Kids Chapter Books - Contemporary Fiction

Updated March 17, 2026
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Barely floating
Rivera, Lilliam
Paper Book
A dazzling story full of heart about how one twelve-year-old channels her rage into synchronized swimming dreams, from the author of The Education of Margot Sanchez and Never Look Back, Lilliam Rivera. Natalia de la Cruz Rivera y Santiago, also known as Nat, was...
Stand up, Yumi Chung!
Kim, Jessica
Paper Book
One lie snowballs into a full-blown double life in this irresistible story about an aspiring stand-up comedian. On the outside, Yumi Chung suffers from #shygirlproblems, a perm-gone-wrong, and kids calling her "Yu-MEAT" because she smells like her family's Korean barbecue...
Dinner at the Brake Fast
Lute, Renee Beauregard
Paper Book
Dinner at the Brake Fast is a hilarious and heartfelt story about road-trip mishaps, a murderous rooster, facing down anxieties, and unexpected friendship that is a must-pick for readers who loved The Science of Unbreakable Things and The First Rule of Punk. Tacoma Jones...
Efrén divided : a novel
Cisneros, Ernesto
Paper Book
Winner of the Pura Belpré Award! "We need books to break open our hearts, so that we might feel more deeply, so that we might be more human in these unkind times. This is a book doing work of the spirit in a time of darkness." --Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on...
The Vanderbeekers make a wish
Glaser, Karina Yan
Paper Book
Witness the power of family history and family love in this funny, poignant addition to a series that the New York Times Book Review hails as "delightful and heartwarming." It's summer on 141st Street, and the Vanderbeekers are looking forward to Papa's surprise fortieth birthday party....
Drum roll, please
Bigelow, Lisa Jenn
Paper Book
Find the confidence to rock out to your own beat in this big-hearted middle grade novel. One of Time Out's "LGBTQ+ books for kids to read during Pride Month", this is perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier's Drama and Tim Federle's Better Nate Than Ever! Melly...
Front desk
Yang, Kelly
Paper Book
Four starred reviews and over ten best-of-year lists!* "Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review Front Desk joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive...
The Wednesday wars
Schmidt, Gary D.
Paper Book
In this Newbery Honor-winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt tells the witty and compelling story of a teenage boy who feels that fate has it in for him. Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood isn't happy. He is sure his new teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. Throughout the school year,...
The lemonade war
Davies, Jacqueline
Paper Book
Here is a clever blend of humor, math wizardry, and business know-how. As it captures the one-of-a-kind bond between brother and sister, this poignant novel also subtly explores how arguments can escalate beyond anyone's intent. For a full hour, he poured lemonade. The world is a thirsty...
Hello universe
Kelly, Erin Entrada
Ebook
Winner of the Newbery Medal Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the 21st Century (So Far) "A charming, intriguingly plotted novel." --Washington Post Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly's Hello, Universe is a funny and poignant neighborhood story about unexpected friendships. ...
The Penderwicks : a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy
Birdsall, Jeanne
Paper Book
This series of modern classics about the charming Penderwick family from National Book Award winner andnbsp;New York Timesnbsp;bestseller Jeanne Birdsall is perfect for fans of Noel Streatfeild and Edward Eager. Over one million copies sold, now with a bright new look! This...
Out of my mind
Draper, Sharon M.
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller for three years and counting and now an original film on Disney+! "A gutsy, candid, and compelling story. It speaks volumes." --School Library Journal (starred review) "Unflinching and realistic." --Kirkus...
Ghost
Reynolds, Jason
Paper Book
A National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down in this...
Much ADO about Baseball
LaRocca, Rajani
Paper Book
"Much Ado About Baseball is the best children's book I've read in the past 10 years!" -Brad Thor, New York Times bestselling author of the Scot Harvath series "A moving tale of baseball, magic, and former rivals who come together to solve a problem." -Kirkus...
Wonder
Palacio, R. J.
Paper Book
THE ICONIC #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER WITH MORE THAN 16 MILLION COPIES SOLD "A crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for."--Entertainment Weekly Meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary kid with an extraordinary face-...

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