By: Holly Snyder Thompson, The Avid Reader
Children’s Book Week is the annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading.
Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country.
Every year, young people across the country participate by attending events at schools, libraries, bookstores, celebrating at home, and engaging with book creators both online and in person. For more information, visit everychildareader.net.
This fall, The Avid Reader would love to share some of the most exciting new releases in kid’s literature to help you celebrate Children’s Book Week.
Picture Books
We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang
A hilarious alien invasion story with a feel-good message about what it means to be human. Perfect for earthlings of all ages.
The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz
The heroic tale of a tiny dragon with a heart of gold and a taste for treats! A scrumptious picture book for fans of funny fairy tales and fantastic beasts.
The Smell of Wet Dog by Barney Saltzberg
Equal parts heart-melting and stinky, The Smell of Wet Dog is a must-have illustrated poetry book for every young canine fan.
Chapter Books
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness
From the best-selling author of A Monster Calls, this funny, wise middle-grade series explodes every stereotype—including what it means to be a hero—in a brilliant reptilian take on surviving school.
Jasmine is Haunted by Mark Oshiro
A novel of ghosts, grief and the friends who make it all ok by #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Oshiro!
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon
From beloved Saturday Night Live alum Kate McKinnon comes a madcap new adventure about three sisters, a ravenous worm, and a mysterious mad scientist.
Graphic Novels
Unico: The Awakening by Samuel Sattin
A unicorn named Unico awakens on earth with none of his memories. As he works to unravel the mystery of who he is, he soon realizes he is being hunted by gods and monsters. With the help of new friends, Unico will need to unlock his power and save the world.
Pizza Face by Rex Ogle
A funny, feel-good middle-grade graphic memoir about breaking out, battling puberty, and braving complicated friendships.
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham
Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces in this heartwarming young adult rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love.
Young Adult Novels
Blood at the Root by Ladarrion Williams
An instant New York Times bestseller, Blood at the Root is about a teenager on the run from his past who finds the family he never knew existed and the community he never knew he needed at an HBCU for the young, Black, and magical.
Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White
A queer Appalachian thriller that pulls no punches—following a trans autistic teen who’s drawn into the generational struggle between the rural poor and those who exploit them.
Six More Months of June by Daisy Garrison
A romantic debut about the exhilarating highs and messy lows that swirl together when high school comes to an end.
