Books about growing up

Step into a world where nothing is as it seems! Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is the ultimate journey into the imagination, following young Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a land of eccentric characters and impossible logic. From the frantic White Rabbit to the enigmatic Cheshire Cat and the volatile Queen of Hearts, this timeless classic is perfect for children who love whimsical storytelling and clever wordplay. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in surreal adventures that challenge the mind and tickle the funny bone.

This edition offers a unique look at Lewis Carroll’s masterpiece, highlighting the layers of philosophy, mathematics, and history hidden beneath the surface of a delightful fairy tale. Whether your child is meeting the Mad Hatter for the first time or revisiting the tea party, this book remains a great choice for fostering a love of language and creative thinking. It’s a must-read for any young reader's library, blending humor with deep intellectual curiosity in a way that has captivated audiences for over 150 years.

Highlights:

• A foundational work of fantasy literature that encourages creative thinking and imagination.
• Memorable, iconic characters that have become staples of global literature and pop culture.
• Rich, playful language that introduces children to puns, riddles, and complex logic puzzles.
• A fast-paced, episodic structure that keeps young readers engaged from start to finish.

In the final installment of Judy Blume’s beloved Fudge series, the Hatcher family is back with more chaos than ever. This time, five-year-old Fudge has developed a hilarious yet exhausting obsession with money. From creating his own "Fudge Bucks" to dreaming of buying the entire world, Fudge’s antics keep his older brother, Peter, on his toes. This book is perfect for children who love funny family stories and relatable sibling dynamics that mirror the ups and downs of real life.

The plot thickens when the Hatchers cross paths with their long-lost relatives, the Howie Hatchers. Peter and Fudge must navigate life with annoying twin cousins and a younger cousin who is also named Farley Drexel Hatcher—just like Fudge! This "mini-Fudge" proves to be just as much trouble as the original, leading to a series of laugh-out-loud adventures. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in humorous realistic fiction and those who enjoy seeing how families handle eccentric relatives and unexpected surprises.

Highlights:

• Hilarious sibling dynamics between the long-suffering Peter and the eccentric Fudge.
• Relatable themes of family reunions and dealing with annoying relatives.
• An engaging and funny exploration of a child's first fascination with money and value.
• Written by legendary author Judy Blume, making it a must-read for fans of classic children's literature.

Ein neues Schuljahr beginnt für Greg Heffley, und eigentlich könnte alles so einfach sein. Doch Greg hat ein riesiges Problem: Sein älterer Bruder Rodrick hütet ein peinliches Geheimnis über Gregs Sommerferien. In Gregs Tagebuch - Gibt's Probleme? begleiten wir den sympathischen Anti-Helden dabei, wie er verzweifelt versucht, dieses Geheimnis zu bewahren, während er gleichzeitig den ganz normalen Wahnsinn des Schulalltags und den täglichen Kampf mit seiner Familie überstehen muss.

Dieses Buch ist die perfekte Wahl für Kinder, die humorvolle Geschichten lieben und sich gerne in den alltäglichen Katastrophen eines Teenagers wiederfinden. Durch die einzigartige Mischung aus Text und witzigen Comic-Zeichnungen ist es ideal für Leser, die sich für kurzweilige und unterhaltsame Lektüre interessieren. Jeff Kinney schafft es meisterhaft, Themen wie Geschwisterrivalität und die Angst vor Blamagen mit einer ordentlichen Portion Ironie zu verpacken, was das Buch zu einem absoluten Favoriten für Lesemuffel und Bücherwürmer gleichermaßen macht.

Highlights:

• Witzige Comic-Illustrationen, die den Text perfekt ergänzen
• Authentische und humorvolle Darstellung des Schul- und Familienlebens
• Spannende Handlung rund um Gregs wohl gehütetes Geheimnis
• Leicht zugänglicher Schreibstil, ideal zur Leseförderung

Guts is a powerful and deeply relatable graphic memoir from the beloved author Raina Telgemeier. The story follows young Raina, who wakes up one night with a terrible stomach bug. While she initially thinks it is just a passing illness, she soon realizes that her tummy troubles are tied to something deeper: her anxieties about school, food, and shifting friendships. As she navigates the ups and downs of fifth grade, Raina must learn to understand her body and find the courage to face her fears head-on.

This book is perfect for children who love graphic novels that feel like a conversation with a best friend. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in mental health, emotional well-being, and stories about growing up. Parents will appreciate how Telgemeier handles the topic of anxiety with humor and sensitivity, making it a great choice for starting conversations about stress and physical health. It is a must-read for fans of Smile and Sisters, or anyone looking for a story that proves it is okay to not be okay sometimes.

Highlights:

• A brave and honest look at childhood anxiety and panic attacks.
• Relatable middle school dynamics involving friends and classmates.
• Engaging, expressive illustrations that bring Raina's internal world to life.
• Encouraging message about seeking help and practicing self-care.

