In a month that’s all about gratitude, we can’t give enough thanks for new reads to add to our pile. We’ve scoured the reviews and rounded up all the new books coming in November 2023 that seem perfect for kids and classrooms. Here’s what we can’t wait to check out this month.
New Fiction Picture Books
Eleven Words for Love by Randa Abdel-Fattah, illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke
When a Palestinian family is forced to flee their home, they embark on a journey that means leaving everything familiar behind. Fortunately, love can travel with you anywhere. If you’ve ever thought English needed more words for different kinds of love, you’ll appreciate the Arabic expressions highlighted in this book.
Buy it: Eleven Words for Love at Amazon
The Concrete Garden by Bob Graham
On the first warm day of spring, the children of one apartment block fill the sidewalk outside with chalk drawings, creating their own concrete garden. The book carries a deeper message, written as a reflection on the separation and reunion of loved ones throughout the recent pandemic.
Buy it: The Concrete Garden at Amazon
How Do You Become Friends With the Moon? by Ghazaleh Bigdelou
Join a sweet group of pals on their quest to bring the moon down to earth so they can all become friends. Eventually they succeed, filling her up with cup after cup of milk tea. Finally, the moon must return to the sky, knowing she can return to her friends any time she’d like more tea.
Buy it: How Do You Become Friends With the Moon? at Amazon
When the Stars Came Home by Brittany Luby, illustrated by Natasha Donovan
Ojiig is an Anishinaabe boy whose whole life is uprooted when his family moves to the city. He’s unable to settle, missing the stars and his extended family. His mother invites him to help her sew a new quilt, telling him traditional stories as they work. This new star-patterned quilt helps Ojiig feel at home at last.
Buy it: When the Stars Came Home at Amazon
We Could Fly by Rhiannon Giddens, illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu
Any child who’s ever dreamed of flying (so, every child!) will enjoy this magical tale of a girl who does just that. The text is based on lyrics from a song by Rhiannon Giddens, which in turn draws on African folklore.
Buy it: We Could Fly at Amazon
A Way to the Stars by David Almond, illustrated by Gill Smith
Joe is determined to fly high above the earth, soaring among the stars. With help from his father, he climbs ladders, builds towers, and even uses a cannon in an effort to reach his goal. This is a story that’s more about the journey than the destination, though the two do eventually find their way to the stars.
Buy it: A Way to the Stars at Amazon
New Easy Reader/Chapter Books
Drag and Rex: Forever Friends by Susan Lubner, illustrated by Blythe Russo
New quality chapter books for early readers can be hard to find, so teachers and kids alike will be thrilled with this adorable new series. Drag and Rex may be pretty different, but they’re very good friends, and their adventures make for easy, engaging reading.
Buy it: Drag and Rex: Forever Friends at Amazon
A Story No One Has Ever Heard Before by Avi Steinberg
Use this charming new book to teach kids about story elements in such a fun way! “I am not going to be the one to tell this story,” explains the narrator. “You are!” Step by step, the narrator offers guidance on characters, conflict, climax, and resolution. The final pages provide a Mad Libs–style tale that kids can complete over and over again.
Buy it: A Story No One Has Ever Heard Before at Amazon
The Apartment House on Poppy Hill by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Sònia Albert
Here’s the start of another new series perfect for emergent readers. Meet Ella and all her neighbors in a San Francisco apartment building. Their quirky relationships lead to sweet and comforting stories, written in short chapters that are perfect for reading practice.
Buy it: The Apartment House on Poppy Hill at Amazon
New Middle Grade Fiction Books
The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg
This historical thriller was popular in Sweden, and now it’s been translated to English. It follows the story of Mira, an orphan in 1880 Stockholm. When a new arrival comes with a cryptic message, it launches Mira into a murder investigation that uncovers much more than meets the eye.
Buy it: The Night Raven at Amazon
Forsooth by Jimmy Matejek-Morris
The theater world has always been home to a collection of quirky kids who find their place amongst other drama lovers. This tale centers on middle schooler Jonah and his confusing feelings, as he and the rest of the drama kids navigate life, relationships, and the complexities of growing up.
Buy it: Forsooth at Amazon
Sail Me Away Home by Ann Clare LeZotte
This is the third entry in a unique historical-fiction series, telling the story of a deaf teenage girl who’s also the village schoolteacher in the early 1800s. In the latest book, Mary travels to Europe to learn about the schools for hearing impaired children there. The exploration of Deaf history sets these books apart, teaching compassion and empathy for people both past and present.
Buy it: Sail Me Away Home at Amazon
The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman by Mari Lowe
In their Orthodox Jewish girls’ school, Gayil is the cool kid while Shaindy feels shy and awkward. When Gayil suddenly befriends Shaindy and encourages her to join in on a series of increasingly serious pranks, Shaindy must figure out what’s causing Gayil’s bad behavior before someone really gets hurt.
Buy it: The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman at Amazon
Ruptured by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz
Novels in verse aren’t for everyone, but those who can get into the lyrical language will welcome this new book. Thirteen-year-old Claire’s mother tells her a terrible secret just before suffering a brain aneurysm that leaves her completely different. Everything is changing at once, and Claire navigates it all through her narrative poems.
Buy it: Ruptured at Amazon
New High School Fiction Books
Swarm by Jennifer Lyle
A swarm of giant killer butterflies sounds like a bad B movie, but it’s the premise of this gripping and intriguing novel. Perfect for fans of thrillers and dystopia, Swarm follows a group of teens who must find a way to survive the giant butterflies … and even more horrors.
