Kids & Teen Staff Picks
Want to know what our booksellers read? Here are some of our handpicked recommendations for kids and teens.
A Work in Progress
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Trade paperback
$11.99
Reader Reward Price: $10.79
A young boy struggles with body image in this poignant and "perceptive" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) middle grade journey to self-acceptance told through prose, verse, and illustration.
Will is the only round kid in a school full of thin ones. So he hides...in baggy jeans and oversized hoodies, in the back row during class, and anywhere but the cafeteria during lunch. But shame isn't the only feeling that dominates Will's life. He's also got a crush on a girl named Jules who he knows he doesn't have a chance with, because of his size--but he can't help wondering what if?
Will's best shot at attracting Jules's attention is by slaying the Will Monster inside him by changing his eating habits and getting more exercise. But the results are either frustratingly slow or infuriatingly unsuccessful, and Will's shame begins to morph into self-loathing.
As he resorts to increasingly drastic measures to transform his appearance, Will meets skateboarder Markus, who helps him see his body and all it contains as an ever-evolving work in progress.
Harold the Iceberg Is Not a Super Food
- Lisa Wyzlic 
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Hardcover
$24.99
Reader Reward Price: $22.49
"The perfect picture book for anxious kids." --Romper, on Harold the Iceberg Melts Down
When Harold first meets Kayla, he's in awe. She's tall and strong, has glorious, full leaves and is always ready to help with a smile. But the more Harold thinks about how super Kayla is, the more he feels like he's not good enough, no matter how much he wants to help others. Harold is not a super food.
As his worries continue to grow, it'll be up to his friends to show Harold that not only is he enough, but that he's a super helper in his own special ways.
Written by Lisa Wyzlic and whimsically illustrated by Rebecca Syracuse, Harold the Iceberg's second adventure is about finding ways to lift up your community by first lifting up yourself and those closest to you.
Simon Sort of Says
- Erin Bow
Trade paperback
$12.99
Reader Reward Price: $11.69
A Newbery Honor Book written by Erin Bow, winner of the Governor General's and TD Children's Literature Awards.
Simon O'Keeffe tells a lot of stories: like how his family was driven out of Omaha by alpacas. And how his church-deacon dad accidentally gave a squirrel a holy sacrament. And how his undertaker mom occasionally has to wrangle emus.But the story Simon doesn't tell is the one he'd do anything to forget: Simon is the only survivor of a school shooting. That story has followed him everywhere -- everywhere except his new home in the National Quiet Zone, where the internet is banned so radio astronomers can listen for signs of life in space.Then Simon meets a kid who wants to give the astronomers what they've been looking for . . . and he finally gets the chance to tell a new story about himself.This is that story.Hilarious, heart-wrenching and ultimately hopeful, this story is about finding your friends, healing your heart and speaking your truth.
The Curious Why
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Hardcover
$24.99
Reader Reward Price: $22.49
In this highly anticipated follow-up to the national bestseller The Magical Yet, the Curious Why will help you to see that you're only bored if you choose to be! Includes a special, sparkly cover!
If it's one of those days, never fear: Your new friend the Curious Why will show you that there's always something new to discover about the world around you! Do you want to know where the dinosaurs went? How crayons are made? Or what makes a bee sting? With lively verse by Angela DiTerlizzi and vibrant illustrations by Lorena Alvarez Gómez, this companion to the bestselling The Magical Yet will open young minds to a remarkable world of possibilities, and remind readers that it's much easier than they think to have fun. All they need is a little curiosity!
And don't miss companion title The Magical Yet, a rollicking, rhyming, inspirational picture book for every child who is frustrated by what they can't do...YET!
We Are Definitely Human
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Children's hardcover
$24.99
Reader Reward Price: $22.49
A hilarious alien invasion story with a feel-good message about what it means to be human. Perfect for earthlings of all ages.
When three mysterious visitors from "Europe" crash-land in Mr. Li's field, he does what any good host would: he invites them back to his farmhouse and offers to help fix up their "car". No, there's nothing strange about these guests at all. Just like other humans, they "make business", "play sportsball" and "wear hat". As the townsfolk also come to the aid of the visitors and the gathering turns into a little party, interplanetary relations reach an all-time high.
A sweetly funny extraterrestrial offering that explores surprising acts of kindness and acceptance, X. Fang's second picture book is truly out of this world.
You're Going to Love This Book!
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Children's hardcover
$24.99
Reader Reward Price: $22.49
Sure to bring a smile to the faces of even the grumpiest readers, this laugh-out-loud picture book from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Jory John and internationally acclaimed illustrator Olivier Tallec is hilarious enough to come back to again and again.
Attention, reader: You're going to LOVE this book!
No, really, you are. It's got everything you could ever want: comedy, drama, action, heart. Plus--are you ready? It's got homework! Ahh yeah! And a trip to the best place ever, the dentist! Ahhhh yeahhh! Additionally--brace yourself--it's got raisins! Nature's candy. AHH YEAHHH! This book is so great, you won't be able to stop reading it. I DARE you not to have fun.
