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Staff reviews: Fiction for children

Staff recommend great books.

Hennepin County Library

86 items

  • Ave doesn't want to be in Kansas and really doesn't want to be separated from the rest of their family in Mexicali but is stuck in a town where they don't know anyone or the language. Ave struggles figuring out how to adapt while not…
    Graphic NovelNew York : RH Graphic, 2025. — Children's Graphic Novel
  • Young readers who may have already enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia and Rick Riordan's books should be handed a copy of this book which will likely light their imagination aflame. Christopher, a normal boy, saves a griffin and is plunged…
    BookNew York : Alfred A. Knopf, [2024] — Children's Fiction Book
  • It was just another school day for Ava when she could not find a pencil to take to school. She rummaged through a drawer and found what seemed to be a regular blue pencil. It was the day for her math quiz and she was not sure if she had…
    Graphic NovelNew York : Gallery 13, 2018. — Adult Graphic Novel
  • Imagine being a 12-year-old traveling on the other side of the world from Laguna, California to Vietnam. Not knowing a lot about the culture, the food, customs and so many more. Mia is now called Mai in her Vietnamese village. She was sent…
    BookNew York, NY : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2015] — Children's Fiction Book
  • Have you ever felt like you are not brave enough to do what you want? This story is for you. Ellie is 12 years old and has CP (Cerebral Palsy) and loves to bake. She’s been going to school with a personal aide which she isn’t happy because…
    BookNew York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, [2019] — Children's Fiction Book
  • Kids who loved Geronimo Stilton should absolutely try this hilarious graphic novel, the first in hopefully an equally long series, where Detective Beans is on the hunt for his missing hat. Readers who enjoy silliness and some detective…
    Graphic NovelKansas City, Missouri : Andrews McMeel Publishing, [2024] — Children's Graphic Novel
  • When Violet's family moves into a bigger house where she will finally get her own room, it should be a good thing. But there is something strange about Violet's attic bedroom. Something creepy. Something that Violet really doesn't want to…
    BookNew York, NY : Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2024] — Children's Fiction Book
  • For kids who are yearning to read the Grimms' Fairy Tales but perhaps are not quite old enough, they will likely enjoy this darkly funny, modern folktale about being kind. - Antonio B., Plymouth Library
    Graphic NovelToronto : Annick Press, [2024] — Children's Graphic Novel
  • In 1860 Simon Green knows two things: first he's a bad student with no prospects in his hometown and second, if he gets a huge flock of turkeys out west he could strike it rich. As Simon begins his journey he has no idea the dangerous…
    Graphic NovelLausanne, Switzerland : Helvetiq, 2024. — Children's Graphic Novel
  • Middle schoolers who enjoyed reading darker, more complicated fairy tales growing up will likely love this graphic novel. Agatha has dreams of going beyond her small hometown but is stuck working as a governess and living with her parents.…
    Graphic NovelNew York, NY : Quill Tree Books, Harper Alley, imprints of HarperCollins Publishers, [2024] — Children's Graphic Novel
  • Readers who love a quirky fantasy adventure with a hint of deeper, darker mystery at play, will likely devour this graphic novel. The only problem I have is that the next books in the series haven't been published yet. - Antonio B.,…
    Graphic NovelLondon : Flying Eye Books, 2024 — Children's Graphic Novel
  • Ink Girls may take place in a fictional world with guilds and royals holding power, but readers are sure to draw parallels to modern issues such as censorship and corruption. The girls in this book are determined to stand up for the truth,…
    Graphic NovelNew York : Greenwillow Books, Harper Alley, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, [2023] — Children's Graphic Novel
  • Middle-schoolers curious or nervous about high school will enjoy reading this graphic novel where Jay enters high school with none of his current friends. Jay has to navigate the pressure of getting good grades while exploring new classes…
    Graphic NovelNew York, NY : HarperAlley, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2024. — Children's Graphic Novel
  • The Secret Garden gets a breath of fresh air in this reimagining of the classic story. This version stars Maria, a Pakistani-Bangaleshi Muslim girl who is sent to stay with the Claybourne family. She doesn't expect to be there long, but…
    Book[New York, NY] : Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2023] — Children's Fiction Book
  • Sona's family is getting ready for a new baby. Everyone is busy and excited, but Sona isn't sure how she feels about all the changes. This sweet family story is full of relatable content for anyone who has been a part of a close-knit…
    BookSomerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2021. — Children's Fiction Book
  • Award-winning author Kate DiCamillo has created an incredible original fairy tale that is sure to charm and delight children and the adults that read to them. Highly recommend this for the parent/grandparent/guardian who is looking for a…
    BookSomerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2023. — Children's Fiction Book
  • Bình is stuck on a silent meditation retreat with his family. Unable to talk or play his video games he keeps remembering the racist bullying at his school. This thoughtful graphic novel blends Buddhist life lessons with a video game…
    Graphic NovelNew York : Little, Brown and Company, 2023. — Children's Graphic Novel
  • The adorable illustrations in this graphic novel featuring a cute pink elephant turn serious topics (deforestation, climate change) into a kid-friendly animal adventure. There is a lot of information here--about the real events the story…
    Graphic NovelNew York : Henry Holt and Company, 2022. — Children's Graphic Novel
  • Violeta arrives in Puerto Rico with her family, excited for the beach and to help her abuela reopen her restaurant after the aftermath of Huracan Maria. Except her family doesn't let her help so instead she gets involved with some local…
    Graphic NovelNew York : HarperAlley, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2023. — Children's Graphic Novel