This fall the bursting-at-the-seams middle grade comics category is fueled by a diverse cast of debut authors—plus plenty of returning favorites, including Ben Hatke and Nidhi Chanani.
Top 10
Alterations
Ray Xu. Union Square Kids, Jan. 30 ($24.99, ISBN 978-1-4549-4584-0)
Kevin lives with his family above their tailor shop in Toronto and feels out of place as one of the only Asian kids at school. He hopes a field trip to a theme park will alter his prospects. Ages 8–12.
Duel
Jessixa and Aaron Bagley. Simon & Schuster, Nov. 7 ($14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5344-9654-5)
A pair of tween sisters grieving the death of their father stage a fencing match to settle their sibling strife. Ages 8–12.
Mabuhay!
Zach Sterling. Graphix, Oct. 17 ($12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-338-73860-5)
Spirits from Filipino folklore cause trouble for two first-gen immigrant kids just trying to navigate middle school while helping their mom with the family food truck. Ages 8–12.
Mexikid
Pedro Martín. Dial, Aug. 1 ($24.99, ISBN 978-0-593-46228-7)
Martín’s memoir of growing up Latino tells his family’s story through their road trip to bring his aging abuela back from Mexico. Ages 10–14.
My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life (Nell of Grumbling #1)
Emma Steinkellner. Labyrinth Road, Sept. 26 ($21.99, ISBN 978-0-593-57066-1)
From the creator of Okay Witch, this diary-style series stars a regular human who happens to reside in a fantastical land of magic, where everyone (else) is something spectacular. Ages 8–12.
New in Town (Curlfriends #1)
Sharee Miller. LB Ink, Oct. 10 ($12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-316-59145-4)
New girl Charlie gets off on the wrong foot at school, but finds her crew in a group of other Black girls who call themselves the Curlfriends. Ages 8–12.
A Sky of Paper Stars
Susie Yi. Roaring Brook, Sept. 26 ($22.99, ISBN 978-1-250-84388-3; $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-84389-0)
A young girl folds a thousand paper stars and makes a wish with tragic consequences in this fantastical fable about family and identity. Ages 8–12.
Strikers
Kiel Phegley and Jacques Khouri. Graphic Universe, Oct. 3 ($18.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-7656-0746-6).
In 1986 Flint, Mich., it feels like the whole town’s down on its luck, but two friends on an underdog hockey team hope to turn things around. Ages 9–14.
Super Boba Café
Nidhi Chanani. Amulet, Oct. 24 ($24.99, ISBN 978-1-4197-5956-7)
Boba tea and magic kittens are a winning combination for tween readers already. Chanani (Pashmina) ups the ante with an earthquake monster and a fab San Francisco setting. Ages 8–12.
Things in the Basement
Ben Hatke. First Second, Aug. 29 ($22.99, ISBN 978-1-250-83661-8)
The first younger reader comic from Eisner winner Hatke (the Zita the Spacegirl series) follows a boy named Milo into a world beneath his basement. Ages 6–9.
Middle Grade Comics & Graphic Novels
Aladdin
Keeper of the Lost Cities: The Graphic Novel, Part 1 by Shannon Messenger, Celina Frenn, and Gabriella Chianello (Nov. 7, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5344-6336-3). In this graphic adaptation of Messenger’s bestselling Keeper series, 12-year-old mind reader Sophie finds kinship with a boy named Fitz, and they go on the run together. Ages 8–12.
Looking Up by Stephan Pastis (Oct. 10, $13.99, ISBN 978-1-66592-962-2). From the cartoonist of Pearls Before Swine and the Timmy Failure series, this hybrid prose and comics story features a quirky, often lonely little girl who battles against gentrification in her neighborhood after her favorite toy store gets demolished. Ages 8–12.
Amulet
Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space by Laini Taylor and Jim Di Bartolo (Aug. 15, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-4197-5384-8). Child genius inventor Billie Blaster battles regularly with nemesis Tiny Hector Glum, but things go too far when Billie accidentally creates a robot army that’s coming to destroy Earth. Also, there’s a pet goat and a toilet weasel. Ages 9–12.