That's Not My Name
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Young adult softcover
$17.99
Reader Reward Price: $16.19
An instant bestseller!
She thought she had her life back. She was wrong. A gripping debut thriller perfect for fans of Natalie D. Richards and Vincent Ralph.
It was a mistake to trust him.
Shivering and bruised, a teen wakes up on the side of a dirt road with no memory of how she got there--or who she is. A passing officer takes her to the police station, and not long after, a frantic man arrives. He's been searching for her for hours. He has her school ID, her birth certificate, and even family photos.
He is her father. Her name is Mary. Or so he says.
When Lola slammed the car door and stormed off into the night, Drew thought they just needed some time to cool off. Except Lola disappeared, and the sheriff, his friends, and the whole town are convinced Drew murdered his girlfriend. Forget proving his innocence, he needs to find her before it's too late. The longer Lola is missing, the fewer leads there are to follow...and the more danger they both are in.
Lost Stick
- Anoosha Syed
Children's hardcover
$24.99
Reader Reward Price: $22.49
A delightful twist on a lost pet story that takes an adorable pup around the world to track down what he thinks is his best friend's prized possession--from the critically acclaimed creator of That's Not My Name!, Bilal Cooks Daal, and I Am Perfectly Designed.
Milo loves to make his owner Louise happy because she's his favorite person in the world. While they're strolling through the park one day, Louise picks a twig up off the ground and says to Milo, "This is Stick". She throws Stick across the grass and Milo excitedly brings it back to her. Milo doesn't know why they do this over and over again, but he knows that he can put a smile on her face by running after Stick. So, when Louise throws Stick a little too far, Milo is determined to go the distance too.
Milo starts searching all over the neighborhood for Stick--while Louise simultaneously searches for Milo--but there's one problem: all the sticks look the same! Which one is Louise's stick? Milo sets out on a grand adventure for a little pup, and while his quest takes him all over the globe, he learns that home is where he really wants to be. Anoosha Syed stretches her storytelling talents with this hilarious and tender friendship story.
Zips and Eeloo Make Hummus
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Children's paperback
$15.99
Reader Reward Price: $14.39
Zips and Eeloo are two aliens who think they are experts in all things human, like making hummus! But they aren't exactly the experts they claim to be. Will Zips and Eeloo have hummus after all, or just one big, mushy mess? This graphic novel is great for readers who are just beginning their graphic novel journey!
In this hilarious and colorful graphic novel, readers will learn how to make hummus alongside the two alien friends. They'll clap and cheer as Zips and Eeloo look for a bowl (but get it confused with a bowling ball!), need to go to the grocery store for lemons, and eventually, make some super yummy hummus. This full-color graphic novel also includes a recipe for hummus in the back!
"Simple yet energetic dialogue by Boukarim (Hello Goodbye Little Island) combines with deliciously bright artwork from Lopez (LankyBox: Epic Adventure!), making the events of this goofy early reader graphic novel offering practically bounce off the page. It's a warm and madcap meditation on teamwork, patience, and new experiences told through a comestible escapade starring cartoonish pseudo-siblings finding common ground in their love for chickpea paste." - Publisher's Weekly
"A mix of simple comedic ingredients with a few twists as garnish makes for a funny, fast read." - Kirkus Reviews
"Lopez's expressive, witty artwork is full of comedic, slapstick energy and really complements the characters and the overall story. In addition to the playful, inviting story, Zips and Eeloo actually follow some good directions, and a recipe at the end will give kids a chance to try it on their own. Delicious fun." - Booklist
"With a heaping splash of side-eye, a dash of alien confusion, and a whole lot of garbanzo beans, Boukarim and Lopez have created the perfect recipe for a hilarious adventure that readers are sure to devour!" - Tara J. Hannon, author of Birtle and the Purple Turtles
Little Witch Hazel
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Children's hardcover
$24.99
Reader Reward Price: $22.49
An earthy and beautiful collection of four stories that celebrate the seasons, nature, and life, from award-winning author-illustrator Phoebe Wahl.
Little Witch Hazel is a tiny witch who lives in the forest, helping creatures big and small. She's a midwife, an intrepid explorer, a hard worker and a kind friend.
In this four-season volume, Little Witch Hazel rescues an orphaned egg, goes sailing on a raft, solves the mystery of a haunted stump and makes house calls to fellow forest dwellers. But when Little Witch Hazel needs help herself, will she get it in time?
Little Witch Hazel is a beautiful ode to nature, friendship, wild things and the seasons that only Phoebe Wahl could create: an instant classic and a book that readers will pore over time and time again.
A Northern Alphabet
- Ted Harrison
Board Book
$12.99
Reader Reward Price: $11.69
Available now in board book format for the first time, A Northern Alphabet is an early introduction to the letters by way of all things northern: the landscape, the people, and the flora and fauna. From A for anorak and B for bear to Q for quilt and Z for zinc mine, in these pages, children everywhere can experience the color and beauty of northern life. Each letter is accompanied by simple text naming a few of the objects, animals and people depicted in each spectacular painting.
