Junie B. Jones is a modern classic, with a spunky and relatable main character that kids love! If your elementary school reader is looking for books that will strike a similar chord in their reading line up, this list will introduce you to a whole new cast of loveable characters.
Written by Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrated by Dung Ho
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. Intermediate. 117 pages.
Bibsy Cross loves her family, her cat, her best friend, and she really loves school! But as the eight-year-old starts a new school year with a new teacher, Mrs. Stumper, things don't go as smoothly as Bibsy is used to. Her teacher thinks she is just a bit too much, especially when it comes to all her talk about the science fair. On a day that things go just a "stone too far," Mrs. Stumper punches a hole in Bibsy's paper apple hung in the classroom, which makes Bibsy worry how she can make the perfect science fair project when feeling so low. This book is great lesson in making the best out of every situation and standing up for yourself.
Written by Leah Cypess
Illustrated by Sarah Lynne Reul
New York: Amulet Books, 2025. Intermediate. 106 pages.
Miriam is the youngest child in her Orthodox Jewish family, and her family likes to tell her all sorts of stories about the tooth fairy, dragons, and other magical creatures. She doesn't know if she can believe them, so she does what any self-respecting six-year-old would do: starts an investigation. Filled with hilarious plans and hijinks, early elementary readers will love Miriam and her family.
Written by Janet Costa Bates
Illustrated by Gladys Jose
Sommerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2022. Intermediate. 115 pages.
Rica Baptista is an eight-year-old girl who has just learned a secret: that her best friend, Laini, is moving away. Worried about feeling lonely and left behind, her and Laini work together to convince her parents that she needs a pet, be that a llama, an iguana, or maybe even a kinkajou. Told in clever first person narration, kids will love getting to know Rica, learning about her Cape Verdean heritage, and getting wrapped up in her story.
Written by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2025. Intermediate. 109 pages.
Amina Banana is a spunky, fun, science-loving third grader ready to start at her new school in Indiana after moving from Syria to the United States. She is so excited to make new friends, and she even has the perfect formula: "speak English + wear a perfect outfit + be a good student + eat American food= make American friends!" Many kids will relate to Amina's journey of fitting in at a new school and all the ups and downs that come along with it.
Adapted by Colleen AF Venable
Illustrated by Honie Beam
New York: Random House, 2025. Comic. 150 pages.
Though technically not a new character, Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel is a reimagining of the iconic character in a comic format! This book starts off as Junie B. Jones is getting ready to start kindergarten, and although she is excited about most aspects of the first day of school, she does not want to ride the bus! Kids will love this new spin on the iconic series.
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