stars, there is plenty for the travelers to take in before the sun rises and everyone returns to their beds. Unique, cut-paper illustrations make this Busytown-esque story a feast for the eyes.
(On sale: 9/22/2026)
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Lyric’s Favorite Season
Buy from:If you’re looking for a gorgeous picture book that teaches children about the seasons, this is an excellent choice! Lyric is a little girl who shares what she loves about each season, whether she’s jumping in puddles in spring or into leaf piles in fall. The rhyming text and colorful illustrations make this book a delight to read.
(On sale: 9/29/2026)
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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Mexikid Dreams: A Graphic Novel Memoir
Buy from:Pedro spends his summers picking strawberries on the farm with his family, and he hates it. So when his older brother gets a different job and leaves the farm behind, Pedro wants to do the same. This heartfelt and humorous companion to Mexikid is a beautiful exploration of heritage, sacrifice, and dreams that many young readers can relate to.
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The Mega-Complicated Crushes of Lottie Brooks
Buy from:Kids who love diary-style novels won’t want to miss the third installment in the Lottie Brooks series. Lottie has an actual, in-person date with her crush, Daniel, and she’s freaking out. Luckily, she has her best friends and bubble tea to help her get through it. Series fans and new readers alike will love Lottie’s latest middle school adventure!
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Scrap
Buy from:From the author of the Stitch Head series comes a futuristic novel for middle grade readers about the relationship between humans and robots. On a planet where robots rule and humans are banned, two children risk everything to get help from the only robot who might help them. This fast-paced sci-fi novel will keep young readers glued to the page!
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Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying: The Graphic Novel
Buy from:Junie B. Jones fans will be thrilled to get their hands on this latest graphic novel adaptation! Join Junie B. as she decides to spy on her teacher. Of course, nothing goes as planned, and Junie B. soon finds herself in a heap of trouble. Full-color, cartoon illustrations bring Junie B.’s hilarious antics to life for a new generation of young readers.
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The Swifts: A Garden of Vipers
Buy from:The Swifts set out to solve a murder mystery in Manhattan in this third book in the bestselling series. When Shenanigan’s friend has a relative die under suspicious circumstances, she goes to New York to help out. A snowstorm traps the Swift family in a high-rise greenhouse with a fresh set of suspects, and Shenanigan must follow the clues to find the culprit. Kids who like mystery novels filled with humor and mischief will love this latest installment!
(On sale: 9/22/2026)
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A Beginner’s Guide to Leveling Up: A Graphic Novel
Buy from:This one’s for the gamers! After finding her late grandfather’s notebook filled with cheat codes for a video game he was creating, Lexie and Eunice get sucked into the game! Now, the girls must navigate the game for real, fight monsters, and level up to escape and return home.
(On sale: 9/22/2026)
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YA
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Blightfall
Buy from:Calling all science fiction and fantasy fans! Brandon Sanderson’s newest novel kicks off a brand-new series set in the Skyward universe. Arturo leads a diplomatic mission to another planet to contact a group of humans who became isolated during the war with the aliens. But as soon as they arrive, Arturo realizes the planet and the humans have become hostile. They face an unexpected fight for their lives as they try to escape.
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Empire
Buy from:YA readers who devoured Heir will eagerly dive back into the story with this epic conclusion to the duology. This book returns readers to a world filled with clashing empires, lost loves, betrayal, and secrets. Quil, Shirsha, and Cero each face challenges that will stretch them to their limits, and beyond.
(On sale: 9/22/2026)
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School Bus Graveyard Volume 2
Buy from:This YA horror graphic novel is a must-read for Stranger Things fans! This second volume in the series contains episodes 33-61 of the popular webtoon by the same name. In the first volume, Ashlyn gets cursed while on a school field trip and struggles to survive against a horde of invisible monsters. This volume continues the story, with Ashlyn and her friends searching for the source of the curse and trying to break it.
(On sale: 9/22/2026)
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The House of Gardenias
Buy from:With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get yourself into the spirit of the season by reading this spooky YA novel from the bestselling author of The Hacienda. With political turmoil wreaking havoc on her city, Minerva takes a job as a maid to a wealthy woman who moves them to an estate in the mountains. There, Minerva soon discovers that the old house holds dark and deadly secrets. If you love Gothic novels, add this one to your reading list!
(On sale: 9/29/2026)
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