Best New Books for Kids and Teens in December 2025

Sparkles for Sunny by Sylvia Chen, unwell. by Thai My Phuong

Sunny is worked up to rejoice Lunar Close to 12 months together with her household, however she’s not as enthusiastic in regards to the matching qipáo clothes she and her sisters will put on. For as soon as, Sunny want to stand out in one thing that’s simply her fashion—however considered one of her household’s guidelines is “don’t waste something.” Can she give you an answer that makes everybody completely satisfied?

Purchase it: Sparkles for Sunny

How We Love by Kati Douglas and Ashley Jefferson

Present youngsters all of the alternative ways we present love to at least one one other, from listening and sharing to hugging, dancing collectively, and extra. That includes images of actual households, siblings, and associates, this board ebook is the right match for preschool and kindergarten school rooms that worth range and kindness.

Purchase it: How We Love

Paper Chase by Julia Donaldson, unwell. by Victoria Sandøy

James and Ginger spend a beautiful afternoon taking part in collectively after her paper airplane lands on his open ebook, all underneath one large stunning tree. However when Ginger seems to be for James underneath that tree once more, she finds a shock as an alternative—the tree has been lower down! Comply with the tree’s journey and study the way it’s made into the paper that can in the future unite the 2 new associates as soon as extra.

Purchase it: Paper Chase

The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson, unwell. by Reggie Brown

This distinctive new center grade ebook tells the story of a 600-year-old snowman and a 10-year-old lady. Blessing is coping with bullies at college and mother affected by extreme despair at dwelling. In the meantime, the unusually lengthy winter has trapped Albert in England, although by now he ought to have melted and reappeared elsewhere on the earth. Can the 2 assist one another discover options to their issues?

Purchase it: The Snowman Code

The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle, unwell. by Jo Rioux

In Fifties London, Caro loves her uncommon life with two mothers and a beloved white rabbit. However a collection of occasions upends her world, sending Caro to dwell briefly with a stern great-aunt. Whereas unpacking her suitcase, she discovers a beneficial stolen portray that quickly has artwork thieves on her tail. With the assistance of her uncommon assortment of associates, Caro should discover a solution to return the portray and restore her life to regular.

Purchase it: The Stolen Songbird

Seven All Alone by Kirsty McKay

Ten years after surviving a childhood kidnapping, Maggie Atkins reluctantly joins a faculty journey to the identical mountains the place it occurred—alongside the chums who as soon as deserted her. When a storm traps them and a mysterious determine begins looking them down, Maggie realizes the nightmare she thought was over has solely simply begun. Teenagers who love thrillers gained’t be capable to put this one down.

Purchase it: Seven All Alone

The Gentle Years Between Us by Shannon Ok. English

Seventeen-year-old Will Arrex, a sheltered noble destined to inherit her father’s energy on the Eden house station, shocks everybody by becoming a member of the lethal Lottery that sends youths into house to seek for liveable worlds. Pressured to pilot a ship alongside her rival Paige Tarrant, Will uncovers a devastating secret: Their mission was by no means meant to return dwelling.

Purchase it: The Light Years Between Us

Rising up in an “influencer” household, Rosalie’s days are a collection of on-camera moments—a lot of which don’t even precisely seize her life. Rosalie is bored with it and starting to fret about her (and her youthful sister’s) bodily and psychological security. However reclaiming her life means discovering the bravery to take drastic motion on this new novel in verse.

Purchase it: This Trauma Is Sponsored

The Spectacular House Loop by Javi de Castro

Cosmo takes an incredible journey to different planets when his new jetpack malfunctions. As he travels from place to put, he encounters a collection of enjoyable new environments and associates. However the true magic of this artistic graphic novel occurs when a magician casts a spell to ship Cosmo again dwelling—to complete the ebook, readers flip it the wrong way up and expertise it once more from again to entrance! (Grades Ok–2)

Purchase it: The Spectacular Space Loop

The Case of the Heartbreak Heist by Christee Curran-Bauer

The Non-public Pigeon Detectives are again! Within the newest entry within the collection, they need to determine who’s stealing all of the baking instruments from the city’s Valentine’s Day baking competitors. Might the groundhog who refused to reply his door on February 2 have one thing to do with it? (Grades 1–4)

Purchase it: The Case of the Heartbreak Heist

Calamity Earlier than Jane by Noah Van Sciver

As a member of the Buffalo Invoice Wild West present, Martha Jane Cannary gained fame as Calamity Jane. Study extra in regards to the story of her life on- and off-stage on this intriguing new graphic nonfiction ebook, and discover out whether or not the legend of Calamity Jane is greater than only a tall story. (Grades 3–7)

Purchase it: Calamity Before Jane

Quincredible: A Higher World by Rodney Barnes, illustrated by Selina Espiritu

Within the newest entry on this teen superhero collection, the indestructible Quincredible should resolve the thriller of the contaminated water provide of his hometown, New Orleans. This disaster hits near dwelling—his mom is a type of made sick and hospitalized. Quinton continues to be one of the crucial likeable superheroes on the market, thriving with the assist of his household and associates. (Grades 9+)

Purchase it: Quincredible: A Better World

By means of the Telescope by Charles R. Smith Jr., unwell. by Night Monteiro

When younger Mae Jemison first appeared by way of a telescope, it began a journey that might culminate in her turning into the primary Black feminine astronaut. This nonfiction image ebook explores what Mae might need seen, and shares the ideas of a younger lady studying in regards to the wonders of house. (Grades pre-Ok to 2)

Purchase it: Through the Telescope

The Wonderful Technology by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Value, unwell. by Cynthia Yuan Cheng

Jonathon Haidt’s ebook The Anxious Generation addressed the sharp rise in teen psychological sickness lately. Now he’s again with a ebook aimed particularly at tweens, educating them sensible methods to take care of at the moment’s distinctive challenges, together with the overuse of screens. It is a must-read for any child about to get their very own cellphone and/or social media account, or those that really feel overwhelmed and anxious earlier than they’ve even began highschool. (Grades 4–7)

Purchase it: The Amazing Generation

Abolition and the African American Story by Patricia Williams Dockery

By the mid-1800s, African Individuals had spent centuries shaping the nation’s economic system and tradition, even because the query of their rights threatened to divide it. Throughout the Civil Warfare and Reconstruction, their battle for freedom and equality performed out throughout battlefields, houses, and political arenas—with younger folks taking part in key roles in redefining what it meant to be American. (Grades 5–8)

Purchase it: Abolition and the African American Story

The Present of Phrases by Peter H. Reynolds

Followers of The Phrase Collector can be thrilled with this new story of Jerome’s seek for inspirational vacation phrases. When these phrases grow to be more durable to seek out than he anticipated, he decides that this time, it’s his flip to share his assortment of fantastic phrases with the entire city! 

Purchase it: The Gift of Words

Dasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares

The beautiful cowl of this new image ebook evokes the magical story inside. Dasher the reindeer desires nothing greater than to provide her new polar bear pal George the flexibility to fly, however it appears his paws are destined to stay on the bottom. Except, after all, Santa Claus can discover a solution to make George’s dream come true! (Grades pre-Ok to 2)

Purchase it: Dasher and the Polar Bear

The Guide of Candles by Laurel Snyder, unwell. by Leanne Hatch

In eight evocative poems, one for every night time of Hanukkah, this ebook shares the traditions of the Jewish winter vacation by way of one household’s eyes. The household enjoys traditions previous and new, like household meals and adorning for the vacation, however crucial second comes once they collect collectively and lightweight the candles on the menorah every night time. (Grades pre-Ok to 2)

Purchase it: The Book of Candles

Interrupting Hen Saves the Nutcracker by David Ezra Stein

The irrepressible little Hen is again and headed to the ballet. Can she watch quietly with out interrupting? After all not. After a collection of interruptions, she and Papa are kicked out—however not earlier than Hen steals the Nutcracker! With the intention to return it, she’ll have to rewrite the basic ballet, and readers will get pleasure from the brand new model as a lot because the viewers. (Grades pre-Ok to 2)

Purchase it: Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker

As soon as Upon a Kwanzaa by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall, unwell. by Sawyer Cloud

Be part of quite a lot of households as they rejoice Kwanzaa, and study in regards to the Nguzo Saba (Seven Rules) behind this vacation that’s particular to many members of the African diaspora. Discover the historical past of Kwanzaa by way of stunning illustrations and textual content that’s excellent for the youngest learners. (Grades pre-Ok to 2)

Purchase it: Once Upon a Kwanzaa

The thirteenth Day of Christmas by Adam Rex

“On the primary day of Christmas my real love gave to me …” The move of items is all properly and good, however what occurs on day 13, when the recipient finds themselves with lots of of birds, to not point out dancing lords, maids milking cows, and extra? Discover out on this enjoyable new vacation learn! (Grades Ok–3)

Purchase it: The 13th Day of Christmas

The Mouse Who Beloved Latkes by Pleasure Nelkin Wieder

C.J. the mouse by no means anticipated to develop into associates with a household of cats. However when he spots their menorah and chocolate gelt, his curiosity will get the very best of him. As he learns about their vacation traditions, he additionally learns that that is one cat household who poses no risk since mice aren’t kosher! (Grades pre-Ok to 2)

Purchase it: The Mouse Who Loved Latkes

Fa La La Household by Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying, unwell. by Steph Lew

Identical to “household,” the phrase “Christmas” means one thing completely different to everybody. However in the end, all of it comes down to like. Be part of quite a lot of various households as they share their vacation traditions, plus study a brand-new Christmas music—a QR code gives a recording to associate with the included sheet music. (Grades pre-Ok to three)

Purchase it: Fa La La Family

Weiwei’s Winter Solstice by Michelle Jing Chan

Weiwei as soon as spent the winter solstice (Dōngzhì) surrounded by palm timber and hummingbirds. However now she’s moved to a a lot colder place. A household stroll helps her see the sweetness in her new wintry environment, and the household Dōngzhì traditions are the identical regardless of the place she goes. (Grades Ok–3)

Purchase it: Weiwei’s Winter Solstice

North for the Winter by Bobby Podesta

With most vacation books aimed on the image ebook crowd, this center grade graphic novel is a welcome addition to the style. Virginia has simply moved to a brand new metropolis after shedding her mother. When she spots what appears to be a flying reindeer, it sends her and new pal Benny on an journey to reunite the magical animal with Santa, who it appears may simply be actual in spite of everything. (Grades 3–7)

Purchase it: North for the Winter