Book Lists

New Early Readers, Chapter Books, & Middle Grade Books

Summer 2026

Elementary and middle school students won’t be able to put down these engaging new early readers, chapter books, and middle grade titles. 

Early Readers

A Trip with BLIP

A Trip with BLIP

Jerrard K. Polk

Meet a friendly robot who can transport you to the world of books! Part of the new Seuss Studios line of Beginner Books inspired by never-before-seen sketches by Dr. Seuss, this fun-fueled story celebrates the power of reading.

America: Our Country, Our Home

America: Our Country, Our Home

Courtney Carbone

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with this informative Step 2 Nonfiction Reader that honors the U.S.A. from its beginnings to the beautiful land it is today.

Day of the Dead: Old Ways, New Ways

Day of the Dead: Old Ways, New Ways

Melissa Seron Richardson

Celebrate El Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, with a young girl and her family in this Step 2 reader–perfect for young readers who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help!

Grumpy Monkey The Best Present

Grumpy Monkey The Best Present

Suzanne Lang

A new early reader from the world of the #1 New York Times-bestselling Grumpy Monkey about saving the best for last – and what to do when someone else’s best is your worst.

Legend of the Vampire

Legend of the Vampire

Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Alden children were searching for a home–and found a life of adventure! Embark on an exciting journey with the Boxcar Children in this Step 2 leveled reader as they investigate…a local vampire legend?! Perfect for early readers learning to read simple sentences.

Mini Golf Fun!

Mini Golf Fun!

Tasha Hilderman

Putt! Putt! It’s time for miniature golf! Join the family fun as everyone tries to get a hole-in-one. This Step 1 reader is perfect for children who know their alphabet and are eager to learn to read!

Soccer (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)

Soccer (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)

Melissa Santoyo, National Geographic Kids

Learn all about one of the most popular sports in the world—soccer!—in this fun Level 2 Reader from National Geographic Kids!

Statue of Liberty (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3)

Statue of Liberty (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3)

Laura Marsh, National Geographic Kids

Learn all about the Statue of Liberty and its surprising history in this fun Level 3 Reader from National Geographic Kids!

Chapter Books

A to Z Animal Mysteries #7: The Gecko Escape Room

A to Z Animal Mysteries #7: The Gecko Escape Room

Ron Roy, Kayla Whaley

Solve Animal Mysteries from A to Z! Inspired by Ron Roy’s A to Z Mysteries series, this exciting animal adventure mystery is perfect for budding young chapter book readers. This time, 8-year-old Abbi and her friends solve a mystery in a Gecko-themed escape room!

The Boxcar Children Graphic Novel

The Boxcar Children Graphic Novel

Gertrude Chandler Warner

The first chapter book in the beloved Boxcar Children series is now available as a full-color graphic novel! Four brave siblings were searching for a home – and found a life of adventure! See where the Boxcar Children’s story all began in this exciting graphic novel perfect for young readers.

Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Green Eggs and Ham Go Next Door

Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Green Eggs and Ham Go Next Door

James Kochalka

Dr. Seuss’s iconic, original dynamic duo is back in graphic novel form—and this time, Sam-I-Am is going to show his grumpy pal that meeting new people isn’t scary! In fact, meeting new people is how you make new friends!

Gracie Wei #3: You're So Brave, Gracie Wei

Gracie Wei #3: You're So Brave, Gracie Wei

Kristen Mei Chase

Everyone’s favorite fourth grader, Gracie Wei, is back for her third chapter book adventure, mustering up the courage to brave the haunted house with her friends and prove that she’s all grownup—for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory.

Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth: The Graphic Novel

Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth: The Graphic Novel

Barbara Park

Laugh out loud with the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling Junie B. Jones—now in graphic novels! Junie B. is in big trouble! She told everyone in Room 9 that she’d have the best job in the whole world for job day . . . only how’s she supposed to figure out what that is?!

The Legend of the Howling Werewolf

The Legend of the Howling Werewolf

Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Aldens are visiting a small town known for its harvest festival. The town is beautiful in the fall, but rumors of the harvest moon and a werewolf are keeping people away.

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic

Mary Pope Osborne

Learn about the Titanic with Jack and Annie from the Magic Tree House as they track the facts about what happened the night the ship sank—now in a non-fiction graphic novel format!

Miles and Jones #1: The Anaconda Attack

Miles and Jones #1: The Anaconda Attack

Sam Smith

Meet Amelia Miles and Shackleton Jones–just regular best friends on a totally normal day, visiting the park and battling giant anacondas. . . Wait, giant anacondas?! Strap yourselves in kids, this is one wild comic!

