Here we round up new and forthcoming children’s titles, including a magically charged middle grade based on Slavic mythology, a new installment in a series featuring an inquisitive problem solver, a YA romance starring a K-pop idol, a graphic novel highlighting the history of swimming, a picture book for truck lovers, and many more.
The Castle of Tangled Magic by Sophie Anderson. Scholastic Press, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-338-74621-1. In this middle grade novel drawing on Slavic myth, 13-year-old Olia’s formerly royal family dwells in Castle Mila, whose rooms are filled with magical history. But when the magic of the castle threatens to break through, Olia must travel to the Land of Forbidden Magic to save her home and prevent a catastrophe. The book earned a starred review from PW.
Ada Twist and the Disappearing Dogs by Andrea Beaty, illus. by David Roberts. Abrams/Amulet, $12.99; ISBN 978-1-4197-4352-8. In the fifth installment of the Questioneers series, the beloved pets of Blue River Creek are disappearing and it’s up to Ada to lead a fact-based investigation to get to the bottom of this conundrum.
Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho. Hyperion, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-368-06464-4. Elena Soo is not going to prom, or so she thought until her former best friend turned K-pop idol Robbie returns to Chicago with a grand promposal and the hope to fulfill their childhood promise of going together. As her feelings grow stronger, Elena questions if she can let go of her need to anticipate every problem and trust this new version of Robbie, who has millions of fans across the globe.
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas. HarperAlley, $12.99; ISBN 978-0-06-305676-3. Although Bree would prefer land-based activity, her friendship with an enthusiastic swim team member and inability to get into a different class land her in Swim 101. Following a near-drowning, Bree begins to learn confidence in the water, while discovering the history of segregation’s generational impact on the aquatic sport. The graphic novel earned a starred review from PW.
Trucks on Trucks by Sorche Fairbank, illus. by Nik Henderson. Greenwillow, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-06-284209-1. A profusion of trucks hits the highway in this picture book depicting the varying size, colors, and purposes of the titular vehicle.
Something Happened to My Dad: A Story About Immigration and Family Separation by Ann Hazzard and Vivianne Aponte Rivera, illus. by Gloria Felix. APA/Magination Press; $16.99; ISBN 978-1-4338-3944-3. Following the disappearance of her father, Carmen discovers that he has been detained for his status as an undocumented immigrant, and through community support, Carmen learns that nothing can break the bond of family.
Gideon Green in Black by Katie Henry. HarperCollins/Tegen, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-0629-5573-9. Detective enthusiast Gideon gets to put his skills to the test when a former friend requires his help to investigate a slew of nonviolent crimes in their town. But when the two discover a dead body, the stakes are inevitably raised as Gideon races to unravel the truth.
Practice Girl by Estelle Laure. Viking, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-35091-1. After learning that boys consider her a “practice girl,” good for physical trysts but unworthy of dating, Jo examines the difficult realties of the company she keeps in her life and defying the harmful label.
Lily Leads the Way by Margi Preus, illus. by Matt Myers. Candlewick, $17.99; ISBN 978-1-536-21403-1. Among bigger boats, tall-masted but diminutive sailboat Lily may be just the right size to help others make their way out of the harbor.
Build by Red Nose Studio. Random House/Schwartz, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-37611-9. In this a picture book featuring 3D models, machines of varying sizes and colors are hard at work to put together something impressive.
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-06-306023-4. After managing to keep the betrayal of being outed away from her mother, Yamilet’s transfer to a new school gives her the opportunity to conceal her queer identity. However, with new responsibilities, her school’s homophobic curriculum, a budding relationship with another queer student, and the tense relationship with her mother, keeping her identity a secret may be more difficult than expected.
Celia Planted a Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden by Phyllis Root and Gary D. Schmidt, illus. by Melissa Sweet. Candlewick, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-0429-2. This picture book biography highlights the achievements of New England artist and poet Thaxter.
Home Is Where the Birds Sing by Cynthia Rylant, illus. by Katie Harnett. Beach Lane, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-534-44957-2. Traveing through differing dwellings, this picture defines home as more than just one place.
The Dinky Donkey by Craig Smith, illus. by Katz Cowley. Cartwheel, $8.99 board book; ISBN 978-1-338-81532-0. This sequel, now in board book format, introduces the Wonky Donkey’s daughter and her own comedic behavior.
Ali and the Sea Stars by Ali Stroker, illus. by Gillian Reid. HarperCollins, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-06-301571-5. Ali, who uses a wheelchair, realizes her dream of being a theater-world triple threat, and stages a production to showcase her talents, in this picture book by Tony Award-winner Stroker.
See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon. Simon & Schuster, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-6659-0192-5. Forced to relive an embarrassing first day of school in a Groundhogs Day-esque loop, aspiring journalist Barrett and classmate Miles discover that they may have more in common than they thought. The YA novel earned a starred review from PW.
Peach Rebellion by Wendelin Van Draanen. Knopf, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-37856-4. In this novel set in post WWII California, Ginny and Peggy’s friendship disregards class boundaries, much to the disapproval of their families. Together they come up with a plan to help Ginny’s struggling financial situation and give them both a new sense of freedom.
For more children’s and YA titles on sale throughout the month of May, check out PW’s full On-Sale Calendar.