Our Most Anticipated New Kids’ Book Releases of March 2021

What the Road Said  
Cleo Wade, Lucie de Moyencourt (Illustrator)
Beaming with inspiration and gorgeous illustrations from Lucie de Moyencourt, Cleo Wade’s What the Road Said is the perfect vehicle to spotlight the virtues of taking chances, believing in yourself, and ultimately creating your path for happiness in life. Each spread is worthy of being framed, and it’s impossible to not be filled with hope each time you read it. Appropriate for everyone, regardless of age, What the Road Said will leave a lasting impression, regardless of age.

A New Day 
Brad Meltzer, Dan Santat (Illustrator) 
Brad Meltzer and Dan Santat. What else could you want? This whimsically meta, but approachable concept brought to life by Santat’s iconic art is perfect for storytime, conversation-starting or simply just flipping through the pages. What happens when ‘Sunday’ quits? Who will be the replacement? Let your imagination roam free with this fun, unique story.

My Little Brave Girl
Hilary Duff, Kelsey Garrity-Riley (Illustrator) 
There’s nothing quite like the love and hope of a parent when welcoming a new baby to the world. With words of encouragement that will inspire every girl, young or old, Hilary Duff’s picture book debut beautifully encourages girls to think big, dream big, and love big. Kelsey Garrity-Riley’s gorgeous, delicate illustrations let every girl see themselves in this highly giftable addition to any bookshelf. The future is getting brighter and this is the perfect book to celebrate all the possibilities on the horizon.

Mothering Heights (Dog Man Series #10)
Dav Pilkey 
It’s hard to believe that this is the tenth installment in Dav Pilkey’s beloved Dog Man series, and they just keep getting better and better. With frightening new villains in town, Dog Man and Petey must once again turn to the powers of hope, love, and kindness to right the evils around them. A perfect read for fans of LOLs (of any age). And our Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition includes a colorable pull-out poster!

Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories
Jeff Kinney 
Hilarious — and spooky — hijinks ensue in this third installment in Jeff Kinney’s wickedly funny Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid series. Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series won’t want to miss this laugh-out-loud glimpse into Rowley’s ghoulishly grin-inducing imagination. Zombies, vampires, ghosts, and more! You might want to keep the lights on.

Simon B. Rhymin’
Dwayne Reed 
Simon B. Rhymin is a heartfelt story about an aspiring (and inspiring) young rapper who learns what it means to overcome his fears and make a difference in his community with the help of his family and friends. Dwayne Reed’s love for his characters shines through the pages and brings Simon’s story to life. “An authentic voice, strong friendships and loads of laughs make rhymin’ Simon a winner.” —Tom Watson, author of the Stick Dog series

Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers
Michelle Obama
The courageously direct and powerful memoir by the beloved First Lady is now adapted for young readers! Hers is a hard-fought life of intelligence and compassion, set against a hard arc of history and sculpted around principles of service. Michelle Obama sets the bar high for herself, and us, but is also our biggest cheerleader. Here, she asks young readers to realize that no one is perfect and that the process of becoming is ever-evolving. Who are you, and what do you want to become? This is the perfect book to spark those conversations and more with all the young people in your life.

The Memory Thief
Jodi Lynn Anderson 
The Memory Thief is an enchantingly dark and multi-faceted fantasy about love, hope, and the power of stories. This first book in the Thirteen Witches trilogy perfectly balances the realistic and fantastical to create a story that is sure to captivate young readers for years to come. This whimsical and heartfelt new series is perfect for fans of Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart series and Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

Lost in the Never Woods
Aiden Thomas 
Lost in the Never Woods is the YA Peter Pan reimagining we didn’t know we needed. Darkly atmospheric, Aiden Thomas’ sophomore novel follows a modern-day Peter Pan and Wendy as they work to uncover the truth behind a frightening series of disappearances in Wendy’s hometown. Mystery, intrigue, and magical realism abound in this haunting twist on a classic tale. “Chock-full of suspense, excitement, and nostalgia. Peter Pan is as thrilling and seductive as ever.” —Romina Garber, author of Lobizona

Once Upon a Quinceañera
Monica Gomez-Hira 
What happens when you mix complicated family relationships, an old flame, and an unpaid internship dressing up as Disney princesses in the sweltering summer heat of Miami? Once Upon a Quinceanera is a bold and refreshing take on what it means to find your “happily ever after” when you’re still learning what it means to be you. This pitch-perfect #ownvoices rom-com debut is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Jane the Virgin.

Yolk 
Mary H. K. Choi 
Wildly different sisters Jayne and June Baek have been avoiding each other for years. Then June is diagnosed with cancer and finds herself reaching out to her estranged little sister for support. Through screaming fights, calculated jabs, and laugh-out-loud moments, we watch their relationship evolve into something resembling sisterhood. Emotional and multilayered, Yolk is a heartfelt story about the messy, complicated power of family in the face of the unknown.

Firekeeper’s Daughter
Angeline Boulley 
Debut author Angeline Boulley has crafted an immersive and heart-stopping thriller told through the eyes of 18-year-old Daunis, a biracial, unenrolled member of the Ojibwe tribe. With crystal meth abuse on the rise in her community, Daunis uses her knowledge of science and native medicine to go undercover as a confidential informant with the FBI, but what she uncovers makes her question everything she’s ever known. Boulley’s authentic depictions of the complexities of Native communities and the trauma and strength of Native women, specifically, make this book a complete standout for YA and adult readers alike.

When We Were Infinite
Kelly Loy Gilbert 
Kelly Loy Gilbert’s latest novel is a heart-wrenching, powerful story of friendship, growing up, and learning to let go. Though it doesn’t shy away from heavy subject matters, When We Were Infinite is beautifully written, and the poignancy of Beth’s narrative in the face of change will linger with readers long after the last page. A staggering drama perfect for fans of Permanent Record and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.

Rule of Wolves (King of Scars Duology Series #2)
Leigh Bardugo 
Master of YA Fantasy Leigh Bardugo has delivered another enthralling visit to the Grishaverse. War wages on and dark threats loom in this edge-of-your-seat final book in the King of Scars duology. After a heart-stopping read like this, we can’t wait to see what other adventure awaits us in the masterfully enthralling Grishaverse. And our Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition includes an annotated chapter and a unique poster!

The Bright & the Pale
Jessica Rubinkowski 
Rooted in Russian folklore, this dark and intensely gripping debut should be read with the lights on. Part fantasy, part horror, all edge-of-your-seat must-read, The Bright and the Pale is perfect for fans of Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy and Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse looking for their next high fantasy fix. This atmospheric debut will have you begging for a sequel.

Bridge of Souls (City of Ghosts #3)
Victoria Schwab 
If spooky stories are your thing, look no further than Bridge of Souls, the third installment in Victoria Schwab’s City of Ghosts series. This time, Cassidy and her ghostly best friend Jacob take on New Orleans, a city famous for its haunted past. Delightfully eerie and just a little outright scary. “Spine tingling and page-turning, perfectly blending humor, heart, and adventure.” —Jennifer A. Nielsen, author of The False Prince