September welcomes a new season and plenty of new titles to add to the bookshelf, including a picture book jaunt set in Italy, a middle grade novel about a haunted hotel, a body-switch graphic novel, and more.
Picture Books and Early Readers
Adam Rex. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-8234-5653-6. Ages 5–8. Side-splitting silliness ensues as Rex riffs on “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in this rollicking holiday read. The book received a starred review from PW.
The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah
Laurel Snyder, illus. by Leanne Hatch. Clarion, $19.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-0632-7814-1. Ages 4–8. A luminous collection of brief free verse poems follows a pale-skinned family of five through their Hanukkah celebration. The book received a starred review from PW.
Robin Wall Kimmerer, illus. by Naoko Stoop. Allida, $19.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-06332-442-8. Ages 4–8. Noticing that “everyone always had something important” going on, young Bud tells that she too wants to do something important and is surprised when she’s taken outside to appreciate nature, in this picture book debut from the author of Braiding Sweetgrass. The book received a starred review from PW.
Brian Lies. Greenwillow, $19.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-0626-7128-8. Ages 4–8. Caldecott Honoree Lies turns a cat-and-mouse tale into a handcrafted visual tour through art history in this immersive picture book. The book received a starred review from PW.
Dear Acorn (Love, Oak): Letter Poems to Friends
Joyce Sidman, illus. by Melissa Sweet. Clarion, $19.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-3583-3476-7. Ages 4–8. In 16 letter poems, Newbery Honoree Sidman imagines both sides of typewritten correspondences between unlikely pen-pal pairs, including a school and one of its bricks, a coat and a button, and a child and their toes. The book received a starred review from PW.
Carole Boston Weatherford, illus. by Frank Morrison. Crown, $18.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-593-89829-1. Ages 4–8. Boston Weatherford and Morrison reteam for this joyful celebration of food, family, and tradition. The book received a starred review from PW.
Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, illus. by Fiona Lee. Beach Lane, $19.99 (48p) ISBN 978-1-66594-837-1. Ages 4–8. Previous collaborators Garton Scanlon and Vernick highlight the importance of mindfully slowing down in this grounding account of a tree that sprouts up in the middle of a family’s residence and refocuses their priorities. The book received a starred review from PW.
Stephen King, illus. by Maurice Sendak. HarperCollins, $26.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-06-264469-5. Ages 6 and up. This splendidly chilling variation of the Brothers Grimm story is built around costume and set designs that late Caldecott Medalist Sendak produced for a Humperdinck opera. The book received a starred review from PW.
I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive
Leslie Barnard Booth, illus. by Alexandra Finkelday. Chronicle, $18.99 (44p) ISBN 978-1-79722-615-6. Ages 5–8. Assonant, rhythmic prose from Barnard Booth and gothic paintings by Finkelday work hand-in-hand to create a hypnotic group portrait of crows. The book received a starred review from PW.
Yuyi Morales. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-8234-4754-1. Ages 4–8. Emphasizing that “there is more than one/ way of doing anything,” Caldecott Honoree Morales describes tenets of living in the world with love, curiosity, intuition, and tenderness in this values-based picture book. The book received a starred review from PW.
Joshua David Stein, illus. by Mariachiara Di Giorgio. Abrams, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-9494-8055-9. Ages 4–8. Tomasso, the new kid at school, feels the weight of his father’s expectation to make new friends, and tells a lie that spirals out of control. The book received a starred review from PW.
Leo Timmers, trans. from the Dutch by Bill Nagelkerke. Gecko, $18.99 (36p) ISBN 979-8-7656-7050-7. Ages 4–6. Eric, a cautious mallard, resists joining three duck friends for a lake paddle, afraid of a large bona fide monster with horns, yellow stalk eyes, and a heap of big white teeth lurking beneath the surface. The book received a starred review from PW and was selected as a noteworthy indie book for fall.
Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold Lobel
Emmy Kastner. Viking, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-5936-9250-9. Ages 4–8. This tender look at the life of beloved children’s book creator Arnold Lobel (1933–1987) launches with a defining moment: a serious childhood illness that kept Lobel home for an entire year, and his later sense that he was “a bit of an outsider, which was often hard on the inside.”
