Even as a young child selecting books to read at my local library I knew that if I saw Scholastic on the spine, the book would be good. For over 100 years, Scholastic has created books of excellence for all ages, newborn through young adult, fiction and nonfiction, novelty, activities, puzzle books, and more.

Continuing with the celebration, sharing here a roundup of noteworthy new and upcoming releases from Scholastic.

PICTURE BOOKS & YOUNGER READERS

That Beautiful Mind

By Tami Charles and Chris Charles; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

“Some days it feels like my mind doesn’t work right.”

Mom says otherwise: that beautiful mind is what makes you unique.

This poetry-in-motion, sing-out-loud story follows one young boy through both the challenges and triumphs of his constantly running, brilliantly creative, ever-so-busy brain. Whether he’s playing basketball, baking with Grandpa, working through math class, or conquering a video game, readers see that the very mind that sometimes makes life harder is also one of his greatest gifts. I especially appreciate that the story doesn’t ask its young character to become less curious, less energetic, or less himself. Instead, the book celebrates what makes him unique while acknowledging that navigating the world with a neurodivergent mind isn’t always easy. This is a needed celebration of the power of every child’s beautiful mind, beautifully illustrated with Nikkolas Smith’s energetic artwork. Orchard Books (Scholastic), Oct 6, 2026, 9781546116387 Hardcover, $19.99, Ages 4–8

Goodbye, Koi

Written and illustrated by Jack Wong

A young boy and his family are preparing to leave their home—and that means saying goodbye to the koi fish he has always cared for. What will happen to them? Will they be safe? Will they be happy in their new home? His concern for the fish becomes a gentle reflection of everything a child may feel during a major transition: curiosity, uncertainty, sadness, and the hope that somehow everything will be okay. The illustrations are absolutely stunning. Wong draws on Chinese brush-painting traditions, with the artwork shifting beautifully between the practical details of moving and the almost dreamlike presence of the koi. A lovely choice for children facing a move, saying goodbye to a pet or familiar place, or simply learning that change can hold both sadness and possibility. Orchard Books (Scholastic), Sept 15, 2026, 9781338830996 Hardcover, $19.99, Ages 4–8

Millie Fleur's Best/Worst Day Ever

Written and illustrated by Christy Mandin

Millie Fleur La Fae has been eagerly anticipating Garden Glen’s Butterbloom Fest—her very first since moving to town.

She is so excited, in fact, that she stays up far too late reading all about it. Then morning arrives. Millie wakes up with a serious case of the grumpies, and despite her best efforts, the day seems determined to go from bad to worse. The illustrations are hilarious and filled with details that make this exactly the kind of picture book children will want to revisit. Underneath all that wonderfully odd Millie Fleur humor is a reassuring reminder that everyone has terrible days—and sometimes friends are exactly what we need to get through them. Orchard Books (Scholastic), Oct 6, 2026, 9781546160182 Hardcover, $19.99, Ages 4–8

’Twas the Night Before Christmas

By Clement Clarke Moore; illustrated by Jon J. Muth

For families who love giving books for Christmas, this new edition is gorgeous. The familiar rhyming poem remains intact, but Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator Jon J Muth gives the classic an entirely new visual life through his luminous watercolor artwork. This feels like one of those editions families can bring out every December, read aloud together, and eventually pass along to another generation. A beautiful holiday gift book. Orchard Books (Scholastic), Oct 6, 2026, 9781338812442 Hardcover, $19.99, Ages 4–8

STEM, GRAPHIC NOVELS & MIDDLE GRADE

Extreme Engineering 

By Mark Rober

Kids who spend hours asking “How does that work?” should have fun with this one.

Extreme Engineering takes readers behind the scenes of some of Mark Rober’s biggest experiments and viral builds, explaining the science underneath the spectacle. Can you swim in JELL-O? Would you sink in Orbeez? What actually makes some of those outrageous experiments work. It’s a particularly good choice for readers who may not automatically reach for traditional fiction but will happily spend an afternoon watching science videos, taking things apart, inventing, or testing an idea just to see what happens. Scholastic, Sept 1, 2026, 9798225030551 Paperback, $12.99, Ages 8–12

Lava vs. Laser

By Mark Rober

Lava or lasers—which is more powerful? That question alone may be enough to get plenty of kids to open the book. Based on one of Rober’s popular science experiments, this highly visual read turns seven outrageous showdowns into accessible lessons about physics and engineering. Pair it with Extreme Engineering for young inventors and science fans. Scholastic, Sept 1, 2026, 9798225030568 Paperback, $10.99, Ages 8–12

Front Desk The Graphic Novel

By Kelly Yang; illustrated by Fumio Obata

One of my customers’ favorite series is now a graphic novel. Ten-year-old Mia Tang lives with her immigrant parents in the motel they manage. While her parents clean the rooms, Mia helps run the front desk. Her parents also secretly allow immigrants who need help to stay in vacant rooms—something that could get the family into serious trouble if the motel’s owner discovers it. And Mia has another dream: she wants to become a writer. Kelly Yang’s much-loved story translates beautifully into graphic-novel form with art by Fumio Obata, making Mia’s story accessible both to established fans and to visual readers meeting her for the first time.Graphix (Scholastic), Oct 20, 2026, 9781338856446 Paperback, $14.99, Ages 8–12

