New Year, New Books - Juvenile Fiction January 2026

"In 1948, 12-year-old Amil, who is both Muslim and Hindu, struggles to find his place in Bombay, India, until his twin sister suggests he tell his story through drawings meant for their late mother as he tries to find hope and a sense of belonging in a chaotic world"--‡cProvided by publisher.

Genies grant wishes! That's all anyone ever cares about. They forget that genies were imprisoned in those lamps for a reason... When Relic Hamilton accidentally unleashes a genie in the basement of his grandfather's antiques shop, he suddenly finds himself catapulted into a fast-paced underground society of genie hunters, led by the excitable Professor Latimer and the tech-savvy Doctor Raphaela. It's down to them to stop the genies, before they can...

"Zélie is often accused of being a witch, but she doesn't believe in magic. Until Jules climbs up from the reeking Parisian sewer and hands Zélie the golden locket he discovered there. The locket once held the magical Snakestone, and Zélie knows that if she can find the stone, she might also find her missing father. But a dangerous secret society are equally desperate to get their hands on the Snakestone and its powers. With their lives under threat,...

"A classroom of middle schoolers with disabilities creates an imaginary "wizarding school" that seemingly becomes real and turns the whole school upside down"-- Provided by publisher.

Reports of ghosts at an abandoned lighthouse lead Olive and her group of classmates, known as the Misfits, to investigate a new mystery connected to their school, the Reforming Arts School (RASCH). The rumors attract increased attention to the area, including tourists and unexpected interest from local marine life. As speculation grows, stories emerge about a possible sea monster in the nearby bay, drawing the attention of a powerful and unscrupulous...

"In a post-apocalyptic world created by climate change, Malka and her brother, Ezra, learn to survive on an isolated island, where people afflicted by a mysterious illness change into monsters"-- Provided by publisher.

"Ari is not excited when he finds out that he's accidentally made it onto the Blockville obby soccer team. He doesn't even know how to play normal soccer, let alone obby soccer! As training starts and the first game looms, Ari thinks of a sneaky way to get ahead in the game. But is it a fair way to play? And what happens if his secret is discovered?" -- Provided by publisher.

"A girl learns she's part of a network of time travelers who fight evil in this suspenseful series starter"-- Provided by publisher. When Maisie's mom gives her an old phone, Maisie can't believe her luck--finally, she can keep up with everyone at school! Unfortunately, her mom also tells her that the whole family will be moving to spend the summer taking care of Maisie's great-aunt Hazel. Maisie's only getting a phone because she'll be responsible...

"Little Pedro is now a member of the Adventuremice, a group of daring rescuers--so when he discovers a strange, lost little mouse in the ocean, and realizes he's found a mermouse, he knows he has to find a way to take the mermouse home. As the Adventuremice explore deep beneath the water to return the mermouse to its family, they may just discover a grand, secret city and surprising new friends..."-- Provided by publisher.

"Fifteen-year-old Chen has always felt safe in San Francisco's bustling Chinatown. But one fateful night, he is awakened by the violent shaking of the earth--the deadliest earthquake in U.S. history. Fires break out, and the streets flood with panicked crowds. In the chaos, Chen is separated from his parents, and he must find the courage to navigate the shattered city and search for his loved ones. Will he reunited with his family? And what will remain...