Most Anticipated KidLit

10 Great New Titles for Young Readers in August

It can be challenging finding ways to keep kids occupied on restless, hot days or during the long drives and flights of summer travel. The perfect solution? Exciting new books to engage young brains and encourage quiet reading time as the school year approaches. Here are ten anticipated titles coming out in August that appeal to a range of ages and interests.

Agent Moose: Operation Owl—Aug. 2

Big Forest is in big trouble. Strange flash floods are making waves all over the Big Forest! Meanwhile, someone is pulling off confounding capers and it's up to Agent Moose and Owlfred to wade through the clues and nab the criminal in the third hilarious installment in this series from Mo O'Hara. (6–9 years)

Isaiah Dunn Saves the Day—Aug. 2

Friendship, community, and a love of words blend in Kelly J. Baptist's middle-grade novel. In the coming-of-age tale, a sequel to Isaiah Dunn is My Hero, things are looking up for Isaiah and his family. That's good, because starting middle school is no joke. Heartfelt and humorous! (8–10 years)

Agent Most Wanted: The Never-Before-Told Story of the Most Dangerous Spy of World War II—Aug. 9

A young-readers adaptation of Sonia Purnell's bestseller about the unlikely American spy who helped light the flame of French Resistance in World War II. Despite having a prosthetic leg, Baltimore socialite Virginia Hall was named by the Gestapo as the most dangerous of all allied spies. (10 years and up)

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: The Graphic Novel—Aug. 9

This adaptation of the middle-grade fantasy by Kwame Mbalia contains stunning art by Robert Venditti and Olivia Stephens. The story follows a teenager who struggles after his best friend's death. Like others in Rick Riordan's imprint, this tale has been praised for cultural diversity and representation. (8–12 years)

No Such Thing—Aug. 16

In this picture book by Ella Bailey, It's a cool day in late October when Georgia notices something weird. Objects are moving around the house and sometimes they even disappear. Join clever, fearless Georgia in solving a spooky, ghoulish, and ghostly mystery in this adventure! (3–7 years)

Nerdy Babies: Rain Forests—Aug. 16

This addition to the series by writer/illustrator Emmy Kastner will ignite curiosity and encourage the youngest readers to appreciate the natural world. With bright, colorful art and a simple question-and-answer format, budding, baby nerds will get lost exploring the depths of the rainforest. (0-4 years and up)

Creepy Crayon!—Aug. 23

The third in a hilariously spooky series by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown about the lovable Jasper Rabbit, who always seems to be finding trouble. This time, he's not doing so well in school. When he finds a purple crayon in the gutter, he innocently picks it up, hoping it might help. (4–8 years)

Big Nate: Destined for Awesomeness—Aug. 30

Sixth-grader Nate Wright believes he is AWESOME. At least that's what he says. Truth is, he has doubts. But he's not about to let anyone in on them. This dynamic graphic novel draws from a new TV series, inspired by the hilarious middle-grade Big Nate books by Lincoln Peirce. (7–12 years)

Patchwork—Aug. 30

With inspiring verse and sumptuous artwork, beloved creators Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken explore the endless possibilities each child possesses. This profound and uplifting book delivers an empowering message for kids: Your story is still being written. Also coming out in Spanish! (4–8 years)

The Final Gambit—Aug. 30

Secrets upon secrets. Riddles upon riddles. In the epic conclusion to the middle-grade series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Avery's fortune, life, and loves are all on the line. With one last puzzle to solve, Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are drawn into a dangerous game. (12 years and up)

This is the time of year when kids are often suffering from feelings of both boredom and overstimulation. Books offer the perfect antidote for this troublesome end-of-summer condition. Hopefully there's something here that will appeal to the young readers in your life.

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon