Best New Books Coming in October 2024 for Kids and Teachers

Crisp cool nights, changing leaves, the smell of woodsmoke in the air … fall has arrived! That makes it the perfect time to cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte and a good book. We’ve pored over the reviews to find the best new books coming in October 2024, so mark your calendar and get ready for some wonderful reads.

Jump to:

Fiction Picture Books in October 2024

Perfect by Waka T. Brown, illustrated by Yuko Jones

Miki wants (or perhaps needs) everything in her life to be perfect. When she breaks a beloved cup, her grandmother teachers her the Japanese art of kintsugi, mending broken objects with gold. Miki learns that imperfections can sometimes make things even more special.

Buy it: Perfect

Jonty Gentoo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Inspired by his aunts’ stories, Jonty leaves the safety of his zoo enclosure to find Antarctica’s penguin colonies. His journey south is full of adventure and danger, but with some help along the way, he arrives in the land of the penguins at last.

Buy it: Jonty Gentoo

How To Sing a Song by Kwame Alexander and Randy Preston, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Help kids find their voice with this new picture book. From toe tapping to finger snapping and finally singing out loud and strong, this is a power anthem in literary form.

Buy it: How To Sing a Song

I Know How To Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely, illustrated by Matt James

Belle can draw an owl better than anyone in her class. But that’s because she and her mom are unhoused, and one night when they spent the night in their car in a park, Belle had a special encounter. This book exposes students to a situation that more kids face than they realize.

Buy it: I Know How To Draw an Owl

2. My Smock is a Story by Reuben Nantogmah and Samantha Cleaver

In this joyful story, a little boy learns about the smock, a traditional shirt worn by men in his family, the Dagomba tribe from northern Ghana. Each smock tells a story, the boy’s father tells him. And the boy wonders, what stories will he make in his smock? This picture book can be used to talk about themes of family and culture, how family traditions are passed down, and about textiles and clothing.

Buy it: My Smock is a Story

New Easy Readers/Chapter Books in October 2024

Stella & Marigold by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

If you’ve always wished there were more Ramona Quimby books, this new chapter book series will delight you! These two sisters are there for each other through all the joys and disappointments of growing up.

Buy it: Stella & Marigold

The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Júlia Sardà

Marta lives in the hotel where her mother is a maid, and she wiles away her days roaming the halls while missing her soldier father. When a mysterious countess arrives, her tales enchant Marta and lead her to wonder if these stories might somehow lead to the return of her beloved father.

Buy it: The Hotel Balzaar

Still Sal by Kevin Henkes

First grade isn’t turning out to be everything Sal had hoped, with disappointments big and small. But as she gets used to the changes, she finds ways to feel more like herself again in this charming chapter book follow-up to Oh, Sal.

Buy it: Still Sal

Mystery at the Biltmore by Colleen Nelson, illustrated by Peggy Collins

A new chapter book mystery series is always welcome, since they’re favorites with newly independent readers. Elodie’s parents investigate art crimes, and she’s determined to follow in their shoes, solving a jewelry theft in her very own apartment building.

Buy it: Mystery at the Biltmore

New Middle Grade Books in October 2024

Deer Run Home by Ann Clare LeZotte

When Effie and her sister are taken from their mother and abusive stepfather and sent to live with their neglectful father, things quickly go from bad to worse. Their father speaks no ASL, nor does anyone at their new school. But Effie knows something important and needs to be understood more than ever. Can a kind ASL interpreter at school help her tell her story at last? (Novel in verse)

Buy it: Deer Run Home

The Fairy Tale Fan Club by Richard Ayoade, illustrated by David Roberts

Ever wondered why Red Riding Hood didn’t notice that her grandmother had been replaced by a wolf? Or whether Rapunzel prefers short hair to long hair? This collection of “letters” from fairy tale fans to famous characters has the answers and will make you laugh out loud too!

Buy it: The Fairy Tale Fan Club

Bird Nerd by Jennifer Ann Richter

Nyla is a serious birder, determined to win the elementary birding challenge even though other kids call her a nerd. To do it, she’ll need to navigate friendships old and new and believe strongly in herself. This new middle grade book highlights urban birders, who are predominantly people of color and underrepresented in the birding community. Readers may find themselves interested in checking out this popular hobby themselves.

