Elmhurst Public Library: Kids' What We're Reading: May 2026

What We're Reading in the Kids' Library

May 2026

This out-of-this-world graphic novel adventure about an eager potato is the perfect read if you love stories about unlikely heroes, filled with zany jokes and lovable characters. You'll also learn some pretty cool facts about potatoes in space!

Best for Grades K-3.

Suggested by Angela.

Scare School Diaries: Welcome to Scare School
by Jarrett Lerner

Do ghosts, zombies, bats, and spiders have to go to school? You bet they do! How else are they going to learn those creepy, spooky skills? But starting a new school can be SCARY, even if you're a ghost. Welcome to Scare School is a comforting read for 5- to 7-year-olds heading into a new school situation.

Best for Grades 2-3.

Suggested by Patty.

The Snips: Enter the Wigmaster! (a Graphic Novel) by Raul the Third

The Snips: Enter the Wigmaster!
by Raúl the Third

If you're a fan of zany reads like Dog Man and The Bad Guys, jump into the world of Scissors City with the Snips! In this second installment of the series, Casco, his amazing do-everything flexy wig, and his team of crime-fighting barbers are up against the Wigmaster, a villain bent on world domination using his funky mind-control wigs. But when some of the Snips fall under the Wigmaster's spell, it's up to Casco and his dog Flealix to save the day. Readers will get a kick out of the retro art, tons of puns, and Looney Tunes-style action in this hair-raising adventure.

Best for Grades 2-4.

Suggested by Katie.

Julia on the Go: Swimming Into Trouble
by Angela Ahn

This book will appeal to a reader's competitive side. Julia is the youngest swimmer on her team and wants to be the best, but is sidelined with an injury. She soon learns the importance of community and teamwork when she gets herself into trouble by going against her parents' advice. This illustrated chapter book full of humor will have you cheering for Julia and her team.

Best for Grades 2-5.

Suggested by Angela.

What Do We Eat?: How Humans Find, Grow and Share Food
by Megan Clendenan

Quick question: Would you rather eat a mealworm burger or a landfill salad? Although they don't sound very appetizing, both meals are examples of how humans have changed the way we all think about food! This trivia-packed title gives insight into how 16th-century sailors endured months-long voyages at sea, how we might use drones to water crops in the future, and everything in between. If you're an aspiring foodie, a history buff keen on learning survival skills of different cultures, or just curious about where the cheese powder in your favorite macaroni dish came from, grab a snack and settle in!

Best for Grades 2-5.

Suggested by Katie.

My Head Has a Bellyache: More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups
by Chris Harris

If you like funny, silly, weird, cool, or sweet poems, this book is for you! I dare you to read the poem on pages 80-83 and NOT mess up. And watch out for the meteor and the wandering buffalo.

Best for Grades 2-5.

Suggested by Patty.

Outside
by Jennifer L. Holm

Would you be willing to risk it all to know what life is like...outside? Razzi has lived her entire life in The Refuge, the fortress she calls home after the catastrophic great poisoning. The adults say the "poisoned" lurk and threaten the compound's safety outside, but after the death of her friend and a transplant using the heart of a greyhound, Razzi has begun to feel a need to find out what's on the other side. Readers will sympathize with Razzi's desire to explore and be shocked by what she uncovers. This is a quick read for fans of dystopian stories with wild twists and surprising adventures where things aren't always as they seem.

Best for Grades 4-6.

Suggested by Katie.

Hail Mariam
by Huda Al-Marashi

Do you ever feel like you just don't fit in? Imagine being the ONLY Muslim student in a Catholic school! Mariam struggles to be a perfect student while her parents are distracted by her sister's illness. This is an empowering read for those needing a dose of courage to stand up for themselves.

Best for Grades 4-6.

Suggested by Patty.

Follow the Water: The Unbelievable True Story of a Teenager's Survival in the Amazon
by Ellen Cochrane

Follow the Water is an amazing true story about a teenager who survived 11 days in the Amazon after a plane crash. Along with her story of survival, you'll learn facts about jungle life and the history of Peru. Great for fans of Gary Paulsen and the I Survived Series.

Best for Grades 5-8.

Suggested by Angela.

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

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