Pip & Pals #1: Otter Space!

Pip & Pals #1: Otter Space!

Jen de Oliveira

Pip, the otter, and her pals are ready to make a splash in this otterly endearing early graphic novel series! When a swim leaves Pip covered in mysterious green fur, her friends brainstorm the only explanation that makes sense–she must be from space!

Pizza and Taco: Scariest Sleepover Ever!

Pizza and Taco: Scariest Sleepover Ever!

Stephen Shaskan

It’s time for a super sleepover! The foodie besties and their friends are excited for a fun night of telling ghost stories! Will Pizza and Taco ever get to sleep? Find out in book #11 of the popular chapter book graphic novel series!

Pizza y Taco: ¡Locos por la lucha libre!

Pizza y Taco: ¡Locos por la lucha libre!

Stephen Shaskan

¡Prepárate para luchar con Pizza y Taco en esta divertida novela gráfica! ¡Estos mejores amigos necesitan encontrar un deporte en el que ambos sean geniales! ¿Béisbol? No. ¿Fútbol? Nooo. ¿Fútbol americano? Quizás. ¿Lucha libre? ¡Síííiíí! ¡Estos dos están listos para pelear! ¡O por lo menos ellos creen que lo están!

School for Woodland Creatures

School for Woodland Creatures

Lauren Castillo

It’s the first day of school for Hedgehog and her forest friends in this cozy classroom caper about overcoming doubts and letting your light shine, with full-color art on every page from a beloved Caldecott Honor winner.

We all have different strengths and weaknesses,
Our uniqueness is what makes us shine…

The Summer Camp Mystery

The Summer Camp Mystery

Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Boxcar Children are going to summer camp and are looking forward to a week of new friends, exciting activities, and, most of all, the annual camp Olympics. As soon as camp begins, everything begins to go wrong for the Aldens—they lose their luggage, the camp flag disappears from Henry’s cabin, and campers on the other team use one of Jessie’s ideas to score points for themselves. Are some campers so desperate to win the Olympics that they are willing to cheat?

Squishy School #1: Buddy Up!

Squishy School #1: Buddy Up!

Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

They’re teeny! They’re friendly! They’re SQUISHY! Join four squishy friends as they navigate making friends on the first day of school in this new, highly-illustrated chapter book series from the author of the Purrmaids series!

Middle Grade

Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story

Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story

Ashley Fairbanks

Created in collaboration with Race2Dinner, here’s the harrowing true story of America’s history with boarding schools, and the forced assimilation of Indigenous kids and families.

Education is a powerful tool, one that allows us to better understand the world around us. But these same tools can also be used to mislead people, and to exert control with ulterior motives.

Bubblegum Shoes: The Big Sleepover

Bubblegum Shoes: The Big Sleepover

Goldy Moldavsky

It’s Marlowe Middle School’s big sleepover, and the Bubblegum Shoes detectives must race to solve a blackmail case before lights out. From the New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Boy Band comes the second installment in this whip-smart, crime-solving series.

Crime doesn’t sleep…luckily neither do they.

Camp Frenemies: Bunkmates for Never

Camp Frenemies: Bunkmates for Never

Liz Montague

What happens when you return to summer camp only to find that eveything has changed—including yourself? From a rising star cartoonist and bestselling author comes the second book in the Camp Frenemies series, perfect for fans of Guts and Real Friends.

Casting April

Casting April

Wendy Lu

Twelve-year-old April is a talented performer who is determined to land the starring role in the school play, but no one believes she can do it because of her tracheostomy tube. A heartwarming story of friendship, identity, and the importance of chasing your dreams.

The Cat Prophecies: Claw Quest

The Cat Prophecies: Claw Quest

Nik Korpon, Jorge Enrique Paz

A thirteen-year-old boy holds the fate of his family, his neighborhood, and the world in his hands when he discovers that his cat is from a secret realm of warrior cats facing a dangerous enemy.

Dare You to Dance

Dare You to Dance

Rebecca Mock

From the award-winning illustrator of The Four Points series comes a heartfelt middle grade graphic novel about a small-town ballerina attending a prestigious dance workshop. Determined to push herself, she picks the best dancer in class to compete against—only to discover that what her rival really needs is…friendship.

The Doll House

The Doll House

D. W. Gillespie

When a boy moves into his late grandfather’s mansion, he discovers eerie spell books, creepy dolls, and strange noises. But one doll feels especially off—maybe it’s nothing, or maybe it’s…watching. This creepy middle grade read is perfect for fans of the Goosebumps series.