Andrews McMeel
Skip! by Sarah Burgess (Nov. 7, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5248-7737-8). Besties bond through street skipping, a style of jumping rope, in Burgess’s graphic novel debut. Ages 8–12.
Capstone
The Doomed Spirit of La Llorona by Nel Yomtov and Jason Millet (Aug. 1, $8.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-66907-132-7). This entry in the spooky Ghostly Graphics line resurrects the legend of a regretful Mexican spirit who is rumored to have drowned her children in a fit of rage. Ages 9–12.
Clarion
All the Lovely Bad Ones: A Ghost Story Graphic Novel by Mary Downing Hahn, Scott Peterson, and Naomi Franquiz (Aug. 29, $15.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-358-65013-3). Siblings decide to drum up business at their family’s Vermont inn, which is rumored to be haunted, by pretending they’re ghosts—and scare up real spirits. Ages 8–12.
The Secret of the Ravens by Joanna Cacao (Nov. 7, $15.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-358-65011-9). Twin orphans seek help from a mage after one of the pair is poisoned in this fantasy filled with magical ravens. Ages 8–12.
Dark Horse
The Unlikely Story of Felix and Macabber by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou and Juni Ba (Oct. 24, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-50673-822-2). Rising star indie comics artist Ba (Djeliya) draws this odd-couple friendship adventure in which wee monster Felix pairs up with big guy Macabber on a journey of self-discovery. Ages 8 and up.
DC Comics
Diana and the Hero’s Journey by Grace Ellis and Penelope Gaylord (Oct. 3, $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-77950-969-7). Lumberjanes series writer Ellis spins a coming-of-age story for Superwoman set in her Amazonian homeland as the community prepares for a feast by telling myths. Ages 8–12.
Young Alfred: Pain the Butler by Michael Northrop and Sam Lotfi Gaylord (Aug. 1, $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-77950-971-0). Batman’s butler gets his own origin story, interspersed with present-day scenes of his battles against Harley Quinn. Growing up, Alfred was an orphan whose father’s dying wish was for him to serve—but being a hero’s helper takes courage. Ages 8–12.
Enchanted Lion
The Magicians by Blexbolex, trans. by Karin Snelson (Nov. 7, $34.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-59270-404-0). French artist Blexbolex (Seasons) returns with a tale of conflict between magic and order in which the world’s last three magicians come out of hiding and are chased by forces that want to eradicate all wonder. Ages 9 and up.
First Second
Hip-Hop: The Beat of America by Jarrett Williams (Jan. 2, $21.99, ISBN 978-1-250-79575-5; $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-79576-2). A young hip-hop fan named Aaliyah and her old-school dad take a trip to the Bronx, where they explore the origins of rap, DJing, beatboxing, and break dancing, in this entry in the History Comics line. Ages 9–13.
Match Point! by Maddie Gallegos (Sept. 19, $22.99, ISBN 978-1-250-78415-5; $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-78414-8). Rosie’s dad is obsessed with racquetball, and it’s driving his sports-averse kid away—but when a new player moves to town, the two girls form a friendship that might also heal the family. Ages 10–14.
Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi and Shazleen Khan (Sept. 5, $22.99, ISBN 978-1-250-79380-5; $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-79381-2). Siblings Zara and Zeeshan are always fighting, but when their parents take them to Florida on a vacation, they’re forced to call a truce to help a sick turtle. Ages 8–12.
Graphic Universe
The First Invasion (Power Button #1) by Zack Soto (Nov. 7, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-72846-294-3). Whether they’re defending Earth or attacking it from outer space, cousins Kaz and Truly and their nemesis Maximo Skulldigg are all tweens dealing with personal and family problems in between epic battles. Ages 9–14.
Graphix
Bone: More Tall Tales by Jeff Smith and Tom Sniegoski (Sept. 5, $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-338-72638-1). Smiley Bone, Fone Bone, and their ratty bud Bartleby go camping and tell (even more) tall tales, with monster cameos and a trip to the moon included, in another Bone companion volume. Ages 8–12.
Shang-Chi and the Quest for Immortality by Victoria Ying (Oct. 3, $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-338-83372-0). In this Marvel universe original graphic novel, Shang-Chi sneaks out of the grand palace of the Five Weapons Society in hopes of saving his father. Ages 8–12.
