New York Times Bestsellers: Books for Kids and Teens

Last updated: September 3, 2026

Want to know about the biggest page-turners for kids and young adults before you buy? Check out our list of New York Times bestselling kids books. Not only will you find the hottest new arrivals, you'll also see the wildly popular books that stick around on the list for months (and sometimes years). Each week, we'll update our list with the New York Times' bestsellers for kids and teens that we've reviewed. So be sure to come back often, as new books come hot off the presses every week. And for older bestselling titles, check out our list of award-winning books.

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An orange-brown squirrel grasps yellow and red leaves in it's arms, framed by two trees
BOOK

The Leaf Thief, Book 1

age 3+

Laugh-out-loud story has lessons on autumn, compassion.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! Poster Image
BOOK

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

age 3+

Fresh, wacky take on first-day-of school jitters.

The Pumpkin Thief book cover: Squirrel and Bird on a large pumpkin under trees
BOOK

The Pumpkin Thief

age 3+

Suspicious squirrel, missing pumpkins in fun seasonal tale.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be Poster Image
BOOK

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

age 3+

Sweet what-to-be-when-you-grow-up book taps parental hopes.

Dragons Love Tacos Poster Image
BOOK

Dragons Love Tacos

age 4+

Taco party has fiery consequences in funny dragon tale.

Little Blue Truck Lost and Found book cover: Blue truck with animals in a farm setting, autumn colors
BOOK

Little Blue Truck Lost and Found

age 4+

Animals and truck search for pal in fun friendship tale.

Coat of Many Colors Poster Image
BOOK

Coat of Many Colors

age 5+

Lyrics of inspirational Dolly Parton song address bullying.

Growing Home book cover: A frowning goldfish wearing a hat swimming above a potted ivy plant that's smiling
BOOK

Growing Home

age 6+

Charming, engaging book has magical twist on friendship.

Kiki and the New Magic book cover: Young witch in a black dress flying on a broomstick with a cat against a crescent moon backdrop
BOOK

Kiki and the New Magic: Kiki’s Delivery Service, Book 2

age 8+

Cozy witch sequel charms with wit and wisdom.

Pocket Bear book cover: Small, hopeful-looking teddy bear being cuddled by a gray cat
BOOK

Pocket Bear

age 8+

Sweet, poignant tale of wartime survivors and who they lost.

Wombat Waiting book cover: Small dog in foreground with bat and baby owl in background
BOOK

Wombat Waiting

age 8+

Appealing verse tale of boy and dog in harrowing fire.

Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image
BOOK

Kiki's Delivery Service, Book 1

age 9+

Fun, adventurous tale of young witch has depth, kindness.

Ground Zero Poster Image
BOOK

Ground Zero

age 10+

Intense, compelling novel about 9/11 and its aftermath.

The Aftermyth book cover: From an ornate gold box, Pandora's gilded head peeks out and two green snakes slither around it
BOOK

The Aftermyth

age 10+

Mix of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter is fun but confusing.

The Lions' Run book cover: Boy on running horse, looking backward
BOOK

The Lions' Run

age 10+

Thrilling, poignant tale of teens vs. Nazis in France.

Wonder Book Cover: A white face, featureless except for one blue eye, against a light blue background
BOOK

Wonder

age 10+

Moving tale of facially different boy with inner beauty.

Barbie Dreamscape book cover: Barbie in pink armor with flowing blonde hair, surrounded by colorful swirls and flowers
BOOK

Barbie Dreamscape

age 12+

Exciting fantasy starring the pink icon has some scares.

Rootbound book cover: Rapunzel with short, dark hair, surrounded by glowing butterflies
BOOK

Rootbound: A Tangled Novel

age 12+

Love, courage, problem-solving in lively princess sequel.

Wings of Reverie book cover: Illustration of a Disney fairy with pale skin and white hair
BOOK

Wings of Reverie: Wings of Pixie Hollow: Book 2

age 12+

Nightmares threaten Pixie Hollow in sweet fairy romance.

Fake Skating book cover: Illustrations of a teen boy and girl in various poses including ice skating, reading, and piggy back
BOOK

Fake Skating

age 14+

Hockey, swearing in fun friends-to-sweethearts romance.

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Common Sense Media

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