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The Best Children’s and YA Books of October 2020 Thumbnail
All Ages

The Best Children’s and YA Books of October 2020

October’s best new books are all treats and no tricks (though there’s plenty of mischief afoot — we’re looking at you, Underwear Dragon). Poignant and playful, fascinating and festive, these new releases can’t be missed.

brightly storytime
Pre-K
Growing Reader

Brightly Storytime: How to Make Friends with a Ghost

A handbook on caring for spooky specters, our new Brightly Storytime features a sweet and quirky guide to making a friend for life (and beyond)!

ordinary people
Pre-K
Growing Reader

Author Brad Meltzer and Illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos on the Heroes and Lessons We Need Right Now

Author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos discuss the new books in the Ordinary People Change the World series and what they hope kids learn from them.

latinx representation
Tween

The Importance of Latinx Representation in Children’s Literature

Author Pablo Cartaya examines the importance of Latinx representation in children's books — including within the publishing industry itself — and what it feels like to see yourself within stories.

books-celebrate-lesser-known-african-americans
Pre-K
Growing Reader
Tween
Teen

21 Books That Celebrate Lesser-Known African Americans and Their Contributions to History

These stories help celebrate just a few of the countless individuals who, without fanfare, played key roles in history.

books-for-third-graders
Growing Reader
Tween

16 Great Chapter Books for Third Graders

As third graders develop more independence and the ability to read longer and more complex stories, the world of children’s literature really opens up.

teen horror books
Teen

Surefire YA Scares: 18 of the Best Teen Horror Books

As other book trends come and go, horror is one genre that holds up over time. These scary books for teens are sure to haunt readers in all the right ways.

social emotional health
Grown-Up Reads
Tips & Advice

How to Promote Healthy Social and Emotional Skills During the Pandemic

There are steps caregivers can take at home to help kids through this difficult time. Try out these ideas to promote social and emotional health in your home.

college convo
Grown-Up Reads
Tips & Advice

How to Help Teens Choose the Right College

The authors of The College Conversation recommend parents, caregivers, and students align the qualities of a prospective college or university with what matters most to them as individuals — providing a rubric and helpful conversation starters.

socially distant halloween
All Ages

9 Fun Halloween Ideas for Kids That Go Beyond Trick-or-Treating

You can still have a memorable October 31st this year! Here are some fresh and festive ways to celebrate Halloween while staying safe and healthy.