The Best Children’s and YA Books of October 2018
by Keith Rice
October’s best new releases feature beautiful and engaging picture books, thought-provoking middle grade reads, and fantastical YA page-turners. Here are our top picks for the month of October.
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Picture Books
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Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
The story of Alexander Hamilton is front and center in American pop culture, but what about the equally fascinating story of his extraordinary wife, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton? Eliza, who lived for 50 years after the death of Hamilton, founded an orphanage, raised funds for the Washington Monument, and worked tirelessly to keep her husband’s legacy alive. This biography provides an introduction to one of American history’s fascinating and oft-overlooked figures.
(On sale: 10/2/2018) -
My Mixed Emotions
Available from:Feelings can be difficult for our little ones to understand and process. This bright and engaging picture book from DK is a perfect way to familiarize children with four major emotions (anger, fear, happiness, and sadness), why we feel them, and how to process them.
(On sale: 10/2/2018)Also available from: -
Baby Feminists
Available from:This timely lift-the-flap board book is a fun and informative way to introduce your budding feminists to a host of feminist icons. From Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Frida Kahlo to Mae Jemison, this delightful picture book is wonderful way to teach your little one about change-making feminists and how everyone can help make the world a better place for all genders.
(On sale: 10/2/2018)Also available from: -
Carmela Full of Wishes
Available from:Carmela is finally old enough to join her big brother when he runs family errands. What follows is a poignant slice of life in Carmela’s community. Carmela Full of Wishes is a beautiful, evocative tribute to family, home, and hope.
(On sale: 10/9/2018)Also available from:
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Middle Grade
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9 from the Nine Worlds
Following the conclusion of the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard trilogy, Rick Riordan is taking readers back to the Nine Worlds for a bit of humor and adventure. With Magnus off visiting his cousin Annabeth, it’s up to his motley group of friends to outwit a group of meddlesome gods and murderous creatures. For children lamenting the close of Magnus Chase’s adventures, this is the perfect remedy.
(On sale: 10/2/2018) -
Anthology of Intriguing Animals
Available from:Anthology of Intriguing Animals is a perfect gift for your wildlife-loving young reader. The book is filled with fascinating information, extraordinary photos, and lush illustrations of more than 100 species. This exploration of the animal kingdom is sure to teach your child new facts about creatures they already know and introduce them to some new favorites along the way.
(On sale: 10/2/2018)Also available from: -
The Perfect Secret
This sequel to The Perfect Score continues the adventures of a group of students at Lake View Middle School. With seventh grade just beginning, Gavin, Natalie, Randi, Scott, and Trevor are in for a year of secrets, unexpected challenges, and all the rewards and complexities of budding adolescence. From highs and lows of school sports to family drama and discovering one’s identity, The Perfect Secret is a thought-provoking and entertaining reading experience.
(On sale: 10/9/2018) -
How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World
Available from:In this adaptation of his adult book by the same name, bestselling author Steven Johnson explores the innovations, unexpected discoveries, and accidental genius that have shaped our modern world. How We Got to Now presents the fascinating and often interconnected stories of the innovations that have changed the way people live. It’s a perfect read for the curious and STEM-minded middle grade reader.
(On sale: 10/16/2018)Also available from:
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Young Adult
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Map of Days
Available from:The fourth novel in Ransom Riggs bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series moves the action to America with a new story arc. The peculiar world seems to be safe now, and Jacob has returned to Florida with Miss Peregrine and her Peculiar Children in tow. Unfortunately, the discovery of a secret bunker belonging to Jacob’s grandfather plunges the group into a new, dangerous mystery.
(On sale: 10/2/2018)Also available from: -
Bridge of Clay
Available from:Bestselling author Markus Zusak brings his storytelling prowess to this sweeping saga of five brothers struggling against their family’s sordid history. When the Dunbar boys discover the secret behind their father’s disappearance, their already chaotic lives are once again upended. At the center of the revelation young Clay Dunbar sees a way forward, a bridge to mend his family. It is a story equally as inventive, thought-provoking, and heartfelt as Zusak’s beloved contemporary classic, The Book Thief, and it’s not to be missed.
(On sale: 10/9/2018)Also available from: -
Crown of Thunder
Available from:This sequel picks up where Beasts Made of Night left Taj, a talented sin-eater caught up in a dark conspiracy within the walled city of Kos. As Crown of Thunder opens, Taj has escaped Kos but is still firmly in the sights of Queen Karima, who will stop at nothing to track him down. With his life, as well as the lives of the citizens of Kos, hanging in the balance, Taj must connect with his heritage and master new magic if he has any hope for survival in this grim, Nigerian-inspired fantasy.
(On sale: 10/16/2018)Also available from: -
The DC Icons Series Boxed Set
This boxed set of the bestselling DC Icons series is a great introduction to three iconic DC heroes (well, one of those is often on the other side of the equation). Written by three major authors of contemporary YA sci-fi and fantasy, these tales featuring Batman, Wonder Woman, and Catwoman are the perfect way to share both your love of comics and sci-fi/fantasy with your young adult reader.
(On sale: 10/23/2018)