Dan Yaccarino. Little, Brown/Ottaviano, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-3165-7456-3. Ages 3–7. Piccolo, a “very helpful” shrew sporting a jaunty scarf and cap, plans to visit his favorite spots across his Italian city. The book received a starred review from PW.
Jessie Sima. Simon & Schuster, $19.99 (56p) ISBN 978-1-6659-6608-5. Ages 4–8. The protagonist of this identity-focused picture book, a snow kid created and named “Twig” by a bunch of human children, begins their “frozen and silent” life sporting a jaunty top hat. The book received a starred review from PW.
A Spell for Disaster (The Witches of Anderson House #1)
Jennie Poh with Dave Lowe, illus. by Jennie Poh. DK, $18.99 hardcover (144p) ISBN 978-0-593-97147-5; $6.99 paper ISBN 978-0-593-96545-0. Ages 5–7. Out of practice, elderly former broomstick-flying champion Myrtle Stormwhisper struggles when she’s asked to help a child, but is encouraged by her fellow retirees to try again. The book received a starred review from PW.
Troubling Tonsils! (Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales!)
Aaron Reynolds, illus. by Peter Brown. Simon & Schuster, $13.99 (88p) ISBN 978-1-6659-6108-0. Ages 6–9. Collaborators Reynolds and Brown deliver a just-as-creepy new adventure in this satirical chapter book spin-off of the Creepy Carrots series. See our In Conversation with the creators. The book received a starred review from PW.
The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue
Elizabeth Brown, illus. by Melissa Castrillón. Chronicle, $19.99 (68p) ISBN 978-1-4521-7098-5. Ages 5–8. This picture book biography relates how Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes (1885–1954) performed an extraordinary feat of moral courage during WWII, signing thousands of visas to help residents cross the border into Portugal. The book received a starred review from PW.
Middle Grade
Gianni Rodari, trans. from the Italian by Antony Shugaar, illus. by Dasha Tolstikova. Enchanted Lion, $29.95 (248p) ISBN 978-1-59270-416-3. Ages 9–14. Wry text by Rodari presents the satirical adventures of young Cipollino (or “Little Onion”), one of seven brothers living in a whimsical world populated by anthropomorphic fruits, vegetables, insects, and animals. See Tolstikova’s conversation with fellow artist Roman Muradov about illustrating Rodari.
Jessixa Bagley, illus. by Aaron Bagley. Simon & Schuster, $24.99 hardcover (288p) ISBN 978-1-5344-9658-3; $14.99 paper ISBN 978-1-5344-9657-6. Ages 8–12. Childhood best friends Jackie and Milo struggle to acclimate to their new middle school when Jackie is bullied for her appearance. The book received a starred review from PW.
H.E. Edgmon. Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 (240p) ISBN 978-1-250-87400-9. Ages 8–12. On his 12th birthday, vampire Lux Priddy abandons his Defanging procedure, a program that turns young vampires into humans, and seeks the safety of Nox Urbus, a secret city of rogue vampires somewhere under Brooklyn. The book received a starred review from PW.
How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler: The Story of American Artistry and Deception in World War II
Rebecca Siegel. Peachtree, $19.99 (176p) ISBN 978-1-68263-758-6 Ages 10 and up. In this gripping historical exploration, Siegel recounts the seemingly implausible story of how American soldiers used theatrical subterfuge to outsmart Nazis during WWII. The book received a starred review from PW.
The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze
Derrick Barnes. Viking, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-984836-75-5. Ages 10 and up. Barnes weaves together stories of spirituality, injustice, unrealistic expectations, and police brutality into a powerful tale. The book received a starred review from PW.
Erin Entrada Kelly, illus. by Naomi Franquiz. Scholastic Press, $17.99 (240p) ISBN 978-1-5461-3243-1. Ages 8–12. In this series-starter featuring interactive digital elements, 11-year-old Lila Clement moves into the Ohio inn owned by her recently deceased grandfather, where she encounters ghosts—including the spirit of Grandpa Clem himself, who says he was murdered.
