This Month in Kids Books: April 2023

Reading recommendations for kids
April 13, 2023
A long-awaited return to the world of Percy Jackson, with a whole book dedicated to Nico di Angelo and Will Solace, is on the way to library shelves.
 
The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro
As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life—literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that's been the case so far...
 
Now Nico is being plagued by a voice calling out to him from Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld. He thinks he knows who it is: a reformed Titan named Bob whom Percy and Annabeth had to leave behind when they escaped Hades's realm. Nico's dreams and Rachel Dare's latest prophecy leave little doubt in Nico's mind that Bob is in some kind of trouble. Nico has to go on this quest, whether Mr. D and Chiron like it or not. And, of course, Will insists on coming with. But can a being made of light survive in the darkest part of the world? and what does the prophecy mean that Nico will have to "leave something of equal value behind?"

What’s New This Month
Another highly anticipated title on the way is the latest Princess in Black book by Shannon Hale, now featuring the Prince in Pink. Also incoming are new nonfiction books about giant squids and an unjustly unsung spelling bee champion, gorgeous picture books about imaginary friends and favorite days, new titles series like Tiny T. Rex, Shinji Takahashi, Last Kids on Earth, Bravelands, School for Good and Evil, and more.  
Trending for Kids
April is National Poetry Month, so make sure not to pass up these poetic selections for children:  
What We’re Reading
Here are some quotes from library staff about their latest recommended picks:

Nothing Fits a Dinosaur by Jonathan Fenske: “Imagination, dress-up, comparing words, humor – what doesn’t this book have?”
 
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich: “You get a beautiful window into Omakayas’s adopted family's daily life and her own understanding of nature and the cycles of life. You don’t have to be Anishinaabe to feel like this is home.”
 
Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke: “Cool story, appealing art. Kids may not be familiar with the tropes it parodies, but anyone who's noticed that the typical D&D party slaughters sentient beings during home invasions to steal their stuff should appreciate this tale of a shy goblin overcoming wicked larcenous adventurers to rescue his best friend.”
 
The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron: “The first in a series, this book is delightfully spooky for middle-grade readers.”
 
Starfish by Lisa Fipps: “A powerful novel about self-acceptance and finding your voice.”  
For more lists of recommended reads from the book world and beyond: