Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Wombat Waiting By Katherine Applegate New York: Storytide, 2026. Fiction. 328 pgs. Wombat isn't really a wombat. She's a stray dog, with a destiny that she's determined to find. As wildfires sweep through the park where Wombat lives, a voice inside her tells her not to run from the fire, but to head straight into them. Her destiny is there. Meanwhile, Henry Cooper is forced to evacuate from his home alongside his moms and sister and make their way to a shelter. As the blaze burns on, threatening to destroy the community completely, Henry and Wombat find their way to one another. Wombat doesn't usually like people, but she feels drawn to Henry - her person. Henry is less certain at first, he loves animals and volunteers with his Mama Ro at an animal shelter, but is nervous around dogs. It's up to both of them - dog and pup - to decide to trust each other. This novel in verse is based on the real-life Palisades and Eaton fires in Southern California in 2025. That real...

Life on the Moon By Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2026. Science fiction. 306 pgs.  The first rule is there is no life on the moon. The second rule is don't ask questions. 12-year-old Leo is still mourning his parents' divorce when he leaves Earth to live as part of the first Lunar Colony. He's thrilled to be part of the top-secret mission, right up until he touches down the moon. Right away his dad and his dad's friend Sally are whisked away on a project and then go missing. When he starts to question other adults, he's taught the rules of life on the moon. Normally a rule follower, Leo decides to borrow a rover and sneak out to look for his dad. Before long, Leo discovers that there is life on the moon when he encounters first a giant mouth on three legs called a Hortle and then a race of beings called Valrootens. When Leo interferes to save a Valrooten from being eaten by the Hortle, his adventure on the moon really begins. As Leo learn...

  Magnitude   By Jennifer A. Nielsen  New York: Scholastic Press, 2026. Fiction. 293 pages.  Cora is a girl who lives in San Francisco in 1906. She is constantly fighting poverty and trying to support her mother and brothers while her father is away trying to make money for her family. And then one morning while Cora is heading to the docks to meet the ships (and see if her father has returned), there is an earthquake. A big one. One that creates a giant crack in the road that Cora and another girl, Zhi, fall into. Thus begins Cora’s struggle to survive the earthquake (and the accompanying fires that caused even more devastation than the original earthquake) and find her family.  This is a fast-paced story with loads of dangers and adventure. Cora is the type of character that will run headlong into danger if she thinks it will save those she loves. Plus, it is fascinating to read all about the crazy ideas that some of the city’s leaders had about creating more ...

  Real Castles Around the World Written by Kaitlyn Duling Vero Beach, Florida : Rourke Educational Media, 2025. Informational. 48 pages Take a trip around the world as you read about the most impressive castles ever built! Explore fierce fortresses, castles that have inspired stories, uniquely colorful castles, and the history behind them all as you Travel to Real Castles Around the World! Part of the Travel to Children s Book Series, this 48-page nonfiction book explores castles both past and present, the kings that inhabited them, and knights that fought to protect them! Lower the drawbridge, cross the moat, and travel to real castles from all around the world as you learn about our magical history with fun-filled facts and vibrant photos. History Book Features: Before- and after-reading activities. Extension activity. Glossary About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are desig...

  There have been many picture books that have come out in recent years that are not only fantastic but have also been written by Native American authors. Here are some of my favorites. Happy Reading!  The Animals Speak: The Lakota Way   By S. D. Nelson (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe)  Lakota Translation by Dakota W. Goodhouse  New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026. Picture Book.  Various animals teach different life lessons. For example, bear “teaches us toe walk with strength and protect those who are smaller and weaker” while hummingbird “reminds us that no matter our size, we can act with great energy and strength.” Each page has the Lakota translation for the animal along with a guide as to how to pronounce the Lakota word. This beautiful book celebrates animals, people, and the Lakota way.  For a Girl Becoming   By Joy Harjo (Mvskoke Nation)  Illustrated by Adriana Garcia  New York: Norton Young Readers, 2025. Picture Book....

When you hear someone mention sports, you probably think of basketball, baseball, or soccer. But there is a whole world of sports and athletics that are not your typical "something-ball" sports. If you or your child likes sports stories and wants stories about sports we don't always talk about, here's a list of sports stories that stray from the conventional. Team Park By Angela Ahn Toronto: Tundra, 2024. Fiction. 233 pages. Evan doesn’t do well at team sports, much to his dad’s chagrin. But while healing from a broken wrist, his physical therapist suggests training for the Dominator Ninja competition. Evan seems to have found his thing when he sprains his wrist. Suggested by his sister, he gets his family to join the team “Soiled Pants” obstacle course to compete together. Learning to Fall By Sally Engelfried New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2022. Fiction. 268 pages. Daphne is stuck with her dad for the summer while her mom films a movie in Prague. She and her da...