Greenwillow
Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp and Sylvia Bi (Nov. 21, $15.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-302710-7). In a Renaissance-styled city full of innovation, a printer’s apprentice and the daughter of a noble family unite in an anti-censorship effort to free an imprisoned publisher. Ages 8–12.
HarperAlley
Atana and the Firebird by Vivian Zhou (Nov. 7, $15.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-307591-7). A magical unlikely trio—a mermaid, a firebird, and a witch—are all at the mercy of the Witch Queen, who keeps tabs on their secrets. Ages 8–12.
Epic Adventure! (Lankybox #1) by Lankybox and Alex Lopez (Aug. 1, $23.99, ISBN 978-0-06-322995-2). Hugely popular YouTubers Lankybox get their own hijinks-filled comics series. First up, the gamers try to order donuts but instead get kidnapped by an evil hacker. Ages 8–12.
Heartdrum
Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen (Aug. 15, $15.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-298358-9). A Jewish Muscogee tween decides to use her bat mitzvah money to visit her dad (and his new family) back in Oklahoma and get to know her Indigenous roots better. Ages 8–12.
Hippo Park
Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes, trans. by Matt Bagguley (Sept. 19, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-66264-054-4; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-66264-057-5). Seventh grader Tuva writes—and draws—everything in her diary about the trials of becoming a teen, including musings on fashion, friendship, and a confusing crush on another girl. Ages 10 and up.
Holiday House
Stories of the Islands by Clar Angkasa (Oct. 31, $22.99, ISBN 978-0-8234-4978-1) retells a trio of Indonesian folk tales, bringing girl characters who costarred in the originals to center stage. Ages 8–12.
Holt
Doña Quixote: Rise of the Knight by Rey Terciero and Monica M. Magaña (Sept. 5, $22.99, ISBN 978-1-250-79547-2; $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-79552-6). A middle schooler in Texas dons her grandfather’s helmet to take up the glory (and folly) of the knight who swings at windmills. Ages 8–12.
Inhabit Media
Niitu and Chips: Childhood Moments by Babah Kalluk (Nov. 14, $17.95, ISBN 978-1-77227-474-5). Childhood in the arctic is lots of fun in these comic strips featuring a little boy and his best buddy, who happens to be a seal. Niitu and Chips build forts, sneak marshmallows, and goof off all day in the snow. Ages 9–12.
Iron Circus
Hex Americana by Bree D. Wolf (Aug. 29, $15 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-945820-76-2). Romance blossoms between boy and ghoul in this queer interdimensional meet-cute at the racetrack, where Ken aspires to victory in the monster derby grand prix and instead wins a reincarnated boo. Ages 10–13.
Lucky Poor by Mazie Lovie (Nov. 14, $12 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63899-125-0). In a debut graphic memoir, Lovie shares what it’s like growing up in a house built by Habitat for Humanity in Canada—that comes with a lot of strings and judgment attached. Ages 8–12.
Kane
Pizza, Pickles, and Apple Pie: The Stories Behind the Foods We Love by David Rickert (Oct. 31, $19.99, ISBN 978-1-66267-013-8). Food history, science, and culture get the comics treatment in this literally soup to nuts (and sushi and sandwiches in between) guide, which includes projects and activities. Ages 8–12.
Knopf
New Powers Every 24 Hours (The Stupendous Switcheroo #1) by Mary Winn Heider and Chad Sell (Sept. 12, $13.99, ISBN 978-0-593-42730-9). Switcheroo becomes a kid superhero when he gets out of bed with a new power—trouble is, it keeps changing every day: one morning he’s able to move things with his mind, the next he can talk to his cat. Who knew being super would be such trouble? Ages 8–12.
LB Ink
Enlighten Me by Minh Lê and Chan Chau (Sept. 19, $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-7595-5548-8). After Binh fights back against a bully, his parents take him on a silent meditation retreat, where a nun assembles the quiet children to tell them the Jataka series of tales of Buddha’s past lives. Ages 8–12.
K Is in Trouble by Gary Clement (Jan. 16, $13.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-316-46860-2) takes a unique approach to the absurdities of childhood in a series opener that reinforces a timeless message: Most adults know less than a talking beetle. Ages 7–12.
