Young readers can enjoy the last days of summer with series additions including a picture book battle of restaurants, a middle grade investigation from a beloved tech genius, a YA series conclusion about a deathly deal, and more.
Picture Books and Graphic Novels
Cat on the Run in Cucumber Madness! by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic, Aug. 6 paper $7.99; ISBN 978-1-339-00092-3). In the second installment of the Cat on the Run series, Princess Beautiful has vanished into a world where her social media skills are of no use.
History Smasher: Salem Witch Trials by Kate Messner, illus. by Falynn Koch (Random House, Aug. 13 $8.99 paper; ISBN 978-0-593-70527-8). The ninth installment of the History Smashers series explores the factors that led to witch hysteria in the United States in.
It’s Not Easy Being a Ghost by Marilyn Sadler, illus. by Stephanie Laberis (Random House, Aug. 13 $10.99; ISBN 978-0-593-70290-1). The titular ghost attempts to prove that she can be scary in this follow-up to It’s Not Easy Being Santa Claus.
Little Orange Pumpkin by Erin Guendelsberger, illus. by Jennifer Zivoin (Sourcebooks Wonderland, Aug. 6 $12.99; ISBN 978-1-7282-8959-5). The latest in the Little Heroes, Big Hearts series follows Little Pumpkin, who is eager to tackle her first Halloween by herself but learns that the evening is far spookier than expected.
The Little Witch Who Lost Her Broom! by Elaine Bickell, illus. by Raymond McGrath (Flamingo, Aug. 6 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-69238-7). In a companion to The Little Witch Who Lost Her Boo, the titular witch has lost her broom and tries out other modes of transportation.
Pizza for Birds by Bob Shea (Little, Brown, Aug. 13 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-316-49445-8). In the sequel to Chez Bob, a new restaurateur forces Bob to get more creative with his recipes to save his business.
Things That Go by Shannon Hale, illus. by LeUyen Pham (Abrams Appleseed, Aug. 20 $9.99; ISBN 978-1-4197-6881-1). Kitty and Unicorn showcase the many ways one can get around town in the newest Kitty-Corn Club book.
Novels
The Church of Frendo by Adam Cesare (Harper, Aug. 20 $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-332501-2). To stop Frendo the clown from terrorizing her town even further, Quinn uncovers his cult of True Believes in the third Clown in the Cornfield book.
Drown Me with Dreams by Gabi Burton (Bloomsbury, Aug. 20 $19.99; ISBN 978-1-5476-1041-9). The Sequel to Sing Me to Sleep follows Saoirse as she leaves Keirdre to take down the border and questions if King Hayes will follow through on his promise of a new future for the kingdom.
The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements (Random House, Aug. 27 $17.99 ISBN 978-0-399-55763-7). Josh Willet investigates the past of his teacher Mr. N in the follow-up to the now-classic Frindle.
A Gallery of Rogues (The Swifts #2) by Beth Lincoln, illus. by Claire Powell (Dutton, Aug. 20 $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-53326-0). Shenanigan Swift chases a group of art thieves all the way to Paris to retrieve a stolen family painting in the second book of The Swifts series.
Ghostsmith by Nicki Pau Preto (McElderry, Aug. 13 $21.99 ISBN 978-1-66591-062-0). In the duology closer of the House of the Dead Duology series, Wren grapples with new powers ahead of a war that will put her family and world at risk.
Guardians of Dawn: Ami by S. Jae-Jones (Wednesday, Aug. 6 $20; ISBN 978-1-250-19145-8). Exiled daughter Ami sacrifices her freedom to help a Beast translate an ancient text in the second book of the Guardians of Dawn series.
Kingdoms of Life by Carly Allen-Fletcher (Eerdmans, Aug. 13 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-8028-5591-6). The latest in the Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series presents the six kingdoms of life and how they each impact the environment.
The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko (Amulet, Aug. 13 $19.99; ISBN 978-1-4197-6435-6). In this story set in the Raybearer universe, Cursebreaker Sade encounters Crocodile God who has plans for her magical abilities.
Night of the Living Head by Hanna Alkaf (HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, Aug. 27 $15.99; ISBN 978-0-06-328394-7). Tween Alia worries that rumors of a flying creature are connected to her sister’s sudden reappearance, in the second installment of the Tales from Cabin 23 series.
My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows (HarperTeen, Aug. 20 $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-293010-1). The latest in The Lady Janies series follows mermaid Mary as she’s pulled ashore and joins the pirate life, where she’s determined to become Pirate Queen at any cost.
Stinetinglers 3 by R.L. Stine (Feiwel and Friends, Aug. 27 $17.99; ISBN 978-1-250-83633-5). Stine’s book in the Stinetinglers series includes 10 haunting stories featuring a dream factory, a not-so-abandoned shack, a magician with a lot to prove, and more.
Trapped in the Horror Dome (by Matt McMann (Putnam, Aug. 6 $8.99 paper; ISBN 978-0-593-85720-5). After landing on Earth Two, Rowan, Tinker, and Amari uncover a new species that is on the hunt, in the fifth book in the Monsterious series.
Weirdest Weekend Ever! by Wanda Coven, illus. by Anna Abramskaya (Simon Spotlight, Aug. 27 $14.99; ISBN 978-1-665-94924-8). Heidi’s mortal best friend comes to visit for Friends and Family Weekend at Broomsfield Academy, in the fourth book in the Middle School and Other Disasters series.
Wisteria by Adalyn Grace (Little, Brown, Aug. 20 $19.99; ISBN 978-0-316-56938-5). In the series conclusion to the Belladonna trilogy, Blythe questions how the past of the man she’s bound herself to is connected to her true identity.