Brandy Colbert. Clarion, $19.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-063092-48-8. Ages 8–12. In this twist on The Parent Trap, sixth graders Liberty Perry and Kenya Norwood have a disastrous first meeting, and the pair’s uncanny resemblance becomes the talk of the school. The book received a starred review from PW.
Justine Pucella Winans. Bloomsbury, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-5476-1634-3. Ages 8–12. Thirteen-year-old aspiring ghost hunter Luna Catalano moves into a new home with her family, only to discover that the resident specter is decidedly unfriendly. The book received a starred review from PW.
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli
Karina Yan Glaser. Allida, $19.99 (432p) ISBN 978-0-0632-8443-2. Ages 8–12. Two tweens living in different timelines embark on parallel journeys to save their families in this absorbing magical adventure. See Yan Glaser’s conversation with her editor Anne Hoppe about their collaboration and their shared love of Chinese art. The book received a starred review from PW.
Dan Gutman. Holiday House, $18.99 (192p) ISBN 978-0-8234-5385-6. Ages 8–12. Twevle-year-old Edwin Hodge faces the surprise of a lifetime when he discovers a lost work by Pablo Picasso in this cinematic novel by Gutman The book received a starred review from PW.
Katherine Applegate, illus. by Charles Santoso. Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-250-90436-2. Ages 8–12. Haughty former street cat Zephyrina finds abandoned, down-on-their-luck toys and takes them to the apartment where she lives. At night, the family’s toy collection awakens, roaming free under Zephyrina’s watchful eye and the guidance of her best friend, stuffed teddy Pocket Bear. The book received a starred review from PW.
Laura Amy Schlitz. Candlewick, $18.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-5362-3608-8. Ages 9–12. Newbery Medalist Schlitz braids parallel story lines into a cozy fantasy that lauds the power of connection to uplift and inspire. Read about the childhood dollhouse that inspired Schlitz’s story, and her project to restore it. The book received a starred review from PW.
James Bird. Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-25036-240-7. Ages 9–12. Ojibwe author Bird infuses fantasy elements into an engrossing adventure novel about three middle schoolers becoming unlikely allies in a quest to protect an elusive white wolf. The book received a starred review from PW.
A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, a Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes Out
Nicholas Day, illus. by Yas Imamura. Random House Studio, $19.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-593-64387-7. Ages 10–14. Day and Imamura chronicle the story of Mount Tambora’s 1815 volcanic eruption in this intense accounting. References to cultural historical markers—such as the 1818 publication of Frankenstein—demonstrate major scientific and political by-products of the traumatic events. See our q&a with Day. The book received a starred review from PW.
Young Adult
Ryan La Sala. Push, $19.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-546-12587-7. Ages 14 and up. Queer, musically inclined teen Ollie Veltman is welcomed to his new home at the island of Anchor’s Mercy, but the island goes into lockdown when its overrun by Weepers, twisted, infected beings whose origins may be tied to a decades-old chemical spill. The book received a starred review from PW.
Firebird (The War Birds Cycle #1)
Elizabeth Wein. Union Square, $9.99 paper (144p) ISBN 978-1-4549-6272-4. Ages 13 and up. At the onset of WWII, Russian teen Nastia is drafted into the first all-woman aviation unit, led by renowned female pilot Marina Raskova. The book received a starred review from PW.
Alexandra Villasante. Penguin/Paulsen, $19.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-5255-1405-3. Ages 12 and up. Seventeen-year-old Sebas moves to New Gault, a city run by a privately owned technological corporation that also funds the local high school. Sebas learns from student ambassador Lu that the only way to succeed academically is to opt into TECH’s network, which grants societal privileges in exchange for constant surveillance and monitoring, which Sebas refuses. The book received a starred review from PW.
