Books for Break: 16 Reads for the Young & Young at Heart

Spring break is right around the corner! Whether you’re heading out of town or making the most of a staycation, good reading material is essential for maximum relaxation, and we’ve made it even easier for you to browse our staff picks from home. Take Cheryl’s middle grade pick, Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi, for example. Click here to see the book on our website, then click on the Look Inside the Book button under the book cover. You can read the first 10% of the book to see if it’s for you! Not every book on our site has this function, but many do. We hope it will help you find your next great read!


PICTURE BOOKS
Recommended by Jenness

Baseball for Breakfast: A (Mostly) True StoryBaseball for Breakfast: A (Mostly) True Story

Judy Campbell-Smith, Maggie Carroll (Illustrator)

What happens when the generous owner of the Milwaukee Brewers opens up the ballpark early for those who work the night shift? You get baseball for breakfast! A surprising and heart-warming true story of a community coming together to celebrate America’s game during WWII.

Also loved by Jake!

Recommended by Rachel

The Great EscapeThe Great Escape

Deborah Marcero

Evie’s chaotic younger siblings follow her EVERYWHERE, even into the snowy outside world. Evie uses a magic wand to make a portal to an upside world full of wonders where her siblings learn to work together and save someone’s day!

Recommended by Abigail

Rhea's RodeoRhea’s Rodeo

Laekan Zea Kemp, Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator)

A celebration of escaramuza, family, and girl power! Rooted in the Mexican tradition of Charrería, Rhea’s Rodeo explores what it means to find strength in vulnerability, leaning on loved ones to help you through life’s obstacles. Winners get back on the saddle!

Recommended by Abigail

When You Dream Big!When You Dream Big!

Peter H. Reynolds

It’s Dream Big Week at school, and everyone knows what job they want when they grow up… except one student. Follow along as Charley overcomes self-doubt and learns that who you are is far more important than who you want to be. No dream is too small to share with the class!

Recommended by Rachel

A beautifully illustrated picture book inspired by The Unicorn Tapestries, Beatrix and the Unicorn dives into loneliness and the meaning of friendship.

Recommended by Rae Ann

Awe!Awe!

Chana Stiefel, Susan Gal (Illustrator)

This picture book invites us to find awe wherever we are, from the wonders of nature to fireworks in the sky. Creativity or helping a friend inspires awe in this beautifully illustrated picture book that shows us wonder can be found everywhere.

Recommended by Rae Ann

Bothered by BugsBothered by Bugs

Emily Gravett

Pete the Badger is trying to read his book in peace, but a pesky fly won’t leave him alone. The fly becomes a swarm and things get out of hand. The animals decide to clear the forest of the pesky pests, upsetting the balance of their home. A funny science lesson that is perfect for reading aloud.

Recommended by Treva

Under One RoofUnder One Roof

Miranda Paul, Baptiste Paul, Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator)

When the moon shines at night, families are together and apart. This sweet story helps us imagine what might be happening underneath the roofs of the houses all around us. Beautiful illustrations serve as reminders that no matter whether we are together or apart from loved ones, the sky above and the moon shining down is the same for all.

Also loved by Abigail!

Recommended by Rae Ann

It’s Little Hedgehog’s birthday. They wake up excited, but think all of their friends have forgotten. But no! There’s a surprise party at the end of the day. This beautifully illustrated picture book of animals celebrating a birthday with songs, cake, and games is bursting with joy.

INDEPENDENT READERS
Recommended by Abigail

Harper Sharp: Kid Detective: (A Graphic Novel)Harper Sharp: Kid Detective

Jarrett Williams

Oh no! Someone is trying to sabotage the Young Inventors Fair! In this action-packed, hilarious new graphic novel, follow kid detective Harper Sharp and his besties as they balance family life, artwork, homework, and sleuthing. Can Harper crack the case without his project for art class being put on hold? Grades come first––but so does justice!

Recommended by Cheryl

Some of Us Are BraveSome of Us Are Brave

Saadia Faruqi

Three young neighbors become friends though the harrowing Harvey Hurricane in Houston. They build their strengths and overcome their fears in a red canoe.

YOUNG ADULT
Recommended by Rachel

A dark academia story with body swapping horror elements in a fantastical and dystopian world, Queen of Faces is a multi-POV epic adventure with magic around every corner.

CLASSICS & BACKLIST
Recommended by Abigail

Sleeping BeautySleeping Beauty

Charlotte Gastaut

Reading this book felt like watching a play at the theatre! Meet Aurora and explore her world like never before in this gorgeously illustrated reimagination of Sleeping Beauty. Both the story itself and its visual beauty will leave children and adults alike walking away with something to appreciate.

Also loved by Genevieve!

Sprout Book Club: March Selection

The Weedy Garden: A Happy Habitat for Wild FriendsThe Weedy Garden: A Happy Habitat for Wild Friends

Margaret Renkl, Billy Renkl (Illustrator)

The March 2026 Sprout Book Club selection is The Weedy Garden by Margaret Renkl and Billy Renkl. This is a delightful visit to the weedy garden, from birds, butterflies, and bumblebees flying about to animals hopping, scurrying, and slithering through. Margaret’s text and Billy’s collage art make a beautiful read aloud picture book that doubles as a coffee table keepsake.

Early praise for the book:

“Linger over this exquisite garden filled with earthly delights.” – Kirkus, starred review

Sprout Book Club is the book subscription box for picture book lovers. Every month members will receive a first edition picture book. Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite picture book lover for 3, 6, or 12 months. 

Spark Book Club: March Selection

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and FinneganThe Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan

Jasmine Warga

The March 2026 Spark Book Club selection is The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga. Finnegan is a rescue dog, anxious about his new family. Chase is an orphaned cheetah cub at the zoo. One day Finnegan’s zoo keeper mom brings him to the zoo to help Chase gain confidence to perform in the zoo’s educational program. But will it work? This is a delightful story, inspired by zoos around the country.

Early Sparks for the novel:

“An endearing, deeply moving story of healing.” – Kirkus, starred review

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: March Selection

One Word, Six LettersOne Word, Six Letters

Adib Khorram

The March 2026  ParnassusNext selection is One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram. Dayton and Farshid are high school freshmen without a lot in common, or so they think. Dayton shouts a slur at a poet during a high school assembly, setting off a chain of events that cause both teens to struggle with their identity and accountability. This novel is told in second person, alternating between Dayton, struggling with the fallout of his actions and Farshid’s insecurity, focusing on a strict diet and exercise regimen. Their lives intersect, bringing about reconciliation and understanding.

Early praise for the novel:

“A formidable tale highlighting the repercussions of homophobia in high school.” – 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.