Barnes & Noble’s Best Children’s Books of 2024
It’s the Barnes and Noble end of the year round-up of the Best Children’s Books of 2024! Our booksellers have collected eleven of the best kids' books from thrilling middle grade novels to the latest installments in popular young reader series and graphic novel favorites. This list delivers plenty of fantasy, adventure and beloved characters that bring the stories to life.
Guaranteed to quickly become one of the most cherished books on your bookshelf, Impossible Creatures brings all readers' favorite mythical beasts into one deeply moving portal fantasy. It’s an unparalleled adventure through a magical realm where even a couple of kids can save the world and all those they hold dear. Perfect for 10 to 14 year-olds (and beyond!), this brilliant middle grade novel makes for a delightful read that awakens the imagination in all of us.
Seven to ten-year olds will be pleased with Kate DiCamillo’s new magical tale. In The Hotel Balzaar , one of the best new children’s books of 2024, Marta's life at the hotel where her mother works takes an unexpected turn with a mysterious guest telling a series of stories. But are they just tall tales, or something more? You will have to read to find out.
Eight to twelve-year-olds will delight in the quirky mischief, mystery and mayhem that thrive in the The Swifts: A Gallery of Rogues . The cast of Swifts has grown, despite the growing list of dead bodies in this hilarious sequel. Hot Mess , the latest installment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, is also a win when it comes to entertaining books for young readers. What will Greg be up to this time?
Looking for adventure? Percy Jackson is back in the Wrath of the Triple Goddess , in which Percy and the gang are tagged to babysit Hecate's fur babies while they quiver in the shadow of college. This Halloween edition of the popular series doesn’t shy away from monsters, mythical gods and laughter. Another exhilarating adventure tale, Unraveled , the latest installment in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, makes our list of the best children’s books of 2024. As his story unravels, Keefe is in the spotlight and this mysterious read will keep you guessing.
For fans of comics and graphic novels, some of the best kids’ books of the year include Big Jim Begins , the latest release in the Dog Man Series . This story takes the reader on a journey into the past, giving insight into the origin of some of the beloved characters that made the series a hit. Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #1 was an instant bestseller and gives readers a brand-new way to enjoy the epic storytelling that made Warriors a cult classic.
Another great graphic novel pick for 9 to 12-year-olds is The New Girl . Centering on the difficulties of change and its many heads, this debut middle grade novel is about one young girl and her family, trying to make it in America. Despite serious themes, this is nonetheless as fun as they come, carrying a great sense of humor throughout Lia's search for herself. Inspired by the author’s own experience, this story makes for a funny and heartwarming read.
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, then let industry pros Lisa Yee and Dan Santat in A Royal Conundrum bring that experience to life. Turning the misfits into kid superheroes, this ragtag ensemble cast is impossible not to fall in love with. This first book in The Misfits series checks all the boxes! The third book in Sharon Draper's inspiring series celebrating the differently abled, Out of My Dreams , sends Melody to London to make a difference she never knew she could. This one is for sure one of the best new books for middle grade readers.
Looking for the top books of the year for toddlers and early readers? Check out our list of Barnes & Noble’s Best Picture Books of 2024 or browse our full collection of children’s picture books .
Explore More of the Best Children’s Books of 2024 Perfect for Middle Grade Readers:
