The Children’s Book Review | August 1, 2014
Hot New Releases & Popular Kids Stories
This month we’re featuring a decidedly fantastical themed list of popular kids stories perfect for ages 8-12. Star Wars fans will be stoked to read Jeffrey Brown’s Goodnight Darth Vader (an all ages funny read) and Tom Angleberger’s latest Origami Yoda book.
By Chris Colfer
Publisher’s synopsis: In the third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series by Chris Colfer, the Brothers Grimm have a warning for the Land of Stories.
Conner Bailey thinks his fairy-tale adventures are behind him–until he discovers a mysterious clue left by the famous Brothers Grimm. With help from his classmate Bree and the outlandish Mother Goose, Conner sets off on a mission across Europe to crack a two-hundred-year-old code.
Meanwhile, Alex Bailey is training to become the next Fairy Godmother…but her attempts at granting wishes never go as planned. Will she ever be truly ready to lead the Fairy Council?
When all signs point to disaster for the Land of Stories, Conner and Alex must join forces with their friends and enemies to save the day. But nothing can prepare them for the coming battle…or for the secret that will change the twins’ lives forever.
The third book in the bestselling Land of Stories series puts the twins to the test as they must bring two worlds together!
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | July 8, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-0316406819
Publisher’s synopsis: The final Origami Yoda case file from the kids at McQuarrie Middle School! After successfully fighting to save their field trip in Princess Labelmaker to the Rescue!, Tommy and the gang prepare for a well-earned day of fun and adventure in Washington, DC . . . but of course it won’t be that easy! This trip to the nation’s capital will be full of shifting alliances and betrayals, carsickness and sugar rushes. Trouble starts even before the buses leave school, when Principal Rabbski decrees the field trip an “origami-free zone.” Dwight secretly folds a Yoda from a Fruit Roll-Up, but will Fruitigami Yoda be a match for Harvey’s sour, hate-filled pickle of darkness? Astronaut ice cream, a supersonic plane, a Johnny Appleseed sighting, and a near arrest—are just some of the clues in the sweetest, stookiest, biggest, craziest Origami Yoda case file yet.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Amulet Books | Aug. 12, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1419709333
By Rick Riordan
Publisher’s synopsis: So begins Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic–and sarcastic asides–to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives readers his personal take on a who’s who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back. “If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that.”
Dramatic full-color illustrations throughout by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco make this volume–a must for home, library, and classroom shelves–as stunning as it is entertaining.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion| Aug. 19, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1423183648
By Neil Gaiman
Publisher’s synopsis: The first volume of a glorious two-volume, four-color graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning novel The Graveyard Book, adapted by P. Craig Russell and illustrated by an extraordinary team of renowned artists.
Inventive, chilling, and filled with wonder, Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book reaches new heights in this stunning adaptation. Artists Kevin Nowlan, P. Craig Russell, Tony Harris, Scott Hampton, Galen Showman, Jill Thompson, and Stephen B. Scott lend their own signature styles to create an imaginatively diverse and yet cohesive interpretation of Neil Gaiman’s luminous novel.
Volume One contains Chapter One through the Interlude, while Volume Two will include Chapter Six to the end.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: HarperCollins | July 29, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-0062194817
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Publisher’s synopsis: It’s bedtime in the Star Wars galaxy, and Darth Vader’s parenting skills are tested anew in this delightful follow-up to the breakout New York Times bestsellers Darth Vader™ and Son and Vader’s™ Little Princess. In this Episode, the Sith Lord must soothe his rambunctious twins, Luke and Leia—who are not ready to sleep and who insist on a story. As Vader reads, the book looks in on favorite creatures, droids, and characters, such as Yoda, R2-D2, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Maul, Admiral Ackbar, Boba Fett, and many others as they tuck in, yawn, and settle down to dream. As ever, Jeffrey Brown’s charming illustrations and humor glow throughout, playing on children’s book conventions to enchant adults and kids alike.
All Age | Publisher: Chronicle Books | July 22, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1452128306
Don’t be shy to let us know which are the best new kids stories you’ve recently read and loved. We hope you find something that piques your interest from our list of best new kids books and popular kids stories! For more popular kids books, follow along with our tags for Star Wars Books and Popular Kids Stories.