The Best Children’s and YA Books of February 2021
by the Brightly Editors
February brought some phenomenal children’s and YA stories to bookstore shelves. Whether you have small children or teenagers, you’ll find books on this list to enjoy. Fall in love with a heartfelt story from your favorite creators, dive back into a beloved series, or get lost in a memorable novel. From poignant picture books to exciting middle grade and young adult novels, here are the must-read books of the month.
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Picture Books
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Milo Imagines the World
Available from:Milo is taking a long bus ride with his sister. Along the way, he examines his fellow passengers and imagines elaborate scenarios about them—getting married, going home to pets, and living in castles. But when one of the passengers gets off at Milo’s stop, all of his assumptions are proven wrong. From the creators of the Newbery Medal winner and Caldecott Honor book, Last Stop on Market Street and Carmela Full of Wishes comes another poignant and timely picture book you won’t be able to resist.
(On sale: 2/2/2021)Also available from: -
Goodnight Astronaut
Available from:It’s time to turn out the lights and say goodnight, but where are the astronauts? They might be pulling up the covers at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space. From fighter jets to mountain tops, kids will love this story by real-life astronaut Scott Kelly about the unusual places he’s slept.
(On sale: 2/2/2021)Also available from: -
Strong as Stone
Available from:Take a trip back to prehistoric times with Stone, a little girl who loves her dad. When he falls ill, Stone is the only person in her village brave enough to travel into the mountains and find the cure. Even though the journey is full of danger, her courage and kindness help her succeed.
(On sale: 2/2/2021)Also available from: -
What’s Inside a Flower?
Available from:Feed your child’s curiosity with this stunning picture book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science. Readers will jump into the world of flowers and learn how they grow, from seed to blossom, and every step in between. The beginning of a new nonfiction series of picture books, it’s perfect for young scientists!
(On sale: 2/2/2021)Also available from: -
Rectangle Time
Available from:Kids that love books will adore this sweet and funny story told from a cat’s point of view. Storytime is the cat’s favorite time of day, and he generously helps out in every way he can. But as the boy grows older and storytime changes, the cat will have to figure out how he fits into the ritual.
(On sale: 2/16/2021)Also available from: -
My First Day
Available from:A young Vietnamese boy named An takes his wooden boat and heads to school. This book takes readers on a whimsical and adventure-filled journey through the Mekong Delta. The gorgeous artwork will capture the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike!
(On sale: 2/16/2021)Also available from:
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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Girl Stuff
Available from:Seventh grade turns into the ultimate test for three best friends. With first crushes, popularity contests, and friendship drama, these girls have a challenging year ahead. It’s a good thing they have each other to lean on. Kids that like stories about female friendships will adore this feel-good book.
(On sale: 2/2/2021)Also available from: -
Beyond Platform 13
Available from:If you’ve ever wanted to visit the world of The Secret of Platform 13 again, you’re in luck. Inspired by the classic novel, Sibéal Pounder takes readers on a quest filled with magic, adventure, and friendship. Long-time fans and new readers alike will enjoy this all-new story.
(On sale: 2/2/2021)Also available from: -
She Persisted: Claudette Colvin
If you’re in the market for an inspiring chapter book based on the true story of a teenage human rights activist, you’ll love this story. Claudette Colvin persisted through thick and thin to fight for equality and justice. Kids will learn about her life and the things she stood for.
(On sale: 2/2/2021) -
Dreyer’s English (Adapted for Young Readers)
Available from:Does your kid want to improve their writing? Whether they want a better grade in their English class or they simply love writing for fun, they need this book. From punctuation to word choice, it will help them sharpen their skills and make their writing soar.
(On sale: 2/9/2021)Also available from: -
Kingston and the Magician’s Lost and Found
Available from:Magic, mystery, and a missing dad combine into a thrilling middle grade novel that kids can’t set down. Kingston’s father was Brooklyn’s best magician until the day he disappeared. Now, magic has all but vanished from the city. Kingston must follow the clues his father left behind as he searches for a way to restore the city’s magic.
(On sale: 2/16/2021)Also available from: -
Who Was? Workbook Grade 2: Language and Reading
Available from:Give your kids more of what they love with this workbook that aligns with national common core standards. With reading passages, writing activities, puzzles, and games, this fun and educational workbook will be a hit with kids who love the popular Who Was? series. Be sure to also check out the workbooks for Grade 3.
(On sale: 2/16/2021)Also available from: -
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle
Available from:A home haircut turns into a thriving business for eight-year-old J.D. when he discovers his talent with a set of clippers. But his fortune is another barber’s loss, and J.D. has to prove he’s the best barber in town if he wants to stay open. This hilarious early chapter book is perfect for kids with entrepreneurial aspirations.
(On sale: 2/23/2021)Also available from: -
Treasure of the World
Available from:Set in the harsh world of a silver mine in Bolivia, a young girl sacrifices everything to help her family survive. When her sickly younger brother has to start working in the mines, Ana gives up her dreams to takes his place. But the mine is full of dangers that leave Ana struggling to save her family and herself. This harrowing tale will captivate kids that enjoy historical fiction.
(On sale: 2/23/2021)Also available from:
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YA
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This Is Not the Jess Show
Available from:Remember The Truman Show? This nostalgic thriller will give you a blast from the past while taking you on an adrenaline-filled ride. When Jess’s friend drops a futuristic object with an apple logo on it, she starts to suspect that her life is not what it seems. Suddenly, she isn’t sure if her life, and everyone in it, is real or if they’re all actors in a show—and she’s the unwilling star.
(On sale: 2/2/2021)Also available from: -
The Gilded Ones
Available from:If you loved Children of Blood and Bone, add this book to your “to-read” list. When Deka is labeled impure at a village ceremony, she faces a death sentence. To escape her terrible fate, Deka joins a group of near-immortal female warriors with unique abilities. She travels to the capital to fight on behalf of the emperor, but more surprises await her there. This fast-paced fantasy will keep you reading well past your bedtime!
(On sale: 2/9/2021)Also available from: -
The Wide Starlight
Available from:When you’re in the mood for a dreamy novel that will make you believe that magic still exists in the world, reach for The Wide Starlight. Ten years after her mother disappears into the Northern Lights, Eline can’t resist the rare opportunity to bring her back. She succeeds, with some unintended consequences. Legends, fairy tales, adventure, and magic make this an unputdownable story that YA lovers will obsess over.
(On sale: 2/16/2021)Also available from: -
Like Home
Nelo’s beloved neighborhood comes under national scrutiny when vandals attack the store her best friend’s parents own. With media and police promising to “fix” the area, and her best friend pushing her away, Nelo must figure out how to save the place she calls home.
(On sale: 2/23/2021) -
The Desolations of Devil’s Acre
Available from:Don’t miss the conclusion to the #1 bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series! In a fitting twist of fate, Jacob and Noor find themselves back in Grandpa’s house with no memory of how they got there. Join your favorite characters as they reunite for a final, epic adventure that will leave you breathless.
(On sale: 2/23/2021)Also available from:
