March is National Reading Month, which makes it the perfect time to check out all the new reads available for the classroom and beyond! Here are the new books for March 2024 that we’re most excited to get our hands on.
- New Fiction Picture Books March 2024
- March 2024 Chapter Books/Easy Readers
- New Middle Grade Fiction Books March 2024
- March 2024 New Young Adult Fiction Books
- Best New Graphic Novels for All Ages in March 2024
- March 2024 New Nonfiction Books for All Ages
- New Books for Teachers in March 2024
New Fiction Picture Books March 2024
All That Grows by Jack Wong
It won’t be long before winter finally gives way to spring, bringing new growth to the world. This new picture book explores the connection between plant growth and human growth as two siblings tend a garden together, learning from each other.
Buy it: All That Grows at Amazon
Everyone Gets a Turn by Marianne Dubuc
Four animal friends find an egg, and since they all want to take care of it, they decide to pool their talents and share in caring for the little bird that soon hatches. It turns out, though, that the little bird has a message of her own to share!
Buy it: Everyone Gets a Turn at Amazon
Miss MacDonald Has a Farm by Kalee Gwarjanski, illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic
Women can be farmers too! In this fun twist on the classic song, Miss MacDonald teaches kids how to tend crops, “with a water-water here” and a “weed-weed there.” It’s a clever take on an old favorite, one that helps kids make connections between the food they eat and the people who grow it all.
Buy it: Miss MacDonald Has a Farm at Amazon
Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic by Margaux Meganck
Dive into a vivid undersea world, and follow the journey of a “speck” that starts in a tide pool. As the speck grows into a barnacle that makes its home on the side of a massive blue whale, it encounters challenges and awe-inspiring sights, both big and small.
Buy it: Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic at Amazon
Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan
When a town’s wishing well stops granting wishes, one boy peers inside to find a massive spider that seems to be keeping the coins (and wishes!) for itself. But the spider shares a secret with the boy: People were making selfish wishes. Together, the spider and the boy teach the scheming townsfolk a lesson in a hilarious new tale that will delight kids and adults alike.
Buy it: Spider in the Well at Amazon
Tiny Wonders by Sally Soweol Han
Young April wakes to a sad gray day, when everyone seems too busy to enjoy life. She remembers her grandmother telling her that dandelions always brightened her days. So April sets out to fill her town with dandelions, setting free the “tiny wonders” of seeds that bring sunshine to the whole community.
Buy it: Tiny Wonders at Amazon
March 2024 Chapter Books/Easy Readers
Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Scott Nash
Bunny and her chipmunk pal Clyde are tired of being good. They set off on a quest to be bad instead, unrepentantly making messes and plotting mischief. Much to their surprise, some of their pranks turn out to be helpful. They find that being bad is a whole lot more work than they expected!
Buy it: Bunny and Clyde at Amazon
Fox Versus Fox by Corey R. Tabor
The “I Can Read” books are a staple in many early elementary classrooms, and teachers will welcome this new addition to the collection. A red fox is determined to impress his new friend, the white fox, with his amazing skills on skateboards and more. The white fox is impressed, but it turns out he has plenty of skills of his own, and the whole tale escalates into a soaring finish.
Buy it: Fox Versus Fox at Amazon
Henry and the Something New by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song
In the third book about a young neurodivergent boy named Henry, his class prepares to visit the museum for the first time. Henry is both excited and nervous, and at first is too scared to speak up and ask his group to visit the dinosaurs. In the end, though, he finds his voice, and his group learns something new, just like their teacher asked them to do.
Buy it: Henry and the Something New at Amazon
Trim Saves the Day by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Kristy Caldwell
The Trim series follows an adventurous cat aboard a 19th-century sailing ship. In the latest chapter book, Trim wants to find a way to help out, but mostly winds up irritating his fellow shipmates. Finally, though, Trim is able to use his big voice to alert the crew to a catastrophe and save the day.
Buy it: Trim Saves the Day at Amazon
New Middle Grade Fiction Books March 2024
Ferris by Kate DiCamillo
Kate DiCamillo is back with an engaging new heroine, who just happens to have been born beneath the Ferris wheel at the fair. Follow Ferris through one eventful summer when she helps to banish a ghost, reform her mischievous sister, and reconcile her arguing aunt and uncle too.
