While many kids around the region are starting school virtually in the coming weeks, you may be trying to limit your child’s screen time to only essential work. Make that goal attainable by filling your home with books. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or is a high schooler getting ready for college, these reading recommendations from local librarians and book stores will keep your children engaged and entertained throughout the fall season.
Ages 0-8
Cat Ninja by Matthew Cody (Releasing Tuesday, Oct.13)
Beware, villains! Cat Ninja may appear to be nothing more than a silly internet meme. But he is evil’s greatest enemy, and the silent master of Kat Fu and carpet scratching! A fun graphic novel for cat lovers everywhere. –Trish Brown, One More Page Books
Honeysmoke: a Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields
A young biracial girls searches for the color that describes herself. She finally makes up a perfect word, “honeysmoke,” to create her own identity. –Gail Wellock, Chantilly Regional Library
Geronimo Stilton series by Elisabetta Dami
Early readers adore this Italian children’s series. We get more requests for the eponymous mouse than almost any other series—Magic Treehouse notwithstanding. The books are bright and inviting, with driving narratives that make reading fun for kids. –Lindley Estes, Riverby Books
Snail Crossing by Corey Tabor
All Snail wants to do is cross the road and get to some sweet, sweet cabbages. In order to succeed, however, he must encounter high-speed vehicles, terrifying predators and unpredictable weather. Nothing can stop him though, because he’s cabbage bound. A cute story that both you and your little one will enjoy together. –Kelly Gilbert, Chantilly Regional Library
The Stuff of Stars by Marion Dane Bauer
Dramatic illustrations explode with color to illustrate the Big Bang and ensuing evolution of the universe. Terse but evocative words tell the tale of all matter from the beginning of time to our time. –Anna Waterland, Middleburg Library
Be You by Peter H. Reynolds
No matter where you are headed in life or what anyone says, always be you! When the world around us gets crazy you should never forget who you are and what you can become. This book uses big and bold pictures to encourage young readers to step outside of their comfort zone to discover how they can be the best at being themselves. –Mel Varner, Chantilly Regional Library
Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake
Frog and Toad meets Wallace and Gromit in this fresh odd-couple story that is planned as the first in a series. The illustrations by Caldecott medalist Jon Klassen are a story in themselves, and the book is a great read-aloud. –Trish Brown, One More Page Books
The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul
Everyone is exhausted and distracted by news that shakes up a young girl’s community. She wants to help! She wants to do something in a big way and make a difference for her family and community. Her joy is found when she realizes that small acts of kindness can add up in a very big way! –Gail Wellock, Chantilly Regional Library
Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me by Eric Carle
At the store, we see requests for infant books that are bright, easy to read and inventive and imaginative. Eric Carle checks all three boxes. In his own words, Carle seeks to “recognize children’s feelings, inquisitiveness and creativity, as well as stimulate their intellectual growth.” That’s just what we hope a child’s first books will do too. His specific style of textured illustration is especially interesting for young children. And reading at this age has such an impact. Everyone’s read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, but also check out his illustrated fairy tale collections and Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me. –Lindley Estes, Riverby Books
Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser
It’s autumn in the forest, and Squirrel has been informed that winter is near. Winter means snow, and Squirrel has heard how wonderful it is! This story follows his journey along with his friends Hedgehog and Bear as they search for the first snowflake. After all, how hard is it to find something white, wet, cold and soft? The illustrations and humor in this story make this book a delightful read-aloud on long autumn and winter nights. –Kelly Gilbert, Chantilly Regional Library
Taking Time by Jo Loring-Fisher
This is a charming book for reading aloud to children, ages 0 to 8 years old. Peaceful scenes from around the world illustrate this poem about the beauty of nature that every mindful child can enjoy. –Anna Waterland, Middleburg Library
Hands Up! by Breanna J. McDaniel
All day long, a young girl raises her hands in everyday moments of love, joy and triumph. As she gets older, she raises her hands together with others in a march expressing the importance of life, having a voice to speak for truth and beauty and for the world as a whole. –Gail Wellock, Chantilly Regional Library
Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
This is a personal favorite that I learned to read with. Frog and Toad is a calming series that could especially be a comfort to children during a pandemic. Focusing on a pair of best froggy friends, this collection teaches the importance of relationships as well as offering a quiet adventure in each installment. –Lindley Estes, Riverby Books
