Children's

What's the deal with middle school, anyway? Newbery Honor-winning author and artist Chanel Miller explores the glorious mess that is middle school—and the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering.

At the beginning of seventh grade, Luna knows who she is: an observant, quiet girl who loves writing and making zines with her best friend, Scott. But when one of their zines takes off, somehow Luna is swept up into the popular group and learns just how much of herself she's going to have to compromise to stay there. Will she give up her writing? Her best friend? What about her own beliefs about who she is and what she stands for?

In a contemporary novel that feels like today’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Newbery Honor winner and bestselling author Chanel Miller explores what it means to lose and then find yourself again in the middle of middle school.

By: Medina (Author), 2022, Hardcover

I have never felt like I belonged to my body. Never in the way rhythm belongs to a song or waves belong to an ocean.
It seems like most people figure out where they belong by knowing where they came from. When they look in the mirror, they see their family in their eyes, in their sharp jawlines, in the texture of their hair. When they look at family photos, they see faces of people who look like them. They see faces of people who they'll look like in the future.
For me, I only have my imagination.
But I'm always trying.

Twelve-year-old Gabriela is trying to find their place in the world. In their body, which feels less and less right with each passing day. As an adoptee, in their all-white family. With their mom, whom they love fiercely and do anything they can to help with her depression. And at school, where they search for friends.

A new year will bring a school project, trans and queer friends, and a YouTube channel that help Gabriela find purpose in their journey. From debut author medina comes a beautifully told story of finding oneself and one's community, at last.

A Stonewall Honor Winner
Indie Next Pick
PW Best Book of the Year
Booklist Editor’s Pick

The Otherwoods is calling. And it won’t be ignored.

Some would call River Rydell a ‘chosen one’: born with the ability to see monsters and travel to a terrifying spirit world called The Otherwoods, they have all the makings of a hero. But River just calls themself unlucky. After all, it’s not like anyone actually believes River can see these things―or that anyone even believes monsters exist in the first place. So the way River sees it, it’s better to keep their head down and ignore anything Otherwoods related.

But The Otherwoods won’t be ignored any longer.

When River’s only friend (and crush) Avery is kidnapped and dragged into The Otherwoods by monsters, River has no choice but to confront the world they’ve seen only in their nightmares―but reality turns out be more horrifying than they could have ever imagined. With only their cat for protection and a wayward teen spirit as their guide, River must face the monsters of The Otherwoods and their own fears to save Avery and become the hero they were (unfortunately) destined to be.

Justine Pucella Winans will have you cowering and cackling as you follow River's reluctant hero's journey, perfect for fans of Doll Bones, Ghost Squad, and Too Bright to See.

By: Todd Parr (Author), 2009, Hardcover, Board Book (Todd Parr Classics)

Peace is making new friends.
Peace is helping your neighbor.
Peace is a growing a garden.
Peace is being who you are.

The Peace Book delivers positive and hopeful messages of peace in an accessible, child-friendly format featuring Todd Parr's trademark bold, bright colors and silly scenes. Perfect for the youngest readers, this book delivers a timely and timeless message about the importance of friendship, caring, and acceptance.

By: Chris Ayala-Kronos (Author), Marco Tirado (Illustrator), 2022, Boardbook

They, she, he . . . all together, us! Join along in this vibrant board book's joyful celebration of people and their pronouns.

How do you know what someone wants to be called? Ask!

This lively board book features eye-catching illustrations of a diverse cast of people and simple text that introduces their pronouns, perfect for readers both young and old.

By: Kyle Casey Chu (Author), 2025, Hardcover

Better Nate Than Ever meets Dumplin’ in this charming, poignant debut by Kyle Casey Chu, aka Panda Dulce, a founding queen of Drag Story Hour. 

After making the buzzer-beating shot at the Georgia basketball state championships, Derrick Chan becomes the star of Bayard Middle School, and Derrick’s single dad could not be prouder. But there are parts of Derrick that no one knows about, like the toenail polish he wears under his basketball sneakers, his secret lip-sync performances in the bathroom mirror, and the feelings he’s developing for his best friend and teammate, JJ.

As the school year comes to a close, Derrick’s dad takes an out-of-town job and ships Derrick off to spend the summer with his estranged, eccentric grandmother, Claudia. Soon, Claudia introduces Derrick to the world of small-town southern beauty pageants, and Derrick suddenly feels he’s found where he belongs. But when the opportunity arises to compete in the town pageant, Derrick is forced to decide just how much of himself he’s ready to show the world.

Can he learn to love and accept the most unique parts of himself? And what will happen if others—like his father and JJ—can’t do the same? 

A sweet and celebratory story of a family's first time at Pride

One day in June, Mommy, Mama, and Emily take the train into the city to watch the Rainbow Parade. The three of them love how all the people in the street are so loud, proud, and colorful, but when Mama suggests they join the parade, Emily feels nervous. Standing on the sidewalkis one thing, but walking in the parade? Surely that takes something special.
 
This joyful and affirming picture book about a family's first Pride parade, reminds all readers that sometimes pride takes practice and there's no "one way" to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Story of Climate Change introduces one of the most important issues facing our world today, and tells you what you can do to help make a change!
 
Combining history with science, this book charts the changes in our Earth’s climate, from the beginnings of the planet and its atmosphere, to the Industrial revolution and the dawn of machinery. You'll learn all about the causes of climate change, such as factory farming and pollution, and the effects that climate change has on humans and animals across the world.
 
As well as discovering the effects of global warming, you'll discover practical ways we can work together to solve it, from using renewable energy to swapping meat for vegetables in our diet.
 
