We’ve assembled a list of some of the more prominent children’s and YA books reviewed by PW, which were published in May and June, including new books from Suzanne Collins, Erin Entrada Kelly, E. Lockhart, Christian Robinson, Nic Stone, Gene Luen Yang, and many more.
Picture Books
David Opie. Peter Pauper, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-4413-3329-2. Ages 4-8.
Follow along in this illustrated journey with a kiwi bird as your guide through the vast world of colorful feathered friends. The book received a star from PW.
Ibram X. Kendi, illus. by Ashley Lukashevsky. Kokila, $8.99 (24p) ISBN 978-0-593-11041-6. Ages up to 3.
National Book Award-wining author Kendi empowers parents and children to uproot racism in our society and in ourselves.
Jennifer K. Mann. Candlewick, $17.99 (56p) ISBN 978-1-5362-0736-1. Ages 3-7.
A city kid excited to go on her first camping trip quickly realizes that nothing has prepared her for how hard it is to get out of her comfort zone. The book received a star from PW.
Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale
Sam Wedelich. Scholastic Press, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-338-35901-5. Ages 4-8.
A timeless favorite becomes a clever cautionary tale when a mysterious bonk to the head sends the barnyard into a tailspin.
Tara Dairman, illus. by Archana Sreenivasan. Putnam, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-525-51806-8. Ages 4-8.
The journeys of two children experiencing weather extremes in India highlight the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. The book received a star from PW.
Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring
Matthew Burgess, illus. by Josh Cochran. Enchanted Lion, $18.95 (64p) ISBN 978-1-59270-267-1. Ages 6-14.
In this picture book biography about the artist and muralist, Burgess and Cochran show how Haring’s iconic pop art and graffiti-like style transformed the NYC underground in the 1980s. The book received a star from PW.
Hiroshi Osada, trans. from the Japanese by David Boyd, illus. by Ryōji Arai. Enchanted Lion, $16.95 (32p) ISBN 978-1-59270-291-6. Ages 4-up.
Opening on a lush, green forest in the rain, this is a poetic bedtime story as told by the elements. The book received a star from PW.
Gideon Sterer, illus. by Lucy Ruth Cummins. Knopf, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-525-64806-2. Ages 4-7.
What starts with two sisters venturing out of their house turns into a rhyming romp through the neighborhood where all the kids are invited. The book received a star from PW.
Hayley Barrett, illus. by Renee Andriani. Holiday House/Ferguson, $18.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-8234-4251-5. Ages 4-8.
One resourceful girl. One determined squirrel. Great minds meet their match in this tale of persistence as they learn that compromise is a wonderful thing. The book received a star from PW.
Chema Heras, trans. from the Spanish by Elisa Amado, illus. by Rosa Osuna. Greystone Kids, $17.95 (36p) ISBN 978-1-77164-566-9. Ages 3-8.
When a loudspeaker announces a dance in the local park, Grandfather persuades Grandmother to join him as he shows his love and appreciation for her. The book received a star from PW.
Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School
Emily Jenkins, illus. by Pete Oswald. Random/Schwartz & Wade, $16.99 (224p) ISBN 978-0-525-64471-2. Ages 5-8.
This picture book follows the first hundred days in one first grader’s classroom, as he learns how to overcome first-day jitters, how to count to 100 in different ways, and more. The book received a star from PW.
Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers
Matthew Cordell. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-8234-4618-6. Ages 4-8.
In the only authorized picture book biography of Fred Rogers, Caldecott Medalist Cordell illustrates his early life and the events that led up to the creation of his enduring television show. The book received a star from PW.
Jessie Sima. Simon & Schuster, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-1-5344-4168-2. Ages 4-8.
A girl is determined to build the most excellent sandcastle to impress her older sister, but the ocean keeps knocking it down.
Minh Lê, illus. by Dan Santat. Little, Brown, $17.99 (56p) ISBN 978-136803692-4. Ages 4-8.
A magical elevator opens up entire realms of possibility for a girl, where she can escape and explore on her own. The book received a star from PW.
Tricia Elam Walker, illus. by April Harrison. Random/Schwartz & Wade, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-525-58113-0. Ages 4-8.
It’s Grandparent’s Day at an elementary school and a shy girl decides to bring her West African grandmother—whose face bears traditional tribal markings—to meet her classmates. The book received a star from PW.
Antoinette Portis. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-8234-4488-5. Ages 3-7.
Portis explores nature through riddles and bold imagery that one child encounters outdoors throughout their day. The book received a star from PW.
