Summer is drawing to a close, and with it comes an exciting — and nerve-wracking — time for young readers: the return to school! Yes, heading back into the classroom is often a mixed bag of anticipation, but it can also be a great time to renew old friendships, embark on new academic adventures, and even check out the latest books dropping at the school library or bookstore! To get kids excited about building their autumn TBRs, here are our picks for the most exciting titles releasing in September!
Picture Books
Hansel and Gretel by Stephen King, Illustrated by Maurice Sendak (September 2nd)
One of the most anticipated picture book releases this fall, young readers can dive into this classic folktale with a retelling straight from two masters of the strange and surreal. Adapted by the king of horror himself, Stephen King, and featuring the artwork of the late, great Maurice Sendak, this version is sure to tingle the spines of readers young and old!
Our Solar System! A Stellar Neighborhood by Stacy McAnulty, Illustrated by Stevie Lewis (September 2nd)
The latest in McAnulty, Lewis, and illustrator David Litchfield’s Our Universe series, this title is told from the point of view of a comet who is well-familiar with our solar system; after all, he’s been moseying around it for eons! This brief yet delightful introduction to the sun, all eight planets, and a number of other notable heavenly bodies is perfect for little ones who love their STEM with a side of character.
Bitter Tea and Rock Candy by Yan Gu (September 9th)
Every day, Mimi’s Waipo (maternal grandmother) serves her a steaming bowl of liangcha, an herbal tea that Waipo insists will help keep Mimi healthy and strong. Only one problem: Mimi hates the taste of the tea and does everything she can to dispose of it instead. A lovely story of both intergenerational love and the importance of empathy and compromise, this one has a sugar-sweet ending that will warm the heart.
Just Shine!: How to Be a Better You by Sonia Sotomayor, Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara (September 9th)
A highly anticipated follow-up to Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor’s previous title, Just Ask!, this tender ode to her late mother, Celina, explores the life-changing potential of being kind to those around us. Exploring the myriad of ways that Celina used her patience, courage, and generosity of spirit to enrich the lives of those around her, Sotomayer gracefully imparts a personal story with universal appeal.
Snow Kid by Jessie Sima (September 16th)
Like all snow kids, Twig comes to life when others — some merry young snow revelers — bring them into being. Yet once Twig is on their own, they uncover many things: they can speak, move, run, and change! However, with each new discovery and development, Twig wonders: are they still Twig? A stunningly brilliant look at identity, growing up, and loving oneself, wrapped in a winter wonderland sure to inspire.
All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson, Illustrated by Winona Nelson (September 16th)
Young Clay is hoping to be picked for his school’s “Star of the Week,” so he seeks counsel with the smartest person he knows: his elisi, or grandmother. Yet he is surprised when she expresses dissent with the idea that the star student is “the most important,” and instead teaches Clay a lesson in gadugi, the Cherokee concept of working together for the common good.
Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry! by Emily Frans, Illustrated by Susanna Chapman (September 16th)
Little music fans will not want to miss this title, in which the titular cathedral of country music introduces itself and its 100-year history with character and charm. This entertaining yet comprehensive title combines a day-in-the-life of the modern Opry, a look back on its deep roots in country music, and the personal reflections of Opry performers such as Dolly Parton and Kelsea Ballerini.
Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo by Bess Kalb, Illustrated by Erin Kraan (September 30th)
A follow-up to one of last year’s biggest fan-favorite picture books, Fluffalo returns to the page, fresh off his lesson in cooperation in Buffalo Fluffalo. Suddenly, his life is turned upside down once again when he comes upon an infant buffalo that needs lots of guidance and care. With the support of his new friends Ram, Crow, and Prairie Dog, Fluffalo takes on caregiving in his own grumpy yet big-hearted way.
Night Flight by David Barclay Moore, Illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu (September 30th)
A little boy has trouble falling asleep on the night his dads are out for the evening, until he spies a most unexpected visitor outside his window: a pterosaur! Climbing aboard the creature’s back, the two take a breathtaking journey through the night sky, searching for the warm glow of light that the little boy needs to find a peaceful sleep. A gorgeous bedtime tale filled with assurance and family love.
A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead (September 30th)
The beloved zookeeper and his cherished animal charges return for the third book in this award-winning series. Anticipating the first snow of the year, Amos is eager to finish knitting winter gifts for all his furry, finned, and feathered friends — but the snow never comes! Disappointed but hopeful, Amos bids his friends good night and returns home, only to find a marvelous surprise awaiting them all the next day.
