Most Anticipated Juvenile Fiction Books – August 2025
August 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting month for young readers. Whether your child is just starting to explore picture books or diving into rich middle-grade adventures, this lineup offers something for every curious mind and imaginative heart. From magical reimaginings to powerful historical tales, here’s a closer look at the most anticipated juvenile fiction books hitting shelves this month.
Picture Books
1. CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella – Shana Keller, illustrated by Laura 
Freeman
A bold reimagining of Cinderella set on a Maryland plantation, where a courageous cook named Binty helps CeeCee plan her escape to freedom. A moving story blending history and hope.
2. Fall Is for Beginnings – Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Abhi Alwar 
A gentle, heartwarming celebration of friendship, change, and the beauty of new starts—perfect for cozy read-aloud moments.
3. Five Little Friends – Sean Taylor, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock 
A delightful collection of finger rhymes and playful verses that invite young readers to move, sing, and laugh along.
4. Before I Lived Here – Stacy S. Jensen, illustrated by Victo Ngai 
A stunning exploration of the history of a single piece of land—from the age of dinosaurs to the present—told in poetic language and breathtaking illustrations.
Middle Grade & Chapter Books
5. The Island of Forgotten Gods – Victor Piñeiro 
Adventure and ancient myth collide when a teen filmmaker in Puerto Rico accidentally awakens long-forgotten deities.
6. The Teacher of Nomad Land – Daniel Nayeri 
Set in 1941 Iran, this gripping story follows a boy who must guide his nomadic tribe toward safety while balancing loyalty, courage, and responsibility.
7. Witchycakes: Sweet Magic – Kara LaReau, illustrated by Ariane 
Moreira
A whimsical series starter where baked goods and magic mix into a recipe for fun, friendship, and a dash of trouble.
8. The Only Ghost in School – Tara J. Hannon 
Meet the only ghost student in a brand-new school—filled with awkward encounters, funny moments, and a journey to belonging.
9. The Freedom Seeker – Ruchira Gupta 
A powerful story about a young girl and her family fleeing religious violence in India, risking everything to find safety and reunite with loved ones.
10. Displaced – Patrick Ochieng 
Set in a Kenyan refugee camp, this touching narrative shows resilience and hope amid hardship, offering an important perspective for young readers.
Why These Books Stand Out
This month’s selections aren’t just entertaining—they’re meaningful. They mix magic with history, laughter with empathy, and adventure with self-discovery. These stories can help young readers see the world through different lenses, encouraging compassion, curiosity, and courage.
📖 Final Word: If you’re looking to spark your child’s imagination and encourage thoughtful conversations, August 2025’s juvenile fiction lineup has a book (or three) that will do just that. Whether you’re sharing a picture book at bedtime or watching your middle grader get lost in an epic adventure, these titles are worth adding to your shelf.
💬 Which of these books are you most excited to read with your child? Tell us in the comments!