2024 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List
91´«Ã½
91´«Ã½’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is sharing the nominations for the 2024 Best Graphic Novels for Children (BGNC) Reading List. These reading list nominations highlight the best graphic novels for children aged 5 – 12 years old, published in late 2023 through 2024, and it aims to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of diverse comics creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections.
The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) and its committees honor the entire creative team (including the writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, and translator) involved in the titles listed. All of these people play a critical role in the creation of the work, helping to lift the story and give it life.
Best Graphic Novels for Children 2024 Selection Committee
- Natasha Carty, Committee Co-Chair
- Karlie Herndon, Committee Co-Chair
- Angie Rundle, Committee Administrative Assistant
- Althea Georges
- William Kist
- Allison (Ally) Watkins
- Michelle Young
- Deborah Zeman
- Andréa Fernandes
- Paige Harp
- Julie Novak
- Scot Smith
- Bethni King
- Emilio Romero
2024 Best Graphic Novels for Children - Nominations
SEPTEMBER
Fiction
Picture Books (ages 3-8)
Author vs. Illustrator. Written by Donald Lemke. Art by Bob Lentz. 2024. Capstone Editions, $18.99 (9781684469970).
The author and illustrator are fighting and trying to find out which of them is most important for the story. This picture book in graphic novel form shows the creative process of how a picture book is made.
The Egg Incident. Written by Ziggy Hanaor. Art by Daisy Wynter. 2024. Cicada Books, $19.99 (9781800660434).
Humphrey and his parents live a cautious life, after what happened to Uncle Humpty Dumpty on that wall. When Humphrey finally ventures out into the world, the local princess helps him overcome his fears and even reveals the truth of his uncle's fate.
Johnny Boo (Book 14): Is Bored! Bored! Bored! Written by James Kochalka. Art by James Kochalka. 2023. Top Shelf Productions, $11.99 (9781603095334).
After giving away his magic hammer, Johnny Boo now finds himself extremely bored. Can he escape this horrible predicament?
The Luna Sisters and Their Amazing Lunafish. Written by Dan Yaccarino. Art by Dan Yaccarino. 2024. Holiday House, $14.99 (9780823456369).
The Luna Sisters are total opposites, but when they get a pet lunafish, they both find ways to take care of her...until one day, a man offers money to put their pet in an aquarium. In the end, the sisters work together to save their pet from misery.
Mika and the Gurgler. Written by Agata Loth-Ignaciuk. Art by Berenika Kolomycka. Lettering by Christopher Crank. 2023. Oni Press, $14.99 (9781637152478).
A young child must rescue her frog toy from the scary "Gurgler" in which it is trapped.
Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There. Written by Judith Henderson. Art by Sara Sarhangpour. 2024. Kids Can Press, $14.99 (9781525308420).
Willa and Wade, a penguin and an ostrich, are two best friends who dream of flying. They work together to try to achieve their goal.
Easy Readers (ages 5-9)
Batcat #2: Sink or Swim! Written by Meggie Ramm. Art by Meggie Ramm. 2024. Harry N. Abrams, $13.99 (9781419756597).
Batcat is in desperate need of some alone time. However, he reluctantly gets roped into a quest on behalf of the island's skeleton mermaids who have mysteriously lost their tails' colors. Batcat encounters many quirky island characters and bravely takes on some of his fears as he solves the mystery.
Birtle and the Purple Turtles. Written by Tara J. Hannon. Art by Tara J. Hannon. 2024. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $11.99 (9781524880668).
When Tootie the Turtle meets Teeny in Turtletown, they become best friends and have so much fun. But one day Teeny has fuzzy things growing on her butt. Is it possible that Teeny isn't a turtle and that Turtletown has its first BIRTLE?
The Great Puptective. Written by Alina Tysoe. Art by Alina Tysoe. 2024. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $12.99 (9781665938242).
Truffles is a cat who enjoys peace and quiet. His serenity is interrupted when his owner adopts a new puppy named Poppy. Poppy is a self-proclaimed detective who is loud and annoying. How will Truffles deal with this new nuisance?
Hearing Things. Written by Ben Sears. Art by Ben Sears. 2024. TOON Books, $12.99 (9781662665431).
Tim wants to help his sister with her spooky song, so he and their cat explore a haunted house to record scary sounds.
The Legend of Tiger and Tail-Flower. Written by Lee Gee Eun. Art by Lee Gee Eun. Translation by Aerin Park. 2024. Levine Querido, $19.99 (9781646144594).
When a dandelion gets stuck to the tail of a grouchy tiger, the two soon become friends.
Owl and Penguin: Here and There. Written by Vikram Madan. Art by Vikram Madan. 2024. Holiday House, $14.99 (9780823457120).
Owl and Penguin are friends who make pizza, make a snowman, and go for a hike together. With each adventure, they encounter difficulties, but their friendship and cooperation help them to work through problems in a way that is satisfactory to both friends.
Rover and Speck. Written by Jonathan Roth. Art by Jonathan Roth. Color by Paulina Suȧrez.
Splash Down! Vol. 2. 2023. Kids Can Press, $16.99 (9781525305672).
Space rovers Rover and Speck explore a watery planet.
It's a Gas! Vol. 3. 2024. Kids Can Press, $16.99 (9781525305689).
Space rovers Rover and Speck explore a gas planet.
Spirited #1: Day of the Living Liv. Written by Liv Livingston. Art by Anna Volcan. Color by Giorgio Antonio. Lettering by Giovanni Spadaro. 2024. Little Simon, $19.99 (9781665942287).
Eight-year-old Liv Livingston and her family move to Gloomsdale, a town filled with ghosts and other supernatural creatures. Liv faces everyday issues such as friendship, school drama, bullies, being the new and only living girl in school, and adjusting to her new life.
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Absolute Zeros: Camp Launchpad. Written by Greg Smith and Michael Tanner. Art by Gabrielle Gomez. Color by Meaghan Carter. Edited by Andrea Colvin. Produced by Kimberly Stella. 2024. Little, Brown Ink, $24.99 (9780316048736).
Val, Mark, and Pete are spending their summer at Camp Launchpad, a space camp that leaves a lot to be desired. If they work together and win the Space Race competition for their camp, they may be able to save Camp Launchpad and launch into their future.
Animal Rescue Friends: Learning New Tricks (Volume 3). Written by Gillian Goerz, Norm Harper, Megan Kearney, Katie Longua, Brian McLachlan, Leonie O'Moore, Barbara Perez Marquez, and Diana Peterfreund. Art by Shadia Amin, Kasia Babis, Ellen T. Crenshaw, Matt Kaufenberg, Maike Plenzke, Leo Trinidad, and Chelsea Trousdale. Color by Whitney Cogar. Edited by Stephanie Cooke and Harriet Low. 2023. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $21.99 (9781524882358).
A diverse group of kids encounters animals, including Whiskers the rat and Sergio the tortoise, through their work at an animal rescue organization. They learn that everyone could benefit from help.
Blood City Rollers. Written by V.P. Anderson. Art by Tatiana Hill. 2024. Labyrinth Road, $21.99 (9780593485699).
Olympic figure skating hopeful Mina has the worst fall of her life on the ice, but then she suddenly finds herself kidnapped by roller-derbying vampires who want her to be their team's human jammer!
