From award-winning authors and illustrators to up-and-coming stars of the kidlit world, there are plenty of stellar picture books and middle grade novels to look forward to in 2019. From reluctant readers to voracious bookworms, there’s something for every young reader in your life.
PICTURE BOOKS
Another by Christian Robinson
March 5 | Atheneum
In this playful wordless picture book from Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honor-winner Robinson, readers follow a young girl and her cat as they journey through a portal to an upside-down dimension.
Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers and Lane Smith
April 2 | Chronicle
Bedtime books are always one of my personal favorites, so I can't wait to read what this dream team has cooked up. Instead of focusing on getting to sleep, a young boy imagines all of the fun and adventures that the next day could bring.
A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen 
April 2 | Candlewick
In this prequel to the popular Mercy Watson series, the life of a sweet couple is shaken up when a charming little piglet named Mercy shows up on their doorstep in this new picture book from Newbery Medal-winning author DiCamillo.
High Five by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri
April 16 | Dial
If you know a child who adored the bestseller Dragons Love Tacos, then you’ll want to pick up a copy of the newest picture book from this hilarious duo. Just expect to be giving out a lot of high fives after reading this one aloud.
This Book of Mine by Sarah Stewart and David Small
August 27 | FSG
The Caldecott Honor-winning author and illustrator of The Gardener return with this “celebration of the power of reading, of the ways in which books launch our adventures, give us comfort, challenge our imaginations and offer us connection.”
MIDDLE GRADE
Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt
February 5 | Clarion
With interest in Mary Poppins renewed thanks to the 2018 film, the Newbery-winning author’s latest book about a fumbling American boy whose grandfather sends his family a plucky English butler is sure to be a favorite.
Eventown by Corey Ann Haydu
February 12 | Katherine Tegen
After a family experiences a tragedy, they pack up and move to a little utopia known as Eventown. Everything seems perfect until 11-year-old Elodee starts uncovering some dark secrets that might threaten the townspeople's lives as they know it.
The Moon Within by Aida Salazar 
February 26 | Arthur A. Levine
This gorgeous novel-in-verse follows Celi Rivera as she attempts to make sense of her Xicana / Puerto Rican heritage, her changing body, her place in the world, her friends, her family and her hopes for the future.
The Size of the Truth by Andrew Smith
March 26 | Simon & Schuster
The bestselling author of Winger’s first foray into middle grade is a quirky (what else?) story about a young boy battling PTSD who befriends a talking armadillo named Bartleby and ventures underground to hang out with him. Hilarity is sure to ensue.
The Line Tender by Kate Allen 
April 16 | Dutton
This talked-about debut that has grabbed the attention of some bestselling authors follows 12-year-old Lucy Everhart as she attempts to sort through her grief after the loss of her marine biologist mother. During one summer in Maine, Lucy learns about sharks and reconnects with her mother as she attempts to sort through her unfinished research on Great Whites. Each chapter begins with a detailed sketch of a different shark species, meaning young readers are sure to get swept up in this immersive novel.
