Given the abundance of riches out this season, getting our Fall Preview middle-grade selections down to a paltry 30 involved some tough choices; suffice to say, every title here is a winner.
Tell Me a Story, Please by Kyoko Hara, illustrated by Kazue Takahashi, translated by Alexandrea Mallia (Museyon, Sept. 1): In this Japanese import, first grader Yuka can’t find anyone to read to her, so she reads to herself—and attracts the attention of several curious animals. Like others in the Forest Friends series, this one exudes whimsy and joy.
The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander (Little, Brown, Sept. 27): This stirring verse novel opens in the Asante Kingdom in 1860 when it’s a British colony. Eleven-year-old Kofi loves swimming and his grandfather’s storytelling. But unimaginable changes are coming. Kofi wonders, “what am I supposed to do / when my dreams drown? // When the door / to the last sliver of hope / is sealed?”
Oh, Sal by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow Books, Sept. 27): With his latest tale centered on the Miller family, Henkes follows 4-year-old Sal as she copes with a new baby, an irritating visiting uncle, and a lost Christmas present. With respect and empathy for his young audience, the author keenly understands that seemingly low-stakes drama can feel overwhelming to children.
Ways To Share Joy by Renée Watson, illustrated by Andrew Grey (Bloomsbury, Sept. 27): Ryan Hart has enchanted tweens since readers met her in Ways To Make Sunshine (2020), and her many fans will adore her newest outing, which sees her dealing with a host of problems, from taking part in a prank war with her brother to juggling friendships to being teased—all of which she manages with the support of those who care about her.
Undercover Latina by Aya de León (Candlewick, Oct. 11): This gripping page-turner follows Andréa Hernández-Baldoquín, who might be only 14 but has been tapped for her first solo undercover mission for the Factory, which helps people of color worldwide. Able to pass as White, Latina Andréa must befriend the son of a White supremacist who has gone into hiding and is plotting violence.
Buzzkill: A Wild Wander Through the Weird and Threatened World of Bugs by Brenna Maloney, illustrated by Dave Mottram (Henry Holt, Oct. 11): In an entertaining guide to the insect kingdom, Maloney instills in readers an appreciation for and curiosity about these varied and important—but largely underappreciated—creatures. Enhanced with eye-catching illustrations, this comprehensive overview written in a chatty and conversational style is filled with fascinating information and details the critical roles insects play in our ecosystem.
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Ani Bushry (Amulet/Abrams, Oct. 18): Marya’s parents have never let her have a birthday party, but this year she’s set on hosting a henna party that will rival the shindig thrown by her wealthy neighbor Alexa. Marya is an intensely relatable tween coming into her own while coping with family drama and frenemy angst.
Piece by Piece: How I Built My Life (No Instructions Required) by David Aguilar and Ferran Aguilar, translated by Lawrence Schimel (Amazon Crossing Kids, Oct. 25): David, a young man from Andorra, used LEGO bricks to build a prosthetic arm, achieving fame for his ingenuity. In this frank, engaging work, co-authored by David and his father and translated from Spanish, readers learn about what it was like growing up with a limb difference and the impact of his family’s support.
Mahnaz Dar and Laura Simeon are young readers’ editors.
