Best of 2023 - Kids Chapter Books

"Shermy likes to read quietly and do puzzles. He likes predictability and organization. His new neighbor Shake is in constant motion, leaving a mess behind him. The message of this book is a good reminder for the Shermys of the world, like me. If you give people a chance and try to see things from their perspective, you can be friends. Or at least enjoy their company sometimes. Recommended for kids who are reading short chapter books on their own, especially boys who like realistic fiction." - Teresa F., Odenton Library

"Inspired by a party at the New York Public Library in honor of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, Reynolds describes his life and legacy. It’s a celebration of words and also of music, art, laughter and libraries. A joyful book to share with younger kids, it could also be a jumping off point for learning more about him and that era." - Teresa F., Odenton Library

"Brian Selznick has done it again, combing his signature art style with a heartfelt story. Part survival story, part coming-of-age tale, part nature exploration, Big Tree tells the adventures of brother and sister seeds trying to find a safe place to settle down and grow their roots after being parted from their mother Sycamore tree. Sister Louise's idealism contrasts against brother Merwin's pragmatism as they face trials like riding a leaf down a river, getting stuck in a muddy footprint, and facing off against a butterfly, finding by the end that both idealism and pragmatism are needed to brave an unsure future." - Margery B., Odenton Library

"The fourth book in the series finds third-grade Aven showing off her soccer skills but struggling to be a team player. She was born without arms, but she can bake, play the guitar, do her homework, and eat spaghetti with her feet. She knows she’s a great soccer player, but she’s still practicing how to be a great friend too. Early elementary school readers who like realistic and funny fiction would love the Aven books. She’s amazing." - Teresa F., Odenton Library

"Elena is finding that learning to ride a bike is hard. With persistence and some cheerleading from a little bird friend, she finally succeeds. The simple, repetitive text and sound words make this book fun and easy to read, and the bright, colorful illustrations are expressive and engaging. If you have an Elephant & Piggie or Dr. Seuss fan, I bet they would like this one." - Teresa F., Odenton Library

"This is a children’s non-fiction picture book for upper elementary age and older. Prior to reading this book, I had not heard of the Kindertransport trains just before the start of WWII nor had I heard of the man behind the rescue, Nicholas Winton. The story is fairly simple about refugee children and the pictures are amazing; however, the topic is heavy. At the end of the book is a wealth of information to include a timeline, photos, info about a memorial in Israel, source notes, selected bibliography, and recommended reading on the topic, as well as highlights of five of the children who escaped Prague and what they did in their adult life. I love learning history stories through children’s literature because it’s concise and much like reading cliff notes. From there, you can dive deeper if the topic interests you. If you enjoy history, World War II stories, stories of refugees past or present, or are drawn to looking at past and present events on similar topics, check this one out." - Cortney G., Odenton Library

"Charlie Harper is starting at a new school again. Being a kid in a military family, Charlie's used to being the "new kid" in school over and over. But this year's different: Charlie is entering her first year of middle school in her parents' hometown, and they're staying for good; her parents have new jobs and old friends in town. Charlie decides she needs to come up with a solid plan to make (and keep) new friends and figure out how to navigate a new way of living. Curlfriends: New in Town offers an on-point story about the joys and anxieties of middle school, and the illustrations are bold, bright, and expressive. Fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale will appreciate the engaging comic art, as well as the realistic portrayals of middle school friends and frenemies." - Sharon L., Odenton Library

"2020, New Jersey: Matthew is stuck at home with his mom and his 100-year-old grandmother, hoping he can see his dad, a journalist stationed in Europe, once the COVID-19 pandemic ends. No school, no video games - just helping his grandmother go through all her boxes of old photos and papers. But a story slowly emerges from this work, told by Mila and Katya - two cousins brought together under life-or-death circumstances in 1930s Kyiv, Ukraine - and by Helen - their cousin in America who is determined to help get Katya to the United States and save her from the famine and torture occurring in the Soviet Union under Josef Stalin. The scope and emotion of this book is breathtaking and convey the hope and determination of families tragically impacted by the horrors of the Holodomor (Death by Hunger), a genocide carried out by the Soviet government in 1932-33. Contains sensitive topics of death and genocide impacting adults and children." - Sharon L., Odenton Library