If you’re a librarian, a parent, or a vacuum of all literature, this list of 15 Children’s and Young Adult books to be released in the first few months of this year will help you know what to look for among the packed shelves at your bookstore or library as you start your 2017 collection for your students, kids, or yourself!
Picture Books
1. Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
The trucks are back from Duskey Rinker’s and Lichtenheld’s bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, but in this upcoming book they’re awake and ready to work! Look for this one in your local bookstore on February 14th.
Source: Amazon
2. We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
From the acclaimed author of Wonder comes a beautifully illustrated picture book following the adventures of Auggie and Daisy. This book is set to be out March 28th.
Source: Amazon
3. Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Brian Floca
This upcoming Princess book gives readers the chance to see a Princess outside, climbing trees and getting dirty, and a crocodile inside, fooling the King and Queen.
Source: Amazon
4. Triangle by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Barnett and Klassen are a power-duo when it comes to picture books, and they’re back at it again with this sneaky shape book, due out March 14th.
Source: Amazon
5. Olivia the Spy by Ian Falconer
It’s been a few years since the last Olivia book, but Falconer’s beloved pig will return to shelves at the beginning of April.
Source: Amazon
Middle Grade
6. The Warden’s Daughter by Jerry Spinelli
If you just can’t wait for new releases, this novel already came out earlier this month and is about a girl on a quest for happiness inside prison walls.
Source: Amazon
7. Flying Lessons and Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh
Another pick for impatient readers, Flying Lessons came out earlier this month and is an anthology of short stories by hard working authors in Children’s literature such as Kwame Alexander, Matt de la Peña, Jacqueline Woodson, and many others.
Source: Amazon
8. Fish Girl by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by David Wiesner
This graphic novel is richly illustrated by Wiesner, the three-time Caldecott winning illustrator, and is accompanied by the fresh narrative that Napoli spins. Find this graphic novel in your local bookstore on March 7th.
Source: Amazon
9. Amina’s Voice by Hena Kahn
From the new publishing imprint of Simon and Schuster, Salaam Reads, comes this relevant narrative about a young Pakistani-American Muslim girl who struggles to find a place in both of her cultures. Look out for this book on March 14th.
Source: Amazon
10. The Lotterys Plus One by Emma Donoghue, illustrated by Caroline Hadilaksono
Donoghue weaves together this character heavy book about a big family who gets even bigger when their Grandfather, who’s suffering from dementia, comes to stay under their care. This book is due out on March 28th.
Source: Amazon
Young Adult
11. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
If you like to read books before they become films, then snag this politically relevant novel on February 28th, because Fox 2000/Temple Hill Productions will soon be releasing the motion picture.
Source: Amazon
12. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
The first installment in a series, this novel follows Tea, a necromancer, who struggles as her power makes her feared, and isolates her from her community. This poignant fantasy will be out on March 7th.
Source: Amazon
13. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Follow Lazlo Strange on his journey to the lost city of Weep. This epic fantasy, by the bestselling author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, will be released on March 28th.
Source: Amazon
14. Gem and Dixie by Sara Zarr
Zarr delivers a heartbreaking story about two sisters from a broken family trying to keep their own relationship from falling apart. This novel is due out on April 4th.
Source: Amazon
15. The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares
For readers who loved The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, Ann Brashares is back with a new book about family, secrets, and love. Get this long awaited novel on April 25th.
Source: Amazon
What book can you not wait to read this year?
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Featured image via Graphic Stock
