You Know How to Love

This rhyming picture book about love encourages us to look around at our world and “let kindness flow.” Beautiful illustrations with diverse characters complement the story.

Editor’s note: Join us for a virtual event with the author and illustrator on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2pm Central!

The Little Mermaid

A mermaid reclaims her voice in this powerful re-imagining of the classic story. Friendship and repairing her seaside kingdom are the mermaid’s goals in this gorgeous book starring diverse characters.

A Polar Bear in the Snow

This simple yet captivating picture book follows a polar bear on a journey through the snow to the blue sea. The art and the suspenseful journey blend together into a wonderful tale.

All Because You Matter

This lyrical love letter resonates with the message “you matter,” complemented by beautiful collage art.

Julián at the Wedding

Julián is back in this vibrant new book that is a celebration of love, friendship, and individuality. This is a book that you will want to read again and again, as each reading reveals joyful new details.

Awesome Man: The Mystery Intruder

Awesome Man is a superhero who secretly worries about being replaced and possibly forgotten. What he finds is not a competitor but a new sidekick. Fabulous illustrations bring the story to life and make me wish I had had this book 18 months ago when my Awesome Man got his sidekick. (But he will love the book now too!)

One Girl

A beautiful book that is a gorgeous love letter to education and the power of reading.

Homecoming Tales: 15 Inspiring Stories from Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, located just 30 minutes from Nashville, has become something of a viral sensation on social media. Chances are you know someone who follows the dogs at this foster-sanctuary obsessively, and for good reason! This book for young animal lovers features the stories of just 15 of the hundreds of hilarious, heartwarming senior pups that have called OFSDS home.

Bill Nye’s Great Big World of Science

The newest book from America’s favorite scientist is chock full of information, beautiful photographs, and related experiments for young readers. It’s the ideal instruction book for a curious young person and for families in search of interesting ways to engage their learners at home.

No Ordinary Thing

This is a fun time-travel adventure containing a magical snow globe, a boy who lives above a bakery, and a mystery to be solved.

Editor’s note: Our Spark Book Club pick for October. Read an excerpt here!

The Magic Fish

The Magic Fish is a gorgeous interweaving of heartfelt family relationships, classic fairy tales, and stunning artwork. Each layer of this story is more tender and charming than the last as a mother and son seek to communicate through stories the things they can’t otherwise find the words to say.

The Invasion (Animorphs Graphix #1)

Animorphs was an all-time favorite series of mine when I was growing up, and now it’s back for a new generation in graphic novel form! Intense intergalactic warfare, cool shapeshifting powers used to tackle unique challenges, and well-defined characters you’re always rooting for make this an unforgettable series. The adventure begins again in The Invasion, with (hopefully) much more to come!

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga #1)

This book is a masterfully crafted middle-grade perfect for young audiences and older ones. Andrew Peterson captures the essence of what it means to stick together though the thick and thin, staying determined through hardship, and the meaning of family. This book, along with the rest of the Wingfeather Saga, is perfect for everyone!

Becoming Muhammad Ali

Ann said that if you think poetry is not for you, read Billy Collins. I say read Kwame Alexander. His new novel with James Patterson brings to life Muhammad Ali in a way I would not have thought possible unless you grew up with “The Greatest.” Interesting, enlightening, engaging, and a punch to the gut.

Nemesis and the Swan

A 19-year-old aristocrat is imprisoned during the French Revolution. Spies, romance, and intrigue abound in this atmospheric novel.

Charming as a Verb

Henri relies on his charm in all aspects of his life, but that charm doesn’t extend to his classmate Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honorable dog-walking business, she blackmails him into helping her social life. Philippe has once again written a cast of characters that readers will love and puts them in realistic dilemmas that will make readers laugh and cringe in solidarity.

This Is All Your Fault

The teenaged staff of Wild Nights Bookstore must work together to save their workplace from closing. Set in just twenty-four hours, this story is full of endearing characters and full of heart, making it the perfect read for these times.

Spark Book Club: November Selection

Serena Says

The Spark Book Club selection for November is Serena Says, by Tanita S. Davis. Serena loses her best friend status with JC when a classmate steps into her role as class ambassador to deliver JC’s get-well-soon gift bag. Serena navigates the changes at middle school by creating a vlog.

Early sparks for the novel:

“A delightful multicultural narrative that spotlights friendship and self-awareness.” —Kirkus (starred review)

“Davis capably touches on matters of chronic illness, mental health, and friendship growing pains in this quiet but impactful slice-of-life novel.” —Publishers Weekly

Spark Book Club is the first editions club for middle grade readers. Every month members will receive a first edition middle grade novel — plus a letter written by the author especially for club members. Makes a great gift for the independent reader! Sign ups are available for 3, 6, or 12 months.

ParnassusNext November Selection

The Enigma Game

The November ParnassusNext selection is The Enigma Game by #1 New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Wein. This gripping WWII story follows three very different people whose lives converge in a Scottish village on the day a German pilot lands under mysterious circumstances. Their race to decode the Enigma machine left behind is a thrilling historical read.

Join us for a virtual event with Elizabeth Wein, in conversation with Monica Hesse, today — Friday, Nov. 6 — at 3:30pm Central!

Early buzz for the novel:

“Another soaring success.” —Kirkus (starred review)

“Wein again seamlessly weaves extensive research into a thriller populated by fully dimensional characters.” —Publishers Weekly

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.