Fart Boy and Reeky Dog: Dino Doom!

Fart Boy and Reeky Dog: Dino Doom!

Joan Holub

On a school sleepover at the museum, massive farts bring the dino exhibits to life! Now the powerful superhero Fart Boy and his friends must stop the rampaging reptiles—and his nemesis Professor Gravypants’ evil plan—before it’s too late. A hilarious sequel from the New York Times bestselling author of Mighty Dads.

The Frog Princess and Peter Pan (or, Wendy Darling and the Secret Prince)

The Frog Princess and Peter Pan (or, Wendy Darling and the Secret Prince)

Kim Bussing

What would happen if the Frog Princess met Peter Pan, and Wendy Darling had to find her own way to Neverland? Fairy tales meet Freaky Friday in this series by New York Times bestselling author Kim Bussing, where there’s a magical mix-up for every princess!

History Smashers: The Space Race

History Smashers: The Space Race

Kate Messner

Myths! Lies! Failed satellite launches? Head to the launch pad, the History Smashers are busting the biggest misconceptions about the Space-Race, and the facts are blasting off in 10-9-8…

How to Survive in the Age of Knights

How to Survive in the Age of Knights

Jaime Joyce

You’ve been transported back in time to an age of formidable fortresses, epic sieges, and deadly diseases! How will you survive?

Do you have what it takes to dodge flying arrows shot from longbows? Or 1,000-pound stones flung at you from trebuchets? OK, maybe you’re great at dodgeball, so no sweat. But how about smaller and unseen dangers, like the deadly bubonic plague?

I Am Kylian

I Am Kylian

Kylian Mbappé

Global soccer star Kylian Mbappé inspires young readers with the behind-the-scenes story of his rise to greatness in this stunning graphic memoir—from his childhood dreams to the lessons that helped him become a World Cup champion!

Winning is incredible. But growing, learning, and daring to try again matter just as much.

Katie the Catsitter 5: Villain Con

Katie the Catsitter 5: Villain Con

Colleen AF Venable

Welcome to Villain Con! Is Katie the Catsitter actually a villain?!
Find out in this bestselling girl (and cat) power graphic novel series that’s perfect for fans of Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins, and anyone who loves cats!

Kiki and the New Magic

Kiki and the New Magic

Eiko Kadono

Join Kiki, the beloved young witch, and her clever cat Jiji in the enchanting sequel to the modern classic! This new translation will reveal more to the story that inspired the Hayao Miyazaki film, Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Kira vs. the (Not So) New Rival

Kira vs. the (Not So) New Rival

Megan Brennan

Saving the world? That’s the easy part! Dealing with crushes, friendships, being a tween, and your potentially evil ex best friend is where things get hard! Kira and Catacorn return in the exciting and hilarious new adventure in the Magic Girls series!

Listen to the Girls

Listen to the Girls

Chrystal D. Giles

When Calla finds out her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct, she decides to take action in this powerful story about growing up and speaking up, about listening to others and learning to listen to yourself. Because the more Calla listens . . . the more she realizes that maybe she has something to say too.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2027

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2027

National Geographic Kids

This New York Times bestselling, kid-favorite, parent-approved almanac is National Geographic in a book!

National Geographic Kids Science Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition

National Geographic Kids Science Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition

National Geographic Kids

Fully updated and featuring a brand-new look, this second edition of National Geographic’s bestselling Science Encyclopedia explains everything you need to know about our world and beyond, from atoms to zero gravity!

No Place on Earth

No Place on Earth

Andrea Beatriz Arango

From the Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All, comes a moving novel with a touch of magic, where two boys find themselves in each other’s dreams and slowly help one another face the real world.

Rex Rocket: Cosmic Wiener Dog

Rex Rocket: Cosmic Wiener Dog

John Gallagher

Introducing a hysterical brand new graphic novel series from the bestselling creator of Max Meow! Meet Rex Rocket, a super stretchy weiner dog who boldly ventures to a mysterious new planet with his pals to stop an angry monster. Little do they know, Rex’s boss is hoping that they’ll fail!

RV There Yet?

RV There Yet?

Suzanne Nelson

Five newly blended siblings on a wild road trip to Yellowstone—welcome to the familymoon (aka a honeymoon with the whole crew)! What starts as a disaster becomes…an even bigger disaster. But along the way in this laugh-out-loud adventure, something unexpected happens: this chaotic bunch becomes a family.