Little, Brown/Ottaviano
Hannah Sharpe, Cartoon Detective by Janet and Jake Tashjian (Sept. 12, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-316-31980-5). An aspiring Harriet the Spy, Hannah—who happens to be autistic and envisions herself as a cartoon pickle—pays very close attention to the world around her. And she’s sure that the guest in her parents’ Airbnb is hiding something. Ages 8–12.
Marble
Ellie in First Position by Brian Freschi and Elena Triolo, trans. by Nanette McGuinness (Oct. 3, $13.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-958325-00-1). Ellie’s mom is sure that joining a sports team will help her fit in at her new school—but Ellie keeps dropping the ball. And despite being clumsy, what she really wants to do is dance. Ages 9–12.
NOBROW
Supernatural Sleuth (Mason Mooney #3) by Seaerra Miller (Aug. 1, $13.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-83874-038-2) sees the return of the paranormal investigator, with another set of mysteries to be solved with just a little bit of magic. Ages 9–11.
Nubeocho
Olivia Wolf and the Moldy Sandwich by José Fragoso (Sept. 19, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-84-19253-55-2). Werewolf Olivia and her buddies (including a vampire, an invisible boy, and a regular human boy) are on the hunt for their missing teacher—and somehow a moldy cheese sandwich is involved. Ages 7–11.
Oni
Cindy & Biscuit by Dan White (Aug. 15, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-637-15214-0). Cindy has a dark imagination, but she’s not making up the strange creatures and happenings she keeps encountering in the woods of her coastal town. Luckily, her dog Biscuit’s by her side. Ages 9 and up.
Papercutz
Digital Lizards of Doom by Gabriel Valentin and Ernie Najera (Dec. 5, $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5458-1128-3). When a robot and a witch attack Dizzy Doom’s homeland, the young warrior teams up with an unlikely crew—a ninja and a cyborg cat pirate—to seek the weapon promised to bring peace to the universe. Ages 7–12.
Putnam
The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner (Jan. 30, $20.99, ISBN 978-0-593-53264-5). Stanley transfers to a new school mid-year and wishes he could disappear—which is just what happens after a science fair accident turns him and his neighbor Eugene invisible. Ages 8–12.
Random House
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library: The Graphic Novel by Chris Grabenstein and Douglas Holgate (Nov. 7, $13.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-48486-9) adapts the bestselling series into a comic. When a game designer becomes the architect of a library, he invites kids in for the ultimate literary escape room overnight party. Ages 8–12.
Tasty: A History of Yummy Experiments by Victoria Grace Elliott (Dec. 5, $13.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-42531-2). Fairy sprites flit through the history of food pairings and recipes in this comics guide that asks how cheese came to be and who pickled the first pickle. Ages 8–12.
Razorbill
Cowgirls & Dinosaurs: Big Trouble in Little Spittle by Lucie Ebrey (Sept. 5, $22.99, ISBN 978-0-593-11514-5). In Little Spittle, dinosaurs are herded by cowgirls. Aspiring detective Abigail and her own pet dino, Rootbeer, join the sheriff’s daughter to ward off the Bandit Queen from their peaceful town. Ages 8–12.
Hellaween by Moss Lawton (Aug. 8, $22.99, ISBN 978-0-593-52429-9). When wannabe witch Gwen summons up her best friends from the netherworld (which they can only exit as Halloween approaches), monster-fighter Hiro pops up to thwart their plans—and together they end up facing off against an unexpected evil. Ages 10–14.
Simon & Schuster
Silverwing: The Graphic Novel by Kenneth Oppel and Christopher Steininger (Sept. 19, $13.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-66593-847-1) adapts into comics form the tale of Shade, a silver-winged bat who gets blown off course during his family’s winter migration and meets many odd and wonderful fellows on his journey to find home. Ages 8–12.
Stone Arch
The Fantastic Freewheeler, Sixth-Grade Superhero! by Scott Brown and Molly Felder (Aug. 1, $7.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-66901-209-2). Drew Daniels uses a wheelchair to get around middle school due to cerebral palsy and has superpowers passed to him by an alien from Mars. This series opener introduces the antics of one super kid unsure whether to hide or show off his new secret skills. Ages 8–11.
