Bookshop's Favorite Books for Young Readers

Rose and her parents take a yearly summer vacation to Awago Beach, where she spends her time with her friend, Windy. However, this summer everything feels painfully different with her parents fighting and she searches for an escape. A story about the bonds of family and friendship, the ache of growing up, and summer vacations. The combination of Mariko Tamaki's melancholy and Jilian Tamaki's swooping and organic illustrations prove why This One Summer is a timeless Caldecott honoree. 

—Andrea C.

I have so much love for this series. Maggie Stiefvater creates a truly unforgettable cast of characters and world. Reading The Raven Cycle is an experience. We've got complex characters, magical realism, and codependent friendships. There are twists and turns, romance, and a house of psychics. Not to mention hunts for mythical kings who have been dead for centuries, bee allergies, dreams, storylines that keep guessing, and a whole lot more. 

—Alana

Six of Crows, my beloved. This book blew my mind with how good it is. It combines so many things I love: heists, magic, complex characters, and a ragtag team brought together by a common goal. I was immediately drawn in from the first page and could not put it down. Action-packed, funny, quick-witted, and filled with complicated relationships, readers will be on the edge of their seats throughout the entire duology. 

—Alana

This collection of short stories for teens stands out as a diversely-populated world of monster family, monster friends, monster enemies, and, yes some very compelling monster lovers. 15 authors plumb the depths of otherwordly symbolism for real poignancy and emotion, sure to pluck all the varied feelings from your heart. — Yves

I read this book every summer—I just can't let it go. With a downed sibling, an epistolary romance, and a damaged friendship at its core, Words in Deep Blue remains powerful enough to make me cry every single time, and to bring me out of grief with hope. My perfect, poignant comfort read about a little bookshop by the sea. — Yves

Badger’s Important Rock Work must take a backseat when Skunk knocks on the door of his brownstone. Yet Skunk is much more than an unwelcome distraction, and by morning has served up the first of many antidotes to Badger’s solitary grumpiness. Odd-couple stories! It’s so easy to identify with the traits of one while yearning to be more like the other. Klassen’s earthy illustrations supply the details in this frolicking tale to read aloud or together, with more adventures to come. -Michelle

Aria West had summer plans to hang with her best friends at Martha’s Vineyard. Those plans change suddenly when private images of her are leaked online, and she is forced to spend the summer with her grandmother in California. Aria’s summer plunges her into an identity search she never anticipated. Malinda Lo, the award-wining author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club, delivers another compelling contemporary queer coming-of-age story.

—Andrea C.

Always delightfully silly, Ruzzier’s early reader combines lovable characters with fun and interesting words. It’s just the book for kids who are learning to read and pronounce larger words through repetition, plus who can resist a story about saying “No!”. Recommended for kids at the beginning of their reading journey that want an exciting and ridiculous, but not too challenging read. —Eli

Anna Hibiscus is a loving, adventurous little girl living in Africa, amazing Africa, whose stories by Nigeria-born Atinuke are brought to life by Lauren Tobia's playful illustrations. Anna's escapades are funny and relatable to any small child (and any older friends reading along). Finally back in print, this fun, heart-warming series about Anna, her big, boisterous family, and her boundless curiosity is great for kids excited for all the experiences offered by this bright big world. —Jocelyn
 

It’s training day for El Toro, and he’s got a lot to cover if he’s going to smash The Wall! But sleeping in sounds so much better than training…. Although I’m no luchador, like El Toro I too cherish my sleep. Lovably silly characters, dynamic graphics, and trippy colors make this a visually rich read. By incorporating Spanish and English, this book will appeal to bilingual readers and language learners alike. — Eli