Choose Your Own Adventure: Forecast From Stonehenge. Written by Stephaine Phillips and R.A. Montgomery. Art by Dani Bolinho. Color by PH Gomes. Lettering by Joamette Gil. 2024. Oni Press, $12.99 (9781637152454).
Readers will choose their path in this tale set on the summer solstice in one of the most historically famous locations on Earth. Is Alistair a friend or a foe? Will wizards and fairies be helpful or harmful? You get to choose!
The Effects of Pickled Herring: A Graphic Novel. Written by Alex Schumacher. Art by Alex Schumacher. Color by Allan Ferguson. 2024. Mango Publishing Group, $32.99 (9781684813568).
Life is tough for Micah. Not only is he unpopular at school and struggling to prepare for his upcoming B'nai Mitzvah. But when his grandmother's strange behavior soon points to a heartbreaking diagnosis, his family relationships are pushed to the breaking point.
The Firelight Apprentice. Written by Bree Paulsen. Art by Bree Paulsen. 2024. Quill Tree Books, $24.99 (9780063266599).
Ada's younger sister Safi is developing her magic and they need to find an apprenticeship for her. When she is apprenticed under the king's magicians, everyone is thrilled. But things aren't always as they seem.
The Great Turkey Walk. Written by Kathleen Karr and Léonie Bischoff. Art by Léonie Bischoff. Translated by Michelle Bailat-Jones. 2024. Helvetiq, $29.95 (9783039640638).
Simon Green has been in school for a very long time, and he is not very good at it. In 1860 in Missouri, he finally gets an opportunity to make something of himself when he uses his teacher's savings to purchase 1,000 turkeys from a local farmer and plans to walk them to Denver to sell for a profit.
Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic. Written by Sangu Mandanna. Art by Pablo Ballesteros. Color by Pablo Ballesteros and Siobhan Keenan. 2024. Viking Books for Young Readers, $22.99 (9780593464472).
Jupiter Nettle achieves her life's dream of attending the Seven Schools of Magic -- but she is disappointed to be in the School of Earth Magic, which doesn't receive the same respect as the other six schools. But when a crisis occurs, Jupiter must save the day.
The Mighty Onion. Written by Mark Crilley. Art by Mark Crilley. 2024. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $14.99 (9780316490313).
Eliot has a brilliant idea for a comic book that he's sure will make him famous. The only problem? He sucks at drawing! He recruits his artist classmate Pam to help him achieve his dream. But will their creative differences destroy their chance at greatness?
The Pale Queen. Written by Ethan M. Aldridge. Art by Ethan M. Aldridge. 2024. Quill Tree Books, $24.99 (9780063247215).
When a strange woman insists that Agatha owes her a favor, Agatha's sleepy small-town life is turned upside down. Magic, romance, and education are all within her grasp, but it all comes with a cost. Agatha must outsmart the Lady to protect her friends and follow her dreams.
Watership Down: The Graphic Novel. Written by Richard Adams. Art by Joe Sutphin. Adapted by James Sturm. 2024. Ten Speed Graphic, $35.00 (9781984857200).
After hearing a terrifying prophecy, a group of rabbits embark on a dangerous journey to find a new home.
Tween (ages 10-13)
Lunar Boy. Written by Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo. Art by Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo. Lettering by Joe Merkel. 2024. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063057609).
Indu is found on the Moon by a female astronaut and is brought on board a spaceship. He lives happily there with his adoptive mother, but his life changes dramatically when he and his mother move to New Earth where he feels marginalized at home and in school.
The Makers Club: A Graphic Novel. Written by Reimena Yee and Tintin Pantoja. Art by Tintin Pantoja. Color by Reimena Yee. Lettering by Melanie Ujimori. 2024. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $22.99 (9781524889760).
The Makers Club contains two graphic novel stories that illustrate the importance of creativity, making art, and friendship.
The Mighty Bite #2: Walrus Brawl at the Mall. Written by Nathan Hale. Art by Nathan Hale. 2024. Abrams Books, $15.99 (9781419774355).
Is viral fame worth the trouble it causes? Trilobite gets hurt trying to become a viral hit, but ridiculous antics ensue, including an epic walrus fight scene, video game battles, and rival creatures seeking vengeance in this zany madcap adventure.
The Night Mother, Vol. 1. Written by Jeremy Lambert. Art by Alexa Sharpe. Lettering by Becca Carey. 2024. Oni Press, $14.99 (9781637154946).
Twelve-year-old gravedigger, Madeline Tock, and her father investigate the causes of the loss of daylight and come in contact with the "Night Mother" who tends to the dead and might be much closer to Madeline than she originally realized.
Save Our Forest! Written by Nora Dåsnes. Art by Nora Dåsnes. Translated by Lise Laerdal Bryn. 2024. Hippo Park, $24.99 (9781662640735).
When a beloved forest is scheduled to be demolished and replaced with a parking lot, it's up to Bao and her friends to find a way to save it.
Shepherdess Warriors, Vol. 1. Written by Jonathan Garnier. Art by Amélie Fléchais. 2024. Ablaze, $14.99 (9781684971695).
Ten years ago, the men of the village left to fight in the Great War leaving the women, elderly, and children behind. The village women formed the Order of the Shepherdess Warriors, and Molly is excited because now that she is 10, she can begin her training.
Non-Fiction
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
The Lucky Poor. Written by Mazie Lovie. Art by Mazie Lovie. 2024. Iron Circus Comics, $12.00 (9781638991250).
Mazie grows up living in modest homes with her single mom and autistic little brother. When their family is selected for a new house from Habitat For Humanity, they can't believe their luck...but are sobered by the conditions attached and the realization that this doesn't fix all of their issues.
Tween (ages 10-13)
Drawn to Change the World Graphic Novel Collection: 16 Youth Climate Activists, 16 Artists. Written by Emma Reynolds. Art by Emma Reynolds, Ann Maulina, Natasha Donovan, Teo DuVall, Devon Holzwarth, Erin Hunting, Margarita Kukhtina, Victoria Maderna & Federico Piatti, Shivana Sookdeo, Anoosha Syed, Jade Zhang, Derick Brooks, Gloria Félix, Natasha Nayo, and Bill Masuku. Edited by Emma Reynolds. 2023. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063084223).
This empowering book provides examples of young activists using their voices to push against climate change.
Weirdo. Written by Tony Weaver, Jr. Art by Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo. 2024. First Second, $22.99 (9781250772862).
Tony becomes the target of many students and sinks to a very low place, needing the help of his family, best friend, and a new therapist. When his parents move him to a new school again, this time Tony finds his people.
Wildflower Emily: A Story About Young Emily Dickinson. Written by Lydia Corry. Art by Lydia Corry. 2024. Godwin Books, $22.99 (9781250868213).
This graphic novel biography of poet Emily Dickinson beautifully weaves Dickinson's love of nature as a child into her development as a poet. The graphic novel includes beautiful four-color art and examples of Dickinson's poetry.
AUGUST
Fiction
Easy Readers (ages 5-9)
Cat Kid Comic Club #5: Influencers. Written by Dav Pilkey. Art by Dav Pilkey. 2023. Graphix, $12.99 (9781338896398).
The comic club is pressured to publish a comic and to be influencers. The baby frogs and their cat friend Lil' Flippy work on new comics, learn about the history of comics, and teach each other new skills as they discover how much influence they already have.
Juniper Mae: Secrets of the Guardian Knights. Written by Sarah Soh and Tim Fraser. Art by Sarah Soh. 2024. Flying Eye Books, $12.99 (9781838741693).