I Survived the Night of the Lions, 2025

By Lauren Tarshis

The I Survived series remains one of my customers’ favorites—and one of mine. Eleven-year-old Dylan travels to Botswana’s Okavango Delta with his filmmaker sister, but an extraordinary adventure becomes a fight for survival when a plane crash leaves him alone, injured, and surrounded by dangerous wildlife. And somewhere nearby are lions. Lauren Tarshis continues to do what this series does so well: combine breathless survival fiction with real geography, wildlife, science, and history in a format that appeals to both eager and reluctant readers.S cholastic, Sept 15, 2026, 9798225066772 Paperback, $7.99, Ages 8–12

The Luckies: Rumor Has It

By Sarah Mlynowski and Christina Soontornvat; illustrated by Madi Wong

Two stepsisters are suddenly thrown into a family situation neither one chose. Annie is excited about finally putting down roots. Leela wants nothing to do with leaving New York City for small-town life—or with suddenly gaining a stepsister and two stepbrothers. Their parents’ engagement has made them family, but that certainly doesn’t mean they know how to be family. The result is a fast-moving, highly illustrated story about blended families, change, friendship, secrets, crushes, and figuring out where you belong. Scholastic, Oct 6, 2026, 9798225066499 Paperback, $9.99, Ages 9–12

Nothing to See Here 

By Barbara Dee

Eighth grade is already off to a rough start when an anonymous online account begins spreading rumors and sorting classmates onto “Hot” and “Not” lists. Winnie, Gia, Mateo, and Levi experience the fallout from different sides. Eventually, the four decide to conduct an experiment of their own: post false rumors and watch how quickly people believe—and spread—them. What I like about the premise is that the story goes beyond simply telling kids that social media can hurt people. It asks why gossip is so tempting, what anonymity does to behavior, and how quickly something posted for entertainment can affect a real person. Extremely timely for today’s middle-grade readers. Scholastic Press (Scholastic), Oct 20, 2026, 9798225051686 Hardcover, $18.99, Ages 8–12

It Came From the Creek 

By Amy Sarig King

Something is wrong with the creek. The water looks strange. The smell is awful. People are getting sick. Ten-year-old Katy and her friend Joel begin investigating and discover something far more serious than a creepy local mystery: toxic waste is being dumped near their community. What begins as an environmental mystery becomes a broader story about injustice, integrity, and learning that sometimes the bullies who need standing up to are adults. We’ll also be featuring It Came from the Creek in our October reading coverage, so watch for more on this one. Scholastic Press (Scholastic), Oct 6, 2026, 9781546158561 Hardcover, $18.99, Ages 9–12

Ghost Light, The Last Resort Book Three

By Sara Farizan

This book series remains one of the coolest interactive reading experiences I’ve encountered.

Twelve-year-old Lila discovers that her grandfather’s creepy Victorian inn isn’t just haunted—it contains a portal between the living and the dead. But the printed story is only part of the experience. Using a phone, readers can scan designated images, watch ghosts rise from the pages, communicate with them, gather clues, and continue solving the mystery digitally. It reminds me of the way The 39 Clues expanded reading beyond the physical book with an online game, but The Last Resort takes the idea several technological steps further. For a child who loves screens but insists they “don’t like reading,” this is exactly the type of book I want to put in their hands. In Ghost Light, the third book of the series, Rosteen has nothing left to lose... except his new friends, who could lose everything and become ghosts themselves if they make one wrong move. Enter the world of The Last Resort! Talk to ghosts that come to life and help solve the mystery! Scholastic Press (Scholastic), Sept 2, 2025, 9781546132431 Hardcover, $17.99, Ages 8–12

The Horse Dreamer

Written and illustrated by Holly Surplice

This is one I am especially excited about! Read more in our Spotlight Review, by Morgan Loren.

After the loss of her father, Merryn encounters Sorrel, a mysterious horse who seems almost to have emerged from the woods, sea, and storm just when she needs him most. Their friendship gives Merryn adventure, companionship, and a path back toward joy. But the story is larger than a girl-and-horse friendship. It explores grief within an entire family and what it takes to begin finding one another again after tremendous loss. The atmospheric blue-toned illustrations add beautifully to the emotion of the story. Chicken House (Scholastic), Nov 3, 2026, 9798225062026 Hardcover, $19.99, Ages 8–12

Crescent Moon Marching Volume 2

By Hamachi Yamada

Mizuki is preparing for her first marching-band competition, and those secret trumpet lessons are finally paying off. Then auditions are announced for a special solo. Does she have the courage to take another risk? This full-color manga blends music, competition, friendship, confidence, and the very relatable fear of putting yourself out there when failure is possible. Another November 3 release we’re excited to share. Graphix (Scholastic), Nov 3, 2026, 9781546186298 Paperback, $12.99, Ages 9–12

