For Extra Credit or Just for Fun: 11 Books Young Readers Will Love

Business Pig

I laughed so hard I CRIED. Look at the pig in his little suit! This one’s for every young book-lover who likes when the illustrations are as clever as the story.

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

Chloe doesn’t think her classmate Adrian is telling the truth when he tells everyone he has a horse. How could he take care of one when he lives in a run-down neighborhood and gets free lunch at school? This story about empathy is perfect to read and discuss with your child, and the illustrations are colorful and eye-catching.

Stumpkin

Will someone pick Stumpkin to take home and carve into a jack-o-lantern by Halloween, or is he too . . . stumpy? I love how the illustrations in this seasonal tale depict the humans in the story as plain black silhouettes in contrast with the bright orange pumpkins. There’s even a rather spooky twist near the end!

Bunny’s Book Club

Bunny sneaks into the library at night to read and soon his animal friends follow. If you haven’t yet discovered this beautiful tribute to books, book clubs, and libraries, now’s the time.

Front Desk

Mia is a 10-year-old immigrant who helps her Chinese family run a motel in California in the 1990s — and the spunkiest character I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in recent memory! Vibrant characters make up the motel’s community, which is the perfect setting to explore social issues and injustices. Perfect for third and fourth graders, there’s a reason this one is already getting Newbery buzz.

City of Ghosts

Ever since Cass almost died, she could see ghosts. Her already unusual ability gets crazier when her and her parents go to Scotland for a ghost-hunting show. There, Cass finds someone who shares her abilities, starting a thrilling adventure with ghosts and mysteries, all set in the beautiful town of Edinburgh.

Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968

Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop is an inspiring book emphasizing the importance of community involvement in social justice. Strong historical details combined with wonderful paintings make this book an excellent addition to any personal or classroom library.

Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon 

The true story, in free verse, of the 2,979 days between JFK’s directive until Neil Armstrong’s steps on the moon. Astronaut stats. Archival photos. Illustrations that make you feel like you’re right in the cockpit. Amazing!

If Only 

If Only tells the dual narratives of Bridget, a 16-year-old pregnant teen trying to navigate making an adoption plan for her unborn child, and — in present day — 16-year-old Ivy’s quest to find her mom. It’s vulnerable and hopeful and beautifully written, and an excellent read for anyone who’s touched by or curious about adoption.

Seafire 

Caledonia Styx is the captain of a pirate ship. She commands girls and women who all have a vengeance to pay against the Bullets, the army of an angry warlord. This is a fantastic story with strong female characters and thrilling adventures, perfect for anyone who loved The Reader or Six of Crows.

A Heart in a Body in the World 

We are thrilled to share signed copies of critically acclaimed author Deb Caletti’s new novel, A Heart in a Body in the World, with ParnassusNext subscribers this month!

A Heart in a Body in the World has received glowing praise from early readers, as well as four starred reviews, making it one of the most acclaimed young adult books of the year. It’s the story of Annabelle, a girl who begins running one evening outside her small Seattle suburb, who doesn’t stop running when she reaches the edge of town, or the state line, or the next time zone. It’s the story of what Annabelle is running from, and what kind of future she’s running toward.

Check out more of the buzz:

“The title of Deb Caletti’s masterful new book is apt. You feel your own heart expanding in your chest as you come to understand just why Annabelle is running. This novel is full of sorrow and rage, but also beauty and hope and so, so much wisdom. Annabelle’s story will resonate deeply with so many women that it’s tempting to call it a novel of the time. But really, this is one for the ages.” – New York Times bestselling author Gayle Forman, author of If I Stay

“Caletti’s novel dazzlingly maps the mind-blowing ferocity and endurance of an athlete who uses her physical body to stake claim to the respect of the nation.” – New York Times bestselling author e. lockhart, author of We Were Liars

“Annabelle’s story never seems forced or heavy-handed; Caletti realistically mines the gray areas of the teen’s conscience. Portrayals of complex, multifaceted secondary characters and vivid descriptions of the protagonist’s surroundings permeate this story and make it come to life. Readers can almost smell the pine trees, see the glimmering lake water, and feel the steamy heat rising off of the pavement as Annabelle runs across the country. They can also feel her confusion and pain, which makes her hard-won self-redemption most rewarding.” – School Library Journal

Nashville readers: Meet Deb Caletti when she’s here in the store on Tuesday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m. Click here for details.

ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Mark Your Calendars . . .