Juniper and her friend Albie go on an adventure to recover her bug-bot, but they find more than they expected. The two uncover lost history about their world that may have something to do with the new president of Tykotech's sinister plans.
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
The Cryptid Club #4: You Don't Know Jackalope. Written by Michael Brumm. Art by Jeff Mack. Typography by Joe Merkel. 2024. HarperAlley, $18.99 (9780063060883).
The sign-up sheet for the school musical has been stolen, and the Cryptid Club is on the case trying to see if a Jackalope has stolen it.
Detective Sweet Pea: The Case of the Golden Bone. Written by Sara Varon. Art by Sara Varon. 2024. First Second, $22.99 (9781250236371).
When Parkville's communal chew toy, The Golden Bone, goes missing, the dogs of the town are in agony with stinky breath and rotten teeth. Detective Sweet Pea must enlist the help of all her neighbors to find the stolen bone and get everyone back to good dental hygiene.
The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue. Written by Jerzy Drozd. Art by Jerzy Drozd. 2024. Iron Circus Comics, $14.99 (9781638991434).
Doctor Baer provides a home for spirits by collecting the objects they haunt. When a sorcerer's attack destroys a powerful artifact and scatters his companions, he must go on a journey to restore things to right.
K Is in Trouble. Written by Gary Clement. Art by Gary Clement. 2024. Little, Brown Ink, $24.99 (9780316468527).
K has a powerlessness, cluelessness, and even klutziness that is universal (and that anyone who has been a child will recognize). Yes, K is in trouble no matter what he is asked or required to do.
Lightfall: The Dark Times. Written by Tim Probert. Art by Tim Probert. 2024. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063080911).
When the sun goes missing from the land of Irpa, a small group of survivors search for answers to save themselves. Along the way, they encounter terrifying monsters and unknown truths about their world.
Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress. Written by Cameron Chittock. Art by Amanda Castillo. Color by Sara Calhoun. 2024. Random House Graphic, $21.99 (9780593172957).
The mapmakers and their map spirits must find the final mapmakers to complete a map that will restore the animals, plants, and geographical features (such as rivers) destroyed by humans. Alidade must work with her worst enemy to find a way to win this battle.
The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story Graphic Novel. Written by Mary Downing Hahn. Art by Meredith Laxton. Adapted by Scott Peterson. Color by Sienna Haralson. Lettering by Joamette Gil. 2024. Clarion Books, $24.99 (9780358650164).
Diana and her brother live in woods surrounding an abandoned manor. They can do whatever they like...as long as they remain hidden. When a new caretaker and his daughter show up, Diana is excited about possibly having a friend. But these new arrivals bring terrifying changes to the siblings.
The Racc Pack. Written by Stephanie Cooke. Art by Whitney Gardner. Design by Tom Daley. 2024. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $13.99 (9781665914932).
The Racc Pack--two raccoons, a possum who thinks he is a raccoon, and JB the housecat-plot to steal a dumpster full of food from an upscale grocery store. For the heist to be successful, they must outsmart the animal-hating owner and his high-tech defense system.
Unhappy Camper. Written by Lily LaMotte. Art by Ann Xu and Sunmi. 2024. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780062973900).
Michelle wants to fit in with the popular kids and is appalled when her parents sign her up for a Taiwanese American summer camp with her sister Claire, who proudly identifies with her heritage. Immersed in her culture, Michelle learns to embrace her culture and solidifies her sense of identity.
Wagnificent: The Adventures of Thunder and Sage. Written by Bethanie Murguia. Art by Bethanie Murguia. 2024. Roaring Brook Press, $21.99 (9781250835307).
Thunder loves her human, Sage. Unfortunately, Thunder's wild ways sometimes get her into trouble. Can Thunder be the Good Dog that Sage needs her to be?
Tween (ages 10-13)
Haru #1: Spring. Written by Joe Latham. Art by Joe Latham. 2024. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $22.99 (9781524889616).
Outcasts and friends, Haru and Yama, must return a magical artifact to a place called "The Beacon," while being chased by sinister beings. The small bird (Haru) and young boar (Yama) are unlikely heroes and have insecurities to confront on their quest.
How It All Ends. Written by Emma Hunsinger. Art by Emma Hunsinger. 2024. Greenwillow Books, $25.99 (9780063158153).
13-year-old Tara lives mostly in her own imagination. When she skips from seventh grade to high school, she doesn't feel ready for her own life until she meets Libby.
Sunny Makes Her Case. Written by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. Art by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. Color by Lark Pien and George Williams. Lettering by Fawn Lau. Book design by Carina Taylor. Edited by David Levithan. 2024. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338792454).
Sunny tries out for the cheer team with a friend, but she doesn't make the team. Her friend Arun suggests that the two of them start a debate team. Once they find a sponsor, they begin learning the art of debating.
Non-Fiction
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
All Charged Up!: Big Ideas That Changed the World. Written by Don Brown. Art by Don Brown. 2024. Abrams Fanfare, $15.99 (9781419766732).
This book explains how electricity was discovered, investigated, and harnessed throughout human history.
Fighting to Belong!, Vol. 1: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History from the 1700s through the 1800s. Written by Amy Chu and Alexander Chang. Art by Louie Chin. 2024. Third State Books, $18.95 (9798890130198).
A group of 7th graders need to do a research project about Asian American and Pacific Islander history. They go to a local museum where a wizard study guide gives them a VIP tour of moments of AANHPI history from the 18th to the 19th century in the USA.
Tween (ages 10-13)
Dear Dad: Growing Up with a Parent in Prison-and How We Stay Connected. Written by Jay Jay Patton, Antoine Patton, and Kiara Valdez. Art by Markia Jenai. 2024. Graphix, $24.99 (9781546128373).
Jay Jay's life changes when her dad is released from prison and they work together to develop an app to connect kids and their incarcerated family members.
JULY
Fiction
Picture Books (ages 3-8)
Walkies: A Dog's Tale. Written by Estrela Lourenço. Art by Estrela Lourenço. 2024. Page Street Kids, $18.99 (9781645678717).
In this wordless graphic novel, a boy and his dog take a walk in the rain.
Easy Readers (ages 5-9)
Beaky Barnes and the Devious Duck. Written by David Ezra Stein. Art by David Ezra Stein. 2024. Penguin Random House, $18.99 (9780593094792).
When a scammer duck comes to town, the local chef, inspector, and librarian must all deal with different scams, all while the town's inventor tries to balance babysitting and inventing. When the duck realizes his scams are temporary fixes, he turns to baking instead.
Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat. Written by Li Chen. Art by Li Chen. 2024. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $12.99 (9781524895167).
Detective Beans, a young cat with an eye for solving crime, loses his detective hat when it blows out the window. Beans follows clues and interviews suspects all over the town as he tries to solve the case of his missing hat!
Gnome and Rat: Time to Party! Written by Lauren Stohler. Art by Lauren Stohler. 2024. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $10.99 (9780593487860).
Best friends Gnome and Rat celebrate holidays and Gnome's birthday together!
Jimmy's Elbow. Written by James Kochalka. Art by James Kochalka. 2024. Top Shelf Productions, $14.99 (9781603095419).
This book is about Jimmy, a serious NOT silly boy whose best friend is his elbow. Jimmy's elbow grows in power whenever he is bumped.
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Ant Story. Written by Jay Hosler. Art by Jay Hosler. 2024. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063294004).
