12 Must-Read November Children’s Book Releases

Charles R. Smith Jr.’s rhythmic prose tells the story of famed musician Jimi Hendrix’s life, from his poor childhood to time in the military to playing at Woodstock. Through it all, music defined Jimi’s life and his aspirations. Edel Rodriguez’s intense and vivid illustrations bring Hendrix’s musical style to life, as does Smith’s ambitious prose. This unique, compelling picture book biography is sure to be up for some awards next year.

Nikole Hannah-Jones won a Pulitzer Prize for her essay with The New York Times’s 1619 Project, which commemorated the 400th anniversary of the beginning of slavery in the United States. She teams up with Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award–winning author Renée Watson in this series of powerful poems that chronicle the history of slavery in the U.S. It opens with a teacher assigning a family tree project to a young, Black narrator. He at first feels shame, but when his family tells him the proud origins of his history, his shame is transformed into empowerment. From their West African ancestors to the first Black enslaved child born in the U.S. to Civil Rights and contemporary activists, this picture book tackles a broad history of the Black experience with beauty and lyricism. The poems are accompanied by stunning paintings by illustrator Nikkolas Smith.

Twelve-year-old Xavier, AKA Moonie, isn’t the prime candidate for the elite Scepter League, a boys’ club for only the most confident kids. He wears braces, stutters, and prefers to play the Switch than talk to other people his age. His parents have recently been incarcerated, and he’s living with his great aunt Kat. When his great uncle sends him a letter of encouragement along with some snazzy new socks, Moonie decides to be brave and step out of his comfort zone. He decides to apply for the Scepter League, but first, he needs to prove his confidence. Charming and powerful, I loved how Moonie’s disability doesn’t define the novel.

This anthology collects 20 Middle Eastern fairytales author Rodaan Al Galidi heard during his childhood in Iraq. Many of these tales involve animals, such as “The Partridge and the Turtles” and “The Lion and the Bull.” Some are funny, some have clear morals, all are entertaining. Geertje Aalders’s papercut illustrations are gorgeous and plentiful. It would make a beautiful holiday gift for children who love folktales. Though it’s long, it’s also appropriate for elementary-aged children.

I adore Wendy Xu’s Mooncakes, so when I heard she had a new graphic novel coming out, I had to read it. Tidesong is a delightful middle grade graphic novel about a family of witches who can control water. Sophie longs to attend the Royal Magic Academy, so she spends the summer with her great aunt and cousin, hoping they’ll be able to help her with her magic. Instead, her great aunt gives her piles of chores, and Sophie feels constantly demeaned and ridiculed by her. Filled with anxiety and the desire to prove herself, she accidentally transforms a water dragon, Lir, into a human. With her family admiring Lir and condemning Sophie’s actions, Sophie struggles with trying to help Lir while also trying to prove she’s good enough for the academy.

Portico Reeves isn’t a normal kid; he’s the greatest superhero you’ve never ever heard of — Stuntboy! His superpower is keeping other superheroes safe, like his parents and friends. He lives in a castle (though some call it an apartment building) and takes his superhero duties very seriously. However, attacks of The Frets (AKA anxiety) often leave him paralyzed, and in the meantime, he faces his biggest challenge yet: getting his parents to stop fighting. Raúl the Third’s expressive illustrations give an old-school comic book feel to this middle grade graphic novel and pair perfectly with powerhouse writer Jason Reynolds’ simultaneously goofy and heartwarming story.