Novels and Otter Things to Read: New Books for Young Readers (and the Young at Heart)

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Everybody needs a good story, and our booksellers have a whole new batch for young-at-heart readers of all ages! Whether it’s a high adventure, a fun animal story, or a nature or art book to explore, we’ve got lots of great choices. We hope you’ll also check out our list of anti-racist books for young readers as well!

PICTURE BOOKS


Recommended by Rae Ann


The Night Is for Darkness

By Jonathan Stutzman & Joseph Kuefler

The Night is for Darkness is a perfect bedtime read. It celebrates the beauty of the nighttime world and the joy of family time together.


Recommended by Rae Ann

Lone Wolf

By Sarah Kurpiel

This picture book about a dog mistaken for a wolf is a delightful read-aloud for dog lovers and families who envision a pet in their future. Maple’s journey to discover herself is heartwarming and funny.


Recommended by Becca

I Am Jax, Protector of the Ranch

By Catherine Stier, Francesca Rosa (Illustrator)

Jax the Great Pyrenees bravely steps up to guard the sheep on his ranch when the lead dog is injured by coyotes! Adventures and plenty of treats follow. This is first book in a new series exploring the lives of working dogs, ideal for the 7-10 year old dog lover in your life!


Recommended by Rae Ann

Hurry Up!: A Book About Slowing Down

By Kate Dopirak & Christopher Silas Neal

This is a book about slowing down to enjoy the world around us. The beautiful rhymes will make you want to read it over and over … slowly.


Recommended by Becca

My Art Book of Happiness

By Shana Gozansky

You’re never too young or too old to learn about art history. You’re also never too young or too old to learn about feelings. You’ll notice something new in the art every time you read this little book, and find plenty of opportunities for conversations about art and big feelings.


Recommended by Heather

If You Take Away the Otter

By Susannah Buhrman-Deever & Matthew Trueman

Otters. Gorgeous illustrations. Those are enough to recommend this book. But its message about the importance of biodiversity and the interdependence of species makes it important as well as beautiful. It is a great message to share with children, grandchildren and to ponder ourselves as we consider the future of our planet.


Recommended by Chelsea

Here Comes Ocean

By Meg Fleming, & Paola Zakimi

Beautiful illustrations and rhyming, repetitive text describe a sunny day at the beach. Perfect for fans of collecting, animals, and the ocean!


Recommended by Jackie

Be You!

By Peter H. Reynolds

Another great inspirational book from Peter Reynolds! Illustrations add to the simple text, creating more opportunity for discussion during a read-aloud.


INDEPENDENT READERS


Recommended by Rae Ann

Zeus, Dog of Chaos

By Kristin O’Donnell Tubb

Zeus is surprised when his first service dog assignment is middle school. If you like dogs and funny books, this story narrated by a German shepherd is for you.

Don’t miss our virtual event with Kristin O’Donnell Tubb on Wednesday, June 10 at 2pm!


Recommended by Jackie

How to Disappear Completely

By Ali Standish

Emma has a lot to deal with, living in a new town, going to a new school, missing her Gram, and now noticing spots appearing on her skin. Would be good for fans of Wonder.


Recommended by Jackie

Mañanaland

By Pam Muñoz Ryan

Max loves stories, and soon discovers his grandfather’s tales about tomorrow might have more basis in reality than he originally thought. Max soon finds himself on a quest seeking answers about a family secret and trying to help someone else.





YOUNG ADULT


Recommended by Rae Ann

The Jewel Thief

By Jeannie Mobley

When her father, the King’s crown jeweler, sinks into depression, Juliette takes on the task of cutting the priceless stone. Intrigue and romance in 17th century Paris. Based on the story of the Hope Diamond.


Recommended by Chelsea

We Are Not from Here

By Jenny Torres Sanchez

Forced to flee the same evil in Guatemala, three teens set off to the United States. Though their journey is harrowing and traumatizing, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña cling to hope that if they just keep going, they will make it to safety. This timely novel shines a huge, unflinching spotlight on the crises to our south and calls us to understand and empathize.


Recommended by Kay

House of Dragons

By Jessica Cluess

Five teens and their dragons are forced into a high-stakes competition where only one of them is meant to survive. Between the fantastic cast of characters and the perfectly paced plot twists, this is a “stay up until 2am because you have to know what happens next” sort of read. If you’re looking for sheer fantasy entertainment, you can’t go wrong with this one.


Recommended by Becca

Clap When You Land

By Elizabeth Acevedo

After a flight from New York City to the Dominican Republic crashes into the ocean with no survivors, the Rios family is split apart — not only by loss, but also by the secrets that come to light in the aftermath. The rhythm of Acevedo’s free verse highlights the emotional journey of two young girls from opposite sides of the world, brought together by loss and betrayal on a scale that most could not imagine.


Recommended by Kay

Nowhere on Earth

By Nick Lake

What begins with a plane crash in the mountains of Alaska becomes a survival story with a heartfelt core and a scifi spin. Stranded in the woods with only her little brother and an injured pilot, Emily must use everything she knows to keep them all alive in the face of freezing temperatures, hungry bears, and the mysterious gunmen hunting them. This story about protecting what you love is equal parts tender and thrilling.


Recommended by Andy

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning

By Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi

Jason Reynolds does a masterful job of adapting Ibram Kendi’s work for young people. This book not only shines light on our past but also provide tools to confront racism and give us hope for the future.






ParnassusNext — Our June Selection
Burn

By Patrick Ness

Sarah Dewhurt finds her already difficult life in Cold War America thrown into chaos when a dragon reveals she plays a key role in a mysterious doomsday prophecy. Dangerous cultists, government agents, ancient magic, and more are destined to collide in this exciting alternate history full of twists and turns.

Here’s some early buzz for the novel:

“A gripping, powerful novel of courage and resilience.” —Kirkus

“A wild ride of fanaticism, redemption, assassins and dragon-worshippers. Mind-bending in the best possible way.” —The Observer (London)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Patrick Ness will be on the Parnassus Books Facebook page for a live chat on Tuesday, June 9th at 2pm CDT.

ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.