November’s Best Books for Young Readers

Double Down (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series #11), by Jeff Kinney
After finding an old video camera in the basement, beloved underdog Greg Heffley thinks maybe filmmaking could be his undiscovered talent and decides to make a scary movie with his best friend, Rowley. Of course, Greg doesn’t just have his sights set on finding a new hobby—he wants to become rich and famous in the process. Author Kinney serves up heaps of hilarity for middle grade readers in this 11th book in his bestselling series.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay, by J.K. Rowling
Bestselling author J.K. Rowling makes her screenwriting debut in the film based on her 2001 book of the same name. The spin-off to the Harry Potter series is the first installment in a planned five-film series and is about all of the magical creatures in the wizarding world. In this original screenplay, magizoologist Newt Scamander intends to only be in New York for a short time. But when some of Newt’s fantastic beasts escape, everyone’s in for a world of trouble.

Rush Revere and the Presidency: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans, by Rush Limbaugh and Kathryn Adams Limbaugh
Young readers are invited to join Rush Revere on another action-packed journey through history. A member of Rush’s time-traveling crew has decided to run for Manchester Middle School student body president, Rush takes the group back to meet George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson—the first three presidents of the United States—to see these early American leaders in action.

Tales from a Not-So-Friendly Frenemy (Dork Diaries Series #11), by Rachel Renée Russell
Nikki and her friends Brandon, Chloe, and Zoey are being forced to participate in a mandatory student exchange program in order to pass the eighth grade. And OMG! Brandon, Chloe, and Zoey will all be attending the same school for the week, while Nikki has to attend MacKenzie’s school without any of her pals around. The horror! This release marks the 11th book in Rachel Renée Russell’s bestselling Dork Diaries series.

Minecraft: Exploded Builds: Medieval Fortress: An Official Mojang Book, by Craig Jelley
Minecraft fans who long to build, defend, and rule over a medieval castle, rejoice! Exploded Builds: Medieval Fortress features full-color illustrations and detailed instructions on how to design a customized castle—from dank dungeons to sleepy surrounding villages—along with fascinating facts about medieval life. It’s sure to inspire your industrious young Minecrafter to build the kingdom of their dreams.

Sugar and Spice (Whatever After Series #10), by Sarah Mlynowski
Abby and Jonah are venturing through the magic mirror once again, and this time it’s landed them in a pretty sweet spot—the story of Hansel and Gretel and that delicious-looking gingerbread house. Of course, the siblings didn’t plan on getting trapped by the witch, who’s still planning on having a couple of kids for dinner even in the absence of the real Hansel and Gretel. How will Abby and Jonah get back to their home sweet home this time in the 10th book in Sarah Mlynowski’s imaginative fractured fairy tale series?

Warriors Super Edition: Hawkwing’s Journey, by Erin Hunter
For fans of Erin Hunter’s bestselling Warriors series, this exciting stand-alone Super Edition acts as a prequel to the Warriors: A Vision of Shadows series but is a great pick for both avid fans and readers new to the series. The tale finds the SkyClan cats facing a new dark force and Hawkwing, deputy of SkyClan, embarking on a journey that will forever change the fate of all five of the warrior Clans. The book also includes an exclusive 10-page Warriors manga adventure.

The Battle of Hackham Heath, by John A. Flanagan
Ranger’s Apprentice author John Flanagan brings young fantasy-adventure fans a second prequel to the series’ first novel, Ruins of Gorlan. In it, readers finally get the full backstory of how Halt came to be Araluen’s most famous Ranger. Former Baron Morgarath is in hiding, but he’s already preparing for his next move, which involves recruiting his savage army of Wargals. And in order to foil Morgarath’s plan of attack, Halt must complete a seemingly insurmountable task—climbing the deadly cliffs of the Mountains of Rain and Night. Is he up for the challenge?

Attack of the Shadow-Crafters: An Unofficial Minecrafter’s Adventure (Gameknight999: The Birth of Herobrine Series #2), by Mark Cheverton
Kids who love to play Minecraft will be stoked for this second installment in the exciting Gameknight999: The Birth of Herobrine series. Gameknight999 is trapped 100 years in Minecraft’s past and must keep his true identity concealed from the villagers as he prepares them for battle. And Herobrine is furious at Gameknight’s unexpected meddling, causing new horrors to be unleashed into the world of Minecraft.

Into the Lion’s Den, by Linda Fairstein
Bestselling author Linda Fairstein introduces Nancy Drew for a new generation. Meet 12-year-old Devlin Quick, the strong, quick-witted protagonist in this brand-new mystery series sure to be a bestseller. In the first installment, someone has stolen an old map from a rare book in the New York Public Library, but the only witness was an exchange student living with Dev. As the daughter of the first female New York City police commissioner, Dev is always on the lookout for potential crimes to investigate, and this map heist definitely qualifies. She’ll have to race around the city collecting evidence—but can she do it in time to nab the thief?