Buy it: Bird Nerd

On the Block edited by Ellen Oh

The Entrada apartment building is home to a diverse cast of middle grade students and their families, each of whom gets their own story in this collection of interwoven tales. A wide array of authors highlight various cultures as each preteen faces and overcomes their own personal challenges.

Buy it: On the Block

Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood by Robert Beatty

Foster child Sylvia only really feels at home at the Highground Home, where she finds comfort in the horses and Mason, the home’s caretaker. She’s been placed in a new foster home, but now a hurricane threatens Highground and everything she loves. Sylvia runs away once again, headed back to save her beloved horses and solve a mystery too.

Buy it: Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood

New Young Adult Fiction in October 2024

Take a Sad Song by Ona Gritz

In 1970, 15-year-old Jane is partying with her friends and is shocked when police officers show up to arrest her under the Wayward Minors Act after her mother reports her missing. Jane is sent to a maximum-security children’s prison, where she meets the Racket. These girls have formed a protective family to help navigate the harsh system. As Jane’s mother pleads with a judge to let her come home, Jane (who now calls herself “Jude”) develops feelings for a fellow inmate. Ultimately, she must decide who to trust in a world that clearly doesn’t trust teen girls to make their own choices.

Buy it: Take a Sad Song

Tangleroot by Kalela Williams

Noni must leave her life in New England behind when her mother is appointed president of a prestigious college (with a racist past) in Virginia. They take up residence at their ancestral home, where Noni uncovers long-buried secrets that show racism is still prevalent in today’s world. As she begins to unravel the tangled web, Noni discovers surprising facts about her family’s history—and her own identity.

Buy it: Tangleroot

The Dividing Sky by Jill Tew

Sci-fi fans will want to check out this new YA novel set in 2460, in a world where a Proxy like Liz Neuman can use a microchip in their brain to sell memories. But Liz’s latest client sends her on a mission that threatens everything she knows. Can Forceman Adrian Rao help her when all her memories are lost?

Buy it: The Dividing Sky

Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood

In the town of Zakynthos, women are controlled by Leandros (a descendant of the Greek god Eros) and his magical Desires. When Eirene takes on a series of challenging tasks to save her sister from an unwanted marriage, she discovers an unlikely helper in the form of Leandros’ hidden daughter. Their relationship develops as they complete the tasks together and fight to free the women of Zakynthos from an unseen danger.

Buy it: Gentlest of Wild Things

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll

At her family’s insistence, Jasper has spent her life hiding her autism from others so she can be the town’s shining star. Now she’s home for her first college winter break, and sucked back into her family’s drama. When former classmate Arthur begins working on a documentary about the town that threatens to spill all her secrets, Jasper must decide between hiding behind the facade she’s created or finding pride in living as her true self.

Buy it: Some Like It Cold

New Graphic Novels in October 2024

Detective Beans & the Case of the Missing Hat by Li Chen

Oh, no … Beans has lost his favorite hat! Time to turn detective and follow the trail of clues across town until he tracks it down again. (Grades 2–4)

Buy it: Detective Beans & the Case of the Missing Hat

Monster Locker by Jorge Aguirre, illustrated by Andrés Vera Martínez

When Pablo Ortiz accidentally opens the portal beneath his middle school and summons an ancient monster, he’ll need the help of all his new friends and a little advice from his abuela to set things right again. (Grades 4–8)

Buy it: Monster Locker

Turning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee, illustrated by Molly Brooks

Turning 12 brings a lot of new things for Katie, from a first job to a first bra. It also brings on some confusing feelings for her new friend Grace. This graphic novel perfectly captures the confusion of adolescent crushes and the challenges of unraveling our own personal identities as we grow. (Grades 5–8)

Buy it: Turning Twelve

Asgardians: Thor by George O’Connor

The second book in the middle grade graphic novel series about Norse mythology follows Thor, a man of muscle but few social skills. Follow him as he encounters some of his most famous foes, and even see him meet his mighty hammer for the very first time. Readers can learn more about Thor in the detailed author’s notes as well. (Grades 4–8)

Buy it: Asgardians: Thor

Please Be My Star by Victoria Grace Elliott

Inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, this new YA graphic novel follows Erika, a lonely girl considered strange and obsessive by her peers. When she develops a crush on a boy in her theater class, she decides to write a play just for him. It seems like Christian might actually like Erika in return, but will her secrets about her mental health struggles keep her from building connections with him and others forever? (Grades 9–12)