TOON
Paul Bunyan: The Invention of an American Legend by Noah Van Sciver and Marlena Myles (Aug. 8, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-66266-522-6; $11.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-66266-523-3). Indie cartoonist Van Sciver brings in contributions from Indigenous artists and writers to tell the story of the logging company advertising man who spread the myth of Paul Bunyan as the country pushed west. Ages 7 and up.
Top Shelf
Rose Wolves by Natalie Warner (Nov. 14, $14.99, ISBN 978-1-60309-531-0). In this wordless comics fable, a one-armed young girl picks a rose that transforms into a wolf missing a leg, who becomes her friend and traveling companion. Ages 8–12.
You Wish by Jeff Victor (Dec. 5, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-60309-532-7). Avery helps her dad in his lonely desert gas station and yearns for something to happen and someone to hang out with—both of which arrive magically when she releases a genie from a lamp. Ages 8–12.
Union Square Kids
Bunny vs. Monkey by Jamie Smart (Sept. 5, $21.99, ISBN 978-1-4549-5032-5). After scientists launch Monkey in a spaceship that crash-lands in a forest, he thinks he’s the ruler of a whole new world. Bunny is about to teach him otherwise. Ages 8–12.
Versify
Slime Shop by Karina Garcia, Niki Smith, and Kevin Panetta (Aug. 8, $13.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-358-44644-6). The kids who make and sell slime think their business is going just fine, but they don’t know the slime comes to life soon after they ship it off to unwitting customers. Ages 8–12.
Yellow Jacket
Hour of Need: The Daring Escape of the Danish Jews During World War II by Ralph Shayne and Tatiana Goldberg (Sept. 12, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4998-1357-9) delves into the history of the everyday people of Denmark who helped evacuate their Jewish neighbors when Nazis occupied the country. Ages 8–12.
Early Reader Spotlight
These offerings for the younger kid set—ranging from artful readalouds to Dog Man–style goofy chapter books—have the potential to create lifelong comics fans.
Battle in the Backyard (Lunch Buddies #1)
Daniel Wiseman. HarperAlley, Sept. 26 ($8.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-323622-6)
A sandwich comes to life and becomes a little boy’s best buddy as magic upturns mealtime. Ages 6–10.
Call of Doody (S.N.O.T.S. #1)
David Mansch. West Margin, Nov. 7 ($13.99, ISBN 978-1-5131-4151-0)
Mayhem ensues when a snotty gamer kid gets called on to join the Superpixel Ninja Officer Tweens of Space. Ages 7–10.
Cat on the Run in Cat of Death! (Cat on the Run #1)
Aaron Blabey. Scholastic, Sept. 5 ($7.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-338-83182-5)
The creator of the bestselling Bad Guys launches a new comics series starring an internet-famous kitty criminal named Princess Beautiful. Ages 7–10.
The Craynobi Tales (Yahgz #1)
Art Baltazar. Papercutz, Aug. 1 ($14.99, ISBN 978-1-5458-1059-0; $9.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5458-1058-3)
Father and son adventurers Craybi and Crayski Craynobi battle silly foes in their quest to save the fantastical city of Yahgz. Ages 7–10.
Daddy and the Beanstalk
Andrew Weiner and Bethany Crandall. LB Ink, Nov. 14 ($12.99 board book, ISBN 978-0-316-59291-8)
Readers who’ve heard before how Jack climbed the beanstalk get another think coming with one dad’s jokey bedtime embellishments. Ages 6–10.
Day of the Living Liv (Spirited #1)
Liv Livingston. Little Simon, Jan. 30 ($9.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-66594-227-0)
A human girl moves from Pleasant Place to the haunted town of Gloomsdale to start at a spooky new school. Ages 5–9.
Fry Guys
Jannie Ho and Eric Geron. Andrews McMeel, Sept. 26 ($11.99, ISBN 978-1-5248-7943-3)
When alien onion rings attack Spudtown, it’s up to the local fries (including original, curly, and sweet potato) to fight back. Ages 6–10.
Gotta Go!
Frank Viva. Toon, Sept. 5 ($18.99, ISBN 978-1-66266-507-3)
New Yorker illustrator Viva takes on the pressing issue of how to hold in one’s pee when there’s no bathroom nearby. Ages 5–7.
