The Best Books for Young Readers in December 2017

Dog Man and Cat Kid (Captain Underpants: Dog Man #4), by Dav Pilkey
Is it a dog? Is it a man? No! It’s Dog Man! With the head of a police dog and the body of a human police officer, this titular character is ready to fight some crime in the fourth installment in Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants spinoff series. And this time, he has a cool kitty sidekick, Cat Kid. A new cat sitter has arrived in town, and a famous movie star has gone missing! Could Petey the World’s Most Evil Cat be to blame? Looks like a job for Dog Man and Cat Kid! Young readers will love this latest fur-raising adventure that’ll have them laughing nonstop.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Cobalt Squadron, by Elizabeth Wein and Phil Noto
Young Star Wars fans excited for The Last Jedi’s movie release will be stoked to venture into bestselling author Elizabeth Wein’s new middle grade book. Readers can journey to a galaxy far, far away to immerse themselves in this story of the courageous bomber pilots and technicians of Cobalt Squadron. It’ll have young readers on the edge of their seats and ready for the next intergalactic adventure on the big screen.

Natalia Takes the Lead (American Girl: Like Sisters #2), by Clare Hutton and Helen Huang
The second book in the American Girl: Like Sisters book has gone to the dogs! A wedding is happening at Seaview House, and dogs staying at the inn are going to be ring bearers. Dog-loving Natalia offers to walk all the guests’ dogs with the help of her twin sister, Zoe, and pal Emma. But Natalia soon finds herself in over her head, and now one of the dogs in the wedding is missing! Can Natalia save the day and find the missing pup or is she in big trouble fur real?

Weaving a Wish (Friendship Bracelet Series #2), by Arlene Stewart
This charming series about a girl named Olivia who starts up a friendship bracelet club after her best friend moves away continues with this second tween-friendly installment. In it, the members of Threads have been making bracelets all summer for hospital patients, but it looks like the club might be fraying at the edges. School is starting, Olivia has a broken finger, Ethan is dealing with some friend drama, and Mu Mu is still having trouble adapting to his parents’ split. Can these friends keep it together or is Threads destined to unravel? Tweens will enjoy this realistic portrayal of middle school life.

Supergirl: Age of Atlantis, by Jo Whittemore
Middle grade fans of the TV show Supergirl won’t want to miss this exciting new original story based on the series. Usually it’s Supergirl—aka Kara Danvers—who is saving the day in National City. But lately, she’s been finding that it’s regular citizens out there performing super-human feats. And she thinks it might have something to do with the Department of Extranormal Operations’ capture of a strange humanoid sea creature. Follow Supergirl on this page-turning adventure!

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: A Friendship to Remember, by Perdita Finn
The next chapter book in the My Little Pony: Equestria Girls saga continues the sweet tale about the magic of friendship among pals Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Apple Jack, and Fluttershy. The girls are finding their way at Canterlot High, leaning on each other for love and support the whole way. Fans of My Little Pony will love this first foray into chapter books.

Detention of Doom (DC Comics: Secret Hero Society #3), by Derek Fridolfs and Dustin Nguyen
Superhero middle schoolers Bruce Wayne, Diana Prince, and Clark Kent are back at it in this third exciting installment in the DC Comics: Secret Hero Society series. Smartypants Clark Kent has been invited to an honors ceremony at Lex Luthor’s family company. But it’s a trap! The award trophy sucks Clark into another dimension, and now it’s up to Bruce, Diana, and new friends, Barry (aka The Flash) and Ollie (aka Green Arrow) to save him from what might possibly be the worst detention ever.

Cyber-Thief Showdown (Geronimo Stilton #68), by Geronimo Stilton
Mousy detective Geronimo Stilton is on the case in this 68th book in this fast-paced illustrated series. This time, someone has stolen Geronimo’s identity online, and he must track down the hacker before they totally ruin his reputation. But he can’t do it alone. He’ll need the help of Professor Margo Bitmouse to help him navigate his way to the tech-savvy criminal before it’s too late. Kids will love the colorful illustrations and Geronimo’s distinct and engaging storytelling style.