New & Noteworthy Kids' Fiction Books October 2026Like this list

20 items

• The Chime Seekers

  Montgomery, Ross (Fiction writer),

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  When an evil fairy steals Yanni's baby sister and swaps her for a changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back. Ages 9 to 12.

• Girl From the Ashes

  Brown, India Hill, 1991-

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  Everywhere Carter goes, strange things are happening. The smell of smoke hangs in the air. Sparks fly. And he hears the voice of a young girl singing a song . . . a song about burning . . . Ages 8 to 12.

• The Hidden Dominion of Geordie James

  Dawson, Mike, 1975-

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  As Geordie starts to push harder into difficult questions, he finds everything changing--his friendships, his ability to express himself, even how he plays his favorite online role-playing game, Dominion. Ages 8 to 12.

• Kestrel Takes Flight

  McCullough, Joy,

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  Kestrel's mother has gotten a job at a conservation institute, where she'll work with a special breed of dog to help make interactions between humans and bears safer. At first, Kes is terrified of the dogs. Ages 10 and up.

• Kiki and the Can

  Leguizamo, John,

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  When the citywide mural project comes to town, Kiki finds a spray can of paint, and turns the blank walls of his neighborhood into a colorful canvas that lets him express himself through his vibrant artistry. Ages 4 to 8.

• The Legend of Ban-Dal

  Yoon, Jessica,

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  In a small mountainside village, people live in harmony with nature, only taking as much as they need. But one day, a mysterious visitor tempts the villagers with a luxurious life of leisure. Ages 4 to 8.

• Level Up

  Hermon, Daka,

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  Keenan has never been on the run like this before. This new town has monsters. The students in his school seem to be under some sort of trance. And Keenan is the only one who isn't affected. Ages 8 to 12.

• The Muéganos

  Jours, Jaque,

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  Meet the Muéganos: a family so close they're stuck together like the traditional Mexican candy. Papá Muégano says it's honey that holds them. Mamá says it's love. The oldest, Julia, wouldn't have it any other way. Ages 3 to 8.

• Off the Wall

  Idle, Molly,

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  A group of kids come together to create a spontaneous work of art on a blank wall, using chalk, spilled ice cream, and a lot of imagination to turn mistakes into magic. Ages 4 to 8.

• Paloma Joins the Circus

  Ruiz-Flores, Lupe,

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  In 1939, twelve-year-old Paloma travels with la carpa, her Mexican American family's tent show, and sets out to show her father that she has what it takes to be a tightrope walker like her mother. Ages 10 to 14.

• The Pool Is Cool

  Reed, Dwayne,

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  A bounce-to-the-beat swimming story about a young son who helps his father overcome his fear of the water. Ages 4 to 7.

• Raven, Rising

  Derr, Christine Hartman,

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  Raven just moved to Bear Creek Falls, but she already hates it. A clique has it out for her, a vice principal keeps targeting her for dress code violations, and a rumor is going around that Raven is a witch. Ages 8 to 12.

• Riding Magic

  Lyons, Kelly Starling,

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  Dom wishes she were brave enough to ride a horse--if only horses weren't so huge and intimidating! Momma says it's normal to have the jitters at first, but Dom isn't sure she'll ever feel ready. Ages 4 to 7.

• Searching for Wocks

  Knisley, Lucy,

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  On a walk to the playground and back, a child keeps their eyes open for special "wocks" for their collection. A bottlecap, a twig, and many stones make it into their pocket of treasures. Ages 3 to 6.

• Shook

  Randall, Julian,

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  Shake is on his way to joining the ranks of Chicago legends like his pops and late Uncle Kenny. But when Shake fractures his ankle in a championship game, he's sidelined for the first time since his first dribble. Ages 8 to 12.

• Spendin' Time

  Gray, Gary (Gary R.), Jr.,

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  Upbeat lyricism and cheerful illustration bring to life this kid-friendly meditation on appreciating every moment--big or small--spent with the people you love. Ages 4 to 8.

• Spindlewood

  Kölsch, Freddie,

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  Lilac does not believe in ghosts. So she's rather surprised to learn she comes from a long line of gifted Seers, all of whom with the power to see, hear and communicate with spirits. Ages 8 to 12.

• Transylvania County

  Howard, Jenny, 1986-

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  A delightfully creepy adventure about a small town with secrets, the monster lurking in its shadows, and the misunderstood new kid who has to believe the unbelievable to save them all. Ages 8 to 12.

• Watermelon Pool

  안녕달,

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  A ripe watermelon turns into a village's swimming pool on a hot summer day in this whimsical celebration of imagination and summertime. Ages 3 to 8.

• Ways Papi Says I Love You

  Ruiz, Delia (Educator),

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  Maricruz and Papá drive through a ranch in Mexico on their way to the grocery store, and Papá shows her the many ways love can be expressed and received. Ages 3 to 7.