A cartoon ant explains to the reader the lives of leafcutter ants and all the other bugs and animals with which they interact.
Bizard and the Big Bunny Bizness. Written by Chrissie Krebs. Art by Chrissie Krebs. 2024. Margaret Ferguson Books, $20.99 (9780823451463).
Bizard the Bear Wizard needs to take a break from granting wishes so gives Squirrel a magic wand to use while Bear hibernates. Squirrel has a power trip, and Squirrel, Fox, Owl, and Bear need to work together to fix their mistakes.
Break (Click #6). Written by Kayla Miller. Art by Kayla Miller. Color by Jess Lome. 2024. Clarion Books, $24.99 (9780358393696).
Olive wants to spend Spring Break with her friends, but, instead, she is spending it with her dad and brother in her dad's new apartment in the city. Olive is still hurt by her dad moving far away and is consumed with her new phone and keeping up with her friends.
Camp Prodigy. Written by Caroline Palmer. Art by Caroline Palmer. 2024. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $22.99 (9781665930383).
Tate's parents understand that music is one of their passions and enroll them in a summer camp for musicians. Tate meets the musician, Eli, who inspires them to become more confident about their musical abilities and find ways to open up about their gender identity to their peers and parents.
The Night Librarian. Written by Christopher Lincoln. Art by Christopher Lincoln. Color by Bonaia Rosado. 2024. Dial Books, $23.99 (9780593617656).
Page and Turner are plunged into a journey through one of their favorite places--the New York Public Library--to get answers about their father's signed first edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula. With the help of the Night Librarian, authors escape from books to help Page and Turner save the library.
Pearl. Written by Sherri L. Smith. Art by Christine Norrie. 2024. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338029437).
13-year-old Amy is a Japanese-American girl living with her parents and baby brother in Hawaii in 1941. The story follows Amy who is dealing with being a part of both sides of the war while fearing for herself and her family in the U.S. and the possibility of being sent to an internment camp.
Tryouts. Written by Sarah Sax. Art by Sarah Sax. 2024. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $21.99 (9780593306925).
Al just wants to play baseball, but being the only girl on a team of boys comes with a lot of unexpected attention. When an interview focused on Al causes tension between her and her teammates, they must solve this conflict before their championship dreams go up in flames.
Upstaged. Written by Robin Easter. Art by Robin Easter. 2024. Little Brown Inc, $24.99 (9780316429528).
In their final summer at theater camp, shy Ashton Price hopes to confess their feelings to their crush, Ivy Santos, before they part ways for high school. As Ivy rehearses and Ash manages the stage, their friendship faces its biggest test. Will they drift apart or grow closer?
Wires Crossed. Written by Beth Fantaskey. Art by O'Neill Jones. 2024. Clarion Books, $24.99 (9780358395447).
Mia must deal with the odd changes in new and old relationships while trying to win a robotics competition.
You Wish (Book 1). Written by Jeff Victor. Art by Jeff Victor. Edited by Chris Staros. 2024. Top Shelf Productions, $14.99 (9781603095327).
Avery McLean lives with her dad at their gas station in the middle of nowhere. One day she discovers an old lamp and when she rubs it, she meets Griblet, a genie herald. Through their adventures, Avery learns more about her magical self, her missing mother, and the world.
Non-Fiction
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Super Space Weekend: Adventures in Astronomy (Science Adventure Club). Written by Gaȅlle Alméras. Translated by David Warriner. Edited by Linda Pruessen and Becky Noelle. Scientific proofreading by Helene Courtois. Plantology by Jean-Francois Gonzalez. Photo engraving by Frederic Basset. Proofreading by Tracy Bordian. Cover design by Jessica Sullivan. Interior typesetting by Jessica Sullivan. 2023. Greystone Books, $21.95 (9781778400667).
Tween (ages 10-13)
Huda F Cares? Written by Huda Fahmy. Art by Huda Fahmy. Color by Weinye Chen. 2023. Dial Books, $24.99 (9780593532799).
Huda and her family take a road trip to a timeshare near Disney World. This episodic tale is filled with culture clashes that Huda experiences being visibly Muslim on the road from Michigan to Florida. Each character struggles with family dynamics tested by many hours spent outside "the bubble."
June
Fiction
Picture Books (ages 3-8)
The Gingerbread Man: Class Pet on the Loose. Written by Laura Murray. Art by Mike Lowery. 2024. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9780593532447).
When Gingerbread Man discovers the class pet is missing, he must track her down!
Looking for Peppermint: Or Life in the Forest. Written by Maxwell Eaton III. Art by Maxwell Eaton III. 2024. Neal Porter Books, $18.99 (9780823452088).
Learn about the woods while trying to track down a girl's dog, Peppermint.
Easy Readers (ages 5-9)
Bunnybirds. Written by Natalie Linn. Art by Natalie Linn. 2024. Holiday House, $22.99 (9780823449262).
Princess Aster knows something is fishy when members of her flock are missing....She doesn't pay it too much mind until her father disappears. That's when she knows she has to do something! Adventure is on the menu as she joins up with another Bunnybird and a centipede-dog!
Frankie and the Beastly Bog Song. Written by Caitlin Rose Boyle. Art by Caitlin Rose Boyle. 2024. Oni Press, $12.99 (9781637154595).
Frankie and her naturalist mom explore together. Frankie admires her mom's fearlessness. However, she gets into scrapes and needs her mom to rescue her. She learns that her mom has fears, including when her daughter is hurt or in danger! But, she does what she has to do.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Wreck and Roll!: A Marvel Original Graphic Novel. Written by Stephaine Williams. Art by Asia Simone. 2024. Graphix, $9.99 (9781338785524).
A group of rollerskating thieves are no match for Moon Girl and her dinosaur sidekick! Things become more complicated when The Collector enters the picture!
Monti and Leo: A Newcomer in Pocketville. Written by Sylvie Kantorovitz. Art by Sylvie Kantorovitz. 2024. Walker Books, $16.99 (9781536222777).
When a new person comes to town, Monti decides the change is bad. But when the newcomer turns out to be friendly and thoughtful, Monti changes his mind and helps the rest of the town accept their new neighbor, Leo.
Otis & Peanut: Forever and Ever. Written by Naseem Hrab. Art by Kelly Collier. 2024. Owlkids Books, $18.95 (9781771474979).
Three interconnected short stories about a long-haired guinea pig, Otis, and a naked mole rat, Peanut, explore friendship and grief. The two friends eat cake, remember a loved one, and make new memories together.
Twig Friends. Written by Andrew McDonald. Art by Ben Wood. 2024. Bright Light, $11.99 (9781761214356).
Three short stories follow the adventures of Ziggy, Noodle, Red, and Stump. Readers learn the difference between a good and a bad surprise, explore a "volcano," and get creative with twig art!
Zips and Eeloo Make Hummus. Written by Leila Boukarim. Art by Alex Lopez. 2024. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $11.99 (9781524884352).
Two aliens, self-proclaimed experts in human behavior, explain the process of making hummus.
Zooni Tales: A Friend Till the End. Written by Vikram Madan. Art by Vikram Madan. 2024. Holiday House, $13.99 (9780823453580).
Zooni the Dog stars in three short rhyming stories for early readers.
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness. Written by Mai K. Nguyen. Art by Mai K. Nguyen. 2024. Viking Books for Young Readers, $23.99 (9780593525272).
