School is officially back in session, and we have just the books to recommend for it. Whether you or a little one in your life is nervous about it or can’t wait to get back into the swing of classes, or you’re wanting to find a book to read outside of something you might read for class, you’ll be able to find something. Check out our favorite picks below, and show The Bronx is Reading some love when you do– your book purchases directly supports us!

Drama by Raina Teglemeier

#1 New York Times Bestseller from a multiple Eisner Award-winning author, Teglemeier’s middle grade graphic novel follows Callie as she designs the set for a school musical that seems bound to flop. Tickets aren’t selling, crew members are fighting, Callie can’t get a hold of what needs to get done, and just when you think it can’t, the drama onstage pales in comparison to what’s happening offstage. It doesn’t help that Callie’s crushing hard, too, and that drama throws her for even more of a loop than drama class has been.

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

Named one of the best books of the year by the New York Public Library, Kirkus, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly, Trung Le Nguyen’s debut graphic novel tells the story of Tiến, a boy who loves to read but literally can’t find the words to tell his parents he’s gay. Tiến’s parents are Vietnamese immigrants still learning English while he’s been raised in America, so he’s found the best way to communicate with them is through fairy tales, checking out volume after volume of them from the local library and reading them with each other. But can Tiến tell his own story and really be himself?

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

A New York Times bestseller, Alston’s debut middle grade novel is the first in a fantasy trilogy. Amari can’t believe that her brother Quinton is really missing, and when the ticking briefcase she discovers in his closet turns out to hold info about the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she realizes she just might be onto something. The truth is scary, but Amari’s determined to get to the bottom of it, even if it means encountering ghosts, aliens, and monsters along the way.

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña, illustrations by Christian Robinson

A Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor winning team pair up again in this instant classic. Milo, on a long subway ride with his sister, starts imagining the lives of his fellow passengers. From the little dog in a woman’s bag to the man playing the crossword puzzle to the woman on her way to a wedding, Robinson’s illustrations and de la Peña’s story come together to dream up life as Milo sees it.

Dealing in Dreams by Lilliam Rivera

Rivera’s dystopian YA novel follows sixteen year old Nalah– tired of leading an all-girl gang in Mega City, she’s ready to make a home in the Mega Towers. But an apartment there doesn’t come to just anyone, and Nalah must embark on a dangerous journey to prove her loyalty to the city– and the biggest danger of all might be what she’s realizing she’ll do for her dreams.

Bronxtones by Alex Rivera

This board book from Bronx author Alex Rivera is perfect for teaching little ones about colors, and perfect for teaching little Bronxites about their neighborhood, from red balloons to yellow pineapple raspados and all the shades in between. And it’s also bilingual, with text in both English and Spanish.

What If It’s Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli

Arthur visits New York for the summer, but it’s not what he expected. Then again, neither is meeting Ben. Arthur might be learning that real life isn’t like the Broadway musicals he’s been waiting to experience, but the alternative might not be so bad in this collaborative YA romance novel. And did we mention both authors are New York Times bestsellers?

Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes

Nikki Grimes’s memoir has won award after award and earned rave reviews, recommended by everyone from Booklist to Publishers Weekly to NPR. Grimes tells the story of how in the midst of her difficult upbringing in the foster system, she discovered the magic and comfort of writing and went on to become the acclaimed writer she is today.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

This New York Times bestselling picture book takes us through a day in a school where students from all walks of life are celebrated, and all really are made to feel welcome. If your little ones are nervous about the year starting, this book will not just teach them about diverse cultures and traditions, it’ll comfort them.

Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia

This collection of stories by Black male and nonbinary authors is edited (and features work from) bestselling author Kwame Mbalia (Tristan Strong series) and celebrates Black boyhood, with all its ups, downs, growing pains and exciting moments (especially those joyful ups). Contributors include B.B. Alston, Jason Reynolds, Julian Winters and many, many more.

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

A Newbery Medal Award winner and a New York Times Bestseller, Medina’s middle grade book (the first in a trilogy) follows Merci as she deals with being a scholarship student at an elite private school, class bully Edna’s jealousy when Merci’s paired up with Edna’s crush on a school project, and the very scary reality of her abuelo’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

A #1 New York Times Bestseller, a National Book Award Winning author and two-time Pura Belpré Award winning illustrator team up for a poignant picture book that teaches children to find courage, not be afraid to reach out to others, overcoming insecurities, and that they’re never really alone. This title is also available in Spanish.

Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles

Sixth grader Wes is taken aback when he finds out a real estate developer might be buying up the neighborhood he’s always lived in. His parents are fighting, his friends might be moving, and he can’t figure out what to do, how to feel, or how to fight. This middle grade novel (Giles’s debut book, too) doesn’t shy away from educating young readers about gentrification, and embraces teaching them about the importance of community and justice.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Newbery Honor winning author Derrick Barnes’s picture book tells the story of a little boy’s first day of kindergarten, and how he learns to overcome the challenges of a big change, a new place, and getting to know unfamiliar faces.

Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron

Maya might seem like your average twelve year old. But that isn’t the case– at night, she’s haunted by strange creatures–werehyenas, a mysterious shadow man–that no one else an seem to see. So when Maya’s dad goes missing, Maya’s determined to find what really happened to him, even if it means confronting the mysterious dark world and finding out she might not be all too human herself.

G My Name is Girl: A Song of Celebration from Argentina to Zambia by Dawn Masi

This super fun and diverse picture book will take you around the world, with the help of girls from 26 different countries. A perfect pick for teaching little ones not just their ABCs but about the sights to see, natural wonders, and cultures from all around the world. It’s also a touching tribute to girlhood.

Stella’s Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises

Bronxite author-illustrator Moises takes us on an interstellar journey in this out of this world picture book. Stella has an important party tonight, but isn’t sure what hairstyle to go with. Not to worry– Stella can travel across the galaxy from auntie to auntie and try all the different styles out. Moises’s gorgeous illustrations bring this celebration of Black girlhood, hair, family and self-love to life.

Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega

It’s almost Halloween, and best friends Lucely and Syd cast a spell. But little do they know– it works. Before they know it, evil spirits are conjuring up chaos all around town. Now it’s up to Lucely, Syd, and Syd’s witch grandma to take the spirits on, undo the curse, and save not just their hometown, but the good spirits, too.