Young Readers Fiction

It’s almost the big day. You’re counting the hours . . .and minutes . . .and seconds . . . But what if it all doesn’t go the way you’d planned? Time goes slowly when you’re dreaming, hoping, and most of all waiting for your next big challenge. But one thing is certain: You’re growing stronger and wiser each day. So . . . take a deep breath and gather your courage. The world is ready and waiting for you! Here is a spirited story that will shake out the jitters and boost the confidence needed to face whatever it is you’re waiting for.

There is nothing more important than the time we spend together, learning to see the world through each other’s eyes. From counting constellations to imagining shapes in fluffy clouds to hiking great canyons or jumping into the ocean, the special moments between a mother or father and their child are some of the most memorable and precious in our lives. Inspired by the majesty of nature all around us, I Loved You First is a gently whimsical celebration of parental love and a companion to Jenna and Barbara’s New York Times bestselling children's books Sisters First and Love Comes First.

When the president of the United States tasks Skipper the SEAL with assembling a team of heroes, Skipper isn’t sure where to start. But as he meets other animals who give of their time and talents every day—from the Courageous Cat who stands up for others, to the Dutiful Duck who never leaves a student behind, to the Funny Fox who creates joy wherever he goes—Skipper realizes that heroes don’t have to be big and strong. There are heroes all around us!

Jerry Pinkney drew everywhere, all the time. It was how he made sense of the world—how he coped with the stress of being a sensitive child growing up in crowded spaces, struggling with a learning disability, in a time when the segregation of Black Americans was the norm. Only drawing could offer him a sense of calm, control, and confidence. When friends and siblings teased him about having the nickname “Jerry” as his only name, his mother always said, “Just ‘Jerry’ is enough.

In the groundbreaking tradition of his award-winning Monster and Bad Boy: A Memoir, Walter Dean Myers fashions a highly listenable, powerful novel about the rules for success for young men, especially those navigating coming of age while Black. Share this book in the classroom, in a father-son group, or as a summer listening (or anytime) choice that's likely to spark conversation and be a favorite.

Welcome to Pity Party, where the social anxieties that plague us all are twisted into funny, deeply resonant, and ultimately reassuring psychological thrills. There's a story about a mood ring that tells the absolute truth. One about social media followers who literally follow you around. And one about a kid whose wish for a new, improved self is answered when a mysterious box arrives in the mail. There's also a personality test, a fortune teller, a letter from the Department of Insecurity, and an interactive Choose Your Own Catastrophe.

Lola is fierce on the field, but when a soccer game during recess gets too competitive, she accidentally hurts her classmate Juan Gomez. Now, everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine! Lola feels terrible, but with the help of her family, her super best friend, Josh Blot, and a little "pencil power," she just might be able to turn it all around.

The Levines are finally getting a pet—a furry one that is. They are excited about adopting a kitty they name Jelly, but they don't get very far in the process when Ben starts sneezing. Oh no, he's allergic! Lola is devastated and sets out to find Jelly a good home. Luckily, Lola is rewarded with a very happy (and still furry) ending!

Lola is named after her tía Lola, who lives in Lima, Peru. Lola misses her aunt and dreams of visiting her. After Lola's dad has a successful art show, Lola's dream comes true. The Levines are going to Peru! Thousands of miles from home, Lola and Ben discover all the new adventures Lima has to offer. But will Lola and Ben manage to stay out of trouble?

Seven-year-old Lola Levine is fierce on and off the soccer field. She can do a slide tackle (although she's not supposed to) and even likes gooey worms. Nothing scares Lola! That is, until she's auditioning in front of EVERYONE for her class play. After Lola is overcome with stage fright, she's cast as Squirrel #2, a non-speaking part!

Dorothy has returned to Oz; this time with the help of her friend, Princess Ozma. Dorothy finds that the wonderful fairy kingdom she had known on her past visit is now under a dreadful curse. King Pastoria is ill, and the council of elders has now taken over control of the kingdom. When events take a turn for the worst, Dorothy and Ozma must set out on a grand adventure to restore the kingdom of Oz to its former glory; facing dangers beyond anything they could have imagined.

Everyone in Peter Powers' family has super awesome superpowers. His dad controls fire with his mind, and his mom can fly. His big brother makes copies of himself, and his little sister is super strong. And his baby brother even turns invisible! But all Peter can do is - this is really embarrassing - make ice cubes with his fingertips. When Captain Tornado comes to town and begins robbing banks, will Peter Powers and his totally lame abilities step up to save the day - or will he get cold feet?

Everyone in Peter Powers' family has super awesome superpowers - except Peter. All he can do is make ice cubes and freeze little stuff. He's also afraid of insects. (And why wouldn't he be? The pests are creepy and crawly and like to bite.) Too bad that two new villains have come to town, bringing swarms of bugs with them. With the town overrun by hordes of insects, will Peter be able to chill out and conquer his fear? Or will he let the insects - and his fears - get the best of him?

A teen social media star learns he can’t control everything in this delicious, queer graphic novel adaptation that relocates Jane Austen’s Emma to a modern-day high school in Queens, New York. Evan Horowitz has it all: beauty, brains, and a not-so-secret flair for matchmaking! An Insta influencer with a talent for makeup and a taste for romance, he’s no stranger to playing cupid for those hopelessly clueless in finding love.

This powerful and hopeful book—inspired by the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris—celebrates brown and Black girls. Based on a viral poem by Blaxican poet and activist Leslé Honoré, this moving journey through the past, present, and future of brown and Black girls is a celebration of community, creativity, and joy—and offers a reminder of the history that inspires hope, and the hope that inspires activism.

Werther es un joven de carácter sensible y pasional que se enamora perdidamente de Charlotte, una mujer que se halla comprometida a otro hombre. Werther es un hombre apuesto que suscita el interés de muchas otras mujeres, pero él está enamorado de Charlotte, quien no lo ama, y a pesar del intenso dolor que le causa el amor no correspondido, Werther desarrolla una amistad íntima con ella.

Ten little princesses are all dressed up and excited for the special ball. But on their journey there, they run into all sorts of trouble, from a wicked witch and a spooky forest to a hungry giant and a fire-breathing dragon! How will these princesses ever get to the ball on time?

Newly hatched and ready to explore, these curious reptiles set off in search of adventure. But what will the ten little dinosaurs do when they meet a stomping diplodocus? And a grumpy triceratops? And a hungry T-rex? With plenty of prehistoric fun to count, this bouncing rhyming story will have your little one wanting to hear it again and again!

Missed the bus? Flubbed a test? Got overwhelmed in a crowd? When you’re feeling big feelings or having a bad day, it can be hard to calm your racing mind and stay present. The Marvelous Now gives kids the tools to see that this is the moment where you need to be!

Have you ever been bullied? Tormented, harassed, and made to feel like you’re worth nothing? Well, you're not alone. Millions of kids feel the same way; millions are bullied every year. However, there are ways to combat bullying. In this book, Mia Saxena will teach you these ways and some invaluable life lessons that will serve you well.