What We're Reading in the Kids' Library
November 2026
The 50 States: Things That Go by Kristen Lee
The 50 States: Things That Go
by Kristen Lee

Get ready for a cross-country adventure in The 50 States: Things That Go by Kristen Lee! This colorful, fact-filled book explores the vehicles, landmarks, and transportation oddities that make each state unique, from race cars and roller coasters to trains and space shuttles! Get inspired for your next road trip as you browse this gorgeously illustrated book!

Best for Preschool-Grade 3.

Suggested by Amy.
A Riddle of Eels by Nicholas Day
A Riddle of Eels
by Nicholas Day

Animal lovers will be excited to dive into this book, full of fascinating facts about the ever-mysterious eel. Humor and colorful illustrations are found throughout, making it a light and engaging read. Curious kids will love these weird-but-true details and leave them with questions to explore more.

Best for Grades 1-5.

Suggested by Heather.
 
The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a Shape by Amy Alznauer
The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a Shape
by Amy Alznauer

Marjorie Rice loved patterns. She loved seeing them in nature, and she delighted in the way simple shapes could be repeated in infinite patterns. Despite lacking a formal education, her exploration of geometric tessellations led to formal recognition in the math community. This non-fiction picture book isn't just for math lovers; it's also perfect for kids interested in pattern art, such as that of M.C. Escher.

Best for Grades 2-3.

Suggested by Kelsey.
Houdini's Library: How Books Created the World's Greatest Magician by Barb Rosenstock
Houdini's Library: How Books Created the World's Greatest Magician
by Barb Rosenstock

Houdini's Library is great for anyone who's fascinated by magic and books. The picture book format is perfect for kids who are just getting into reading biographies and non-fiction. Featuring Houdini's childhood and his early appreciation of books, the most avid readers will love to hear about the rare and unusual ones in his collection.

Best for Grades 2-5.

Suggested by Heather.
Will's Race for Home (Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner) by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Will's Race for Home
by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Step back in time and get ready for adventure. In 1888, twelve-year-old Will, his father, and Will's beloved mule, Belle, race from their home in Texas to Oklahoma to join the Oklahoma Land Rush. They encounter plenty of danger along the way, from deadly snakes to men trying to keep them from their dream. Will their journey be a success and end with a new place to call home? This is yet another jewel of a novel from Jewell Parker Rhodes.

Best for Grades 3-6.

Suggested by Amy.
Alice with a Why by Anna James
Alice with a Why
by Anna James

Do you have a grandparent who likes to tell stories? Well, what if your grandmother was actually that Alice, you know, THE Alice from Alice in Wonderland? Well, Alyce never believed any of the wild stories her grandmother told her until the day she herself fell into a pond, and suddenly those stories all started to seem real.

Best for Grades 3-6.

Suggested by Amy.

 
The Island at the Edge of Night by Lucy Strange
The Island at the Edge of Night
by Lucy Strange

Fay Fitzgerald finds herself enrolled in a remote Scottish boarding school for wicked children, with no recollection of the events that sent her there. Missing students, misty moors, and a rambling manor house complete the setting for this gothic mystery. This book will appeal to fans across many genres, including suspense, historical fiction, and even fantasy.

Best for Grades 4-7.

Suggested by Kelsey.
The Thief Knot: A Greenglass House Story, Book 3 by Kate Milford
The Thief Knot: A Greenglass House Story, Book 3
by Kate Milford

"The Thief Knot" brings readers back to the world of "Greenglass House", this time in The Liberty of Gammerbund: a semi-autonomous city notorious for providing asylum to smugglers, thieves, and other na'er-do-wells. The story centers on twelve-year-old Marzana and her friends as they attempt to solve a kidnapping that occurred in Nagspeake proper. Full of colorful characters, subterranean passageways, and clever detective work, this story is just as intricately plotted and fun to read as the first two books in the series!

Best for Grades 4-7.

Suggested by Kelsey.
100 Cupboards: The Graphic Novel by N. D. Wilson
100 Cupboards: The Graphic Novel
by N. D. Wilson

Fans of Percy Jackson or Keeper of the Lost Cities will be excited to dive into the mysteries of the 100 cupboards in this graphic novel adaptation of the original chapter book. Readers will explore a variety of realms to appeal to all interests: some whimsical, others frightening. As the main character, Henry, explores each one with his cousins, they are faced with magic, suspense, and adventure.

Best for Grades 4-7.

Suggested by Heather.


 
Elmhurst Public Library
125 S Prospect Ave.
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 279-8696

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