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

Our Violent Ends (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Chloe Gong

This highly anticipated sequel to fantasy favorite These Violent Delights by one of our favorite YA authors, Chloe Gong, is just as heart-stopping as the first volume. With new danger afoot in Shanghai, Roma and Juliette must put aside their differences to protect their city — but can they protect their hearts from each other? Our Violent Ends is a high-stakes Romeo and Juliet retelling that somehow also feels wholly original.

Gilded
Marissa Meyer
Darkly haunting and all-around eerie, Gilded is a richly reimagined novel based on the classic tale of Rumpelstiltskin from one of our favorite YA authors. Serilda is known for spinning enchanting stories, but when one of them attracts the attention of the evil Erlking, she is plunged into a wicked world with little hope of escape. This utterly atmospheric tale is not to be missed.

The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks
Mackenzi Lee

The third and final book in the sweeping Montague Siblings series follows youngest brother Adrian, now a teenager, as he seeks out his oldest siblings, Monty and Felicity – and answers to age-old family secrets. Author Mackenzi Lee has delivered a satisfying conclusion to a well-loved series that gives readers insight into the family from a new perspective.

Cytonic (Skyward Series #3)
Brandon Sanderson
The third book in Brandon Sanderson’s epic Skyward series is another nonstop adventure as Spensa puts her life on the line, yet again, in order to save the galaxy. This fast-paced sci-fi tale by one of our favorite authors is one for the ages.

Skin of the Sea (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Natasha Bowen
Complete with atmospheric world-building and enchanting prose, Skin of the Sea is an utterly unique blend of fantasy, history and West African mythology that will pull readers in from the very first page. Once a human, Simidele now swims the ocean as a Mami Wata — a mermaid — collecting the souls of those who have passed at sea. When she defies the gods by saving the life of a drowning boy, the two embark on a dangerous journey full of the unknown. This stunning debut is a must-read for fans of Children of Blood and Bone.

The Smart Cookie
Jory John, Pete Oswald (Illustrator)
Jory John and Pete Oswald are back with another delicious delight in their Food Group series.The Smart Cookie is one of the more relatable tales for the modern child and a perfect introduction into the bestselling Food Group series, if you aren’t familiar. Touching on social anxiety, self-doubt and the importance of community support, John and Oswald have once again concocted the perfect recipe for story time success!

Room for Everyone
Naaz Khan
Naaz Khan’s picture book debut, Room for Everyone, is a laugh-out-loud, lyrical masterpiece. Giving us a light-hearted and fast paced story that’s perfect for fans of Room on the Broom, Room for Everyone takes place in Zanzibar as Musa rides the already crowded bus towards the beach. With each passing page, there’s another community member that could use a ride. Between the vibrant art of Mercè López and Khan’s masterfully expressive text and fresh scenery, this might be the most fun you can have while reading a picture book.

Our Table
Peter H. Reynolds
Simply put, Our Table is an inspiring celebration of family and togetherness. In a gorgeously crafted package that only Peter H. Reynolds could create, Our Table tells the very relevant story of a modern family that slowly drifts apart, and a determined and sharp-witted little girl named Violet who refuses to let them drift any further. The world can use more Violets to help us get back on track.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Nikole Hannah-Jones, Renée Watson, Nikkolas Smith (Illustrator)
A complement to The New York Times’ “1619 Project”, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renée Watson share a powerful exploration of the origins of American identity and the lingering impact it’s had on society. Nikkolas Smith’s illustrations on their own are noteworthy — when paired with Hannah-Jones and Watson’s poetry, they become groundbreaking. We haven’t seen a project like this before and it’s unlikely to see one in the future.

Stuntboy, in the Meantime
Jason Reynolds, Raúl the Third (Illustrator)

This sweet and funny illustrated novel follows Portico Reeves, a young boy with a super-secret superhero identity who protects the people in his castle, also known as an apartment building. With Portico’s parents fighting more and more, he gets the worry wiggles and makes it his mission to save them too. This relatable story about a boy experiencing anxiety and life changes from favorite author Jason Reynolds is full of heart.

The Legend of the Christmas Witch
Dan Murphy, Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)
Perfectly on brand for the dynamic duo of Aubrey Plaza and Dan Murphy, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is the eerie original Christmas fable we didn’t know we needed. We’re all familiar with Santa Claus and the joy he brings, but how many know the story of his mysterious sister? Along with their beautifully and creatively crafted tale, Julia Iredale’s illustrations solidify The Legend of the Christmas Witch as a new Christmas classic.