A Study in Drowning
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Young adult softcover
$24.99
Reader Reward Price: $22.49
An instant Indie and #1 New York Times bestseller!
"Achingly atmospheric and beautifully sharp, A Study in Drowning will draw you in from the first page." --Rory Power, New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls
Bestselling author Ava Reid makes her YA debut in this dark academic fantasy perfect for fans of Melissa Albert and Elana K. Arnold.
Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. Haunted by visions of the Fairy King since childhood, she's had no choice. Her tattered copy of Angharad--Emrys Myrddin's epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, then destroys him--is the only thing keeping her afloat. So when Myrddin's family announces a contest to redesign the late author's estate, Effy feels certain it's her destiny.
But musty, decrepit Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task, and its residents are far from welcoming. Including Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar determined to expose Myrddin as a fraud. As the two rivals piece together clues about Myrddin's legacy, dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspire against them--and the truth may bring them both to ruin.
Part historical fantasy, part rivals-to-lovers romance, part Gothic mystery, and all haunting, dreamlike atmosphere, Ava Reid's powerful YA debut will lure in readers who loved The Atlas Six, House of Salt and Sorrows, or Girl, Serpent, Thorn.
Ruthless Vows
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Young adult hardcover
$27.00
Reader Reward Price: $24.30
The epic conclusion to the intensely romantic and beautifully written story that started in Divine Rivals.
Two weeks have passed since Iris Winnow returned home bruised and heartbroken from the front, but the war is far from over. Roman is missing, and the city of Oath continues to dwell in a state of disbelief and ignorance. When Iris and Attie are given another chance to report on Dacre's movements, they both take the opportunity and head westward once more despite the danger, knowing it's only a matter of time before the conflict reaches a city that's unprepared and fracturing beneath the chancellor's reign.
Since waking below in Dacre's realm, Roman cannot remember his past. But given the reassurance that his memories will return in time, Roman begins to write articles for Dacre, uncertain of his place in the greater scheme of the war. When a strange letter arrives by wardrobe door, Roman is first suspicious, then intrigued. As he strikes up a correspondence with his mysterious pen pal, Roman will soon have to make a decision: to stand with Dacre or betray the god who healed him. And as the days grow darker, inevitably drawing Roman and Iris closer together...the two of them will risk their very hearts and futures to change the tides of the war.
Billy and the Giant Adventure
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Children's hardcover
$24.99
Reader Reward Price: $22.49
One pinch of adventure, a dash of friendship, a sprinkle of mystery and a HUGE spoonful of magic . . . Jamie Oliver, bestselling author and internationally renowned chef, delivers the perfect recipe for a page-turning children's fiction debut!
Billy and his friends know that Waterfall Woods is out of bounds; strange things are rumored to have happened there and no one in their village has ventured past its walls for decades . . . But when they discover a secret way in, Billy and his best friends, Anna, Jimmy and Andy, can't resist the temptation to explore! Only to quickly discover that the woods are brimming with magic and inhabited by all sorts of unusual creatures, including a whole community of sprites who need the children's help! With magical battles, a long-lost mythical city, fantastical flying machines, epic feasts and one GIANT rescue -- not to mention some mouth-watering recipes at the back -- get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!
Pepper and Me
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Children's hardcover
$24.99
Reader Reward Price: $22.49
A New York Times Best Children's Book of 2024
A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year
A Kirkus Best Picture-Book Conversation Starter of 2024
A 2024 Kids' Indie Next List pick
A Society of Illustrators 2024 Gold Medal Winner
From three-time NYT Best Illustrated creator of On a Magical Do-Nothing Day comes a stunning picture book about a little girl, the scab on her knee, and the healing they do together.
In this utterly enchanting and unexpected tale from international picture book star Beatrice Alemagna, a childhood mishap is the occasion for growth and self-reflection. When a little girl falls on the street, scraping her knee, her father tells her not to worry, that "a beautiful scab will form." But she does worry! The scab is not beautiful and it's keeping her from bending her knee! When will it ever go away? By the time the scab--who she has named Pepper--falls off, something astonishing has happened: the girl has come to feel affection for the scab and has a hard time letting go. With an unerring understanding of a child's emotional life and a dash of absurdist wit, this picture book will stand with classics from creators like Tomi Ungerer and William Steig, who explore the weird, funny essence of childhood.
"How could you not immediately adore and trust this voice?"
--Bruce Handy, The New York Times Book Review
"Pepper & Me is a simple story, but is also a secret door to what days and weeks feel like when you are small. Beatrice Alemagna has the key, and we're so lucky that she does."
--Jon Klassen, Caldecott Medalist for This is Not My Hat
This is a selection of our current Kids & Teen Staff Picks titles. To find other titles or authors, or just to browse, please use the search box.
