A number of children’s authors are ushering in the new year with the latest installments from their popular series. A magical power isn’t quite what it seems, the rekindling of a past flame sparks unexpected surprises, a boy comes to realize how special his eyes are, and more in our roundup of notable sequels for young readers.
Picture Books and Early Readers
Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho, illus. by Dung Ho (HarperCollins, Jan. 25 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-06-305775-3)
In this sequel to Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, a boy notices that his eyes look different from his friends’ big and round eyes. The boy realizes that his eyes are like his father’s, his grandfather’s, and his little brother’s—and they are visionary. See our profile on author Joanna Ho.
Just Help! by Sonia Sotomayor, illus. by Angela Dominguez (Philomel, Jan. 25 $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-20626-3)
Following up her picture book Just Ask!, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor takes young readers on a journey through a neighborhood where kids and adults, activists and bus drivers, friends and strangers all help one another to build a better world.
Parker Dresses Up by Jessica Curry and Parker Curry, illus. by Brittany Jackson and Tajae Keith (Simon Spotlight, Jan. 25 $4.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-665-90255-7)
Continuing the Parker Curry series, Parker is playing dress-up with her younger siblings while imagining what her life would be like if she were a doctor, a princess, or even a princess doctor—because Parker knows that she doesn't need to limit herself to being one thing.
Your Friend, Parker by Jessica Curry and Parker Curry, illus. by Brittany Jackson and Tajae Keith (Simon Spotlight, Jan. 25 $4.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-665-90258-8)
Also new in the Parker Curry series, Parker is writing to her friend, Gia, about the exciting sights she sees during her road trip. The girls realize that even though they are far away from each other, they can still be best friends.
Sniffles and Surprises by Sudipta Bardhan Quallen (Random House, Jan. 18 $5.99 paper; ISBN 978-0-593-30882-0)
In the fourth book in the Mermicorns series, Lilly is sick and unable to go to the Magic Academy or the clubhouse after school with her best friend, Sirena. But just when Lilly thinks her day is ruined, Sirena and their kitten friends have a surprise for her.
There’s a Unicorn in Your Book by Tom Fletcher, illus. by Greg Abbott (Random House, Jan. 4 $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-43476-5).
In this next installment in the Who’s in Your Book? series, one unicorn isn’t singing because a worry gremlin has crept in. Readers can help cheer the unicorn up by using their finger wand and listening to its worries in this interactive book.
Novels and Graphic Novels
Akata Woman by Nnedi Okorafor (Viking, Jan. 18 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-451-48058-3)
From the moment Sunny Nwazue discovered she had mystical energy flowing in her blood, she sought to understand and control her powers. Now in the third volume in the Nsibidi Scripts, those hard lessons and abilities are put to the test in a dangerous quest.
All My Friends by Hope Larson (FSG, Jan. 25 $12.99 paper; ISBN 978-0-374-38866-9; hardcover $21.99; ISBN 978-0-374-31163-6)
In the third book in the Eagle Rock series, when Bina and her band are offered a record deal, Bina is thrilled. Her parents are not. To make matters worse, Bina and her best friend, Austin, are still awkward around each other after their failed first date.
Ashes of Gold by J. Elle (Simon & Schuster, Jan. 11 $19.99; ISBN 978-1-534-47070-5)
In the conclusion of the Wings of Ebony duology, Rue has no memory of how she ended up locked in a basement prison without her magic or her allies. But reuniting with her friends is only half the battle. When she finds them again, Rue makes a vow: she will find a way to return the magic that the Chancellor has stolen from her father’s people.
Back on Track! by Deanna Kent, illus. by Neil Hooson (Feiwel and Friends, Jan. 18 $12.99; ISBN 978-1-250-26540-1)
The speedsters are back in the Glam Prix Racers series. It’s the second race of the Glam Prix Cup on Glittergear Island. This time the racers and their motos are off to Soft Swirl City, where they will have to navigate slippery candy tracks, collect glittergum power balls, and avoid getting caught by the Gummy Mummy.
Danger on Mount Choco by Dan & Jason (First Second, Jan. 4 $12.99; ISBN 978-1-250-25557-0)
In the third volume of Blue, Barry & Pancakes, Barry convinces Blue and Pancakes to enter an epic sundae-making contest. Blue and Pancakes just want to have fun, but Barry is in it to win it. He knows exactly how he’s going to get the trophy... but he might lose his pals along the way.
Get a Grip! We’re on a Trip! by Dan Gutman, illus. by Jim Paillot (HarperAlley, Jan. 4 $8.99 paper; ISBN 978-0-06-305448-6)
A.J. and his friends have the chance to win a trip to Dizzyland—if they can finish 5,000 books first. Dr. Carbles, the evil president of the Board of Education, doesn’t think they can do it, but the Ella Mentry School kids are nothing if not determined in this new entry in the My Weird School series.
Loveboat Reunion by Abigail Wen (HarperTeen, Jan. 25 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-06-295730-6)
In this follow-up to Loveboat, Taipei, Sophie and Xavier are friends now. They’ve left the drama behind in Taipei—at their summer program, Loveboat. But then the pair find themselves on a wild Loveboat reunion, each trying to resist the chemistry that originally led to them to combust. See our profile on Wen here.
The Monarchs by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige (Clarion, Jan. 11 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-358-09822-5)
In the conclusion to The Ravens duology, The Ravens are determined to restore balance to the world. After destroying an ancient talisman and barely saving their sorority in the process, they’ll go to any lengths to keep their secret as Westerly’s most powerful coven of witches.
Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee (Disney/Rick Riordan Presents, Jan. 4 $16.99; ISBN 978-1-368-05554-3)
In this A Thousand Worlds novel, a companion to Dragon Pearl, young tiger spirit Sebin wants nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces and captain a battle cruiser. But when Sebin's acceptance letter arrives, it’s accompanied by the shocking news that her uncle is a traitor.
The Witch’s Apprentice by Zetta Elliott, illus. by Cherise Harris (Random House, Jan. 18 $16.99; ISBN 978-0-593-42770-5)
In the third book in the Dragons in a Bag series, ever since the baby dragons were returned to the magical realm, things have been off. On top of that, Jax is hiding a secret—Vik entrusted him with a phoenix egg. Jax wants to help his friends and learn how to hatch the phoenix, but so far his lessons as a witch’s apprentice haven’t been very useful.
