Here we round up new and forthcoming children’s titles including a first day of school story, a picture book biography of Dr. Fauci, a sci-fi series launch, and more.

Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School by Emily Jenkins, illus. by Pete Oswald. Random/Schwartz & Wade, $16.99; ISBN 978-0-525-64471-2. This warm, funny early chapter book introduces Brooklynite Harry Bergen-Murphy on the eve of school’s opening day, as he laments the “too-short haircut” that will make him “the eariest kid in first grade, probably.” The book earned a starred review from PW.

Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor by Kate Messner, illus. by Alexandra Bye. Simon & Schuster, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-66590-243-4. In straightforward prose, Messner (the History Smashers series) offers a picture book biography of Dr. Anthony Fauci, showing the support and love the doctor got from his family as well as his ability to relate to people, gifts that grounded his professional success as an adult. Back matter includes information about how vaccines work and vaccine safety, and “Dr. Fauci’s five tips for future scientists.

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta. Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-250-26950-8. In this YA science fiction series starter, quippy exchanges among the inclusive cast bring a levity that balances their grim realities, and the cliffhanger ending suggests that a deeper political conspiracy will unfold in the sequel.

Unforgotten: The Wild Life of Dian Fossey and Her Relentless Quest to Save Mountain Gorillas by Anita Silvey. National Geographic Kids, $28.90; ISBN 978-1-4263-7186-8. Employing lush, full-color photographs of gorillas and rainforest-covered mountains, and informative sidebars on related themes, this is a visually compelling treatment of primatologist Fossey.

Every Day, Chemistry by Julia Sooy, illus. by Bonnie Pang. Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-250-76869-8. In this picture book, a parent and child discover that chemistry isn’t something that requires test tubes and goggles, demonstrating through easy-to-grasp examples as the family moves through their day.

The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad. HarperCollins, $16.99; ISBN 978-0-06-290805-6. Wishingrad explores the nature of privilege and the dangers of generational bias in this fantastical middle grade debut with a strategic chess-like game at its center.

For more children’s and YA titles on sale throughout the month of June, check out PW’s full On-Sale Calendar.