Best of 2024: Children's Books

A passionate celebration of cultural identity.

The Wizard West has died, and his ghost is very put out about the whole thing. Faye, the groundskeeper's daughter, is tasked with keeping the animated castle in order as they secretly try to find a successor before the castle falls apart and the kingdom with it.

Tasha does not want to move to a trailer park in the middle of nowhere Georgia after her mom dies and meets her birth father and her grandmother. He is not around a lot since he has a new girlfriend that Tasha warms up to, but after meeting a friend, he finds out there is a rash of deaths… or murders in the trailer park that has to be solved to keep her remaining family. In tackling the importance of family, lost and found, and the horror of the pandemic, this story will stay with you long after the last page.

A charming introduction to one of the seminal pieces of contemporary music, John Cage's 4'33" told from the perspective of the piano player and the wonder and chaos listening to silence.

Celebrating less-than-well-known community activists of diverse communities using beautiful descriptions of skin tone colors. The book's central thesis addresses the erroneous belief of people "not seeing color." We all see color, and we can also see the strengths of our communities of different ethnic backgrounds.

Jack learns how to make a truly empathetic and meaningful apology to his friend Zoe with the help of an understanding teacher. Funny and honest and an excellent conversation starter.

Helping Papa with his stand at the farmer's market is a Sunday tradition for The Last Stand's protagonist, but slowly, the market has changed so that they have become the last remaining sellers. When Papa can no longer tend the stand, the young boy takes over and continues the tradition moving forward. Both a sweet family story and a loving tribute to Black farmers, The Last Stand is an excellent choice for young readers.

It's hard to be a new big brother, as the unnamed protagonist of My Baby Sister is a Diplodocus discovers. The initial excitement fades and turns to frustration when he can't play with her in the ways he'd like to—leaving him no choice but to put on his dinosaur costume and become a T.rex. Petit's bright colors and bold illustrations make this title a standout in the "New Baby" genre.

The first title in a new beginning chapter book series called The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class, each written by a different popular author and focusing on a different main character in the class. Emma is starting third grade at a new school, hoping for a fresh start and a chance to make friends.

The Meet the Wild Things nonfiction series combines interesting animal facts with adorable yet realistic illustrations by John Rocco. Other titles in the series so far are Hello, I'm a Pangolin and Hello, I'm a Quokka.

Indonesian-American Hadilaksono reminds us that families can show their love in all kinds of different ways. A beautiful and culturally affirming picture book.

The Fan brothers (Terry, Eric, and Devin) return to the creative world of The Barnabus Project for this gorgeously illustrated picture book. Barnaby is a fluffy pink elephant-mouse that a little girl brings home from the Perfect Pets store. When a new and more exciting Perfect Pet is announced, Barnaby feels his place in the world has been challenged.

Inspired by the Christina Rosetti poem, Into the Goblin Market explores the bond between sisters as homebody Millie ventures out to save her sister Mina from the fearsome creatures of the Goblin Market. The rhyming text and intricate woodcut-style illustrations lend a classic feel to this slightly spooky tale. Certainly this will be a new favorite around Halloween, but the cleverness and bravery of Millie along with the warmth of sisterhood make this an excellent title to share year-round.

Shing Yin Khor and Kass Gray explore a lesser-told side of California's Gold Rush in this graphic novel. The story follows two miners who found friendship while trying to strike gold and the many other communities following the promise of riches. It doesn't shy away from the harms that the Gold Rush held for Indigenous people in California, nor does it ignore the opportunities it held for immigrants and formerly enslaved people. Overall, an excellent title focused on a pivotal moment in California's history.

Cuddle up with the animals of Acorn Village as they cozily go through their day reading, baking, creating art or playing in the snow. Snuggling by a fire, sharing food and fun and then snuggling off to sleep will warm the hearts of all.

Two best friends must solve a potential murder set during a baking competition. Laila and Lucy are friends with a plan, they must secure scholarships to the Sunderland boarding school through baking and journalism in order to stay together and achieve their dreams. Unfortunately, disaster strikes and names must be cleared. Author team of Badua and Dow keep the mystery moving and the stakes high in this cozy mystery.

With vivid writing that feels meant to be read aloud, Nicholls perfectly captures this reimagined Grimm tale. The well-written prose is further brought to life by the bold and beautiful illustrations from Sardà, which emphasize the classic feel of the tale while also simply being wonderful works of art in themselves.

Chiyoko's family has been in the miso business for three generations and it is time for Chiyoko to learn the business. At first, she is unhappy with working but eventually learns to appreciate the hard work and patience that goes into making miso, which feels like magic. Beautifully illustrated story about the delicate artisanal craftsmanship of making miso soup and the bond between father and daughter.

Super fun (and slightly grotesque) picture book that challenges beauty standards and celebrates uniqueness.

A heartfelt story about a kind family that opened up their home to war refugees during the Korean War and a child's journey as she grapples with her emotions during the sudden changes in her life.

Another amazing collaboration between writer Minh Le & and illustrator Dan Santat. It is a Beautifully illustrated book about a lasting friendship through the good and the bad.

Everyone makes mistakes, even scientists! This book tells the wonderful story of how ideas and knowledge can change over time. It shows how people having the courage to express new ideas and those willing to change their old ones is key to reaching closer to the truths of our fascinating and shared world.

"This is a still life," says the painter and narrator of this story. "In a still life, nothing moves." However, beyond the painter's canvas, an entirely separate story is taking place! The painter continues, "In a still life, there are no people, nor creatures, nor quests, and so there are no heroes to save the day." Or so he thinks! In this comedic picture book about art and fantasy, there is never a still moment. Ever.

At a Chinese cultural summer camp, Chinese Americans who want to learn all they can about their heritage don't understand why adoptees from China who have been raised by white parents don't have the same feelings toward their culture.

Four girls from different generations of one Jewish family recount the expulsion from Spain in 1492, fleeing to Cuba in 1923, moving to Miami in 1961 and traveling to Spain in 2003.

Thirteen-year-old Valeria "Magic" Salomón is the best player and only girl on her town's soccer team. When she gets her period for the first time while wearing white shorts during an important game, her status starts to change. No longer welcome on this team, she enters the world of girls' soccer, and it is not an easy transition.

Things aren't always as they appear. Daisy, a kid who appreciates nature and the magic of the changing seasons, understands this. Daisy also understands that she loves her new pet fish unconditionally, even with his funny-looking fins and a head too big for his tail—even when the fish begins to transform into something astonishing and enchanting.

This heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh-grade Syrian American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle school.