Middle School
Troubling Tonsils! by Aaron Reynolds, Illustrated by Peter Brown (September 2nd)
Fans of Reynolds and Brown’s Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales! — featuring the hilariously hair-raising Creepy Carrots! and Creepy Crayon! — will be delighted to crack into the first chapter book in the series. Jasper’s back to spin the eerie yarn of Charlie Marmot and his unusually active tonsils, with plenty of frights, laughs, and yes, creeps along the way.
A Method for Magic and Misfortune by Craig Kofi Farmer (September 9th)
Twelve-year-old Marcus Pennrider has had a rough few years, but things are looking brighter: his aunt has taken custody of him and his sister, and his mentor, Mr. O, is always there for sound advice. So when Marcus discovers that he has the power of Divination — the ability to wield magical powers — he knows who to turn to. Can Marcus find a new balance with his powers… and is Mr. O everything he seems to be?
Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate (September 9th)
Legendary children’s author Applegate returns with another stunning tale for young readers, this time following an unlikely group of allies as they work to care for a discarded stuffed bear. Between Pocket, the 100-year-old leader of a found family of abandoned toys; Zephyrina, a cat with a talent for finding those in need; and Elizaveta and Dasha, Ukrainian refugees who care for the plushies in their darkest hour, readers will be swept away by this nuanced story of finding community in times of darkness.
The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell, Illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie (September 11th)
Rejoice, fans of last year’s breakout sensation Impossible Creatures, for its much-anticipated sequel is almost here! Guardian Christopher Forrester returns to the Archipelago — a place of monsters, magic, and mysteries — to team up with Princess Anya as the two fight to clear her father’s name of murder and protect the dragons from a dark plot that has left them poisoned and dying.
The Experiment by Rebecca Stead (September 16th)
The strangeness begins when sixth-grader Nathan grows a long, striped tail… and then everything falls apart. Nathan’s always known that he and his parents are not human — they’re “visitors” — but now, they are being called home to the Wagon, the spacecraft that they were raised in. Nathan learns the Wagon’s terrible secrets, and he must fight to stop them in this tale of family, friendship, and finding oneself.
A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila (September 16th)
Based on the 1931 Lemon Grove Incident and the Mexican Repatriation of 1929-1939, this enlightening, affecting, and heartbreaking novel in verse follows Roberto Alvarez, the twelve-year-old plaintiff at the center of the first successful school desegregation legal case in the United States. Particularly poignant and eerily relevant in current times, this moving book of verse is a can’t-miss for readers of any age.
Scarlet Morning by ND Stevenson (September 23rd)
The acclaimed creator of Nimona hits shelves with his prose debut in this tale of two orphans on the high seas. Viola and Wilmur are tired of waiting for something to happen in their dreary lives, so when the pirate ship Calamary Rose and its captain, Cadence Chase, arrive on their shores, they strike a deal: she can have the mysterious book in their possession, as long as she takes them along for the ride.
Defanged by H.E. Edgmon (September 23rd)
Lux is perfectly happy with his life: he has his best friend, his love for animals, and he’s a proud vampire. Yet despite vampires being “out of the coffin” since the 90s, there are still plenty of people who want them gone — including Lux’s parents. That’s why they take him on his twelfth birthnight to be “cured” of vampirism, and he runs away, finding a new community and the courage to fight for the right to be himself.
The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang by Stan Yan (September 30th)
Eugenia’s mom believes that four is an unlucky number, so she’s never gotten to celebrate her birthday on the actual day: April 4th. She’s also not allowed to pursue her passion for making comics, as her mom believes it’s a waste of time. Well, this year, Eugenia’s turning thirteen, and she’s ready to stand firm in her wishes — until a freak concussion leads her to have visions of her house being engulfed in flame. A hilarious yet touching coming-of-age tale, this graphic novel will help any anxious preteen feel less alone.
Wolf Club by James Bird (September 30th)
Ojibwe teenager Okan, his bully Marcus, and their classmate Sarah don’t seem to have much in common — until they get detention together. Then, when a white wolf is spotted on the outskirts of their town, Okan receives a message from the spirit world that the three of them must band together to protect the wolf from hunters. Can the three set aside their differences to save the wolf — and maybe even find themselves?
We hope that you and your young readers check out these exciting upcoming titles and add them to your fall TBR lists. While summer may be ending, there’s plenty to look forward to this fall!
Want to catch up with more of our children’s recommendations? Check out the Children’s New Releases from August here.
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