I Am a Dinosaur (Super Magic Boy #1)
Jarod Roselló. Random House Graphic, Oct. 3 ($10.99, ISBN 978-0-593-42778-1)
Hugo loves to pretend, so why not become a dinosaur with all the requisite smashing and crashing? Ages 4–8.
Keep It Up, Plucky Pup (Zooni Tales #1)
Vikram Madan. Holiday House, Oct. 10 ($13.99, ISBN 978-0-8234-5357-3)
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award honoree Madran serves up a new rhyming comics series featuring a puppy who lost a shoe. Ages 5–8.
The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand
Matthew Gray Gubler. Amulet, Sept. 26 ($19.99, ISBN 978-1-4197-7122-4)
The actor turned children’s storyteller returns with a tale about friendship, empathy, and understanding. Ages 6 and up.
The Racc Pack
Stephanie Cooke and Whitney Gardner. Simon & Schuster, Jan. 23 ($13.99, ISBN 978-1-66591-493-2)
Three raccoon siblings live large while scavenging garbage bins for tossed-out grub. Ages 7–10.
Skeleanor the Decomposer
Emily Ettlinger. Penguin Workshop, Aug. 8 ($12.99, ISBN 978-0-593-51944-8)
A skeleton looks to find her beat before the Little Casketon Summer-shine music fest. Ages 6–9.
Science and Sustainability
Middle schoolers gravitate to science-based graphic novels and nonfiction, where facts are made accessible through comics storytelling. Climate change and animal rights are rallying points for some of these new releases, while others simply encourage young readers to marvel at the wonders of the universe.
Frogs: Awesome Amphibians
Liz Prince. First Second, Oct. 24 ($12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-26886-0; $21.99, ISBN 978-1-250-26885-3).
Indie cartoonist Prince (Tomboy) hops up to the lily pad to illustrate all manner of trivia about the amphibians, and how they transform from tadpoles to full-grown frogs, in this entry in First Second’s Science Comics line. Ages 9–13.
Oliver’s Great Big Universe
Jorge Cham. Amulet, Sept. 26 ($15.99, ISBN 978-1-4197-6408-0)
Aspiring astrophysicist Oliver first has to get through sixth grade, but he is determined to make his way by learning—and teaching readers—everything he can about the universe, from the big bang and black holes to why the planet Mercury and the lunchroom’s meatballs are awfully alike. Ages 8–12.
Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant
Trang Nguyen and Jeet Zdung. Dial, Oct. 3 ($23.99, ISBN 978-0-593-40673-1)
The creators of the Eisner-shortlisted Saving Sorya return with another endangered animal tale, this one featuring a young Vietnamese conservationist who rescues an abused elephant. Ages 8–12.
Soccer Robots vs. Battle Robots (The Robot Makers #1)
Podoal Friend and Hong Jong-hyun. Graphic Universe, Oct. 3 ($15.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-7656-0750-3)
A soccer fan joins a new club at school and is surprised to find out it’s actually robot-soccer—between scoring goals and taking corner kicks, he learns the history and science of robotics. Ages 9–14.
Super Space Weekend: Adventures in Astronomy
Gaëlle Alméras, trans. by David Warriner. Greystone, Oct. 3 ($14.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-77840-109-1)
Three animal friends gather in a treetop observatory to gaze at the night sky, taking readers on a trip through the galaxy and its creation. Ages 7–12.
Team Trash: A Time Traveler’s Guide to Sustainability
Kate Wheeler and Trent Huntington. Holiday House, Aug. 1 ($22.99, ISBN 978-0-8234-5227-9)
The latest installment in Holiday House’s Books for a Better Earth line finds an unlikely duo sent back through time to learn about recycling and sustainability efforts across decades—but time is running out
as they zoom ahead to their plastic-polluted future. Ages 10–14.
Wildfire
Breena Bard. LB Ink, Sept. 5 ($12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-316-27765-5)
When Juliana’s home is destroyed by wildfire, her family must relocate from rural Oregon to Portland in this coming-of-age story that delves into the causes and repercussions of climate change. Ages 8–12.
The summaries of the books Enlighten Me and K Is in Trouble have been updated for clarity.
