This summer is exciting for new kidlit releases with so many great things coming out soon that making a list of just nine felt like an impossible task. But I am here to keep trying to give you information about a small part of the new releases of July. I tried to capture a variety of great titles: stories about ghosts and FOMO, a soccer team, historical figures, and a tech club. If your little one is a history buff, there are books and an upcoming biography titled for your surrealism-loving child. I’m especially excited to read the latest releases from many of my favorite authors and illustrators like Sophie Blackall, Phoebe Wahl, Oliver Jeffers, and Kobi Yamada.
Many of you may have children participating in summer reading challenges, and these books will inspire your kids to pick up a book on a summer afternoon. And if I may put on my kids’ librarian (metaphorical) hat for a moment, remember that when there are plenty of other things to do, letting your kids read books sends a strong message that reading isn’t just for cool, rainy, and snowy days, but that it can be a fun activity in its own right.
picture books
day off school by oliver jeffers
A new book by Oliver Jeffers is always an exciting time in my life. In his latest, a little boy named Herbie wakes up sniffling and comes home from school. Normally, this would be the dream, but no, Herbie has school-related FOMO and thinks about all the wonderful things he’s potentially missing. Although school FOMO isn’t something I’ve ever experienced, I’m sure some kids really feel it.
leroy has something to say By Emily Rosenthal and Mai Phuong Thai
Leroy is a lonely ghost who keeps terrorizing families, even though he really just wants a friend. Then a new family moves into his house and he meets their daughter, Tara, who cannot speak and uses a tablet to talk. Fortunately, she is not afraid of him. Ultimately, this is a sweet story about friendship that features a disabled main character and represents different methods of communication.
the children are absolutely fine
Sign up for The Kids Are All Right to receive news and recommendations from the world of children’s publishing and middle grade books.
mysterious things By Andy J Pizza and Sophie Miller
In this follow-up pair’s delightful invisible thingsChildren are introduced to concepts such as dreams, dark matter, chaos, curiosity and rumours. The most mysterious things in the universe are depicted through playful art, and the book will encourage interest in science, math, and vocabulary.
story rug By Sophie Blackall and Phoebe Wahl (14 July)
Here’s an exciting teaming up of two of the most intuitive creators in children’s literature! A class of schoolchildren are learning to braid hair, make shoelaces and eventually rags. Together they weave pieces of clothing into a rug for their teacher, creating a space where they can gather together and read and listen to stories. The book also comes with instructions for readers to make their own rug.
Where do the possibilities lie? By Kobi Yamada and Juan Pablo Neira Zuniga (July 21)
The uplifting text offers an inspiring dip into a little girl’s imagination. The gorgeous illustrations are hand-painted in oil, offering glimpses of whimsical moments such as jungle animals at a feast, a traveling musician escaping into a blanket tent and an adventure on the high seas.
middle grade
Cabin Head and Tree Head: Looks great! By Scott Campbell (July 14)
If there are two things that middle grade kids love, it’s graphic novels and absurdity, and ta-da, it’s both! These vignettes are about Cabin Head and Tree Head, best buds living in a surreal universe where everyone has something on their head – you know, like you do. This is the following second book about their strange existence. Cabin Head and Tree Head.
Sama crushed the code By Samaira Mehta, Bryn Stevens and Jenny Alvarado (July 14)
Written by 17-year-old tech entrepreneur Samaira Mehta, the story follows a girl named Sama who starts middle school and wonders if she should join the tech club. It combines a story about how to fit with coding information, especially terminology and examples.
offside By Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Mary Costa (July 7)
A middle school football team has become co-ed, but its team captain isn’t Ally. He wants to get rid of the two girls on the team, Nikki and Fabiola. Due to tension the team splits into two groups. Can they finally come together and do what’s right? Not only will already sporty kids get involved, but it could also be an attraction for kids who are getting into soccer because of the World Cup.
non-fiction
A Taxi for All: How Roy Velasquez Fought for Equality By Debbie Zapata and Laura Sandoval Herrera (July 21)
It tells the true story of Roy Velasquez, who fought to end racism in 1920s Austin. After seeing “White Riders Only” signs in taxi cab windows and being discriminated against by taxi companies, Roy got his license. He also worked as an activist to bring about long-term change.
Since this list of July drops is by no means exhaustive, I recommend a trip to your favorite library or indie book shop as soon as possible. Plus, if you’re looking for other recent children’s book releases, June had some delightful options as well.
This content contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