When a strange dog steals her necklace, Anzu follows the thief and ends up in Yomi, the land of the dead. If she does not escape by sunrise, she will be trapped with the dead forever.
Buckle Up. Written by Lawrence Lindell. Art by Lawrence Lindell. 2024. Random House Graphics, $21.99 (9780593479797).
Lonnie grapples with changes after his parents' divorce. Living with his mom and sister, he misses his father and their talks during drives to school. Facing tough topics like divorce, sexuality, and racism, Lonnie navigates this new family dynamic, wondering if it will bring them closer or drive them apart.
Pizza Face. Written by Rex Ogle. Art by Dave Valeza. 2024. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338575040).
Seventh grade hits Rex hard with a glaring pimple on day one. Battling acne, body odor, and puberty's embarrassments, he faces it all on a tight budget. With bullies and strained friendships, Rex feels like he can't catch a break. Seventh grade is a tough, awkward journey for him.
Punycorn. Written by Andi Watson. Art by Andi Watson. 2023. Clarion Books, $15.99 (9780358571995).
When the Chosen Ones go off on a secret mission, Punycorn is left alone to defend Carbuncle, a land of rainbows and cupcakes. Punycorn must face Sir Ogre with his ragtag Kinship: a sneezing dragon, a magical sword found in a landfill, and a Dung Elemental.
The Ribbon Skirt. Written by Cameron Mukwa. Art by Cameron Mukwa. 2024. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338843262).
Anang is a two-spirit Anishinaabe youth. They want to reclaim the ribbon skirt, a traditionally female Native garment, to wear at a powwow. With the help of their friends--human, animal, and spirit--they gather materials for the skirt and gain confidence in themself.
Shock City. Written by Aaron Alexovich. Art by Aaron Alexovich. 2024. Viking Books for Young Readers, $23.99 (9780593528112).
When shy Milo rings the doorbell of a house he believes is haunted, he encounters a surprisingly cheery monster girl named Sunny. A mysterious and sinister force has infected the city causing people to flee in terror. Can this odd pair put a stop to the source of this evil?
Tween (ages 10-13)
Amy's Big Brother. Written by BonHyung Jeong. Art by BonHyung Jeong. 2023. JY, $24.00 (9781975351106).
Andrew is excited to start middle school where his little sister Amy can't follow him and ruin everything. Middle school is hard-basketball, schoolwork, and his first girlfriend keep Andrew busy. But can his sister and family help him regain his world when things fall apart?
Turning Twelve. Written by Kathryn Ormsbee. Art by Molly Brooks. Color by Marta Todeschini. 2024. Random House Graphic, $21.99 (9780593650066).
Katie has just turned twelve and is finding that getting older is much more than expected. She feels like an outsider at her church and homeschooling co-op, gets her period, and realizes her feelings for her new friend, Grace, might be a crush.
We Are Big Time. Written by Hena Khan. Art by Safiya Zerrougui. 2024. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $12.99 (9780593430484).
After moving from Tampa to Wisconsin, Aliya tries to make her mark as co-captain of her school's basketball team.
Non-Fiction
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Black Lives: Great Minds of Science. Written by Tonya Bolden. Art by David Wilkerson. 2024. Abrams Fanfare, $15.99 (9781419752698).
A graphic nonfiction work featuring nine Black scientists' lives and accomplishments.
Tween (ages 10-13)
Tegan and Sara: Crush. Written by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin. Art by Tillie Walden. 2024. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $22.99 (9780374313036).
Eighth grade brings new opportunities, and conflict, for budding musicians Tegan and Sara. They find themselves with a music manager and new music connections. The sisters see these changes with a different perspective and have to find a way to negotiate what it means to be themselves in the limelight.
May
Fiction
Easy Readers (ages 5-9)
Duck and Moose. Written by Kirk Reedstrom. Art by Kirk Reedstrom. Design by Phil Buchanan.
- Duck Moves In! Vol. 1. 2024. Disney Hyperion, $12.99 (9781368097277).
Moose prefers peace and enjoys being alone. Things change quickly for Moose when the talkative Duck lands between his antlers and insists on that very spot being his new home. Although they have opposite personalities, the two eventually become friends. - Moose Blasts Off! Vol. 2. 2024. Disney Hyperion, $12.99 (9781368097307).
Moose loves to play the imaginary game of Astronaut, but a disagreement arises when Duck insists he wants to play along. The two friends learn that they must compromise to have fun together.
Sky & Ty 1: Howdy, Partner! Written by Steve Breen. Art by Steve Breen. 2024. Pixel+Ink, $14.99 (9781645952145).
Join Sky as she goes looking for a loyal steed...not a pony, but a DINOSAUR! Who will win the dance-off between Dionsaur and Bear? WIll their parcel package arrive in time? Can you solve the riddles? Let's find out!
Super Magic Boy: I Am a Space Tiger. Written by Jarod Roselló. Art by Jarod Roselló. 2024. Random House Graphic, $10.99 (9780593427811).
A fun adventure for younger readers, full of silly and gentle humor. A younger version of "Calvin and Hobbes" for the kindergarten crowd.
Viewfinder. Written by Christine D.U. Chung and Salwa Majoka. Art by D.U. Chung and Salwa Majoka. 2024. Tundra Books, $18.99 (9780735268753).
In a science fiction future where humanity lives among the stars, a young space explorer encounters the beauty and wonder of Earth for the first time.
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
The Circuit Graphic Novel. Written by Francisco Jiménez. Art by Celia Jacobs. Adapted by Andrew J. Rostan. 2024. Clarion Books, $24.99 (9780358348214).
In this memoir, Francisco Jiménez describes his youth as a child in a family of poor Mexican immigrants living in California. To survive, he and his family performed the backbreaking work of harvesting crops by hand.
Doña Quixote: Flight of the Witch. Written by Rey Terciero. Art by Monica M. Magaña. 2024. Henry Holt and Co., $22.99 (9781250795496).
A clever twist on the classic Don Quixote tale: Lucia has to solve the mystery of the missing possessions of her friends and neighbors. Add that to the fact that she's in middle school and has all the responsibilities of life! Great art and dialogue.
Lion Dancers. Written by Cai Tse. Art by Cai Tse. 2024. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $23.99 (9781665927246).
Wei dreamed of being a lion dancer until an accident led him to quit. Years later, a chance encounter leads him to try dancing again. But there's a slight hitch. One of his new teammates is Hung, his ex-friend who is bitter about Wei's return to the sport.
Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze. Written by Maple Lam. Art by Maple Lam. 2024. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, $23.99 (9780593524633).
Sun Wukong is the Monkey King, a powerful Beast with the ability to shapeshift. After being rejected, Wukong vows to become a god, hoping it will gain him admirers. The gods agree to his demand on one condition; he must defeat the monsters attacking the world.
Noodle & Bao. Written by Shaina Lu. Art by Shaina Lu. 2024. Quill Tree Books, $24.99 (9780063283411).
Through community organizing and resistance, Momo and the other residents of Town 99 come together to try and save their town from gentrification, especially their friends' beloved food cart, Noodle & Bao.
Taxi Ghost. Written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. Color by Kiwi Byrd. 2024. RH Graphic, $21.99 (9780593565988).
Over Winter Break, Adele gets her first period and learns she comes from a long line of mediums. Adele can see and interact with ghosts. Adele must work with ghosts and human friends to thwart an unscrupulous developer who wants to demolish a beloved old neighborhood and build condos.