Sol Goes for Goal!

Sol Goes for Goal!

Julio Anta

It’s back to school for the Hillside Valley kids! Sol’s trying out for the middle school soccer team but will a crush on the team captain distract her from her goals? Find out in this new Hillside Valley graphic novel—filled with friendship, first crushes, and some impressive soccer skills!

Stitch Head: The Pirate's Eye

Stitch Head: The Pirate's Eye

Guy Bass

Stitch Head returns in another fantastically strange and heartfelt adventure—this time, he and his friends are drawn to the high seas by a pirate’s legend!

You haven’t truly seen the world . . . until you’ve seen it through a pirate’s eye.

Sweet Valley Twins: First Place

Sweet Valley Twins: First Place

Francine Pascal

When the snobbiest girl at Sweet Valley Middle School gets a new horse, Elizabeth is suddenly interested in being her friend and Jessica isn’t buying it. The fun and drama continues in this New York Times bestselling graphic novel series!

The Tea Dragon Festival

The Tea Dragon Festival

K. O'Neill

Dive back into the enchanting world of Tea Dragons with the beloved companion story to the two-time Eisner Award-winning graphic novel The Tea Dragon Society.


Critically acclaimed graphic novelist K. O'Neill delivers another charming, gentle fantasy story about finding your purpose, and the community that helps you along the way.


Now with added bonus content and illustrations!

Rinn has grown up with the small...

The Tea Dragon Society

The Tea Dragon Society

K. O'Neill

Welcome to the Tea Dragon Society where Greta, a young blacksmith, learns to care for a rare and magical tea dragon! This gentle fantasy from Eisner Award Winning Author K. O'Neill is an enchanting introduction to whimsical graphic novels for young readers in this special over-sized hardcover edition!

Now with added bonus content and illustrations!

When Greta discovers a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, the young blacksmith...

The Tea Dragon Tapestry

The Tea Dragon Tapestry

K. O'Neill

In the whimsical world of Tea Dragons, Greta and Minette learn about what it means to take care for the rare and delicate dragons...

Critically acclaimed graphic novelist K. O'Neill delivers another charming, gentle fantasy story about finding your purpose, and the community that helps you along the way.

Now with added bonus content and illustrations!

Over a year since being entrusted with Ginseng’s care, Greta sti...

Terrifying True Tales

Terrifying True Tales

Paige Towler

Some scary stories are more than just tall tales. This spine-tingling collection of TRUE terrors and haunting legends is perfect for Halloween—and thrills and chills all year long.

This book is not for the faint of heart…but for those brave enough, a bone-chilling, globe-trotting adventure awaits.

Treasury of Greek Mythology

Treasury of Greek Mythology

Donna Jo Napoli, National Geographic Kids

Now with a stunning metallic cover! This timeless collection of Greek myths from National Geographic introduces classic tales to a new generation through lyrical storytelling and luminous artwork.

Weird But True! Know-It-All U.S. Presidents, Updated & Expanded

Weird But True! Know-It-All U.S. Presidents, Updated & Expanded

National Geographic Kids

What’s weird about U.S. presidents? Plenty! From Abraham Lincoln’s knack for gross pranks to Benjamin Harrison’s fear of electricity, you’ll discover weird but true facts about our nation’s leaders—updated to include our most recent presidents and a special feature on presidential pets!

Weird But True! USA: Expanded Edition

Weird But True! USA: Expanded Edition

National Geographic Kids

It’s weird. It’s true. And now, it’s red, white, and blue! Explore the wonderfully wacky side of the United States of America in Weird But True! style—updated with 50 new facts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence!

Watch the RHCB Summer 2026 Preview

Watch a prerecorded conversation with the incredible author Chrystal D. Giles and her editor, Shana Corey, as they dive into Chrystal’s two upcoming books—We Are Joy, a heartwarming picture book, and Listen to the Girls, a timely middle grade novel. Chrystal effortlessly tackles important topics for young readers, making these books stand out.

After the chat, stick around for a sneak peek at all the fresh, fantastic titles coming in Summer 2026, brought to you by the RHCB School & Library team. 

Explore More Summer 2026 Titles

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Picture Books

Readers of all ages will be captivated by our outstanding new picture books perfect for reading together!

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Young Adult Books

Fantasy, romance, horror, and moreno matter what genre the teen readers in your life prefer, we’ve got you covered.

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New Paperbacks

Perfect for backpacks and beach bags alike, these new paperbacks with keep young readers engrossed and engaged all summer long.

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