Our Most Anticipated New Kids’ & YA Book Releases of June 2021

Parks and Recreation: Leslie for Class President (B&N Exclusive Edition)

For longtime fans of “Parks and Recreation” and the newly initiated, who are just starting to fall in love with Pawnee, Parks and Recreation: Leslie for Class President is the ultimate gift. Featuring all of our favorite personalities and tons of inside jokes, this picture book will satisfy you like a stack of waffles from JJ’s. Don’t worry! There’s no need to sing “Bye, bye L’il Sebastian” because the Barnes & Noble Edition comes with an exclusive L’il Sebastian sticker. In other words — “Treat Yo Self”.
 

Free to be Elephant Me

From the bestselling creators of Giraffes Can’t Dance comes a new story about Num-Num, aka Elephant Me, who celebrates the power of individuality rather than conformity. A fun, vibrantly illustrated story that is perfect for a re-readable story time.  Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees work their magic once again on this special, versatile story that will inspire us all.
 

Faraway Things
Though not uncommon for either of these creators, Dave Eggers and Kelly Murphy have managed to design a story so beautiful, thought-provoking and inspiring that Faraway Things will linger in your mind for days. Murphy’s illustrations follow Lucian as he discovers a “faraway thing” on the seashore and then must decide what to do when the owner appears. This new Dave Eggers tale will feel right at home on any bookshelf — or within arm’s reach for anyone looking for a quick daydream.
 

Curse of the Forgotten City

In this pitch-perfect follow-up to Curse of the Night Witch, Tor, Engle and Melda must protect Emblem Island from a band of cursed pirates. Tor must use his newfound powers to help him and his friends find the infamous Pirate Pearl and gain control of the seas — but the journey is treacherous. This magical adventure is not to be missed.
 

Game Master: Summer Schooled

Mystery and action-packed adventure collide in this first book in a new series from the YouTube sensations behind Game Master Network. Can Rebecca and her classmates save the summer from the Game Master threatening to take it all away? Young readers will race through this original story to find out.
 

Long Distance

When Vega’s parents move her from Portland to Seattle and enroll her in a space-themed summer camp, all she wants is her old life back. However, she ends up getting much more than she bargained for — in the form of some out-of-this world adventures. This sweet and fun graphic novel is perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
 

Miles Morales: Shock Waves (Original Spider-Man Graphic Novel)

This action-packed, full-color graphic novel, starring Brooklyn’s own Miles Morales, is a heartwarming and hilarious new tale in the Marvel Universe. With witty banter and nonstop action throughout, readers will be immersed in Spider-Man’s latest adventure as he juggles school, friends and saving the world.
 

Return to Roar

In this magical follow-up to The Land of Roar, twins Arthur and Rose make their first trip back to Roar since their epic Granddad rescue. However, they soon learn that Roar is in turmoil again, and it’s up to them to save the miraculous world they dreamed up. This fantastical adventure story is one of our favorites.
 

Goldilocks: Wanted Dead or Alive

This graphic novel, set in The Land of Stories, gives readers a look at the origins of Goldilocks before she meets Alex and Conner in the beloved fantasy series. An outlaw at heart, Goldilocks takes action with her ragtag group of friends when the Dwarf Forest is threatened by the Charming brothers. Devoted fans of the Land of Stories series will love this richly illustrated tale, and new readers will be sure to pick up the rest of the series.
 

Instructions for Dancing
Beautiful yet heart-wrenching, Instructions for Dancing, is the kind of vibrant love story we’ve come to know and love from Nicola Yoon. Jilted by her parents’ recent and unexpected divorce, Evie Thomas doesn’t believe in love anymore. That is, until she meets X. Evie can’t help but be drawn to X and his magnetic personality, but is falling in love with him worth the inevitable heartbreak?
 

Better Together (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Estranged sisters Jamie and Siri live totally different lives on opposite coasts — until they find themselves signed up for the same Colorado retreat. A sneaky plot to switch places ends with the sisters living each other’s lives entirely, and all that entails. With a hint of magical realism, Better Together is a warm-hearted and fun story of sisterhood and second chances.
 

Box in the Woods

This nail-biting standalone mystery follows Truly Devious favorite, Stevie Bell, as she is tapped to help record a podcast about 1978’s the Box in the Woods murders. Stevie and her friends quickly realize that something dangerous is still lurking years later at the former Camp Wonder Falls. Will they be able to solve the case before more victims are claimed? This twisty ride of a thriller is not to be missed.
 

Nature of Witches
Thought-provoking and magical, The Nature of Witches follows 17-year-old Clara, an Everwitch whose magic evolves with each season. With storms growing stronger, the fate of the world is hanging in the balance and Clara must learn to control her power to help save it. With vivid world-building, a compelling cast of characters, and a swoon-worthy romance, this enchanting tale will pull you in from the very first page.
 

Blackout (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Joyful and captivating, Blackout is a collection of interconnected stories of Black love that all take place when the lights go out during a midsummer blackout in New York City. This unique collaboration by authors Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon is a love letter to both young Black people and the magical city of New York.
 

Betrayed

This dazzling conclusion to The Betrothed duology by Kiera Cass will leave readers breathless as they follow Hollis in her new life in Isolte — and watch her find new love. Perfect for fans of Cass’ The Selection series.