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MCPL Best of 2023: Kids' Fiction and Non-fiction Books

Get ready to take your little reader on the journey of a lifetime with this amazing collection of books chosen the Library staff. With a host of exciting stories, delightful characters and fascinating topics to explore, your child's imagination will be sparked and they'll be learning something new with every page. From fantasy to mystery, adventure to non-fiction, there's something for every kid in this curated selection of must-read books!

Mid-Continent Public Library

24 items

  • The Skull

    a Tyrolean Folktale

    Klassen, Jon,
    *Available in multiple formats* "An adaptation of an Austrian folktale, this story features a brave girl who escapes from one dangerous situation only to find herself saving someone (or something) from their own peril. Dark and spooky, a…
    BookSomerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2023. — JF KLASSEN
  • "Lowry explores the mystery and wonder of European "bog Bodies" in this hybrid fiction/nonfiction tale that's equal parts history, mystery, and suspense." -Steven, Oak Grove Branch
    BookNew York : Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, [2023] — JF LOWRY
  • "This was the first direct continuation of the Percy Jackson series in 15 years, so I was pretty excited to read it." -Lauryn, Blue Springs North Branch; "For those of us who grew up reading the original Percy Jackson series, this book is…
    BookLos Angeles ; New York : Disney/Hyperion, 2023. — JF RIORDAN
  • A favorite of Yvonne from our North Oak Branch; This tale, set in Honduras, puts Barana and Abby together to solve a mystery involving turtle eggs. Check out if you like stories with a strong sense of place.
    BookNew York : Alfred A. Knopf, [2023] — JF FITZGERALD
  • "My 9yo daughter and I were very entertained by the fourth installment of this series about kid spies. The action is fun but their character development is even more moving and fun to read!" -Mary, Smithville Branch
    BookNew York : Aladdin, 2023. — JF PONTI
  • A favorite of Jennifer from our Platte City Branch; Three siblings are left in America on their own as their parents return to Taiwan. The story of these three parachute kids is thoughtful and feel-good story!
    Graphic NovelNew York : Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic, 2023. — JF TANG
  • A favorite of Naphtali from our Lone Jack Branch; Caldecott Medalist and creator of Disney's "The Replacements," Dan Santat delivers a moving memoir about all sorts of firsts during a school trip to Europe.
    Graphic NovelNew York : First Second, 2023. — B SA599
  • A favorite of Allie from our Woodneath Library Center; Mark Oshiro and Rick Riordan team up in this suspenseful story of the courageous demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace as they attempt to save an old friend!
    BookLos Angeles ; New York : Disney-Hyperion, 2023. — JF RIORDAN
  • A favorite of Abigail from our Buckner Branch; Al is struggling with Crohn's, their mother dating their best friend's dad, and a new crush in this emotionally intense and funny title.
    BookNew York : Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, [2023] — JF ARLOW
  • "This older-kid-friendly adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf stars a diverse cast of neighborhood children whose raucous revelry in community tree-fort Treeheart is halted by their nefarious neighbor, the grim and gloomy Mr.…
    Graphic NovelNew York, NY : First Second, 2023. — JF WEINERSMITH
  • A favorite of Anna from our Withers Branch; Josephson mixes Jewish mythology with wonderful world-building in this attention-grabbing title told from multiple perspectives. Anna and Collin enter the Otherworld to stop a threat to the…
    BookNew York, NY : Delacorte Press, [2023] — JF JOSEPHSON
  • "This book is fascinating! Learn all about walking toilets, ornamental hermits, and fartists!" -Sarah, Colbern Road Branch
    BookBasel, Switzerland : HELVETIQ, 2023. — 331.7 R749
  • Exoplanets

    a Guide to the Worlds Outside Our Solar System

    Bjazevich, Wendy,
    A favorite of Melinda from our Edgerton Branch; Did you know that NASA has confirmed the existence of 5,000 exoplanets? Find out more in this visually stunning and easy-to-understand title.
    BookFresno, California : Bushel & Peck Books, 2023. — 523.24 B555
  • A favorite of Emily from our South Independence Branch; Who do you think would win? The two-time Super Bowl winner of the Kansas City Chiefs or Manning who is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time?
    BookMinneapolis, MN : Lerner Publications, [2024] — 796.332 G829
  • A favorite of Danielle from our Buckner Branch; Fans of Kazu Kibuishi's "Amulet" will love this adventurous tale of human Nathan, fae Haven, crow Sina, and wolf Bardou!
    Graphic NovelNew York, NY : Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers : Harper Alley, [2023] — JF FANTASTIC TALES OF NOTHING V.2
  • A favorite of Joan from our Kearney Branch; The puppets in a treasure box of a sea captain will remind readers of Mister Roger's Land of Make-Believe. Kids will love this first book in a planned series from the author of "Because of…
    BookSomerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2023. — JF DICAMILLO
  • A favorite of Felicia from our Antioch Branch; A story of immigrant experiences as Lina movies from China to live with her family after five years. It's a moving story from the best-selling author.
    BookNew York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, [2023] — JF YANG
  • "I love, love, love, love, love, this series and watching the sweet seasoned wisdom of elders tending to the magic of youth." -Beth, Reader's Services Department
    Graphic NovelNew York : RH Graphic, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, 2023. — JF ESCABASSE
  • A favorite of Holly from our Platte City Branch; Learn facts about everything from murder hornets to hippos in this wildly funny book all about the truly terrifying.
    Book[Beverly, MA] : Happy Yak, 2023. — 591.65 B886
  • *Available in multiple formats* A favorite of April from our Raytown Branch; Fans of epic fantasies like "The Ranger's Apprentice" series by John Flanagan will love this second book in the Fireborn series!
    BookNew York, NY : Harper, 2023. — JF FOWLER