Unico: Lost — Volume 3

Created by Osamu Tezuka; by Samuel Sattin; illustrated by Gurihiru

Lost and alone in a windswept desert, Unico seeks help from the Fey queen Titania while Venus and the monstrous hunter Iver remain determined to destroy him. Meanwhile, Unico’s friends Chloe and Toast are learning to travel across time and space in an attempt to reach him.The full-color artwork throughout this series is gorgeous. This reimagining preserves the heart of Osamu Tezuka’s beloved character while introducing Unico to an entirely new generation of readers. Graphix (Scholastic), July 7, 2026, 9781546111214 Paperback, $12.99, Ages 9–12

Take Cover

By Deborah Hopkinson

During World War II, two evacuated children make their way back toward London searching for family—just as the Blitz begins. Bombing raids, air-raid shelters, missing relatives, a rescued dog, and even touches of the supernatural keep the story moving, while Hopkinson grounds the adventure in extensively researched history. A particularly good choice for readers who enjoy learning history through fiction. And this is one of our November 3 releases to watch. Scholastic Press (Scholastic), Nov 3, 2026, 9781546131779 Hardcover, $18.99, Ages 9–12

Flight: A Story of Seeking Refuge

By Alan Gratz

Daniela López and her younger brother Carlos are fleeing Honduras when they become separated from their parents. To continue north, they must ride atop the dangerous freight train known as The Beast, facing tunnels, gangs, kidnappers, and the constant question of whom they can trust. Alan Gratz has a remarkable ability to take enormous historical and humanitarian issues and make them immediate and personal for young readers. This shorter story can also be read independently, making it an accessible entry point for kids who aren’t quite ready for a longer novel. Scholastic Press (Scholastic), Sept 1, 2026, 9798225063191 Hardcover, $10.99, Ages 9–1

The Forgotten War: A World War II Battle on American Soil

By Candace Fleming

Most young readers know about Pearl Harbor. Far fewer know that Japanese forces invaded and occupied American territory in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands during World War II. Candace Fleming changes that. Drawing on firsthand accounts, archival photographs, military records, and the journal of Japanese physician Paul Nobuo Tatsuguchi, Fleming reconstructs the brutal battle for Attu Island from more than one side of the conflict. Fleming excels at making deeply researched nonfiction read with the urgency of a novel without sacrificing the history underneath it. I suspect quite a few adults will learn something from this one, too. Scholastic Focus (Scholastic), Sept 1, 2026, 9798225004361 Hardcover, $19.99, Ages 9–12

Up From the Ashes

By Sharon Cameron

Based on the true story of Selma Wijnberg and Chaim Engel, Up from the Ashes follows two young Jewish prisoners who meet inside the Sobibór death camp. Amid almost unimaginable horror, they form a bond, resist their captors, fall in love, and fight to survive. This is difficult subject matter, but stories like this matter precisely because the people at their center were real. Cameron’s extensively researched novel keeps their individual lives and humanity at the heart of the history. Scholastic Press (Scholastic), Oct 6, 2026, 9781546144618 Hardcover, $19.99, Ages 12+

Radio Free Texas

By Libba Bray

Sometimes my initial reaction really is this simple: Any book by Libba Bray is one I want to read.

But Radio Free Texas gives us plenty more to talk about. Set in 1980, the novel follows Texas high-school senior Bowie Jones, whose decision to take the blame for a prank lands him doing community service at a struggling radio station. What begins as punishment becomes discovery. Radio gives Bowie a voice, a sense of purpose, and perhaps a glimpse of the adult he wants to become. There’s music, humor, first love, rebellion, small-town Texas, and that complicated moment when being a teenager starts becoming something else. For longtime Bray readers—and anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories wrapped in music and nostalgia—this one belongs on the list. Scholastic Press (Scholastic), Oct 6, 2026, 9781546156543 Hardcover, $21.99, Ages 14+

Light Up My Life

By Kasie West

Two neighboring families have been battling over Christmas decorations for so long that they have essentially become sworn enemies. Then Jasmine and Ryan—the teenage children on opposite sides—discover some very inconvenient chemistry. Think Christmas lights, decorating wars, family rivalry, secret romance, and a little Romeo and Juliet energy. A fun seasonal pick for readers who prefer their Christmas stories with plenty of romance and comedy. Scholastic Press (Scholastic), Oct 20, 2026, 9798225008260 Paperback, $14.99, Ages 14+

Having Scholastic repeatedly partner with Childress Ink and Ink-a-Dink to share books is supremely fulfilling and a career honor. And it is because of you, my readers, and your support, that publishers like Scholastic partner with us for giveaways.

Congratulations to the winners of our Back-to-School with Scholastic Celebration & Giveaway!

Crescent Moon Marching Giveaway Winners:

Jena Winters

Katie Kwiatkowski

Nicola McDonald

Kristen Bolnick

Donna Watson

Unico Winners:

Maria Ponce-Khoury

Nicole Hall

Brittany Stripling

Nicole Byer

Brett Hannan

Be sure to subscribe and check back for more reviews and giveaways!

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