Buy it: Ferris at Amazon
Kyra, Just for Today by Sara Zarr
Thirteen-year-old Kyra is in 7th grade, and suddenly everything is changing. As she deals with the ordinary challenges of puberty and growing up, she also worries that her mother, who has been in recovery from alcoholism for the past five years, might be falling into old habits. This is a must-read for any tween or teen whose family has been affected by addiction.
Buy it: Kyra, Just for Today at Amazon
The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson
Set in Michigan in 1912, this book tells the story of Lucy, a French and Ojibwe girl who’s been adopted by an Ojibwe family after the loss of her parents. Her father died in a shipwreck, leading to Lucy’s fear of water, an inconvenient fact for a girl who must now make her home with lighthouse keepers. Dreamy Lucy has to find a way to make peace with her past, embrace her Ojibwe culture, and draw on her courage to overcome her fears.
Buy it: The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry at Amazon
Olivetti by Allie Millington
In this unique new offering, Olivetti is a typewriter who shares the narration of the story with Ernest, a 7th grader struggling to make sense of his family’s recent tragedy. Olivetti, it turns out, remembers every word ever typed on him. When he’s left in a pawn shop by Ernest’s mother Beatrice, Olivetti decides to break the “typewriterly code” and reach out to Ernest, sharing his typed memories. Together, they find the answers Ernest needs.
Buy it: Olivetti at Amazon
Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca
In the land of Devia, the ruling Malechs outlawed music years ago to keep the native people from using their magic and communicating with animals. But Sona, a Malech, secretly hears music everywhere. When she sets off on a quest to help her beloved Ayah, she must embrace her powers and the help of friends and beasts she finds along the way. Ultimately, Sona learns to fight for what is right. This rich new world is perfect for fantasy fans.
Buy it: Sona and the Golden Beasts at Amazon
Warrior on the Mound by Sandra W. Headen
At a time when white and Black Little League teams were still segregated in North Carolina, 12-year-old Cato just wants to become a star pitcher, and dreams of meeting his hero, Satchel Paige. But when his Black team is accused of damaging the new (and far superior) field where the white team plays, it throws the whole town into an uproar. This sports-based historical-fiction novel has a deeper message to share about prejudice and tolerance, then and now.
Buy it: Warrior on the Mound at Amazon
March 2024 New Young Adult Fiction Books
Ariel Crashes a Train by Olivia A. Cole
Written in verse, this new YA novel addresses the realities of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Teenager Ariel is on her own this summer, with her best friend away and sister off at college. She’s disturbed by her own intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, until her sister suggests OCD might be at play. Ariel wants therapy to find out more, but her parents aren’t supportive. Fortunately, a new group of friends helps support her as she learns more about herself and her condition.
Buy it: Ariel Crashes a Train at Amazon
The Hedgewitch of Foxhall by Anna Bright
Travel back to 8th century Wales and join a young “hedgewitch” estranged from her family. She sets out to walk the length of Offa’s Dyke, destroying it to return Wales’ disappearing magic. But two young princes have been challenged to do the same, in a contest to determine who will inherit the throne. The three are thrown together in a quest that includes romance, magic, danger, and a deep dive into Welsh mythology.
Buy it: The Hedgewitch of Foxhall at Amazon
Icarus by K. Ancrum
Seventeen-year-old Icarus is a high school senior by day, art thief by night. Per his father’s strict rules, he has no close friends, though he does have plenty of acquaintances. Then one night he meets an intriguing boy named Helios during a break-in. The two bond over their restricted lives, pursuing a dangerous relationship that both their fathers would end in an instant. Soon, Icarus must make a choice: his father’s world of art thievery and revenge, or a chance at happiness with Helios instead.
Buy it: Icarus at Amazon
The No-Girlfriend Rule by Christen Randall
When your boyfriend tells you that the one rule at his favorite role-playing game group is “no girlfriends allowed,” what’s an RPG lover like Hollis to do? Luckily, she finds a “girl-friendly, LGBTQIA+-friendly campaign” to join instead. With these new players, she explores a whole new world inside the game and out.