Unico: Awakening (Volume 1), An Original Manga. Written by Samuel Sattin. Created by Osamu Tezuka. Art by Gurihiru. 2024. Graphix, $24.99 (9781339036342).
A young unicorn with powerful magic is pursued by the evil forces of an envious goddess.
What Happens Next?: Newsroom Nonsense. Written by Jess Smart Smiley. Art by Jess Smart Smiley. 2024. First Second, $22.99 (9781250772855).
In this third What Happens Next? book, middle school student Megan and her friends work on a school newspaper project with various complications and endings chosen by the reader.
Tween (ages 10-13)
The Cool Code 2.0: The Switch Glitch. Written by Deirdre Langeland. Art by Sarah Mai. 2023. Clarion Books, $24.99 (9780358549338).
When the coding club discovers a malicious user, Morgan, Zoey, and Daniel collaborate to develop an update to address the mischief caused by an AI llama influencing Marcus, a less-popular student, to create chaos in the school.
Magic Girls: Kira and the (Maybe) Space Princess. Written by Megan Brennan. Art by Megan Brennan. 2024. Random House Graphic, $21.99 (9780593709894).
Kira (a middle school student) is dazzled by the appearance of a half-cat, half-unicorn named Catacorn who leads her on multiple action-packed adventures, demonstrating that friendship might be more important than magic in navigating middle school and the universe.
Let's Go, Coco! Written by Coco Fox. Art by Coco Fox. 2024. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063256415).
Eleven-year-old Coco is super bummed that her best friend moved away. She awkwardly tries to make new friends by joining the basketball team. But being friends with Maddie, the bully, can be dangerous! Coco learns to be kinder to the friends who are true friends instead of trying to please Maddie.
Monster Locker. Written by Jorge Aguirre. Art by Andrés Vera Martínez. 2024. First Second, $22.99 (9781250749741).
All Pablo wants is to survive school by staying under the radar. Unfortunately, his new locker contains the power to summon monsters from another dimension.
Shiny Misfits. Written by Maysoon Zayid. Art by Shadia Amin. Color by Elle Pierre and Wes Dzioba. Letters by EK Weaver. 2024. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338752519).
Bay Ann has cerebral palsy and is determined to outshine her talented classmate Alyee Maq at school and online. After her quest to go viral on social media jeopardizes her relationship with her best friends, she understands that fame is not so important after all.
Sink or Swim. Written by Lee Durfey-Lavoie. Art by Veronica Agarwal. 2024. Random House Graphic, $22.99 (9780593125519).
12-year-old Ty gets self-conscious after he gains weight due to an injury. He ghosts his best friends, Max and Heather, which makes them think he doesn't like them anymore. When they go to summer camp together, the friends feel awkward around each other.
Non-Fiction
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Lost & Found: Based on a True Story. Written by Mei Yu. Art by Mei Yu. Design by Liam Donnelly. 2024. Union Square Kins, $16.99 (9781454945475).
Mei experiences difficulties at home and school after her family moves from China to Canada. Along with her imaginary cat Meiow, she discovers a creative way to overcome her language barrier and finds a new friend.
APRIL
Fiction
Picture Books (ages 3-8)
Everyone Gets a Turn. Written by Marianne Dubuc. Art by Marianne Dubuc. 2024. Princeton Architectural Press, $18.99 (9781797227290).
After Bear, Turtle, Hare, and Mouse find an egg in the woods, the four animal friends take turns trying to raise it.
The First Day of May. Written by Henrique Coser Moreira. Art by Henrique Coser Moreira. 2024. Levine Querido, $15.99 (9781646143825).
In this wordless graphic novel, a child goes outside to play on the first sunny day of the year. She explores the world in mundane and magical ways and ends her adventures with tea and a nap in the grass.
Easy Readers (ages 5-9)
Bog Myrtle. Written by Sid Sharp. Art by Sid Sharp. 2024. Annick Press, $22.99 (9781773218922).
Cheerful Beatrice and grouchy Magnolia are sisters who live together in poverty. Since Magnolia is cold, Beatrice goes to the forest to find treasures to sell and knit her sister a warm sweater. In the forest, she meets Bog Myrtle, a reasonable giant spider concerned about sustainability.
Cloud Puppy. Written by Kelly Leigh Miller. Art by Kelly Leigh Miller. 2024. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $12.99 (9781665932127).
Cloud Puppy is excited to attend her first Comic Con and to meet her favorite author. But when she finds out her best friend plans to dress up as the same character, will their friendship survive?
Night Stories: Folktales from Latin America. Written by Liniers. Introduction by David Bowles. 2024. TOON Books, $17.99 (9781662665295).
A pair of siblings that can't fall asleep share spooky stories.
Sunset of the Sabertooth Graphic Novel (Magic Tree House). Written by Mary Pope Osborne. Art by Kelly Matthews and Nichole Matthews. Adapted by Jenny Laird. 2024. Random House Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9780593706015).
To break a magic spell, Jack and Annie are transported back to the Ice Age...in their bathing suits! Now to get back home, and avoid freezing, they must find a mysterious object.
Zooni Tales: Keep It Up, Plucky Pup. Written by Vikram Madan. Art by Vikram Madan. 2023. Holiday House, $13.99 (9780823453573).
Zooni the dog stars in three short rhyming stories for early readers.
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem. Written by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith. Art by Molly Murakami. 2024. Candlewick, $22.99 (9781536204995).
Riley and Maya have moved from their homes and are living in Urbanopolis. Trouble comes when the Vice Principal plots to cut club budgets to fund more space for detention. Riley and Maya fight these budget cuts, but can they put their differences aside to stand up for what's right?
Ellie in First Position. Written by Brian Freschi. Art by Elena Triolo. Translated by Nanette McGuinness. 2023. Marble Press, $13.99 (9781958325001).
After her parents' divorce, Ellie has to deal with being the new kid at school. Her mother encourages her to join a sport to make friends, but no sport she tries fits. Ellie secretly desires to dance, an activity of which her mother disapproves.
Gamerville. Written by Johnnie Christmas. Art by Johnnie Christmas. 2024. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063056824).
Max loves to play video games and wants to become a video game champion. When his parents send him to Camp Reset for a break from electronics, he learns there might be more to life than video games.
The Happy Shop. Written by Brittany Long Olsen. Art by Brittany Long Olsen. 2024. Oni Press, $14.99 (9781637152799).
When Darcy moves to a new country, she discovers a strange shop that sells happy feelings in jars.
The New Girl. Written by Cassandra Calin. Art by Cassandra Calin. 2024. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338762464).
Twelve-year-old Lia immigrated from Romania to Canada with her parents and little brother. Starting at her new school, she has to learn to adapt to her classes and friendships while dealing with a language barrier at the same time.
Rune: The Tale of a Thousand Faces. Written by Carlos Sánchez. Art by Carlos Sánchez. 2024. Flying Eye Books, $15.99 (9781838741211).
After being chased by bullies, Chiri and Dai stumble into Puddin', a magical land under siege by a sinister creature known as the Shadow King.
Schnozzer & Tatertoes: Shoot the Moon! Written by Rick Stromoski. Art by Rick Stromoski. 2024. Union Square Kids, $16.99 (9781454948346).
Two dogs, Schnozzer and Tatertoes, visit an air and space museum where they accidentally blast off, visit the moon, and save the Earth from a meteor.