Buy it: Swarm at Amazon
Kingdom of Without by Andrea Tang
For sci-fi fans who also enjoy alternate histories, check out this story set in a cyberpunk Beijing run by a powerful clique that’s divided the city into Rings by both geography and class. One teen seeks a way out through a heist that might turn into a revolution instead.
Buy it: Kingdom of Without at Amazon
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
A few hundred years after the Camelot of legend, a betrothed young princess and knight have many problems. To begin with, they can’t stand each other. Complicating matters further, neither of them is interested in traditional romance with the opposite sex. Their relationship develops from blackmail to grudging support against a background of medieval sword-fighting and society.
Buy it: Gwen & Art Are Not in Love at Amazon
Ralph & Murray by Rick Glaze
This is one of our favorite new Hi-Low books to hit shelves in November, with a story that’s accessible for elementary kids but will intrigue high school readers too. All animal lovers will embrace the friendship of these dog and cat neighbors, who hilariously narrate the action as they try to understand just what their humans are doing and why they do it.
Buy it: Ralph & Murray at Amazon
New Graphic Novels in November 2023
The Magicians by Blexbolex
Take a magical journey through a lavishly illustrated world with three magicians who’ve just woken up from a long sleep. Translated from French, this book creates a mystical backdrop for the three young magicians, who must evade enemies like a mechanical lion-dragon. It’s perfect for kids who get as much from the pictures as they do from the text. (Grades 3+)
Buy it: The Magicians at Amazon
Duel by Jessixa Bagley, illustrated by Aaron Bagley
Sisters GiGi and Lucy both love fencing, but that’s about all they have in common (or so they think). They’re also both navigating their father’s recent death, but the tragedy that could have brought them together instead leaves them further apart than ever. Will an ultimate duel between the two drive them apart completely, or finally help them mend their relationship? This is an excellent read for kids interested in learning more about the sport of fencing. (Grades 3-7)
Buy it: Duel at Amazon
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein, illustrated by Douglas Holgate
Another new title joins this incredibly popular series of books in November. In fact, Mr. Lemoncello’s library is taking its first step into graphic novel territory with this volume. See Kyle’s story brought to vivid life through illustrations that document his frantic attempts to solve tricky puzzles and escape from a locked library. This adaptation makes the series more accessible than ever. (Grades 3-7)
Buy it: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library at Amazon
The Secret of the Ravens by Joanna Cacao
Twins Elliot and Eliza are alone in the world, scavenging through trash to survive. When magical ravens arrive and offer them the chance to complete quests to earn money, they think their problems are solved. But the Raven Quests instead lead them deeper into trouble, and they’ll need to seek outside help if they’re both to survive a serious accident. (Grades 3-7)
Buy it: The Secret of the Ravens at Amazon
New Nonfiction Books in November 2023
Rising Above by Hayley Diep, illustrated by Naomi Giddings
If you’re looking for new books for young sports fans to read in November, they’ll be inspired by the story of the first NBA player of color. Though his professional career was short, Wat set the stage for the racially diverse NBA of today, and his story deserves a wider audience. (Pre-K to Grade 3)
Buy it: Rising Above at Amazon
Stone Age Beasts by Ben Lerwill, illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith
What child isn’t intrigued by the idea of woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats? Those prehistoric creatures are just the start in this encyclopedia of fantastic beasts like elephant birds and giant wombats. It’s a short book overall, but it’s packed with fascinating facts and gorgeous illustrations. (Grades 1-4)
Buy it: Stone Age Beasts at Amazon
The Wheel of the Year by Fiona Cook, illustrated by Jessica Roux
Journey through the seasons of the year, learning more about the legends and cultural significance of each to cultures around the world. Find ideas for themed crafts, sensory activities, and more ways to make a deeper connection to the rhythms of nature. (Grades 4-6)
Buy it: The Wheel of the Year at Amazon
Breakthrough by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
In recent months, several books have drawn attention to scientist Katalin Karikó, whose work paved the way for the mRNA vaccines that helped break the back of the COVID-19 pandemic. Readers learn about Karikó’s challenges along the road to becoming a groundbreaking scientist. They’ll also gain a better understanding of the science itself, in a completely accessible way. (Grades 7-12)
Buy it: Breakthrough at Amazon
The Brontës of Haworth Moor by Diane Browning
Wuthering Heights fans aren’t the only ones who will enjoy the latest book on the fascinating Brontë sisters. Teens will especially like hearing about their early day-to-day lives, leading up to the three sisters’ incredible literary achievements. (Grades 9+)
Buy it: The Brontës of Haworth Moor at Amazon
New Books for Teachers in November 2023
Apprentice Nation by Ryan Craig
Teachers know the push to get every student into college, even when it’s clear that other paths would be a better fit. They can understand the argument to return to an apprentice system, where students “learn while they earn.” Author Craig makes a convincing case for encouraging students to pursue higher education in a way that serves them best, and encouraging companies to return to apprenticeships that can benefit both student and teacher.
Buy it: Apprentice Nation at Amazon
Uncertain by Maggie Jackson
Those who work in education know that feeling of having the ground constantly shifting under your feet. Maggie Jackson presents ideas for embracing the unknown and confronting the unexpected in useful and empowering ways. Her insights can help those who struggle to adjust in a constantly changing world.
Buy it: Uncertain at Amazon
Equality by Darrin M. McMahon
The promise of equality is an elusive concept, one that has caused conflict from the days of antiquity. Learn about different iterations of equality through the centuries, and consider what our definition of the word is today. This is an intriguing look at a tough question: Is true equality even possible?
Buy it: Equality at Amazon
