Must-reads of 2019: the best new books for 6-12-year-olds

January book releases and events

Choose Kind Journal by R J Palacio (3^rd Jan). Make 2019 the year you choose kind every day. Filled with suggestions, quotes and activities for spreading kindness, this beautiful journal is the perfect gift for fans of R J Palacio’s bestselling book Wonder.

Florence and the Mischievous Kitten by Megan Rix (3^rd Jan). It is the summer of 1888, and mischievous kitten Scamp escapes from his home only to find himself lost in London. Luckily, a kind penniless orphan called Beth returns Scamp to his owner, who is none other than Florence Nightingale! An unlikely friendship is formed but then Beth’s sister Iris falls ill. Can Beth, Florence and Scamp find a way to help Iris before it’s too late?

Extraordinary Lives (10^th Jan). Get ready to be inspired by two very extraordinary people. First we have activist Malala Yousafzai, who in the face of adversity and an attempt on her life showed incredible bravery. And then, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking who despite being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in his university years, went on to become one of the greatest minds of our time.

The Whispers by Greg Howard (17^th Jan). The Whispers are forest creatures that will grant anything you wish if you leave them a tribute. And 11-year-old Riley has a lot of wishes. His biggest being for his mother to come home. Four months on from her disappearance, the police are no closer to finding her. It seems Riley will have to take matters into his own hands.

Events and anniversaries

8^th: Stephen Hawking was born on this day in 1942

February book releases and events

Charlie Changes into a Chicken by Sam Copeland (7^th Feb). Charlie McGuffin is a bit stressed out. His brother is in hospital awaiting a big operation, his parents are beside themselves with worry, and the school bully Dylan is really making Charlie’s life miserable. And to top it all off, Charlie keeps inexplicably turning into animals. Fortunately, Charlie’s three best friends are on hand to help him deal with his crazy new power.

The Moomins by Tove Jansson (7^th Feb). To coincide with the highly-anticipated Sky animation series, Tove Jansson’s iconic tales of The Moomin family will be re-released with brand new book covers. This is delightful series for both old and new fans.

Mirror Magic by Zach King (7^th Feb). The third book in this magical series, Zach find himself in trouble when he collides with a mirror and becomes stuck in a universe where everything is the polar opposite! That means no powers and no way of getting home. Worst of all, his mirror-double Jak is causing serious mayhem in Zach’s world.

JoJo and BowBow: Candy Kisses by JoJo Siwa (7^th Feb). Dance Moms star JoJo is back with a brand-new book. It’s Valentine’s Day and the Queen Bs at JoJo’s dance studio are throwing a party. But one of her classmates has not been invited. So, it’s up to JoJo to bring everyone together.

Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo: World Book Day 2019 by Rick Riordan (28^th Feb). In this exclusive short story for World Book Day 2019, the god Apollo needs a favour from Percy. Unfortunately, it’s not going to be easy.

Diary of Greg Heffley's Best Friend: World Book Day 2019 by Jeff Kinney (28^th Feb). We’re used to hearing from Greg Heffley about the trials and tribulations of middle school. Now, it’s his best friend Rowley Jefferson’s turn. Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will love this short story for World Book Day.

Nought Forever: World Book Day 2019 by Malorie Blackman (28^th Feb). Another thought-provoking story from Noughts & Crosses author Malorie Blackman for World Book Day. When Dan, injured by a nought gang, crosses paths with Eva she decides to help him. But both are hiding dark secrets. Can they really trust each other?

March book releases and events

Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties by Humza Arshad & Henry White (7^th Mar). A hilarious laugh-out-loud debut from comedian Humza Arshad and comedy writer Henry White. Eleven-year-old Humza Khan aka Little Badman is a promising rapper from Eggington. Humza’s dreams are suddenly put on hold when his music teacher is taken ill. So, his Auntie steps in to act as a substitute. But her unusual way of teaching, followed by the continuous disappearance of other teachers and the arrival of more Auntie substitutes, raises concerns with Humza and his friends…

How High the Moon by Karyn Parsons (7^th Mar). Set in 1944 in the small town of Alcolu, South Carolina, 11-year-old Ella spends most of her days running around with her friends and cousin. But racial tensions bubble at the service in Alcolu, so when Ella is invited to join her mother in Boston she jumps at the chance. After an eye-opening trip, Ella returns to find that her school friend has been arrested for the murder of two girls.

Mummy Fairy and Me: Unicorn Wishes by Sophie Kinsella (7^th Mar). Ella and her Mummy Fairy are back in the third instalment of this wonderful series. Flying cars, enchanted ballet shoes, unicorns and a magical wardrobe are just some of the things you can expect to find.

The Case of the Missing Treasure: A Murder Most Unladylike Mini Mystery by Robin Stevens (7^th Mar). No mystery is too mini for detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong! London’s museums have been targeted by a daring thief, and it seems the British Museum is next. It’s up to Daisy and Hazel to solve the case before it’s too late.

Doctor Who: Thirteen Doctors 13 Stories (7^th Mar). This anthology of 13 magic tales belongs on every Doctor Who fan’s bookshelf. Featuring a brand-new story by The Power author Naomi Alderman, the Thirteenth Doctor is battling to save the universe – again!

Events and anniversaries

7^th: World Book Day 2019

April book releases and events

V&A Introduces: Queen Victoria (4^th Apr). Mid-2019 marks 200 years since the birth of Queen Victoria, Britain’s second longest reigning monarch. This mini-hardback is filled with beautiful illustrations, photographs and details on the life and legacy of Victoria.

Rumple Buttercup by Matthew Gray Gubler (4^th Apr). Written and illustrated by Criminal Minds actor, Matthew Gray Gubler, this charming and inspiring tale follows Rumple Buttercup as he goes on a journey to embrace his five crooked teeth, three strands of hair, green skin, and slightly bigger left foot.

My Brother's Name is Jessica by John Boyne (18^th Apr). Sam Waver has always looked up to his kind, popular and talented older brother Jason. Jason seems to have it all figured out whereas Sam has always been a bit of an outcast. Then one evening, Jason reveals he has a big secret. A life-changing one that could tear his family apart

Dancing the Charleston by Jacqueline Wilson (18^th Apr). It’s the roaring 20s, and 10-year-old Mona lives with her dressmaker aunt in a little cottage on the edge of the huge Somerset estate. But after Lady Somerset passes away, and leaves a new member of the family in charge, things begin to change for Mona…

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (18^th Apr). We can’t wait for this summer’s film starring everyone’s favourite 12-year-old criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl. So, whilst you wait, revisit Artemis’ evil escapades with these brand-new editions.

May book releases and events

The Witch’s Warning by Joseph Delaney (2^nd May). The second book in Joseph Delaney’s spooky series, Crafty and his friends are now facing new and even more dangerous aberrations in their fight against Shole. After receiving a disturbing warning from an old enemy, has time finally run out for Crafty and the other Castle Gate Grubs?

The Pocket Dragon by Ed Clarke (30^th May). On a beach in Wales, aspiring palaeontologist Mari stumbles upon the discovery of a lifetime – a tiny dragon! She wants to study the baby reptile but this mischievous little creature has other ideas…

Events and anniversaries

27^th: Summer half term

June book releases and events

Extraordinary Lives (6^th June). We have some more extraordinary people to inspire you. Anne Frank, who would have turned 90 this year, is best known for the incredible diary she wrote whilst hiding from the Nazi’s in World War II. Neil Armstrong made history in 1969 when he became the first person to set foot on the moon. And mathematician Katherine Johnson, was also making in history in 1969 with her calculations that enabled US astronauts, like Armstrong, to fly into space.

The Racehorse Who Learned to Dance by Clare Balding (13^th Jun). Charlie Bass and her racehorse, Noble Warrior, won the Derby and bested a bunch of kidnappers. Now it’s up to them to help Charlie’s best friend Polly, who was nearly paralysed in an accident, and make her equestrian dreams a reality.

Sasha's Secret by Cathy Cassidy (27^th Jun). It seems that Sasha has it all. She’s the lead singer of the Lost and Found band, has a growing online presence, and has attracted the attention of the coolest boy in her school. But Sasha is secretly struggling; will she be able to keep her anxiety under wraps or will the pressure get to her?

Events and anniversaries

12th: Anne Frank was born on this day in 1929

July book releases and events

Watch this space!

Events and anniversaries

12^th: Malala Yousafzai’s 22^nd birthday

15^th: Start of the school summer holidays

16^th: 50 years since Apollo 11 landed on the moon

August book releases and events

Watch this space!

Events and anniversaries

5^th: Neil Armstrong was born on this day in 1930

9^th: Artemis Fowl set to be released in cinemas

September book releases and events

White Bird by R J Palacio (3^rd Sep). Julian is best-known as the boy who terrorizes Auggie Pullman in Wonder. But in R J Palacio’s new graphic novel, we’re shown another side of Julian’s story. During World War II, his grandmother was a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazi’s in occupied France. Julian learns about her pre-war life and how she befriended a boy who was shunned for being different.

Events and anniversaries

13^th: Roald Dahl Day

October book releases and events

Watch this space!

November book releases and events

Watch this space!

December book releases and events

Watch this space!