Swing. Written by Audrey Meeker. Art by Audrey Meeker. Color by Sarah Davidson. 2024. Feiwel & Friends, $22.99 (9781250864031).
Marcus is living under the shadow of his older soccer star brother, and Izzy is dealing with a controlling mom and being bullied by Marcus' soccer friend Ted. They enter a talent contest with a swing dance in which Izzy takes the lead.
Travis Daventhorpe for the Win 2: Travis Daventhorpe Powers Up! Written by Wes Molebash. Art by Wes Molebash. 2024. First Second, $22.99 (9781250801425).
After sending robot-dinosaurs back to their dimension, Travis must continue to train with his sword and rely less on his technological prowess. He discovers that his worst enemy isn't that bad, and he learns to trust himself and others.
Tween (ages 10-13)
Hilo Book 10: Rise of the Cat. Written by Judd Winick. Art by Judd Winick. Color by Maarta Laiho. 2024. Random House Graphic, $14.99 (9780593488126).
When Polly's unsanctioned adventures get her into trouble, she is forced to attend a boarding school for magical rejects. But when mysterious monsters start appearing on school grounds, it's up to Polly, her brother Pip, and their robot friend Noria to identify the source of this new danger.
Knots. Written by Colleen Frakes. Art by Colleen Frakes. 2024. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063247178).
Norah and her sister Lark are tired of moving for their parents' prison jobs. Now her mom and sister have to move for a job, and Norah struggles to care for herself while her dad works overtime. She is afraid to ask for help—even after a bad bleach job.
Unicorn Boy. Written by Dave Roman. Art by Dave Roman. Color by Heather Mann. 2024. First Second, $14.99 (9781250830265).
A shy pre-teen boy named Brian grows a unicorn horn on his head. At first, he attempts to hide this new feature, but the disappearance of his friend Avery thrusts Brian into a series of fantastic adventures that Brian and Avery experience.
The Witch's Wings and Other Terrifying Tales. Written by Tehlor Kay Mejia. Art by Alexis Hernandez, Justin Hernandez, Kaylee Rowena, and Junyi Wu. Letters by Bernardo Brice. 2023. Amulet Books, $24.99 (9781419763564).
Alicia wants to join the Midnight Society, a group of kids who gather in the woods to tell scary stories. One night she stumbles upon them, and, to prove her worth, Alicia must tell three terrifying tales that impress the other members. Does she have what it takes?
Non-Fiction
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Puzzled: A Memoir about Growing Up with OCD. Written by Pan Cooke. Art by Pan Cooke. 2024. Rocky Pond Books, $23.99 (9780593615614).
This memoir tells of the author's struggles with OCD from a very young age. Told in episodic fashion, the book never slows down as the author packs on the details about OCD and how he has persevered.
Tween (ages 10-13)
The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival. Written by Estelle Nadel, Sammy Savos, and Bethany Strout. Art by Sammy Savos. Interior design by Yan May. Cover design by Sunny Lee. 2024. Roaring Brook Press, $17.99 (9781250247773).
Enia was only seven years old when the Nazis invaded Poland at the start of WWII, and she and her Jewish family went into hiding. She describes the hardships and tragedies the family faced during and after the war when she and her surviving brothers came to the United States.
March
FICTION
Easy Readers (ages 5-9)
Bad Kitty Makes a Movie. Written by Nick Bruel. Art by Nick Bruel. 2023. Roaring Brook Press, $13.99 (9781250884780).
When Uncle Murray accidentally uploads Kitty's video to Viewtube, chaos ensues as Kitty becomes an unexpected internet sensation. Get ready for a bundle of antics and stardom that you won't want to put down.
Jackson's Wilder Adventures. Written by Sarah Davidson. Art by Sarah Davidson. 2024. Papercutz, $7.99 (9781545800843).
Think Calvin & Hobbes plus the TV show Bizarre Foods sprinkled with the Crocodile Hunter. Jackson Wilder has an imaginary friend named Irwin the Thylacine. When Jackson's dad serves him leftover casserole, Irwin takes him via transporter on a tour around the world where Jackson learns about gross things animals eat.
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
The Adventures of Invisible Boy. Written by Doogie Horner. Art by Doogie Horner. 2024. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, $20.99 (9780593532645).
On Stanley's first day at a new school, he creates chaos at the science fair -- and winds up invisible!
Art Club. Written by Rashad Doucet. Art by Rashad Doucet. 2024. Little, Brown Ink, $24.99 (9780759556362).
Dale Donovan lacked focus until he was assigned to research his future career. He chose to present himself as a comic book artist, but his teacher dismissed him. To prove his teacher wrong, Dale created an art club that inspired other students to explore their interests in art.
DnDoggos: Get the Party Started. Written by Scout Underhill. Art by Scout Underhill. Color by Liana Sposto. 2024. Feiwel & Friends, $14.99 (9781250834348).
This tale follows the adventures of four Dungeons and Dragons lovin' doggies as they play a new campaign, led by their friend Tonka, and have to figure out how they respond to the new challenges that arise for their group.
Dog Trouble. Written by Kristin Varner. Art by Kristin Varner. Edited by Robyn Chapman and Michael Moccio. Cover and book design by Yan L. May and Molly Johanson. Veterinary consultation by Dr. Catherine Parks. 2024. First Second, $14.99 (9781250225917).
Ash's Mom sends him to live with his Dad on Ferncliff Island. Ash hates going to the boring island where he doesn't have friends and doesn't feel like he belongs. He chooses to work at the animal shelter and learns to love it so that he does not mind living on the island.
Eowulf: Of Monsters & Middle School. Written by Mike Cavallaro. Art by Mike Cavallaro. Color by Irene Yeom. 2024. First Second, $24.99 (9781250846440).
Eowulf Wegmund, descendant of the famous monster hunter Beowulf, is an aspiring warrior. Her life in New Jersey is boring until she befriends the weird kid Amadeus Hornburg. As a supervillain and monsters attack her town, Eowulf and Amadeus unearth long-held secrets and work together to save their friends and families.
Katie the Catsitter 4: The Purrfect Plan. Written by Colleen AF Venable. Illustrated by Stephanie Yue. 2024. Penguin Random House, $21.99 (9780593570371).
When the mayor reinstates programs that hurt animals and begins an intrusive building project, Katie and her friends must step in to help the city and its animals. With lots of subplots on friendship, family, and the real work of changing the world, this book provides depth and entertainment. Cats!
Poetry Comics. Written by Grant Snider. Art by Grant Snider. 2024. Chronicle Books, $18.99 (9781797219653).
Poems are grouped into seasonal themes and illustrated in the graphic novel format.
Punycorn. Written by Andi Watson. Art by Andi Watson. 2023. Clarion Books, $15.99 (9780358571995).
When the Chosen Ones go off on a secret mission, Punycorn is left alone to defend Carbuncle, a land of rainbows and cupcakes. Punycorn must face Sir Ogre with his ragtag Kinship with a sneezing dragon, a magical sword found in a landfill, and a Dung Elemental.
The Unlucky Kid. Written by Bob Holt. Art by Bob Holt. 2024. Kids Can Press, $14.99 (9781525306594).
This graphic novel chapter book tells three stories of a very unlucky kid whose big plans always end in unlucky mishaps.