Buy it: The No-Girlfriend Rule at Amazon
Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams by Shari Green
As the Berlin Wall prepares to fall in late 1989, pianist Helena is focused more on her music. But as her life (and future career) becomes more constrained by the restrictive German Democratic Republic (GDR) government, Helena realizes she must join those who are speaking up and demanding change. As the GDR disintegrates, Helena’s story (written in verse) unfolds in ways she could never have imagined.
Buy it: Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams at Amazon
Best New Graphic Novels for All Ages in March 2024
Next Stop by Debbie Fong
Middle schooler Pia recently lost her brother in an accident Pia believes is her fault. On a trip to Cesarine Lake with a family friend, she’s determined to visit the wacky attraction that supposedly makes “impossible things happen.” The trip itself helps Pia explore what happened to her brother and build resiliency in the face of tragedy. Will the magic of the lake work for Pia? This book leaves you feeling that anything is possible. (Grades 3-7)
Buy it: Next Stop at Amazon
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider
These illustrated poems on the changing seasons are perfect for classroom use in a poetry unit. The illustrations help bring the descriptive language and lyrical verses to life, making poetry a relatable topic for reluctant readers. (Grades 3-7)
Buy it: Poetry Comics at Amazon
The Circuit Graphic Novel by Francisco Jiménez, illustrated by Celia Jacobs
More than 25 years after the publishing of the original book, this graphic novel adaptation makes the popular memoir more accessible for younger readers. The story of a family of migrant farm works from Mexico will open many kids’ eyes to the challenges of itinerant life, as they read about a boy who just wants an education and somewhere to call home once and for all. (Grades 3-7)
Buy it: The Circuit Graphic Novel at Amazon
Blue Stars Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Molly Murakami
Cousins Riley Halfmoon (Black and Indigenous) and Maya Dawn (biracial) move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma after growing up in very different environments. When their school vice principal is determined to do away with programs they love in favor of more trailer classrooms for detention, the two must pair up to expose his plan and save what’s important to them both. (Grades 3-7)
Buy it: Blue Stars Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem at Amazon
The Baker and the Bard by Fern Haught
Juniper (the baker) and Hadley (the bard) set out on a journey to harvest the magical glowing mushrooms needed to fill a customer’s request. They discover that something has been creeping out of the forest at night to eat the farmers’ crops, and Hadley (always on the lookout for new stories) drags Juniper off to solve the mystery and rescue their new animal friends. (Grades 7-12)
Buy it: The Baker and the Bard at Amazon
The Gulf by Adam de Souza
High schooler Oli has always dreamed of living at the Evergreen commune on one of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands. She convinces two friends to run away with her, but the journey to the commune is more difficult than they expect. Will the Evergreen actually hold the answers the three are seeking, or will the journey itself prove more important? (Grades 9-12)
Buy it: The Gulf at Amazon
Safe Passage by G. Neri, illustrated by David Brame
Darius, his little sister Cissy, and his best friend Booger dash across South Side Chicago to find a wrecked armored truck rumored to have left cash floating in the streets. Crossing through these rough neighborhoods is dangerous, and when Booger documents their quest on social media, local gangs are suddenly on their tail as they try to find safe passage there and back again. (Grades 9-12)
Buy it: Safe Passage at Amazon
March 2024 New Nonfiction Books for All Ages
Comet Chaser by Pamela S. Turner, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger
Caroline Herschel’s older brother discovered Uranus (with Caroline’s help), but she was also an incredible scientist in her own right. She was the first paid female astronomer, hired by King George III no less. This book chronicles her incredible discoveries throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, bringing this inspiring female scientist to life for young readers. (Grades Pre-K to 3)
Buy it: Comet Chaser at Amazon
Something About the Sky by Rachel Carson, illustrated by Nikki McClure
Rachel Carson is well remembered for sparking the environmental movement. This informative picture book illustrates one of her previously unpublished essays, sharing details about the “ocean of sky” and the clouds that populate it. It’s a quiet, meditative look at the sky above, full of mysteries. (Grades 1-3)
Buy it: Something About the Sky at Amazon
This Book Is Full of Holes by Nora Nickum, illustrated by Robert Meganck
