There are so many upcoming releases for Fall in the children’s and middle grade genres that choosing just a few to feature on the blog was a painstaking process. But I have managed to narrow it down to a handful of titles that have piqued my interest for one reason or another. So, here it is, the list of children’s and middle grade titles I am most excited about for Fall!
August
The List by Patricia Forde
From Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Age range 10-14
Synopsis:
Letta is the apprentice of the Wordsmith in the mysterious city of Ark, where speech is only permitted when using five hundred approved words. The exception to this rule is the Wordsmith and Letta, the keepers of all languages, who collect and archive words. When Letta realizes that language and speech may disappear forever if not for her, she embarks on a courageous journey to save words, language, and culture from becoming extinct.
Appeal:
To me, this book is about sending a message about censorship and the dangers that arise from restricting speech. The synopsis reminds me of Lois Lowry’s The Giver, in which memories were being suppressed instead of speech. While post-apocalyptic is not one of my favorite genres, this one sounds worth the read. The List released on August 1, 2017.
Karma Khullar’s Mustache by Kristi Wientge
From Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Age range 8-12
Synopsis:
Starting middle school is scary and nerve-wracking enough without throwing into the mix things like broken friendships, a death in the family, and a change in parenting roles at home. But that is what Karma Khullar is dealing with as she prepares to become a middle schooler. And to top it all off, she has discovered that seventeen hairs have taken up residency on her upper lip. How will she ever survive this new, hairy world of middle school?!
Appeal:
This book sounds like a great read for little girls who are becoming young ladies. Things are changing, big things like school, old friendships, and now their bodies. This book sounds like an entertaining read that would have me laughing out loud and nodding along at the all-too-true struggles of growing up. For me, the synopsis is reminiscent of Judy Blume reads, and I’m anxious to check this one out. Karma Khullar’s Mustache releases on August 15, 2017.
September
Click’d by Tamara Ireland Stone
From Disney Book Group
Age range 9-12
Synopsis:
At a summer camp designed for kids interested in computer coding, Allie designs the totally awesome Click’d app, which sends users with common interests on a fun scavenger hunt to find each other. Click’d is a hit and Allie is sure she will beat out her rival, Nathan, for top prize at the youth coding competition. But when Allie discovers a glitch in her app, she must figure out a way to fix it without releasing private user names, data, and secrets.
Appeal:
This book appeals to me for a couple of reasons. 1) It’s from Disney Book Group and I have long been pleased with their titles in the middle grade and YA genres. They do a good job with publishing relevant titles that are engaging and convey a strong, positive message. 2) I love that the main character is a young girl who is interested in computers and coding. Too often, female leads are given the “pretty” roles of aspiring beauty queen or princess or something else based on looks or finding a prince. While I love Disney princesses and have nothing against fairy tales, this young lady becomes known for her intelligence and computer coding abilities. I like that! Click’d releases on September 5, 2017
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers, Illustrated by Shawn Harris
From Chronicle Books
Age range 6-9
Synopsis:
Her Right Foot is a picture book for young readers, ages 6-9, which explains the story of the Statue of Liberty. The book follows her story all the way back to France and explores where she came from, what she symbolizes, and why she is always taking one step forward.
Appeal:
This looks like it would be a great introduction to the story of the Statue of Liberty for kids who may not be familiar with her yet, or those who might recognize her but would like to learn more. It is a fully illustrated picture book and seems to focus less on Lady Liberty’s history and more about her message. I am excited to give this one a read. I love books that make important topics accessible to young children. Her Right Foot releases on September 19, 2017.
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
From Feiwel & Friends
Age range 8-12
Synopsis:
From Newbery Medal winner Katherine Applegate, author of The One and Only Ivan and Crenshaw, comes a new story about Red. Red is an old oak tree who has watched over her neighborhood for a long time. She has served as a “wishtree” for the people of the neighborhood who like to write their wishes on cloths and tie them to her branches. She has served as a shelter for her animal friends seeking a safe haven. Everything is well in Red’s neighborhood until a new family moves in, stirring things up. Suddenly, Red’s wisdom and knowledge as wishtree are needed more than ever.
Appeal:
This book has the appeal of magical realism, a genre I enjoy, and Red sounds to me like a combination of The Giving Tree and Grandmother Willow from Disney’s Pocahontas. Reading a story from the perspective of the wise, old oak tree is certainly an original idea, and I’m excited to see where the story goes and what lessons will be taught through Red’s experience and wisdom. Wishtree releases on September 26, 2017.
October
Satellite by Nick Lake
From Knopf Books for Young Readers
Age range: Teen
Synopsis:
Satellite is a sci-fi novel about three teens who have never set foot on Earth. Leo and twins Orion and Libra were born and raised on a space station named Moon 2. Their entire lives have revolved around training and preparation for journeying to, and surviving on, Earth. Can Leo and his friends leave the secluded space station and survive life on Earth with billions of other people? Is there really a way to prepare for a completely unpredictable life on a completely unpredictable world?
Appeal:
Satellite sounds appealing to me because it’s a sci-fi novel which I have read described as “The Martian for teens.” The idea of space exploration and living outside of Earth is fascinating to me. This novel sort of reverses that idea by having Leo and the twins live in space and have Earth exploration. I am intrigued by this book and excited for it to release. Satellite releases on October 3, 2017.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
From Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Age 9-12
Synopsis:
Morrigan Crow has is rough. She’s cursed – born on the unluckiest day to be born, blamed for everything bad that happens, and doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday. Basically, she miserably awaits her fate. Until mysterious Jupiter North appears and takes her away to a secret, magical city called Nevermoor, where she may compete in four trials to earn herself a permanent place in this mysterious city. If she fails, she’ll have to leave Nevermoor and return to her cursed existence. Will Morrigan find a way to break her curse once and for all?
Appeal:
I have heard about this book for quite some time now, and I am getting more and more excited as the release date grows closer. This book sounds like an adventure for Harry Potter fans, filled with magic, mystery, challenges to be overcome, and self-discovery. October 31st can’t come soon enough this year!
And there you have it, my list of what’s on my radar for newly released and upcoming reads in the children’s and middle grade genres. Have you heard of any of the books on this list? What books are you most looking forward to this fall?
Happy Reading!
– Kait
Kait's Bookshelf
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