Buy it: Please Be My Star

Girlmode by Magdalene Visaggio, illustrated by Paulina Ganucheau

When newly transitioned transgender teen Phoebe arrives at her new high school, she’d prefer to just try to blend into the crowd. Instead, popular girl Mackenzie decides to take on Phoebe as a project and “teach her to be a girl.” In a nod to the beloved movie Clueless, this graphic novel skillfully shows the struggles of a teen trying to determine just what kind of girl she wants to be. (Grades 9–12)

Buy it: Girlmode

New Nonfiction for All Ages in October 2024

Dear Vincent by Michael Bird, illustrated by Ella Beech

Adults will immediately recognize the famous artist as kids will meet Vincent, a man who wants to leave the city and explore new places. His brother Theo supports him as he heads south and discovers the artist he’s meant to be. (Pre-K to Grade 2)

Buy it: Dear Vincent

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Deena So’Oteh

The elusive and mysterious narwhal has become a popular animal these days. Told in second person, this beautifully written story plunges readers into the lifestyle of this amazing underwater creature, immersing them in fascinating facts they’ll want to share with everyone. (Pre-K to Grade 2)

Buy it: Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic

My Friend LeVar by Ezra Edmond, illustrated by Jenna Nahyun Chung

Adults will treasure the hit of nostalgia for their Reading Rainbow days with this picture book tale of LeVar Burton. Young Ezra loves using his imagination to join LeVar on magical book journeys. When he gets to meet his hero in person, Ezra couldn’t be happier! (Pre-K to Grade 2)

Buy it: My Friend LeVar

Call the Bee Doctor! by Sandra Markle

By now, it’s no secret that honey bees are in trouble following a global outbreak of colony collapse disorder (CCD). In this informative book, kids will learn more about CCD and how scientists are working to fight it. They’ll walk away with an appreciation for honey bees and a desire to protect them too. (Grades 3–7)

Buy it: Call the Bee Doctor

They Saved the Stallions by Deborah Hopkinson

Calling all horse fans! In this World War II Close Up adventure, the famous Lipizzaner horses of Vienna face the dangers of war. Learn the true story of these incredible performing horses and how they were saved and protected throughout the war by the courageous Alois Podhajsky. (Grades 4–8)

Buy it: They Saved the Stallions

The Ballerina of Auschwitz by Dr. Edith Eva Eger

This young adult adaptation of The Choice (2017) traces the heartbreaking story of the author, who was an aspiring ballerina and gymnast in the years leading up to World War II. Torn from her parents (who were killed immediately) and thrust into the terrors of a concentration camp, Edith’s struggles to survive will both horrify and inspire readers who may have wondered what Anne Frank’s final days were like. (Grades 9–12)

Buy it: The Ballerina of Auschwitz

Civic Minded by Jeff Fleischer

Kids who dozed through government or civics class will find this nonpartisan book a handy guide to all sorts of important issues. From national debt and international treaties to taxes and social programs, this book covers them all and more in a basic, accessible way that even grown adults can benefit from reading. (Grades 9–12)

Buy it: Civic Minded

Best New Books for Teachers in October 2024

The Enduring Promise of America’s Great City Schools by Michael Casserly

Many people today have lost faith in American public schools, and author Casserly thinks that’s a major mistake. As he makes the case for what makes our public schools great (and how to make them even better), educators will find strength and encouragement to voice their own support for our educational system.

Buy it: The Enduring Promise of America’s Great City Schools

The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu

Anti-ableist activists like Yu want to change how we view disability, making it a source of pride rather than shame. As educators seek to serve all children in their classrooms well, the ideas in this book will help them fight stereotypes and view students with disabilities in a new and empowering light.

Buy it: The Anti-Ableist Manifesto

American Teenager by Nico Lang

If you teach teenagers, you’ll definitely encounter those who identify as nonbinary, transgender, and gender-nonconforming. Make the effort to better understand their struggles, challenges, and joys with this close look at the lives of eight American transgender teens and their families and communities.

Buy it: American Teenager

What new books are you looking forward to in October 2024? Drop us a note at books@weareteachers.com and let us know!

Plus, check out Best Halloween Books for Kids and Teens.