What to Read Next: New Kids' Books for Thanksgiving Break

These great new reads give kids of all ages something to chew on.
These great new reads give kids of all ages something to chew on.

By Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media editor


Finding the right book for your kid can be a challenge. But if you guess right and keep new ones coming, you may be on your way to raising a lifelong reader.


Check out Common Sense Media's Essential Books for Kids and Teens guide to find more than 150 of our perennial favorites. Plus, every month we highlight a few books for different ages -- some exceptional titles that could be the perfect thing to pique your kid's interest, get your reader hooked on a new author, or rediscover an old favorite.


Here are our picks for November:

  • For kids age 3 to 7, there's Mr. Wuffles!, a wildly original picture book by Caldecott Honor-winning author David Weisner (Art & Max, Flotsam) that pits a housecat against tiny aliens who've landed in his living room in a miniature spaceship. The nearly wordless adventure mixes full-page illustrations with graphic novel-style panels to tell the story, as the aliens team up with some insects their size to get their ship back in working order and return home. With lots of humor and clever sci-fi touches, it makes for a great read-together experience.


  • For readers age 9 to 12, check out Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery with Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, and Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself, by Science Bob Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith. It's a mystery, adventure, and activity book in one, featuring science-savvy 11-year-old twins Nick and Tesla, who are sent to spend the summer with their mad-scientist uncle Newt and use their creativity and scientific knowledge to protect themselves, get out of scrapes, and solve a big mystery. Step-by-step instructions on how to build the projects the twins make are included.


  • For teens age 13 to 17, there's Allegiant, the controversial final installment in Veronica Roth's hugely popular dystopian Divergent trilogy. Here, protagonist Tris and her love interest, Tobias, aka Four, learn things about their world that reveal they're up against more than the rival factions they've faced in the first two books. The emotional conclusion already has the Internet buzzing. Avoid reading spoilers if you can. You won't find them in our review!



About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to:www.commonsense.org.