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Kids ages of 8 to 12 or 13 can seem happy and well-adjusted on the outside but be full of fears and insecurities on the inside. These books help them see that other kids face the same challenges and that, by all means, they're normal no matter what. They also star boys, a demographic that's becoming harder and harder to reach with books.

"The...Read more

Though middle schoolers are often distracted by friends, electronics, sports and extracurricular activities, reading is truly important. These new books are exciting enough to hold interests.

"The Wonderling" by Mira Bartok; Candlewick Press; 450 pages; $21.99.

The back of this fantastical tale reads, in mysterious, vintage lettering, "Have ...Read more

Books about bravery and standing up for what you believe in are more important now than ever before. These thoughtful books celebrate girls -- one in space and another fighting for educational justice, a warhorse with two Purple Hearts and a bevy of kids of all kinds being brave.

"Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala" by Lina Maslo; Balzer + ...Read more

All kids love Halloween season. These new books will give them spooks and shivers, and most definitely happy thrills.

"Creepy Pair of Underwear" by Aaron Reynolds; pictures by Peter Brown; Simon & Schuster; 42 pages; $17.99.

At first I thought the title of this black and white and glowing green book was a bit odd, but upon perusing it fully,...Read more

Monsters have expanded their appeal and come out to scare more often than just Halloween. These new books star monsters that are gentle, frightening and especially funny.

"I Want to Be in a Scary Story" by Sean Taylor; illustrated by Jean Jullien; Candlewick Press; 48 pages; $15.99.

The purple Little Monster agrees to be in a scary story but...Read more

Children absorb stress. They know about political uneasiness, weather tragedies and racial issues. One of the best ways to combat their stress is for parents to read empowering, positive, thoughtful books to them. Here are a few.

"Salam Alaikum: A Message of Peace" by Harris J.; pictures by Ward Jenkins; Simon & Schuster; 32 pages; $17.99.

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Tales of strong women and girls should be required reading for children. These new books introduce innovative women of medicine, an activist pro-immigrant lady named Jane, a young teen who travels to Cuba in 1961 to teach reading, and soccer star Abby Wambach.

"My Brigadista Year" by Katherine Paterson; Candlewick Press; 208 pages; $15.99.

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These new picture books should help young children ease back into a routine and look forward to the first weeks of school.

"Sarabella's Thinking Cap" by Judy Schachner; Dial Books/Penguin; 32 pages; $17.99.

Judy Schachner's magnificent "SkippyJon Jones" series, "The Grannyman," "Bits and Pieces" and "Dewey Bob" are some of the most ...Read more

These new reads remind youngsters of the joys of the Fourth of July, the teeming wildlife in ponds and the refreshing feeling of an outdoor nap.

"Blue Sky White Stars" by Sarvinder Naberhaus; illustrated by Kadir Nelson; Dial Books/Penguin; 32 pages; $17.99.

Painted with detailed love by Kadir Nelson, this ode to America's majesty and ...Read more

Graphic and comic-style books are all the rage with kids of all ages. These are a few new innovative tales.

"The Great Art Caper" by Victoria Jamieson; Henry Holt & Co., 63 pages; $15.99.

For early elementary school readers comes "The Great Art Caper," following "The Great Pet Escape." Second-grade class hamster GW slams poetry and does ...Read more

These new picture books are creative and unique and make for fantastic storytime, even on vacation.

"Max and Bird" by Ed Vere; Puffin; 32 pages; $17.99.

From The New York Times best-selling creator of "Max the Brave" comes kitten Max's latest adventure. This black ball of energy with huge, expressive eyes longs for a friend but also wants a ...Read more

"Choose to Matter" helps kids be "courageously and fabulously" themselves. Other new children's books offer a few anti-bullying tips and aim to strengthen and empower youngsters in every realm.

"Choose to Matter" by Julie Foudy; espnW/Disney Publishing; 300 pages; $17.99.

Julie Foudy, a 13-year captain of the U.S. women's national soccer ...Read more