Ages 9-12
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Red, an old oak tree, has lived and grown in the neighborhood a long time. When a new family moves in, Red notices that not everyone is welcoming toward them. With the help of Bongo, a crow, Red tries to help her human neighbors. –Rachel Roman, Middleburg Library
The Problim Children by Natalie Lloyd
There is much to love about the Problim children. There are seven in total, born on each day of the week, and each provide their own special talents to the family. One day their house explodes and the children are forced to move into their grandfather’s old and wacky mansion in town while they wait for their parents to return from a mysterious work trip. Rumors in town have proven that the wait will be a challenge as their neighbors, the O’Pinions, plot to separate the siblings into seven different households in order to discover the answers to some pretty valuable questions. The first in a series, this book is filled with mystery, adventure and lots of humor. –Kelly Gilbert, Chantilly Regional Library
Tristan Strong Destroys the World by Kwame Mbalia (Being released on Tuesday, Oct. 6)
The sequel to Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (published by Percy Jackson, author Rick Riordan’s imprint) finds young Tristan back from a harrowing adventure in another realm populated by African American gods and heroes of folklore, but rather than return to his normal life, Tristan faces a revenge plot that pulls him back into the clash of famous figures of West African myth and African American legends. –Lelia Nebeker, One More Page Books
Dear America series by various authors
The Dear America series engages children with history by way of first-person novels told through letters and journals. It’s a fantastic series of books that presents little-known aspects of history along with the overarching American narrative. There’s the diary of a freed slave, a girl captured by a Native American tribe who grows to see the value in their way of life, the diary of a Black cowboy moving West, the diary of a Jewish immigrant in New York City, a girl witnessing the Salem Witch Trials and many, many more. Set in Virginia is a diary of a boy witnessing The Battle of Fredericksburg. Dear America and its spinoffs have been on the forefront of showing strong role models for years. –Lindley Estes, Riverby books
The Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson
Mostly science fiction, part mystery, all fast-paced adventure, a little bit frightening. Add plot twists, time travel, two strong, appealing main characters and a little humor and you get an exciting middle-grade read. It’s the first book in the Chronicle of the Dark Star trilogy. –Steve Okrend, Chantilly Regional Library
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Meet Omar and Hassan, two brothers who know exactly what it’s like to use hope for survival. Most of their lives have been spent at a refugee camp in Kenya after leaving Somali. This graphic novel, based on the true story of Omar, will give you an eye-opening glimpse into what daily life was like in the camp. The colorful and descriptive pictures provide an honest account of trying to survive with very little. –Mel Varner and Steve Okrend, Chantilly Regional Library
The Eighth Day by Dianne K. Salerni
Thirteen-year-old Jax Aubrey suddenly discovers that he is one of the few people who experiences a secret, magical eighth day of the week. –Rachel Roman, Middleburg Library
The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner
Moth Hush is a big fan of all things witchy. Little does she know that there’s more than just an affinity for magic running through her veins. An incident with some bullies on Halloween unlock centuries of hidden secrets that the town has been hiding that involves Moth and her family directly. She encounters a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and discovers a hidden witch world that she was unaware even existed. She must use this newfound talent and information to help her town, her family and, most importantly, herself. A very sweet graphic novel with beautiful illustrations. –Kelly Gilbert, Chantilly Regional Library
The Boy in the Dress by David Williams
This British comedien’s books are a favorite of a girl we know, named Ellie. His titles The Boy in the Dress, Gangsta Granny and so many more are as heartfelt as they are funny. –Lindley Estes, Riverby Books
Chronicles of Chrestomanci series by Diana Wynne Jones
Diana Wynne Jones is a wonderful writer, whose fantastical tales will satisfy any reader who has exhausted the Harry Potter series. Her three-volume Chronicles of Chrestomanci follow siblings Christopher and Cat Chant, who have nine lives and are destined to balance the practice of magic between parallel universes. If that sounds complicated, it is, but also thoroughly enjoyable for hours and hours of reading. More suitable for 12-year-olds than 9-year-olds. –Lindley Estes, Riverby Books
Ages 13-18
Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles
