The Best Kids’ & YA Books of 2026 (So Far)

A tiny-but-mighty mouse faces down an incoming storm to protect her home. Even though she’s small enough to fit into a teacup, the Outermost Mouse is smart, strong, and brave — and ready to face the wild waves. A tribute to courage and the rugged beauty of Cape Cod from Newbery Honor-winning author Lauren Wolk.

A fresh and fascinating picture book biography about the iconic magician Harry Houdini, an avid book collector who lived and breathed the idea that books are magic, from the author of Caldecott Honor book The Noisy Paint Box.

Mei Mei is a little bunny with a big dream. She wants to make the world happy with her music! Her first recital at the H’Opera House is approaching, and she’s been practicing harder than any bunny ever has. But the butterflies in her stomach flit and flutter. When Mei Mei plays the wrong note in front of everyone, will she be able to find the melody to make it right?

Every other book was written in the past. But this book? This book was written in the future. Turn the pages to get a glimpse at the world of tomorrow and its unexpected words, strange social customs, and mind-blowing colors! This certified crowd-pleaser is one that your kids will want to read again and again!

It’s time to leave the house, but … where are the keys?? As Daddy rummages through the mess, he hands a water bottle to his toddler and says, “Hold, please.” This accidental request turns into an adventure when the child wants to hold … EVERYTHING! A funny, heartwarming picture book about a father and his child’s boundless curiosity that reminds us what’s important to hold onto in life.

This delightfully clever keepsake picture book is full of visual tricks and rhyming reveals to inspire wonder while making you chuckle — brought to life by an Oscar-nominated animator and based on his seven-year-old son’s original idea and drawings!

Now I See Summer is one in a unique quartet of board books that playfully shows the changing seasons from a kid’s point of view. In summer, the tree has full green leaves, the sky is blue, a sweet treat is ice cream, and the perfect hat shades you from the sun. Now I See Summer celebrates all the wonderful things about the season!

Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet gorgeously illustrates the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver for the first time in picture book form. Introducing her unforgettable words to children for the very first time, Goldfinches fills the reader with wonder for the beauty around them and gratitude for the ability to bear witness to it.

The empowering story of a little girl named Dom overcoming a big fear with the help of her family and a horse named Magic. Lyrical text and stunning light-filled paintings beautifully capture the touching bond between Dom and Magic as Dom gains the confidence to ride, reassuring readers that everyone tries new things at their own pace.

Everybody has tantrums (kids and moms) in this tender yet funny picture book about an especially impossible-to-put-on pair of shoes — from the New York Times bestselling author Julie Fogliano and three-time Caldecott Honor winner Marla Frazee, creator of The Boss Baby.

Standing by the hedge that divides them, two children wonder what the people on the opposite side are like. They’re not like us, one child insists. The other child wonders: How are they different? Can they fly? Do they have tentacles? Or are they human? And if so, do they think and feel? Maybe, just maybe, the people here and the people there are not so different after all. Others is a thoughtful exploration of how our assumptions can prevent us from connection and a beautiful reminder that we are all human beings living together on this earth.

Not every child learns by sitting still and staying quiet. Some kids learn by jumping and tapping their feet. Others by building, drawing, or making a joyful mess. However they learn, all kids deserve to feel proud of and confident in themselves! This book celebrates the many brilliant and beautiful ways kids take in the world, helping them feel seen, supported, and loved.

One kind act. One spark of bravery. One big idea from someone nobody expected. In this beautifully illustrated collection, you’ll meet twelve real people from America’s past — some famous, most not — whose choices changed the course of history. We Are Mighty celebrates courage, character, and the idea that the smallest step can create ripples we can’t yet see.

In the latest middle grade speculative novel from Spontaneous author Aaron Starmer, Roman follows the twisted threads of bizarre family legends and magical secrets to write his own chapter in this peculiar family narrative.

Since the United States won independence in 1776, African Americans have contributed greatly to the nation’s culture, politics, economy, and landscape. Black excellence, however, has too often been overlooked. Black Hands celebrates the countless contributions of African Americans — from building the White House, birthing jazz, and landing a man on the moon to pushing for social justice.

Three middle school students embark on a quest to find a book that may just save their lives in this spectacular novel about fate and friendship. As events escalate, past and present intersect, fate and friendship collide, and secrets spread like wildfire. Together, these friends must face the future … even, and especially when it’s so uncertain.

For fans of Race to the Sun and the Aru Shah series, this epic fantasy adventure inspired by Indigenous American mythology follows a band of misfit children who must pull off an impossible heist in order to save the world! This thrilling and heartwarming fantasy shows the importance of teamwork, respect for nature, and believing in yourself.

At the beginning of seventh grade, Luna knows who she is: An observant, quiet girl who loves writing and making zines with her best friend, Scott. But when one of their zines takes off, Luna is somehow swept up into the popular group and learns just how much of herself she’s going to have to compromise to stay there. Will she give up her writing? Her best friend? What about her own beliefs about who she is and what she stands for?

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series comes an epic new fantasy set in a world where children bond with a spiritual guide — some promising greatness and glory, while others, destruction and death.

England, 1919. Alyce — with a Y — is sent to live with her grandmother, the original Alice, after having lost her father in war. When a mysterious invitation to a tea party hits her square in the face, Alyce realizes that her grandmother’s strange stories of a place called Wonderland might have some truth to them after all … An enchanting adventure through Wonderland, Alice with a Why is both a celebration of Lewis Carroll’s beloved original story and a modern masterpiece.

