As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing like diving into a new book series or catching up with beloved characters. The following releases for autumn and winter 2024 are perfect picks for young readers eager to explore new worlds, face thrilling mysteries, and experience heartwarming tales of friendship and courage. Here’s a breakdown of the season’s standout books and why you’ll want to add them to your collection.
1. «Unraveled» (Book 9.5, Keeper of the Lost Cities) by Shannon Messenger
– Release Date: December 3, 2024
– Why It’s Great: Shannon Messenger’s «Keeper of the Lost Cities» series has become a fan-favorite among middle-grade readers, combining fantasy with coming-of-age themes. «Unraveled» offers an in-depth look at side stories, character moments, and mysteries that enrich the main narrative. Fans of Sophie Foster and her friends can look forward to new insights, character development, and revelations that bridge past and future books in the series.
– Who Should Read It: Perfect for dedicated fans of the series, as well as newcomers ready to explore a world filled with magic, friendship, and moral dilemmas.
2. «The Bad Guys in One Last Thing» (The Bad Guys #20) by Aaron Blabey
– Release Date: November 12, 2024
– Why It’s Great: Aaron Blabey’s «The Bad Guys» series, a humorous adventure series featuring an unlikely group of “bad” heroes, has captivated young readers worldwide. This latest installment brings even more laughs, with clever plot twists and the final showdown for these loveable anti-heroes. It’s filled with Blabey’s trademark humor and illustrations, keeping young readers engaged and entertained.
– Who Should Read It: Ideal for fans of graphic novels, reluctant readers, and anyone who enjoys a hilarious, fast-paced story.
3. «Maggie Blue and the Lost Child» by Anna Goodall
– Release Date: Available Now
– Why It’s Great: In this beautifully crafted fantasy novel, Maggie Blue embarks on a journey to rescue her friend who’s been pulled into a magical but dangerous parallel world. Anna Goodall’s writing balances suspense with emotional resonance, drawing readers into themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. «Maggie Blue and the Lost Child» is a great standalone adventure with a lot of heart and stunning imagery.
– Who Should Read It: Readers who enjoy fantasy with deep emotional themes and well-developed characters will love this book.
4. «Let It Glow» by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy
– Release Date: October 29, 2024
– Why It’s Great: Known for her «Lunar Chronicles» series, Marissa Meyer teams up with Joanne Levy to present a unique tale perfect for the holiday season. «Let It Glow» combines humor, magic, and a dose of holiday cheer, following a protagonist who discovers a magical ability and learns to navigate the complexities of friendships and self-confidence. It’s light-hearted, fun, and brimming with holiday magic.
– Who Should Read It: Perfect for younger readers and families looking for a holiday-themed story, as well as fans of Meyer’s imaginative writing style.
5. «Inkworld: The Color of Revenge» (The Inkheart Series, Book #4) by Cornelia Funke
– Release Date: November 12, 2024
– Why It’s Great: After a long wait, Cornelia Funke returns to the «Inkheart» series with «The Color of Revenge». This continuation dives back into the magical world where books come alive, a nostalgic yet fresh adventure for those who grew up with the original trilogy. This installment explores deeper themes of revenge, courage, and redemption, providing both thrilling action and poignant moments.
– Who Should Read It: A must-read for fans of the original «Inkheart» series, as well as new readers interested in fantasy with a love for literature and storytelling.
– Release Date: December 3, 2024
– Why It’s Great: Natasha Preston’s «The Party» is a gripping YA mystery that draws readers into a suspense-filled plot centered around a tragic incident at a party. Known for her ability to weave tense, emotionally charged stories, Preston doesn’t disappoint in this new thriller. The novel explores themes of trust, trauma, and the impact of secrets among friends, making it a compelling read for teens.
– Who Should Read It: Ideal for fans of thrillers and mysteries, especially YA readers who enjoy character-driven suspense and psychological drama.
7. «Skyshade» (The Lightlark Saga, Book 3) by Alex Aster
– Release Date: November 12, 2024
– Why It’s Great: Alex Aster’s «Lightlark» saga has captivated readers with its rich world-building, intricate plot, and high stakes. «Skyshade», the third book in the series, takes readers deeper into the series’ mysterious and dangerous universe, with a focus on alliances, power struggles, and personal sacrifice. This epic fantasy is full of twists and challenges that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.
– Who Should Read It: Fans of high fantasy with complex characters, intricate magic systems, and intense conflict will find this book hard to put down.
The Season’s General Theme: Adventure, Mystery, and Self-Discovery
This season’s selection of children’s and YA books offers readers a balance of magic, mystery, and meaningful themes of growth, courage, and identity. From the humorous antics of «The Bad Guys» to the intense magic of «Inkworld» and the thrilling mystery of «The Party», there’s a story for every reader. These novels are not only entertaining but also offer life lessons about friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.
Whether you’re a fantasy lover, a fan of heartwarming tales, or a mystery enthusiast, these books make great companions for the autumn and winter months. This lineup invites young readers to explore enchanting worlds and learn about themselves along the way.