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What We're Reading in the Kids' Library September 2026
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Ask an Animal!: Ask an Animal About the Arctic
by Rebecca Phillips-Bartlett
Visit Polly the Polar Bear in her home: the Arctic! In this book, Polly takes you on a fun journey through the North Pole to teach you some cool facts about the land and the animals who live there. This series is a great way to introduce young readers to our planet's different landscapes and climates. To add to the fun, the book includes a list of questions to test your knowledge! Best for Grades K-2.
Suggested by Maryam.
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Venus Washington: Venus Washington and the Birthday Blowout
by Maisha Oso
Junie B. Jones, meet Venus Washington, a sassy big sister in charge of decorating for her baby brother's first birthday party. Many antics ensue. It turns out that VIP does not stand for Very Important Presents. Her father wasn't kidnapped by a clown. And her grandparents did not appreciate her turning their bedroom into a dog park. This laugh-out-loud story is perfect for fans of Dory Fantasmagory. Best for Grades 1-2.
Suggested by Mary.
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A Boy Called Bat
by Elana K. Arnold
Bat loves animals, routines, and knowing exactly what to expect. So when his veterinarian mom brings home an adorable baby skunk that needs care, Bat quickly falls in love. There's just one problem: the skunk is only supposed to stay until he is old enough to be released. Bat is determined to prove to his mom that he can keep the skunk. But along the way, he navigates school, friendships, family, and some unexpected challenges. This series starter is a story about friendship, understanding, and discovering that sometimes the things we love most can surprise us. Best for Grades 2-4.
Suggested by Brianne.
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You Choose Books: Perseus the Hero: An Interactive Mythological Adventure
by Nadia Higgins
Adventurers will love this immersive retelling of the famous Greek myth! In this title in the You Choose series, you are the Greek hero Perseus. Read through the book and fight monsters, compete in sporting competitions, and try to reclaim a kingdom you once thought lost. Best for Grades 3-5.
Suggested by Maryam.
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Better with Butter
by Victoria Piontek
From the moment I heard this book featured an emotional support goat, I had to read it! Twelve-year-old Marvel is afraid of EVERYTHING until she rescues Butter, a fainting goat, from a group of middle school boys. With Butter's help, she learns to manage her anxiety and make some new friends. I highly recommend this funny, heartwarming story about the difficulties of navigating mental health issues at school, with friends, and in your family.
Best for Grades 4-6.
Suggested by Mary.
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Westfallen
by Ann Brashares
If you like time travel, World War II stories, and alternative history, this is a perfect book for you. Find out what happens when a group of friends from the present learns they can talk to some kids from the past, in this first book in the Westfallen trilogy.
Best for Grades 5-7.
Suggested by Mary.
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Starfish
by Lisa Fipps
Ellie has spent years being teased and judged because of her weight, even by the people who are supposed to love her. To avoid attention, she follows her own set of rules, including one especially important rule: don't make waves. Starfish is a powerful and heartfelt novel-in-verse about friendship, family, bullying, self-acceptance, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself. This is an excellent middle-grade book for readers who liked Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega. Best for Grades 6-8.
Suggested by Brianne.
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The Pecan Sheller
by Lupe Ruiz-Flores
Set in post-Depression America, this story is a must for lovers of history. Thirteen-year-old Petra has to drop out of school to work so that she can help support her family. With the horrors she sees in the factories, things seem bleaker than ever before. This book is about life during the labor movement and realizing that change often starts with one voice.
Best for Grades 6-8.
Suggested by Maryam.
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Restart
by Gordon Korman
What if you woke up one day and could not remember anything about who you used to be? That’s exactly what happens to Chase Ambrose after an accident leaves him with amnesia. He does not remember his friends, his family, or the kind of person he was before. But once he returns to school, he quickly realizes that everyone else remembers him. Restart is a funny, suspenseful, thought-provoking story about second chances, friendship, and forgiveness. It addresses an important question: “Are we defined by the mistakes we’ve made, or by the choices we make next?” Best for Grades 6-8.
Suggested by Brianne.
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Elmhurst Public Library 125 S Prospect Ave. Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 (630) 279-8696
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