Black holes, ice holes, sinkholes, holes in the body of a guitar … find all of these and more in this clever nonfiction book about various kinds of holes. Full of fun humor and fascinating facts, it’s bound to make you look at holes in a whole new light. (Grades 1-4)
Buy it: This Book Is Full of Holes at Amazon
The Fastest Drummer by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Susanna Chapman
Drums are often one of the earliest instruments kids learn to play, and they’ll be captivated by the story of Viola Smith. As a young female musician in the 1930s, Viola grabbed the world’s attention by being the “fastest girl drummer in the world.” She drew attention to her cause, encouraging bands to hire female drummers during World War II, and continued to create catchy rhythms when she was more than 100 years old! (Grades 2-4)
Buy it: The Fastest Drummer at Amazon
My Antarctica by G. Neri, illustrated by Corban Wilkin
Join the author on a long-awaited journey to Antarctica’s McMurdo Station, where he meets charming penguins, mummified seals, and scientists engaged in groundbreaking work. The author’s photographs, enhanced by drawings and other images, make the frozen continent seem to leap off the page and into readers’ imaginations. (Grades 2-5)
Buy it: My Antarctica at Amazon
The Enigma Girls by Candace Fleming
Bletchley Park (known then as Station X) housed the critical code-cracking work that helped lead the Allies to victory in World War II. Among the brilliant code breakers were hundreds of young women, including the 10 teenagers profiled in this engaging book. Their compelling stories are sure to inspire awe of their courage, knowledge, and skills. (Grades 3-7)
Buy it: The Enigma Girls at Amazon
Exclusion and the Chinese American Story by Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn
The Chinese American story in the United States begins with the first documented arrival in 1834 of an unnamed teenage girl, imported to be displayed “like an animal in a circus.” It continues across the decades, with oppression and prejudice a regular fact of life. Explore the changing social attitudes and laws throughout the years with this thoughtful look at the Chinese American experience that’s ideal for middle grades. (Grades 5-8)
Buy it: Exclusion and the Chinese American Story at Amazon
Spying on Spies by Marissa Moss
Elizebeth Smith Friedman was one of the greatest code breakers of all time. Her important work was so vital to national security that much of it is still classified more than 40 years after her death, but the story of her life is fascinating. From her work intercepting coded messages from mobsters like Al Capone’s gang to breaking Nazi codes during World War II, the entire tale is an incredible look at an amazing woman. (Grades 5-9)
Buy it: Spying on Spies at Amazon
Future Tense by Martha Brockenbrough
Today’s teens will grow up in a world more influenced by artificial intelligence than ever before. That means it’s important for them to understand how AI works, along with its potential advantages and drawbacks. This book is written at a level middle and high schoolers can understand, making it an excellent addition to your nonfiction library shelves. (Grades 7-12)
Buy it: Future Tense at Amazon
New Books for Teachers in March 2024
An End to Inequality by Jonathan Kozol
Any educator dedicated to bringing more equality and equity to America’s education system will welcome this analysis of race-based challenges in our schools. While segregated schools are no longer legally acceptable, they continue to exist in practice, with a striking disparity in quality between them. Approach this read with an open mind, and you’re likely to find a lot to think about—and act upon.
Buy it: An End to Inequality at Amazon
Cultures of Growth by Mary C. Murphy
Many schools are working to build a “growth mindset” culture, but teachers often wonder if it’s really making a difference. This book, with a forward by growth mindset originator Carol Dweck, looks at the application of this mindset to adults and business teams. Tracking stories at companies like Microsoft and organizations like a New York school system, it explores the incredible changes that are possible when growth mindset is given a chance to work.
Buy it: Cultures of Growth at Amazon
Raising a Socially Successful Child by Dr. Stephen Nowicki
COVID-19 and increased screen time has had a marked effect on many children’s social skills. Dr. Nowicki aims to help reverse those negative effects, as well as prevent them from happening to future generations. Though this book is aimed toward parents, educators will find a lot here that’s useful too, especially in pre-K and elementary school classrooms.
Buy it: Raising a Socially Successful Child at Amazon
What new books coming in March 2024 are you most excited to add to your collection? Come join the conversation in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook to ask for more book recommendations.
Plus, Read Across America Day Activities To Celebrate Literacy.