Patricia MacLachlan, illus. by Micha Archer. S&S/McElderry, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-4424-4191-0. Ages 4-8.
Newberry Medalist MacLachlan shares a poetic account of life of the prairie. The book received a star from PW.
Susan Vaught, illus. by Kelly Murphy. S&S/Wiseman, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-5344-0586-8. Ages 4-8.
A storm drives all the farm animals indoors except for a lonely fox family in this picture book celebrating inclusivity, acceptance, and the importance of rebuilding a community in the wake of disaster. The book received a star from PW.
Adam Rex, illus. by Laura Park. Chronicle, $16.99 (56p) ISBN 978-1-4521-6504-2. Ages 5-8.
A bird, a crab, and soon every animal in the forest who’s ever wanted someone else’s special trait, all team up to try and stop humans from destroying the forest. The book received a star from PW.
Naseem Hrab, illus. by Frank Viva. Groundwood, $18.95 (36p) ISBN 978-1-77306-108-5. Ages 3-7.
A boy spends the weekend at his father’s new apartment in this picture book about how things change when parents separate—and the important things that stay the same. The book received a star from PW.
The World Needs More Purple People
Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart, illus. by Daniel Wiseman. Random House, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-593-12196-2. Ages 3-7.
Bell and Hart offer a read-aloud that touts the importance of embracing the things that make us special and bring us together as humans.
Christian Robinson. Atheneum, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-5344-2169-1. Ages 4-8.
Robinson empathetically explores many different perspectives from around the world, encouraging readers to see how everyone is connected and matters. The book received a star from PW.
Middle Grade
Gail Carson Levine. Quill Tree, $17.99 (400p) ISBN 978-0-06-287819-9. Ages 8-12.
Newbery Honor author Carson delivers a story about a Jewish girl who travels across 15th-century Spain with her grandfather to rescue her people. The book received a star from PW.
Curse of the Night Witch (Emblem Island #1)
Alex Aster. Sourcebooks, $16.99 (352p) ISBN 978-1-4926-9720-6. Ages 8-12.
In this adventure filled with mythology and mayhem, Tor must travel to a witch to save himself from a curse. The book received a star from PW.
Chad Sell. Knopf, $20.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-9848-9471-7. Ages 8-12.
A group of young artists work together when one of their creations becomes a monster.
Margaret Dilloway. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $16.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-06-280349-8. Ages 8-12.
A shy 11-year-old girl learns to manage her anxiety through improv class, discovering her activist voice in the process.
Edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed. Amulet, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-4197-4083-1. Ages 8-12.
This short-story collection by and about Muslims celebrates the joyful holiday of Eid. The book received a star from PW.
Katherine Applegate, illus. by Patricia Castelao. HarperCollins, $18.99 (352p) ISBN 978-0-06-299131-7. Ages 8-12.
In the sequel to the Newbery Award–winning The One and Only Ivan, Ivan’s friend Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister. The book received a star from PW.
Gennifer Choldenko. Random/Lamb, $16.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-385-74255-9. Ages 8-12.
Four orphans have escaped the Home for Friendless Children, finding work and new friends at a traveling circus.
Poisoned Water: How the Citizens of Flint, Michigan Fought for Their Lives and Warned the Nation
Candy J. Cooper with Marc Aronson. Bloomsbury, $18.99 (256p) ISBN 978-1-5476-0232-2. Ages 10-up.
Cooper and Aronson trace the story of the Flint water crisis, offering a look at how the government turned away from its citizens—and the power of those same citizens who rose up to demand action. The book received a star from PW.
Joan Bauer. Viking, $16.99 (288p) ISBN 978-0-593-11320-2. Ages 10-up.
A newly orphaned girl is moving in with a half-sister she hardly knows and desperately wants a dog. As luck would have it, the chance to raise a guide dog puppy arises as she leans into the challenge. The book received a star from PW.
Sal & Gabi Fix the Universe (Sal & Gabi #2)
Carlos Hernandez. Disney/Riordan, $16.99 (432p) ISBN 978-1-368-02283-5. Ages 8-12.
In the sequel to Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, a sci-fi romp with Cuban influences, Sal and Gabi have to try to make everything right when a rogue Gabi from another universe runs loose. The book received a star from PW.
Alexandra Diaz. S&S/Wiseman, $17.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-5344-4623-6. Ages 8-12.
A boy gets detained by ICE while crossing the border from Mexico to the U.S. The book received a star from PW.
Nic Stone. Scholastic, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-338-58547-6. Ages 9-12.
When the plants that have helped the Chieftain of Wakanda gain his powers begin dying, it is up to Shuri to travel to Wakanda and discover what is killing the herb, along with how to save it.
Stepping Stones (Peapod Farm #1)
Lucy Knisley. Random House Graphic, $20.99 (224p) ISBN 978-1-984896-84-1. Ages 8-12.
Suddenly moving to the country from the city is only one of the things Jen did not want, and getting new “sisters” is at the top of that list.
Super Puzzletastic Mysteries: Short Stories for Young Sleuths from Mystery Writers of America
Edited by Chris Grabenstein. HarperCollins, $17.99 (384p) ISBN 978-0-06-288420-6. Ages 8-12.
An all-star cast of authors from the Mystery Writers of America team up for an anthology of interactive short stories where readers get to try to solve the mysteries themselves.
Mike Lupica. Simon & Schuster, $17.99 (256p) ISBN 978-1-5344-2158-5. Ages 8-12.
A young basketball player confronts the truth about his hero while grappling with right vs. wrong on and off the court.
M. Evan Wolkenstein. Delacorte, $16.99 (400p) ISBN 978-0-593-12157-3. Ages 10-up.
Seventh grade isn’t going well for Will. On top of getting bullied, he has to visit a boy in the hospital with an incurable disease. But soon Will becomes determined to help the boy complete his bucket list before time runs out.
Zoraida Córdova. Scholastic, $17.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-338-23954-6. Ages 8-12.
Córdova’s adventure novel reveals the secret warnings hidden inside all classic tales: beware fairyland at all costs.
Erin Entrada Kelly. Greenwillow, $16.99 (400p) ISBN 978-0-06-274730-3. Ages 8-12.
It’s 1986 as the nation waits for the launch of the Challenger space shuttle. Newbery Medalist Kelly follows three siblings on their own journeys as they struggle with their personal anxieties. The book received a star from PW.
Torrey Maldonado. Penguin/Paulsen, $16.99 (144p) ISBN 978-0-525-51843-3. Ages 10-up.
As a mixed kid, Stephen lives in two worlds with different rules—and he’s been noticing that strangers treat him differently than his white friends. The book received a star from PW.
Young Adult
E. Lockhart. Delacorte, $18.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-385-74479-9. Ages 12-up.
After a near-fatal family catastrophe and an unexpected romantic upheaval, teen Adelaide finds herself catapulted into a summer of wild possibility.
Kelly McWilliams. Little, Brown, $17.99 (432p) ISBN 978-0-3164-8733-7. Ages 12-up.
A girl escapes a terrifying cult run by a man who calls himself a prophet, only to discover that the world outside has succumbed to a viral pandemic. The book received a star from PW.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel)
Suzanne Collins. Scholastic Press, $27.99 (528p) ISBN 978-1-338-63517-1. Ages 12-up.
In this much-anticipated prequel to The Hunger Games, it’s the morning of the reaping for the 10th annual Hunger Games, and 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is determined to succeed at his shot of glory as a mentor, no matter the cost.
Kiera Cass. HarperTeen, $19.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-06-229163-9. Ages 13-up.
Hollis has captured the king’s heart but she soon questions if she is cut out for life as a royal. When she meets a fascinating stranger, she wonders what else is beyond the palace walls.
Dean Atta. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $18.99 (416p) ISBN 978-0-06-299029-7. Ages 14-up.
A gay mixed-race teen discovers the Drag Society and finally finds a place where he belongs—bringing about the birth of his drag persona, Black Flamingo. The book received a star from PW.
Patrick Ness. Quill Tree, $18.99 (384p) ISBN 978-0-06-286949-4. Ages 14-up.
Sarah and her father are outcasts in their town, but when a new dragon arrives with a prophecy on his mind, Sarah finds herself entangled in the prophecy’s repercussions. The book received a star from PW.
L.C. Rosen. Little, Brown, $17.99 (384p) ISBN 978-0-316-53775-9. Ages 14-up.
Rosen’s comedy critiques the culture of toxic masculinity within the queer community as a queer teen questions what it means to give up show tunes and nail polish in favor of being more “masculine.”
Elizabeth Acevedo. Quill Tree, $18.99 (432p) ISBN 978-0-06-288276-9. Ages 14-up.
This novel told in verse is about two sisters (previously unknown to each other) who are grieving the devastating loss of their father, and learning what this new bittersweet bond means for them. The book received a star from PW.
Ciara Smyth. HarperTeen, $17.99 (368p) ISBN 978-0-06-295711-5. Ages 13-up.