Ngozi Ukazu. First Second, $25.99 hardcover (320p) ISBN 978-1-250-17951-7; $18.99 paper ISBN 978-1-250-17952-4. Ages 14 and up. A Black teen and her white crush swap bodies in this nuanced Freaky Friday riff by Ukazu. The book received a starred review from PW.
Taylor Grothe. Peachtree, $19.99 (352p) ISBN 978-1-68263-777-7. Ages 14 and up. Cassie Davis hopes to rekindle her friendship with old friends and agrees to go on a camping trip together. But when the trip starts to fall apart, local teen Caleb comes to the rescue bringing Cassie to The Roost, where things aren’t quite what they seem. The book received a starred review from PW.
Scarlett Dunmore. Union Square, $19.99 hardcover (352p) ISBN 978-1-4549-6333-2; $14.99 paper ISBN 978-1-4549-6334-9. Ages 14 and up. Transfer student and horror move fanatic Charley finds a peer’s dead body, and the discovery becomes the first in a series of deaths that the school claims are accidents, though Charley believes them to have supernatural causes. The book received a starred review from PW.
Kalynn Bayron. Bloomsbury, $19.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-547615-86-5. Ages 13 and up. Bayron explores grief, family ties, and rebirth in this tenderhearted riff on Frankenstein. The book received a starred review from PW.
Susan Metallo. Candlewick, $18.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-5362-4035-1. Ages 14 and up. Metallo presents an intimate character study, told via blog posts, that follows an autistic theater kid’s attempts to navigate the aftermath of a friendship-ending error. See Metallo’s recent In Conversation with Jodi Meadows on girlhood and bullying. The book received a starred review from PW.
Raegan Revord. Wednesday, $20 (304p) ISBN 978-1-2503-5634-5. Ages 13 and up. New York City high school senior Avery Blackwell strikes a deal with a local British girl named Charlie: they’ll fake-date to make Charlie’s ex-girlfriend jealous, and Charlie will help Avery solve a scavenger hunt left for her by her mother. See our q&a with actor-turned-author Revord.
Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide
Pablo Leon. HarperAlley, $26.99 hardcover (240p) ISBN 978-0-06-322356-1. Ages 14 and up. In a solo debut, Leon delivers a potent graphic novel examination of the effects of the Guatemalan civil war on its people. The book received a starred review from PW.
Angeline Boulley. Holt, $19.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-2503-2853-3. Ages 14 and up. The author of Firekeeper’s Daughter delivers a propulsive mystery thriller anchored by an unforgettable protagonist and urgent commentary on both the foster care system and Indigenous child welfare. See our q&a with Boulley. The book received a starred review from PW.
Marie Arnold. Little, Brown, $19.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-316-58287-2. Ages 12 and up. Arnold wields a fantastical premise to examine the effects of systemic racism in this speculative social justice narrative. The book received a starred review from PW.
Kiera Azar. Storytide, $19.99 (464p) ISBN 978-0-06-342779-2. Ages 14 and up. When 18-year-old Lady Alissa Paine learns that her family’s magic compass is missing, she accepts the king’s invitation to participate in the Rose Season at the royal palace, hoping the theatrics surrounding the annual tradition will conceal her investigation into the compass’s whereabouts. Click here for our coverage of Azar’s debut. The book received a starred review from PW.
Hannah V. Sawyerr. Amulet, $21.99 (480p) ISBN 978-1-4197-7683-0. Ages 14 and up. Seventeen-year-old Truth’s decision to have an abortion strains her relationships, but she finds solace in writing and performing poems that speak her personal truth—until her secrets become public knowledge in a viral video clip. The book received a starred review from PW.
Chatham Greenfield. Bloomsbury, $20.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-5476-1393-9. Ages 13 and up. High school seniors and rivals Sadie Katz and Cleo Chapman must overcome years of antagonism and misunderstandings to discover who’s implicating them in a vandalism prank. The book received a starred review from PW.
Jennifer Niven. Knopf, $20.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-524713-02-7. Ages 14 and up. In this satisfying psychological thriller by the author of All the Bright Places, a group of promising young writers are plagued by death, mystery, and shocking personal revelations.