Moulin Rouge meets Phantom of the Opera in this dazzling story of romance, intrigue and spectacular stage magic. This book will have you on the edge of the seat and screaming for an immediate sequel, perfect for those who like their magic with an extra side of dark mystery. –Amanda Quain, One More Page Books
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
This book is a favorite of Riverby Books owner and book connoisseur Paul Cymrot, and it is easy to see why. The book celebrates smart kids and is a thoroughly thrilling read for 13-year-olds. –Lindley Estes, Riverby Books
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu
Nova Huang knows more about magic than the average teen. She works for her grandmother’s bookshop, which is filled with magical texts and even more magical clients. When a rumor goes around that a mysterious white wolf is in town, Nova goes to investigate and discovers that it is her old crush, Tam Lang, who happens to also be a werewolf. Together they fight demons and push against the ever-present dark presence that threatens to take Tan’s magic away. This delightful graphic novel is filled with magic, both literally and figuratively. –Kelly Gilbert, Chantilly Regional Library
Don’t Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno
Between applying for college and helping to save her seaside town, Rosa Santos did not expect to be interested in dating anyone. But then she meets Alex, whose family owns the local marina. The problem? Rosa’s family is supposedly cursed by the sea, and Alex is a boy with a boat. –Rachel Roman, Middleburg Library
Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
Where’s Monday Charles? It’s the first day of school after summer break and Claudia is anxious to meet up with her best friend. They’ve been best friends since they were little and do everything together, but something is different. Monday never shows up for school and Claudia hasn’t seen her or heard from her in days. Since no one else seems to notice or care that her best friend is missing, Claudia takes matters into her own hands to find out what’s going on with her best friend. Join Claudia on a whirlwind school year to discover what really happened to Monday –Mel Varner, Chantilly Regional Library
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
A contemporary fantasy that draws on Arthurian legend and intertwines with secret societies, intergenerational trauma and the power found in grief. Set at UNC Chapel Hill, this twisty legend of Black-girl magic will keep you up all night reading. –Amanda Quain, One More Page Books
Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
It’s a scandalous title but I promise it’s not as raunchy as it sounds. This decidedly un-American story follows Georgia Nicholson as she navigates teenagerdom in England. I picked up this series at age 15 and looking back, I realize author Louise Rennison had rendered a character who taught me it was OK to contain multitudes. I could be a girl who was a little boy crazy and who liked makeup, but I could also be sensitive, a writer and be strong for my friends and family, all at once. –Lindley Estes, Riverby Books
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
While this series of books have been around for a while, they are perfect to read cuddled up in a cozy blanket while leaves blow about outside. Richard Gansey III is constantly on the hunt for a dead Welsh king that he suspects is buried in the Appalachian mountains near the small Virginia town of Henrietta. Together with his two best friends, Rowan and Noah, and a girl they meet named Blue, they roam the lines of rural Virginia on a humorous and genuinely entertaining adventure. There’s more than meets the eye for many of the boys, and for Blue especially. This is the first in a four-part series. –Kelly Gilbert, Chantilly Regional Library
Alana: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
Alanna disguises herself as a boy in order to learn how to be a knight of the realm of Tortall. –Rachael Roman, Middleburg Library
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This classic is a perfect read in the late teen years. It’s a classic story of American self-invention. But there’s a reason F. Scott Fitzgerald’s magnum opus continues to be taught. The narrative is deftly woven, and his choice of Nick Carraway as a narrator, rather than Jay Gatsby, allows this insider tale to be told from an outside context. There’s a lot to learn from the decisions Fitzgerald made when writing this novel. –Lindley Estes, Riverby Books
Clap When you Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Life can change in a moment. That moment for Yahaira Ross came when her principal breaks the news to her that her hero, her father, has died in a tragic plane crash. A plane crash that the average person might hear about on the news and then forget about the next day. Not Yahaira, who’s world changes when her father’s death reveals secrets that have been hidden for years. One of them being that she’s had a sister in the Dominican Republic that she never knew about. Written in verse, this tale of two sisters will take you on a whirlwind ride of loss and healing. Elizabeth Acevedo keeps it raw so that readers can experience the betrayal, pain and triumph that the characters feel. –Mel Varner, Chantilly Regional Library
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