| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Early Bird wants to be just like Knight Owl, but Early Bird loves staying up all day and sleeping all night, the complete opposite of Knight Owl! How will these two keep the castle safe? Will they become friends? Endearing and heartwarming, this sequel to my favorite Knight Owl is perfect for all readers, regardless of their bedtime! |
| Recommended by Rachel
Huck and Loona are a pair of unlikely friends whose interests don’t always align, but they learn how to compromise and forge an even deeper bond! The cutest duo of the year! |
| Recommended by Chelsea
A new house cat decides to quit after being told to follow the rules (which is a feeling many readers can relate to). Will they be able to leave their favorite things behind and make it in the great outdoors? This book has perfectly captured the sweet-and-sour nature of cats, and I laughed out loud at the bold illustrations. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
This is a delightful picture book about a moonlight romp through the snow. |
| Recommended by Aly
Umami is tired of fish. Being a penguin, that is all there is to eat! So, Umami sets out on an adventure to travel far and wide to discover some new foods and new flavors to bring back to his friends. How will they feel about trying something new? |
| Recommended by Madeline
In this majestically illustrated picture book comes the infamous tale of Yorsha Doon, referenced in Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga. This is perfect for little ones struggling to make friends by showing the strength of working together and the power of what kindness can do. Also great for those who love search and find books! |
| Recommended by Rachel
This little dragon isn’t great at stealing gold. He’s a bit too small and a bit too cute! Luckily, he stumbles upon a new sort of gold in the village: golden, buttery bread! With a new job and his new chef friend, he recruits all the dragons to the bread-loving life! |
| Recommended by Sarah
This is, perhaps, the most gorgeous and moving picture book I have ever encountered. It’s not an exaggeration when I say tears were shed by multiple Parnassus booksellers upon first reading. If you know a young person — or honestly anyone, regardless of age — experiencing loss, this is the book for them. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
This beautiful picture book is just like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day: warming, sweet, and soothing. Eliza Wheeler illustrates some of my very favorite picture books, and this is the perfect read for the upcoming chilly season. |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Aly
Stevie is in the 7th grade and nearly 6 feet tall. Why is that such a big deal to everyone? To her parents’ friends, to the creepy men on the subway, and even to her best friend. When she decides to join the school debate club, she thinks she might have found the perfect fit. But is it? Time for Stevie to find her voice. |
| Recommended by Cheryl
What a team: Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin! By using the real history of Bletchley Park and its value to the winning of the war against the Nazis, the authors give exciting intrigue and smarts to the characters. |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
A charming, humorous, twisty tale with something to appreciate for every age. You’ll laugh out loud, you’ll awe over the brilliant illustrations, and yes, you’ll even learn important lessons on sustainability and labor rights. #solidarityforspiders |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Ellie wants to freeze time while her friends can’t wait for high school. She has a crush on her BFF Bert and she’s not the only one. What will happen if she actually tells him? This final book in the Roll with It series is the perfect 8th grade chapter for Ellie and her friends. |
| Recommended by Aly
Ingrid has a secret. While most people know her as the quiet kid in class who plays video games and helps her mom with her knitting business, she secretly runs an incredibly popular blog that everyone reads! Things get complicated when a new friend and a new crush(?) enter the picture. |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Ashby
Couldn’t put this sequel down! What the River Knows was my favorite book of last year. The whole year! Full of twists and turns. No one is who you think or who Inez, the main character, thinks. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, turning pages until it was the middle of the night and the end of the book. Love. Betrayal. Treasure. Adventure. |
| Recommended by Rachel
You can absolutely judge this book by the cover. Twisted. Beautiful. Ethereal. Ominous. Bewitching. |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
Ransom Riggs is BACK and his new book is as vibrant, strange, and nostalgic as ever. When Larry sees strange happenings on the streets of LA, he’s not sure what to think. Because these chilling moments are all straight from Sunder Hill—the world of a forgotten 90s fantasy show, and one of his last connections to his dead mother. When a door to Sunder seems to open, Larry and his best friend know what they have to do. |
| Recommended by Katie
Neon and Aria are relationship goals and if every young person could have a first time like these two they would be so so lucky. In the spirit of Judy Blume’s Forever, Twenty-Four Seconds From Now… follows two young people in the seconds, minutes, days, weeks and months before they make the decision to have sex. A funny, loving, wonderful book that takes great care with its leads. I want so many people to read this book. |
| Recommended by Raegyn
Enemies-to-lovers? Check. Found family? Check. Heists and morally gray characters? Check. Check. Check. What more do you need to know? Inferno’s Heir is the Six of Crows and Avatar: The Last Air Bender mashup I didn’t think I needed. Teia will do anything to survive her brother King Jura’s reign, even if that means joining the rebellion. But what if the rebels are right, and it’s time for the monarchy to fall? |
| CLASSICS & BACKLIST |
| Recommended by Ellis, age 6
I really love this book. The pictures are so cozy and beautiful and I love how the characters solve their problems. I wish I lived in Brambly Hedge |
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By Avione Lee
The November 2024 Spark Book Club selection is Pied by Avione Lee. Rim Wickford is a rule follower, until one day when he plays a musical pipe causing his entire school to fall asleep. The secret his family kept from him is revealed – he’s a Piper, a person who can turn melody into magic! He’s also a Pied Piper, the most feared Pipers in the land, a secret he must keep for his own safety.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“Readers motivated by worldbuilding will savor the details.” – Kirkus
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.
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By Katharine McGee
The November 2024 ParnassusNext selection is A Queen’s Game by Katharine McGee. It’s 1889 and the world is on the brink of change. Three princesses are vying to be the next Queen of England. From ballrooms to stables, there’s plenty of intrigue, romance, and drama in this story about three real-life princesses.
Early praise for the novel:
“May entice fans of royal dramas.” – Kirkus
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.
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Musing 