Some days kids just need a story that leaves them smiling. These feel-good reads have warm friendships, big hearts, and endings that make you want to hug the book.

The books

Goodbye, French Fry by Rin-Rin Yu

Sweet sister-brother relationship. Perfect for kids who like stories about everyday life and feel connected to the characters. The family is Chinese-American, and Ping-Ping uses taekwondo to feel braver when navigating bullying, and not feeling Chinese enough with her relatives.

Ages 8–12

Finally Seen by Kelly Yang

After years apart, Lina finally joins her family in America, and quickly learns that fitting in at a new school, in a new language, is harder than she imagined.

Ages 9yrs+

The Big Sting by Rachelle Delaney 🇨🇦

Leo (who prefers inside activities) and his family visit his grandfather and late grandmother’s house. A normally “boring” visit turns into an adventure as Leo and his sister join their grandfather on an adventure to find the suddenly missing bees that belonged to his grandmother.

Ages 8–12

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

On her twelfth birthday, Zoe gets a letter from the father she’s never met, and sets out to discover the truth about him while chasing her dream of becoming a baker.

Ages 8–12 ·

Flintessa Flammabelle and the Glowroot Grove by C.P. Smith & J.C. Mitchell

Sweet early chapter book and a fun start to a fantasy series. This book is not too long, which encourages kids to pick it up, and is full of fairies, which readers love.

Ages 8–9

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Astrid signs up for roller derby camp, expecting to go with her best friend. Instead, she finds herself skating solo, and learning who she is along the way. A graphic novel.

Ages 8–12

Wish by Barbara O’Connor

Charlie is sent to live with relatives in a small mountain town, where a stray dog and an unexpected friend start to change what she’s been wishing for. This book is loved by 4-5th graders and received the most feedback from Kittoreads followers as their child’s favorite book.

Ages 8–12