Young Readers Day - Our Favorite Picks for Young Minds

Happy Young Readers' Day! This day is all about celebrating the joy and wonder of reading for young minds everywhere. It’s a chance to nurture curiosity, spark imagination, and introduce kids to the magic that only a good book can offer. Young Readers Day should be a day filled with fun, exploration, and the thrill of discovering new adventures through stories. 

At Once Upon a Book Club, we’re passionate about encouraging young readers to dive into tales of bravery, friendship, mystery, and even a touch of the supernatural. So, we’ve put together some of our favorite picks that are sure to captivate and inspire young readers on this special day!

The Wolf of Cape Fen by Juliana Brandt

The Wolf of Cape Fen is a magical middle-grade fantasy perfect for young readers who love eerie mysteries and brave heroines. In the coastal town of Cape Fen, Eliza Serling faces the sinister Baron Dire, whose magical bargains always come at a steep price. 

When her sister, Winnie, is attacked by the Baron’s enchanted Wolf, Eliza embarks on a courageous quest to uncover the truth behind a dark bargain and save her sister. This atmospheric tale blends family bonds, bravery, and supernatural intrigue, making it a captivating read for young fantasy fans.

Our “Journey of the Wolf” book box features The Wolf of Cape Fen by Juliana Brandt, plus three exciting gifts that bring this incredible tale to life!

Trouble in the Stars

Trouble in the Stars by Sarah Prineas is an action-filled, humorous space adventure perfect for young readers who love stories of friendship, family, and finding a place to belong. Trouble, a shapeshifter on the run, stows away on the Hindsight, a starship captained by the fearless Astra. 

As Trouble shifts between forms—from blob to puppy to human boy—they try to blend in and learn what it means to be "good." With heart and laughs, Trouble in the Stars is a must-read for fans of exciting galactic tales.

“ The Shapeshifter” full box features a hardcover edition of Trouble in the Stars by Sarah Prineas, plus three adorably wrapped gifts that bring this out-of-this-world adventure to LIFE!

The Last Shadow Warrior

The Last Shadow Warrior is a thrilling, humorous adventure perfect for fans of Norse mythology and daring quests. Twelve-year-old Abby Beckett, a Viking warrior in training, is determined to prove that the legendary Grendels are real and save her family’s legacy. 

When her father falls into a coma, Abby finds herself at Vale Hall, a mysterious school in Minnesota, where she learns that a Grendel is now hunting her. With the Viking Council ignoring her warnings, Abby must unravel hidden secrets, face quirky allies, and save the Aesir before it’s too late. Full of action, laughs, and unforgettable characters, this tale is a must-read for young myth lovers.

Our “School of Vikings” book box features The Last Shadow Warrior by Sam Subity, plus three incredible gifts that bring this book to life!

Winston Chu vs The Whimsies

Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies by Stacey Lee, presented by Rick Riordan, is a hilarious, modern twist on a classic Chinese folktale. When twelve-year-old Winston stops a robbery at Mr. Pang’s oddities shop, he’s rewarded with the first item he touches—a seemingly ordinary broom and dustpan. 

But when items start vanishing from his home, Winston suspects there’s more to his new “reward” than meets the eye. As he investigates the secrets of Mr. Pang’s shop, he uncovers a world of magic and mischief. This fast-paced adventure, filled with humor, mystery, and Chinese folklore, is perfect for fans of quirky tales and unexpected friendships.

Our “Toy Shop of Wonders” book box features Winston Chu vs the Whimsies by Stacey Lee, plus 3 gifts that bring this book to LIFE!

The Monster Hypothesis

The Monster Hypothesis by Romily Bernard takes readers to the quirky town of Bohring, where a century-old curse threatens to turn kids into monsters. Newcomer Kick Winter, living with her eccentric Grandma Missouri, a “psychic,” decides to follow suit and fake her own psychic powers to make friends. 

But when kids go missing, and strange things start happening, Kick’s scientific mind kicks in as she tries to debunk the supernatural. Packed with humor, mystery, and Southern folklore, this eerie adventure is perfect for middle-grade readers who love spooky twists and science-fueled sleuthing.

“The Bayou Curse” book box features The Monster Hypothesis by Romily Bernard, plus three gifts that bring this exciting adventure to life!

Conclusion

We hope these exciting book recommendations have sparked some reading inspiration for Young Readers Day! Each of these books offers a journey filled with mystery, humor, and thrilling adventures that young readers are sure to love. And if you’re looking to make the reading experience even more magical, why not explore our book subscriptions for tweens?