With fact-packed text by Catherine Barr and vibrant illustrations by Amy Husband and Mike Love, The Story of Climate Change will give you all the information you need, and will inspire you to do your part to fight the climate emergency!

By: Jon Scieszka (Author), Lane Smith (Illustrator), 1996, Children's Book, Picture Book

THE MODERN CLASSIC WITH OVER TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD • The Big Bad Wolf tells his side in this fractured fairy tale, brought to life with irreverent storytelling and artwork that “older kids (and adults) will find very funny” (School Library Journal).

A New York Times Best Book of the Year • American Booksellers Association Picture Book Hall of Fame • Society of Illustrators Silver Medal • New York Public Library 100 Great Children’s Books for 100 Years • An American Library Association Notable Book

You may think you know the story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf—but only one person knows the real story. That person is A. Wolf. His tale starts with a birthday cake for his dear old granny, a bad head cold . . . and a bad reputation. It ends in the Big House: the Pig Pen. What really happened when A. Wolf was at the door? Was it an historic pig out or a Mother Goose frame-up? You read it. You decide.

Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith combine their talents for droll tales and provocative reporting to bring the true story of this much maligned figure to the public. Big and Bad? Could be. Hilarious? Of course.

There’s so much more to Christmas than just getting presents. Celebrate all the ways you can be generous and kind in Twelve Days of Kindness, by the creator of best-selling Kindness Makes Us Strong.
 
Whether it’s making a card, sharing freshly baked cookies or sprinkling sparkly cheer, there are many kind ways to brighten someone else’s day during Christmas. Explore some of the simple ways you can spread kindness with this uplifting story by award-winning illustrator Sophie Beer.
 
Featuring an inclusive range of families, parents and cultures, readers young and old will love seeing themselves and their communities gathered together. Sparkling with gold foil, this high-quality, hardback picture book will be plenty of fun for young readers!

The perfect picture book for:
·         Children aged 1-6 years 
·         Rainbow and queer families
·         Modern families re-thinking the way they celebrate Christmas
·         Gift-givers for pregnancy and baby showers
 
Explore more gorgeous Sophie Beer stories from Bright Light:
·         Love Makes a Family
·         Kindness Makes Us Strong
·         Change Starts with Us
·         You're Fabulous As You Are
·         How to Say Hello
·         Welcome, Little One
·         Mama Bear and Me
·         You're a Rainbow, Baby (coming soon!)

Introduction for babies and toddlers who are first learning about how pronouns work.

They, He, She: Words for You and Me Board Book is a colorfully illustrated introduction for young children who are starting to understand pronouns and the different usages they will encounter. The book includes gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them and an age-appropriate explanation of pronoun usage, affirming that everyone can choose those that match best to how they feel inside.

* Early Learning – Provide young children with the support they may need as they encounter other people and children at school and play, as well as understanding what words feel best for themselves.
* Bright and Bold Artwork – Bright and colorful illustrations will make the learning process easy for little ones and promote representation and inclusion.
* Perfect Size - Small 6.25” x 6.25” board book is just the size for little hands.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author of P Is for Pterodactyl Raj Haldar comes a silly and irreverent new picture book all about sharing ideas

This is a book about dinosaurs. No it's not. Dinosaurs are not allowed.

Oh. This is now a book about avocados! Sorry. We deleted those too.

FINE. This book is about―nope! Forbidden!

Maybe you shouldn't even try reading this book…But what could possibly be inside?

Discover just what can happen when ideas are erased instead of expressed with this hilarious picture book romp that kids (and grown-ups) will want to read over and over again.

This Book Is Banned is a funny, engaging book perfect for

* Families to read aloud with kids of all ages
* Parents eager to share a laugh while addressing meaningful themes
* Educators looking for an entertaining resource to discuss important issues
* Readers with a penchant for humor, vibrant illustrations, and thoughtful content

By: Gayle E. Pitman (Author), Kristyna Litten (Author), 2014, Hardcover, Picture Book

"The pride primer." —The New Yorker

An excellent tool for teaching respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

This day in June…. Parade starts soon….  Rainbow arches…. Joyful marches!

In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBTQ+ community, This Day In Junewelcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a Note to Parents and Other Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways as well as a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBTQ+ history and culture.

The first LGBTQA+ anthology for middle-graders featuring stories for every letter of the acronym, including realistic, fantasy, and sci-fi stories by authors like Justina Ireland, Marieke Nijkamp, Alex Gino, and more!

A boyband fandom becomes a conduit to coming out. A former bully becomes a first-kiss prospect. One nonbinary kid searches for an inclusive athletic community after quitting gymnastics. Another nonbinary kid, who happens to be a pirate, makes a wish that comes true--but not how they thought it would. A tween girl navigates a crush on her friend's mom. A young witch turns herself into a puppy to win over a new neighbor. A trans girl empowers her online bestie to come out.

From wind-breathing dragons to first crushes, This Is Our Rainbow features story after story of joyful, proud LGBTQA+ representation. You will fall in love with this insightful, poignant anthology of queer fantasy, historical, and contemporary stories from authors including: Eric Bell, Lisa Jenn Bigelow, Ashley Herring Blake, Lisa Bunker, Alex Gino, Justina Ireland, Shing Yin Khor, Katherine Locke, Mariama J. Lockington, Nicole Melleby, Marieke Nijkamp, Claribel A. Ortega, Mark Oshiro, Molly Knox Ostertag, Aisa Salazar, and AJ Sass.