Tween (ages 10-13)
Fake Chinese Sounds. Written by Jing Jing Tsong. Art by Jing Jing Tsong. 2024. Kokila, $23.99 (9780525553427).
When fifth-grader Mĕi Yīng becomes a target of racist bullying, she must find the courage to stand up for herself.
NONFICTION
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back. Written by Ruth Chan. Art by Ruth Chan. 2024. Roaring Brook Press, $14.99 (9781250855343).
Ruth Chan's Toronto life is disrupted when her family moves to Hong Kong for her dad's job. Struggling with loneliness and cultural differences, she finds solace in family stories, learning to embrace change and discovering that home is where the heart finds strength.
February
FICTION
Picture Books (ages 3-8)
Blue, Barry & Pancakes: Mayhem on Wheels. Written by Daniel Abdo and Jason Patterson. 2024. First Second, $12.99 (9781250829351).
Blue, Barry, and Pancakes ride a flood out of their house and roller-skate after a beachball, only to find themselves in a Roller Duck Ball rink. After a winning streak, the rival team shows up with giant robot replacements, and the three friends have to do some serious teamwork.
Easy Readers (ages 5-9)
The Adventures of Penguin and Panda. Written by Brenda Maier. Illustrated by Fanni Mézes.
- Surprise! Vol. 1. 2024. Marble Press, $9.99 (9781958325056).
Penguin and Panda are very different, but they are best friends. - Fun and Games! Vol. 2. 2024. Marble Press, $9.99 (9781958325070).
Penguin and Panda learn it's easy to get over-excited and sharing is cool.
Pretty Ugly. Written by David Sedaris. Art by Ian Falconer. 2024. Toon Books, $18.99 (9781662665271).
In this humorous and gruesome tale, a young monster transforms into the most hideous creature of all...a human girl! Can she be restored to her former glory?
Middle Grade (ages 7-11)
Amber Brown is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel. Written by Paula Danziger. Illustrated by Victoria Ying. 2024. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9780593615690).
Third grader Amber Brown must deal with her best friend moving away.
Continental Drifter. Written by Kathy MacLeod. Art by Kathy MacLeod. 2024. First Second, $22.99 (9781250813732).
Kathy lives with her family in Bangkok, Thailand, but she counts down the days every year until she can spend the summer with her American father's family in Maine.
Lost Time. Written by Tas Mukanik. Art by Tas Mukanik. Inked by Winter Jay Kiakas. Edited by Chris Hernandez. Design by Danielle Ceccolini. 2023. Razorbill, $22.99 (9780593327036).
Evie is lost 65 million years in the past. She makes friends with Ada, a pterosaur, and learns to survive. Can she figure out how to fix the broken technology that can send her back home to her family?
Plain Jane and the Mermaid. Written by Vera Brosgol. Art by Vera Brosgol. 2024. First Second, $22.99 (9781250314864).
When her parents die, Jane is evicted from her home. The only way to avoid homelessness is by getting married. Jane hopes a young man named Peter will be her salvation. But when Peter is kidnapped by a mermaid, Jane must journey underwater to save his life...and her own.
Rise of the Shadowfire (City of Dragons #2). Written by Jaimal Yogis. Illustrated by Vivian Truong. Edited by Emily Nguyen. 2023. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338660463).
Grace and her friends are recovering from their encounter with the evil ancient warlord Daijiang when Grace's friend Nate (a water dragon) joins them. Grace and her friends must fight against Daijiang's fierce dragon, Shadowfire, as they travel the world to stop Daijiang.
Saving H'Non: Chang and the Elephant. Written by Trang Nguyễn. Illustrated by Jeet Zdũng, Phuong An, Hoang Long, and Ngoc Hoan. Color by Nguyet Han. Translated by Hoang Duy. Designed by Lihn Phan. Edited by Lisa Edwards and Rose Ahmed. 2023. Dial Books for Young Readers, $23.99 (9780593406731).
Baseball has defined Elena's identity. When another season ends, she has no true friends to hang out with for the summer. After her brother invites her to play with his friends, she finds more to life than baseball - if only if she can rediscover her ability to imagine.
Kingdom Riders. Written by Shannon Eric Denton. Illustrated by Marcus To. Color by Luis Antonio Delgado. Letters by Andworld Design. Edited by Dave Wielgosz and Jake Williams. 2024. IDW Publishing, $12.99 (9781684059782).
Kayla is a peasant who loves to ride her mudd toad, Grok, through dangerous adventures. When her best friend Mal gets into trouble, Kayla must race with Grok and win Mal's freedom. By winning this race, she gains attention and is asked to enter the Kingdom Races.
Next Stop. Written by Debbie Fong. Art by Debbie Fong. 2024. RH Graphic, $21.99 (9780593425206).
Pia, grieving and seeking solace, embarks on a desert bus tour with quirky companions, yearning for a miracle at a legendary underground lake. They explore odd attractions, and sepia-toned flashbacks unveil Pia's guilt over her brother's drowning. Through newfound friendship and shared journeys, Pia discovers redemption at the magical lake.
Rose Wolves (Book 1). Written by Natalie Warner. Art by Natalie Warner. 2023. Top Shelf Production, $14.99 (9781603095310).
A girl with one and a half arms gets lost in the woods and plucks a rose off a bush. Overnight, a wolf with three legs and a rose tail emerges. She takes the wolf back home and visits him on full moon nights.
Summer Vamp: (A Graphic Novel). Written by Violet Chan Karim. Art by Violet Chan Karim. 2024. Random House Graphic, $21.99 (9780593425237).
Maya is excited about going to culinary camp for the summer. But after mistakenly getting on the wrong bus, she ends up at a camp for vampires. Now she has to figure out how to escape before they find out she's a human.
Tiffany's Griffon. Written by Maddi Gonzalez and Magnolia Porter Porter Siddell. Art by Maddi Gonzalez and Magnolia Porter Porter Siddell. 2024. First Second, $30.99 (9781250757814).
Marnie is a superfan of the Griffon Rider book series. When a fairy bearing a griffon egg appears, she learns that the stories are real. Unfortunately, the egg's not for her! The true chosen one is the popular girl Tiffany. Feeling betrayed, Marnie does everything she can to seize Tiffany's destiny.
Wildful. Written by Kengo Kurimoto. Art by Kengo Kurimoto. 2024. Groundwood Books, $21.99 (9781773068626).
After meeting a new friend, a grieving young girl finds solace in the mysterious beauty of nature.
A Witch's Guide to Burning. Written by Aminder Dhaliwal. Art by Aminder Dhaliwal. 2024. Drawn and Quarterly, $27.95 (9781770466999).
After being subjected to a cruel ritual, a young witch awakens stripped of both magic and memory. Adopting the name "Singe," she embarks on a journey of recovery. Joining her on her quest is the witch doctor Yew-Veda, and Bufo Wonder, a shapeshifter trapped in a frog's body.
NONFICTION
Tween (ages 10-13)
History Comics: Hip-Hop: The Beat of America. Written by Jarrett Williams. Art by Jarrett Williams. Color by Joey Weiser. 2024. First Second, $21.99 (9781250795762).
This book explores the societal, cultural, and economic forces that led to the rise of hip-hop music as well as its long-lasting impacts on the world at large.
Science Comics: Elephants: Living Large. Written by Jason Viola. Art by Falynn Koch. 2024. First Second, $21.99 (9781250265913).
Readers learn about the lives and experiences of elephants through the eyes of a calf named Duni and her family.