Two girls embark on a summer of montage-worthy dates. But soon their no-strings fling becomes something deeper. The book received a star from PW.
Andrew Eliopulos. Quill Tree, $18.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-06-288804-4. Ages 13-up.
A group of high school friends are brought together by their love of magic, but divided by confusing crushes and a dangerous underground group that wishes them harm.
Kacen Callender. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $18.99 (368p) ISBN 978-0-06-282025-9. Ages 14-up.
Stonewall and Lambda Award-winning author Callender offers a novel about a transgender teen grappling with identity and self-discovery while falling in love for the first time. The book received a star from PW.
Deb Caletti. Simon Pulse, $18.99 (368p) ISBN 978-1-5344-2697-9. Ages 14-up. A teen girl’s summer with her mother turns sinister when loyalties are called into question and she discovers her mom is involved with a dangerous art dealer. The book received a star from PW.
In Search of Safety: Voices of Refugees
Susan Kuklin. Candlewick, $24.99 (256p) ISBN 978-0-7636-7960-6. Ages 14-up.
Five refugees recount their journeys to America and the struggles that led them to flee their homelands. The book received a star from PW.
Into the Streets: A Young Person’s Visual History of Protest in the United States
Marke Bieschke. Zest, $19.99 paper (168p) ISBN 978-1-5415-7904-0. Ages 13-up.
This visual voyage of resistance throughout American history discusses the issues that drove the protests, as well as their varied aims and accomplishments.
Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz. Putnam, $18.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-9848-1201-8. Ages 12-up.
Authors Stohl and Cruz team up for a romantic retelling of Little Women starring Jo March and her best friend, the boy next door, Theodore “Laurie” Laurence.
The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea
Maggie Tokuda-Hall. Candlewick, $18.99 (368p) ISBN 978-1-5362-0431-5. Ages 14- up.
A desperate orphan turned pirate and a rebellious imperial lady have lived their lives by the rules of others. But when they fall in love they decide to take fate into their own hands—no matter the cost.
Kelly Yang. HarperCollins/Tegen, $18.99 (496p) ISBN 978-0-06-294108-4. Ages 14-up.
A modern-day immigrant story about two girls navigating wealth, friendship, and trauma as they grapple with life-altering experiences. The book received a star from PW.
The Self-Love Revolution: Radical Beauty Positivity for Girls of Color
Virgie Tovar. Instant Help, $16.95 paper (184p) ISBN 978-1-68403-411-6. Ages 13-up.
Image expert and fat activist Tovar offers a radical guide to help teen girls of color cultivate unapologetic body positivity. The book received a star from PW.
Roseanne A. Brown. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $18.99 (480p) ISBN 978-0-06-289149-5. Ages 13-up.
In this debut novel steeped in West African folklore, a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction. The book received a star from PW.
Gene Luen Yang, illus. by Gurihiru. DC Comics, $16.99 (240p) ISBN 978-1-77950-421-0. Ages 12-up.
Inspired by the 1940s radio serial “Clan of the Fiery Cross,” Yang and Gurihiru bring a personal retelling about two immigrants finding ways to belong.
True or False: A CIA Analyst’s Guide to Spotting Fake News
Cindy L. Otis. Feiwel and Friends, $19.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-250-23949-5. Ages 13-up.
A former CIA analyst unveils the true history of fake news and gives readers tips on how to avoid falling victim to it. The book received a star from PW.
Jenny Torres Sanchez. Philomel, $18.99 (368p) ISBN 978-1-9848-1226-1. Ages 14-up.
Three teens are determined to flee the poverty and danger of Puerto Barrios, deciding to make the perilous journey through the deserts of Central America to Mexico and hopefully the United States. The book received a star from PW.
Lucas Rocha, trans. from the Portuguese by Larissa Helena. Push, $18.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-338-55624-7. Ages 14-up.
The lives of three gay men in Brazil are intertwined in the face of HIV in this debut novel about overcoming prejudice and fear.
Laurie Halse Anderson, illus. by Leila Del Duca. DC Comics, $16.99 paper (208p) ISBN 978-1-4012-8645-3. Ages 14-up.
Anderson and Duca reimagine Wonder Woman’s origins as Diana becomes a refugee in an unfamiliar land, and must redefine what it means to belong and how to make a difference.
Leah Johnson. Scholastic Press, $17.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-338-50326-5. Ages 12-up.
Liz has always believed that she was too Black and too poor to shine. But when the financial aid she was counting on falls through, she must vie against the new girl for prom queen—without falling in love with her. The book received a star from PW.
