Here we round up new and forthcoming children’s titles, including a YA coming-of-age novel following a queer track star, a picture book biography on a Swedish artist, a fantasy series addition set during a deadly competition, a magic-infused middle grade book about a witch on a quest, and more.
And Other Mistakes by Erika Turner. (Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-2508-3484-3). Black 17-year-old track star Aaliyah Marshall is forced to navigate love and high school drama after being outed as queer by a church elder. The YA book received a starred review from PW.
The Art and Life of Hilma af Klint by Ylva Hillström, illus. by Karin Eklund. Thames & Hudson, $19.95; ISBN 978-0-500-65317-3. This picture book biography highlights the career and work of the Swedish abstract artist.
The Beauty Trials by Dhonielle Clayton. Disney-Hyperion, Feb. 14, $18.99 ISBN 978-1-368-04692-3. The third novel in the Belles series sees a new Queen sitting on the throne of Orléans. To determine its next ruler, Edel, a Belle, will have to compete in the cutthroat Trials.
The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-0631-4262-6. In this retelling of Anne of Green Gables, after escaping from her orphanage, Grace discovers Miss Puddlestone and attempts to earn a position as an apprentice by performing spells. The middle grade book received a starred review from PW.
The Hidden Dragon by Melissa Marr. Penguin/Paulsen, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-525-51855-6. Twelve-year-old Otter befriends London aboard her father’s ship and together the pair must find a way home when a storm leaves them stranded in magical Netherwhere.
Miss Banks Pulls Lots of Pranks! (My Weirdtastic School #1) by Dan Gutman, illus. by Jim Paillot. (HarperCollins, $5.99 paper; ISBN 978-0-06-320691-5). Gutman’s spinoff of his My Weird School series follows A.J. and his friends as they enter the fourth grade with a new teacher whose propensity for pranks proves to be a disruption for the class.
My Flawless Life by Yvonne Woon. HarperCollins/Tegen, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-300869-4. Hana Yang’s career of covering up scandals for her fellow classmates comes to an end when her own father is featured in a public wrongdoing and her latest investigation into an old friend could unravel the city’s well-kept secrets. The YA novel received a starred review from PW.
Never Forget Eleanor by Jason June, illus. by Loren Long. HarperCollins, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-06-303962-9. When elephant Elijah’s grandmother begins to forget all her favorite things, Elijah finds a way to help her remember.
On Air with Zoe Washington by Janae Marks. HarperCollins/Tegen, $17.99; ISBN 978-0-06-321231-2. With her father released from prison, Zoe navigates keeping up with her radio show and integrating her father back into her life and community in the sequel to From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
Planning Perfect by Haley Neil. Bloomsbury, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-5476-0749-5. Asexual teen Felicity struggles with romantic complications when she meets Nancy while planning her mother’s wedding.
The Pledge by Cale Dietrich. Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $20.99; ISBN 978-1-2501-8697-3. Sam is hoping to put a horrific childhood incident behind him by joining a fraternity at his new college, but finds murder has followed him and he will do anything to protect his new brothers.
Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear by Nadine Brun-Cosme, illus. by Olivier Tallec. Random House Studio, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-48698-6. Animal best friend trio Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear do everything together except travel into the forest, until an accident helps Rabbit overcome her fear.
Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-323926-5. A case of mistaken identity leads Luxe to fall for the wrong man, whose assistance she requires to secure the financial security of her family.
Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone by Amy Hest, illus. by Philip C. Stead. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-8234-4947-7. A child considers the charms of solitude and the joys of companionship while at the beach.
Speculation by Nisi Shawl. Lee & Low/Tu Books, $19.95; ISBN 978-1-620-14959-1. A pair of magical glasses allows 10-year-old Winna Cole to speak with an ancestor who charges her with finding a relic that will free their family from a curse.
Super Pancake by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illus. by Abhi Alwar. Knopf, $10.99; ISBN 978-0-593-37847-2. Peggy the Pancake gains superpowers that allow her to protect her friends from the Bacon Bullies and defend her town against evil Dr. Breakfast sandwich.
Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues by H.S. Valley. Hardie Grant, $12.99 paper; ISBN 978-1-76050-875-3. Tim begrudgingly agrees to work with Elliot on a project for their magical school to get back at their exes, but soon develops real feelings and relationship drama. The YA book received a starred review from PW.
We Go Way Back by Idan Ben-Barak, illus. by Philip Bunting. Roaring Brook, $18.99; ISBN 978-1-250-85079-9. This picture book breaks down the beginning of life on Earth for young readers. The picture book received a starred review from PW.
When I Talk to God, I Talk About You by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins, illus. by Lisa Fields. Penguin/Flamingo, $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-52524-1. In this picture book from Emmy-nominated actor Chrissy Metz, animals spotlight all the things they pray for when they talk to God.
The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry. Clarion, $16.99; ISBN 978-0-35-867250-0. A young female warrior in the Iron Age discovers the body of the 2,000-year-old Windeby Girl and investigates its origins while coming of age in a gender-restrictive society.
For more children’s and YA titles on sale throughout the month of February, check out PW’s full On-Sale Calendar.
