Apple cider, changing leaves, and the start of a new school year – embrace the signs of autumn with this cornucopia of books!
From Apple Trees to Cider, Please!
Written by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky & Illustrated by Julia Patton – Albert Whitman, 2015, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 5-7
Join a family as they spend their day at the apple orchard, learning the names of different types of apples, how cider is made, and more! The colorful illustrations have lots of details to engage children read after read.
By Erika L. Shores – Capstone Press, 2016, hardcover, $6.95, Ages 3-5
What are pumpkins? How do they grow? Learn the basic facts in this book with color photographs that will prepare preschoolers for their trip to the patch. The publisher’s Celebrate Fall series also contains the titles Apples, Fall Leaves, and Harvest Time.
By Monica Wellington – Dial, 2015, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 5-7
Leaves are falling and covering the ground – but what types of trees do they come from? See how the girl in this story collects leaves, notices their differences, and identifies their trees. This picture book can be used as a beginner leaf and tree guide and introduction on making leaf rubbings.
Written by Loretta Holland & Illustrated by Elly MacKay – Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 5-8
Some leaves leave, some raindrops fall, and some critters stay when autumn arrives. Follow the girl and boy in these beautiful paper art illustrations while reading about the science of the earth, flora, and fauna as the seasons change. The final page offers instructions on making prints with green leaves and washable paints.
Confidentially Yours: Brooke’s Not-So-Perfect Plan
By Jo Whittemore – HarperCollins, 2016, paperback, $6.99, Ages 9-12
Brooke can’t wait to start sixth grade and join the newspaper, play soccer, and campaign for class president, but when she realizes she’s stretched herself too thin, she’ll need to reach out for help to survive the school year. The newspaper advice column that Brooke and her friends write for is a cute device that carries along this fun series.
Cici Reno: Middle School Matchmaker
By Kristina Springer – Sterling, 2016, hardcover, $14.95, Ages 9-12
It’s the start of seventh grade and everyone looks like they are growing up except Cici. She tries not to let it get her down until she falls for the same boy her best friend likes. Will her yoga positions and advice skills help her survive the second year of middle school? Cute yoga tips and some internet message formatting make this book a tween winner.
By Donna Gephart – Delacorte, 2016, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 9-12
Lily, born Timothy, prepares to start eighth grade as a girl even though she was born with a boy’s body; Dunkin, born Norbert, hopes to start eighth grade as a popular basketball player even though he’s been battling bipolar disorder for years. Maybe together they can achieve their middle school goals. A great friendship story that shows everyone has something difficult to overcome in their lives.
By Adrienne Maria Vrettos – Scholastic, 2016, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 9-12
Hattie may pretend to like apple pie, but she’s legitimately excited to attend the Harvest Festival with her three new best friends. Then she accidentally triggers a decades-old festival jinx, and Hattie will have to break it to restore her friendship. This new girl story with a dash of magic has a nice small town setting and message of being true to yourself.
Looking for something spooky?
PICTURE BOOKS
- Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth By Jarvis
- A Dark, Dark Cave Written by Eric Hoffman & Illustrated by Corey R. Tabor
MIDDLE GRADE
- Demon Dentist Written by David Williams & Illustrated by Tony Ross
- Scary Tales: Swamp Monster Written by James Preller & Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno
- Stink and the Attack of the Slime Mold Hardcover Written by Megan McDonald & Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
YOUNG ADULT
- Asylum series By Madeleine Roux
- Burning By Danielle Rollins
- Harmony House By Nic Sheff
- The May Queen Murders By Sarah Jude
- Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series By Ransom Riggs
- Sweet By Emmy Laybourne
Deena Viviani is a Young Adult Services Librarian who writes reviews for VOYA and the RACWI Newsletter. Read more reviews on her blog www.deenaml.livejournal.com or send her a note at
De**********@ho*****.com
– she loves to hear from readers!
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