Aku has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. It’s easier to picture life among the stars than deal with the bully at school — or the pain of his grandfather’s mysterious disappearance. But when a strange space helmet shows up in his basement, Aku is pulled into something far bigger than he ever imagined. With the help of his best friends and a few unlikely allies, Aku must dream bigger than ever before, find the courage to lead, and discover that bravery isn’t about having no fear — it’s about rising above it.

The first book in a fresh, uplifting series about a young girl learning to find joy again through the love of an unexpected horse. From two-time Newbery Honor-winning author and bona fide horse lady Kimberly Brubaker Bradley comes a beautiful and authentic horse series, sure to transport any reader who’s ever felt lost and wished to be found.

Cat, Sofia, Ana, and Mari are best friends. Nothing, nada, can break their bond. When Cat’s mom scolds them for their loud cackling at the bookstore, calling them a bunch of chismosas — gossips — the name sticks. Cat creates The Chismosas Only Book Club, giving the girls a way to stay connected as they begin high school. Brimming with whimsy and heart, and woven with black-and-white graphic novel chapters, this enchanting book celebrates the magic of friendship, the embrace of ancestors, and the power of stories to hold us together.

Meet Gracie Wei — a go-getting fourth grader who’s determined to win it all at her school’s spelling bee competition! Gracie has studied hard, there’s just one problem — well, person — in her way. And her name is Elena Yarberry, who’s had it out for Gracie since kindergarten. Can Gracie finally beat Elena? In a day full of ups and downs, Gracie will learn what it truly means to be special and that winning may be different from what she expected.

Your favorite hilarious best friends are BACK and ready to celebrate Gnome’s 133rd birthday in the second installment of this early graphic novel series. Put on your party hats and join these funny friends as they come up with an entirely new holiday, make an unexpected birthday wish, and try to jazz up their exercise routine. But no matter the occasion, these two will always have something special to celebrate: Each other.

From beloved Academy Award-winning Hollywood star Goldie Hawn and New York Times bestselling author Lin Oliver comes an inspiring series about friendship, community, and the power of kindness, encouraging readers to take breaks and deep breaths as they read along!

What happens when a girl who keeps her heart underground meets a boy with his head in the stars? In this swoony and heart-rending romance, the award-winning author of A Heart in a Body in the World and Honey, Baby, Sweetheart beautifully captures the kind of love — and loss — that changes you forever.

Lyria has been on the run from the human kingdom of Verdinae for as long as she can remember. She’s an elf born with magic — a double offence in a kingdom determined to eradicate both. But when she finds a human boy being attacked by a deadly monster in the forest, Lyria risks everything by using magic to save him. She doesn’t expect this boy to survive, and she definitely doesn’t expect him to be the crown prince. Offered a position at the palace as the royal apothecary, Lyria seizes the chance to control her unwieldy magic. But beneath the palace lies a darkness far more dangerous than any secret. Lyria will uncover a hidden world that could change everything and she must decide who to trust and how much she’s willing to risk for a love that was never meant to be.

A young reaper hunter must conspire with her enemy to uproot the ancient evil that threatens her world. Full of relentless twists, enemies-to-lovers romance, found family, and high-stakes action, Shadow Reaper is the start of a breathtaking new duology from international bestselling author Lynette Noni.

One hundred years have passed since the last heir of Gyldan fell into eternal slumber and doomed the once-mighty kingdom to poverty and invasion. At least, that’s what the fairy tales claim … A lush and immersive queer “Sleeping Beauty” retelling about escapism, grief, and dreaming of a better world, as imagined by YouTube star Cindy Pham.

A decade ago, the Kingdom of Night began the war against the Kingdom of Rivers, ravaging the lands and releasing mó — beautiful, ravenous demons — to roam free, drinking the souls of mortals. Now the mó have made it beyond the magical wards of the immortal realm — the Kingdom of Sky — and will not stop until the entire world falls to darkness. The epic sequel to The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, continuing the dark and opulent fantasy saga of demons, dangerous magic, and forbidden love as Àn’yīng fights to save her kingdom from destruction.

Young World is a renegade thriller about Benton Young, a high school senior, elected President of the United States, sparking a global revolution of young leaders. When these young leaders convene at their first summit in Sweden, they face the monumental task of setting a new course for history. But the first night, their unity is shattered when a leader is murdered in cold blood … and Benton is the only suspect. Hunted by enemies young and old, he must untangle a deadly web of secrets, betrayal, and power plays — while the future of the world hangs in the balance.

An unforgettable young adult murder mystery set in an escape-room themed game show filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for. From bestselling authors Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss comes a twisty thrill-ride that will take readers on an exhilarating hunt to uncover secrets, conspiracy, and cold-blooded murder.

The daughter of a notorious serial killer races to solve the crimes of her family’s twisted past — before it’s too late — in this highly anticipated young adult thriller from the pen name of Elle Kennedy, New York Times bestselling author of the Off Campus series!

A Korean American former child actress decides to branch out and stand out in order to pursue her newfound love — stand-up comedy. Here’s another hilarious novel from the author of Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim and What’s Eating Jackie Oh?.

Destiny can’t count on anyone but herself. Her mother has struggled with addiction for all of Destiny’s life, moving them from town to town, bad boyfriend to bad boyfriend. But Destiny’s mother is newly sober and stable. And Destiny is falling in love. Destiny never believed in happily ever after, but that doesn’t stop her confidence from fraying when the first guy she ever trusted casually shatters her heart. Spiraling hard, she tells a tiny, desperate lie to buy herself a moment of hope. But as the lie grows and the pressures tangle, she gets lost in her own deception, and the line between truth and fantasy starts to blur …