The Best Children’s and YA Books of November 2021
by the Brightly Editors
Cooler temperatures and shorter days have arrived, which means it’s reading weather! This month, you’ll find giggle-worthy picture books, inspiring middle grade novels, and irresistible YA books. Whether you’re looking for stories to cozy up with or you’re hunting for holiday gifts, you’ll love the books on this list.
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There’s a Ghost in This House
Available from:Oliver Jeffers + spooky = storytime perfection. If you adore Jeffers’s quirky illustrations, unique sense of humor, interactive picture books, and ghost stories, add this book to your “must-read” list! You’ll help a little girl search her house for ghosts while transparent pages make the spooks appear in every scene.
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We Are One: How the World Adds Up
Available from:We adore concept books that come with a twist. This unique counting book will pique your child’s curiosity, encourage them to ask questions, and look at the world in a new way. Wrapped in messages of hope and kindness, this story teaches children that one thing can comprise several parts.
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Calvin
Available from:Get ready to have your heart stolen by this uplifting picture book about a transgender boy. With the help and encouragement of his parents and teachers, Calvin embraces everything ordinary and unique about himself. This book is a fantastic conversation starter about kindness, acceptance, and being true to yourself.
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I Don’t Want to Read This Book
Available from:Laugh and giggle your way through this picture book about a reluctant reader from the hilarious actor Max Greenfield. You and your child will be in stitches as you read this witty story that celebrates the joy of reading. It’s the perfect read-aloud for storytime, bedtime, or anytime!
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Over, Bear! Under, Where?
Available from:This tongue-twisting book is jam-packed with fun wordplay, puns, and laugh-out-loud humor. It’s an unusual story that will tickle the funny bone while teaching readers not to let preconceived ideas impede friendship.
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Sister, Brother, Family
Available from:Fans of country music legends Willie Nelson and Bobbie Nelson will love this peek into their childhood and family life. From poverty to stardom, this nostalgic picture book celebrates the home and family that made Willie and Bobbie the iconic musicians we know today. If you love books about the good ole days, add this one to your reading list.
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You Can Be ABCs
Introduce your child to many new career options with this unique and informative ABC book based on the authors’ viral rap video. Each letter of the alphabet spotlights fascinating careers like biochemists and engineers. Your child will have an exciting answer the next time someone asks them what they want to be when they grow up.
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Dream Street
Available from:If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic story about “the good old days,” read this gorgeous picture book about the street where the author and illustrator grew up. With its stunning artwork and lyrical words, this book celebrates the people and personalities that make a neighborhood feel like home.
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The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Available from:Heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure, this picture book is a must-read. When a young girl tries to complete her family tree, she learns the task is impossible. Her grandmother tells her the truth about her ancestors, who they were, and how they came to this country.
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This Is a Gift for You
Available from:We can never get enough of Emily Winfield Martin’s soft and whimsical illustrations. From hugs to sunsets, this gorgeous picture book celebrates small gifts that come from the heart. Pair it with the author’s bestselling book The Wonderful Things You Will Be for a gift that any parent (new or experienced) would love to have.
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Uni the Unicorn in the Real World
Available from:If you loved , you need to read this follow-up story. When Uni visits her human friend, nobody else can see her because they don’t believe in unicorns. Once the other children embrace a belief in magic, they see Uni and other mythical creatures. This beautiful addition to the Uni the Unicorn series encourages children (and adults) to embrace their imaginations and look for magic in the world.
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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Stuck
Available from:Austin is socially awkward. He can’t read, and he’s the new kid at school (again). He expects this school to be the same as the rest he’s attended, but when he meets an energetic new friend who refuses to let him go unnoticed, Austin finally gets the help he needs. This beautifully written story is a must-read for fans of Wonder and Fish in a Tree.
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The Circus of Stolen Dreams
Get your fill of thrills and chills with this spooky story, now in paperback! A missing brother, stolen memories, and a world of dreams combine into an unputdownable book that kids will love. If your child likes creepy stories that keep them up late, add this one to their reading stack.
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J.D. and the Hair Show Showdown
Available from:J.D. the Kid Barber is back in his latest haircutting adventure. A successful hairstylist and business owner at eight years old, it’s no wonder that J.D. gets invited to attend a high-profile hair expo. Between collecting swag and meeting celebrities, J.D. gets the inspiration he needs to take his business to the next level.
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She Persisted: Maria Tallchief
Any reader interested in ballet or history will love this chapter book about America’s first prima ballerina. Although she faced many obstacles along the road to success, Maria Tallchief persevered and achieved her dreams. Her story will inspire young readers to reach for the stars, work hard, and stay true to themselves.
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YA
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Skin of the Sea
Available from:A West African mythology-inspired retelling of The Little Mermaid? Yes, please! Fantasy lovers craving a new adventure will obsess over this breathtaking story about a mermaid who saves a human from drowning. To escape the terrible punishment for her heroic deed, she must either appease or defeat the gods.
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Between Shades of Gray: The Graphic Novel
Available from:If you love the modern classic about a teenage girl trying to reunite her family in the Soviet Union in 1941, you’ll want to read the graphic novel adaptation. This gorgeously illustrated book shows readers how courage can carry you through terrible circumstances. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the original novel.
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Huda F Are You?
Available from:YA readers will love this charming and funny graphic novel about a girl discovering herself. When her family moves to Michigan, Huda goes from being the only girl at school wearing a hijab to one of many. Now, she doesn’t know where she fits in, and figuring it out is a complex and often hilarious process.
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