Best of 2022: Kids Books

PICTURE BOOKS

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
From Abbe: "One can get lost in this exquisite picture book about family life."

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
Abbe says, "Charming illustrations, clever wordplay and a "brains over brawn" message make this adorable book a keeper."

Fire Chief Fran by Linda Ashman
Abbe says, "What do firefighters do all day? (They're busy.) Great rhyming read aloud."

The Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountford
From Kaley: "This book is breathtakingly beautiful, both in its gorgeous illustrations and in the gentle guidance it offers. It introduces and explores concepts of death and grief in a sensitive and accessible way. Though the subject is sad, the story ends on a hopeful note."

Night Lunch by Eric Fan
From Abbe: "This beguiling picture book combines a delicate ominous vibe with a surprising sweetness. An enchanting bedtime story (snacks required)."

Mina by Matthew Forsythe
Abbe says, "Mina is an adorable, introverted mouseling who manages to mostly overlook her eccentric dad's unusual activities until he brings home a "squirrel" who looks an awfully lot like a cat. Darling!"

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS

The Problem with Prophecies by Scott Reintgen
From Lizzy: "Very funny book about a girl who sees a prophecy that a boy in her class is going to die so she goes on a mission to save him. But unfortunately fate doesn't like to be messed with so she then has to KEEP saving him over and over. Wacky and charming."

Worser by Jennifer Ziegler
Abbe says, "Change is hard. It is agonizingly difficult for our 7th grade hero and word-nerd, 'Worser' - he is a verbally precise, slightly cynical, introvert who is looking for a place to retreat from....everything. I loved this emotional, funny story of growth and connection.

Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston
From tee: "Amari’s second summer at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs brings just as much mystery, raises the stakes even higher, and leaves the reader wanting more. Book two in many series often struggles to be as good as book one, but this sequel may very well be better than the first one. This book knocks it out of the park."

Thirst by Varsha Bajaj
Lizzy says, "Educational book about water disparity as told through the life of a 12 year old girl whose family is severely affected by a variety of issues stemming from bad water access. The community in this book is colorful and heartwarming."

Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire
From Abbe: "An enchanting tale of a young rabbit, her family and friends. Wonderful book - 'Make a Note of It!'"

TEEN BOOKS

Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
Amber says, ""Major Frankenstein vibes with a touch of romance!
A girl who wants to be a surgeon partners with a boy who steals dead bodies. Slow burn, twists and turns, Gothic feels in Scotland."

How to Date a Superhero (And Not Die Trying) by Cristina Fernandez
From Lizzy: "Fun rom-com for nerds. Astrid's boyfriend is a superhero so now Astrid has to find time in her busy schedule to go through a program on how to not die or get kidnapped by a villain. Charming and strong female character."

Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed
tee says, "It's painful, it's beautiful, it's haunting. I cannot remember ever reading a book so impactful, so relevant, and so emotionally gripping. If I had my way, everyone would read this book."

Gallant by V.E. Schwab
From Amber: "A mute girl who can see ghouls is called to her family home and must uncover the secrets within. Read if you love: Creepy houses; ghosts and ghouls; strong protagonists."

Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez
Lizzy says, "Dragons and flamenco dancers! This is a really fun alternate history of Spain fantasy."

Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch
From Abbe: "Willow and Mason meet during a summer spent in Salem, MA. They help each other find their place in the world. Funny and sweet."

Gleanings: Stories from the Arc of the Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Amber says, "Every story is a fantastic addition to the Arc of the Scythe trilogy, and I ate them up in no time at all."

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
From Lizzy: "Ruta Sepetys is the best in educational historical fiction for YA. All of her books are easy sells. This one is about a Romanian dictator and it has a romance angle and a really interesting family angle."