Crisp cool nights, changing leaves, the smell of woodsmoke in the air … fall has arrived! That makes it the perfect time to cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte and a good book. We’ve pored over the reviews to find the best new books coming in October 2026 for kids and teens, so mark your calendar and get ready for some wonderful reads.
Jump to:
- Fiction Picture Books October 2026
- October 2026 New Easy Reader / Chapter Books
- New Middle Grade Books in October 2026
- October 2026 New Fiction Books for Young Adults
- Best New Graphic Novels in October 2026
- October 2026 Best Nonfiction Books for All Ages
Fiction Picture Books in October 2026
New Easy Readers / Chapter Books in October 2026
New Middle Grade Books in October 2026
New Young Adult Fiction in October 2026
It’s Not Over Yet by Salma Hussain
15-year-old Wali Khan is facing good news and bad news: the enormous brain tumor doctors have just discovered is benign, but removing it will probably cost him his hearing. As he moves closer to the life-altering surgery, Wali navigates old and new friendships and works with a therapist to find strength to face what lies ahead.
Buy it: It’s Not Over Yet at Amazon
Children of Owl by Darcie Little Badger, ill. by Abigail Rajunov
Lipan Apache cousins Maisie, Verona, and Joel face ghosts, supernatural mysteries, and painful losses while growing up in their small Texas town. Part traditional novel, part graphic novel, this new young adult book follows the four cousins on an engrossing and mystic coming-of-age quest told in alternating voices.
Buy it: Children of Owl at Amazon
Everything’s Not Lost by Frederick Joseph
Ella has just spent a month in a psychiatric treatment center, struggling with bipolar disorder, bullying, and grief after her older sister’s death. Returning to school is another challenge, but with support from friends, family, and her psychologist, Ella learns to manage her emotions, challenge her assumptions, and better understand herself and others.
Buy it: Everything’s Not Lost at Amazon
New Graphic Novels and Nonfiction in October 2026
The Moonlit Spiral by Mike Maihack
Best friends Rion and Zyla embark on a thrilling treasure hunt after discovering clues hidden in a journal left by Rion’s parents. Racing against the once-in-a-decade Silver Moon, they journey through a magical world filled with strange creatures and dangerous challenges to uncover a treasure that could change everything. (Grades 4-8)
Buy it: The Moonlit Spiral at Amazon
Nell of Gumbling: My Holiday Diary by Emma Steinkellner
Nell is back with the third entry in this series, a diary following her holiday season experiences. In Gumbling, families celebrate Feszht, and Nell is in charge of the holiday show. She clashes with new-kid-in-town and co-director Sam before developing an inconvenient crush on him. Add in the fact the theater seems to be haunted, and Nell finds her holiday spirit in serious danger! (Grades 4-8)
Buy it: Nell of Gumbling: My Holiday Diary at Amazon
The Adventures of Odysseus by Nicolás Schuff and Mariana Ruiz Johnson
Following on the heels of this summer’s blockbuster movie, this graphic novel adaptation of The Odyssey is sure to be a hit with middle grade readers! (Grades 5-9)
Buy it: The Adventures of Odysseus at Amazon
Huda F Would Love You? by Huda Fahmy
Fans will be sad that the Huda F series is drawing to a close, but they’ll enjoy this final tale. Huda has graduated high school, and plans to spend the summer hanging with new friends and discovering her perfect love story as a Muslim woman and wife. But her future may not hold exactly what she’s always expected. (Grades 8-12)
Buy it: Huda F Would Love You? at Amazon
New Nonfiction for All Ages in October 2026
Bathtime for Snow Monkeys by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, ill. by Yas Imamura
Written in haiku form, this charming new nonfiction picture book introduces young readers to the hot spring-loving macaques of Japan. Snuggle in and journey to a snowy mountain world to enjoy their monkey antics! (Grades PreK-3)
Buy it: Bathtime for Snow Monkeys at Amazon
What Marcel Found by Cedar Pruitt, ill. by David Litchfield
Marcel Ravidat was just a teen when he discovered the soon-to-be-famous Lascaux cave paintings in 1940 in France. This picture book brings these paintings to life, encouraging young readers to wonder more about the people who painted them 20,000 years ago. (Grades PreK-3)
Buy it: What Marcel Found at Amazon
Run. Sing. Dream. by Linda Sue Park, ill. by Nik Henderson
Page by page, this powerful new nonfiction picture book features women and men to inspire us all: Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Nina Simone, James Baldwin and more. Their acts of resistance and activism will encourage kids to embrace their own courage and do something brave to make the world a better place. (Grades 2-5)
Buy it: Run. Sing. Dream. at Amazon
This is a Library Book by Joyce Grant; ill. by Chanelle Nibbelink
How much do you really know about libraries, today or in the past? This book dives deep into these valuable institutions, uncovering how they came to be, and what they’ve developed into today. A must for every school library shelf! (Grades 4-8)
Buy it: This is a Library Book at Amazon
Borders by Gudol, ill. by Haerang
In a world that feels ever more divided, this important book explores what a border truly is—and isn’t. Comparisons of different borders around the world encourage kids to consider what truly separates people, and whether those separations really matter at all. This Korean book has already won prestigious awards around the world, and teachers should welcome the English version to their classrooms. (Grades 4-8)
Buy it: Borders at Amazon
The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel, ill. by Ping Zhu
This adaptation of Hessel’s powerful book is perfect for middle grades, exposing kids to female artists throughout the ages who so often have been overshadowed by men. Brimming with humor and enhanced by gorgeous illustrations, this new nonfiction read will inspire art-loving tweens of any gender. (Grades 4-8)
Buy it: The Story of Art Without Men at Amazon
Get your free October Reading Log!
We created a free October Reading Log to help kids keep track of their reading. Fill out the form on this page to grab it.