In Hard Luck, the eighth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley finds himself in a bit of a pickle. His long-time best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has officially ditched him for a girlfriend, leaving Greg to navigate the treacherous waters of middle school alone. Desperate to find a replacement, Greg attempts to train a new best friend, but soon realizes that finding a loyal companion is harder than it looks. To make matters worse, his eccentric extended family is moving in, adding even more chaos to his already complicated life.

This book is perfect for children who love relatable humor and stories about the ups and downs of school life. Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of witty text and hilarious illustrations makes this an ideal choice for reluctant readers and fans of graphic novels. Whether Greg is dealing with feral cousins or trying to change his luck with a Magic 8-Ball, readers will find themselves laughing out loud at his relatable misfortunes. It is a great choice for kids who enjoy seeing the awkward side of growing up handled with charm and comedy.

Highlights:

• Explores the changing dynamics of childhood friendships when romantic interests enter the picture.
• Features the iconic 50% words, 50% cartoons format that keeps readers engaged.
• Includes a hilarious subplot involving Greg's extended family and feral cousins.
• Perfect for fans of funny, realistic fiction and middle school survival stories.

In the nineteenth installment of the globally beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is back for a summer vacation that is anything but relaxing. When his family heads to a beach house for some sun and fun, they quickly realize that one enormous family plus one cramped house equals a total meltdown. With no air conditioning, zero privacy, and a collection of awkward family secrets coming to light, Greg must navigate the most chaotic summer of his life.

Jeff Kinney delivers another laugh-out-loud adventure that is perfect for children who love humorous graphic novels and relatable middle school stories. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in family dynamics and those who enjoy seeing Greg's hilarious attempts to survive everyday disasters. Whether your child is a long-time fan of the series or a reluctant reader looking for something engaging, Hot Mess provides heatwave-level awkwardness and non-stop entertainment.

Highlights:

• Relatable and hilarious family vacation mishaps that keep readers laughing.
• Engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations perfect for reluctant readers.
• A great choice for fans of the series looking for more of Greg Heffley's signature perspective.

Karen's Worst Day is a delightful graphic novel adaptation of Ann M. Martin's classic series, brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Katy Farina. In this installment, young Karen Brewer is having one of those days where nothing seems to go right. From missing her favorite jeans to finding no prize in her cereal box, Karen's frustrations mount until she finds herself in trouble. This relatable story captures the big emotions of childhood with humor and heart, making it a perfect choice for children who are learning how to navigate bad days and difficult feelings.

Ideal for readers interested in realistic stories about family and school life, this book is a great choice for fans of the Baby-sitters Club universe. The graphic novel format is particularly engaging for reluctant readers or those transitioning from picture books to longer stories. Parents will appreciate the gentle lessons on patience and resilience, while kids will see themselves in Karen's spirited personality. Whether she is dealing with a grumpy cat or a time-out, Karen's journey is one that every child can understand.

Highlights:

• Relatable story about managing frustration and navigating a series of mishaps.
• Vibrant, expressive artwork that helps young readers follow the plot and identify emotions.
• Perfect for fans of the Baby-sitters Little Sister and The Baby-sitters Club series.
• Great for building emotional intelligence and discussing feelings with parents or teachers.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is the beloved classic that introduced the world to Peter Hatcher and his impossible little brother, Fudge. Living in New York City, nine-year-old Peter feels like he is constantly overlooked because of Fudge’s wild antics. From temper tantrums in shoe stores to smearing mashed potatoes on the wall, Fudge is a whirlwind of chaos that Peter has to navigate daily. This book is the perfect choice for children who love funny, relatable stories about the ups and downs of family life.

Ideal for readers interested in realistic fiction, Judy Blume captures the authentic voice of a fourth grader dealing with the frustrations of sibling rivalry. Parents will appreciate the honest portrayal of childhood emotions and the humorous way the story handles everyday disasters. It is a great choice for fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series who are looking for more character-driven humor and classic storytelling that has stood the test of time.

Highlights:

• Relatable exploration of sibling rivalry and family dynamics.
• Humorous and engaging plot that keeps young readers entertained.
• Classic middle-grade storytelling from legendary author Judy Blume.
• Perfect for classroom reading or as a fun family read-aloud.

The Penderwick sisters—Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty—are back in their home on Gardam Street, but a new challenge awaits them. When their Aunt Claire decides it is time for their widowed father to start dating again, the girls are horrified. Fearing a wicked stepmother might enter their lives, they concoct the 'Save-Daddy Plan,' a series of hilarious and heartfelt schemes designed to keep their family exactly as it is. This modern classic captures the essence of childhood with its blend of everyday adventures, sibling bonds, and the warmth of a loving home.

Perfect for children who love stories about close-knit families and humorous mishaps, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street is an ideal choice for readers interested in realistic fiction that feels timeless. Jeanne Birdsall’s writing is reminiscent of beloved authors like Noel Streatfeild, making it a great choice for fans of The Railway Children or Little Women. It is a story that celebrates the unique personalities of each sister while exploring the complexities of growing up and moving forward after loss.

Highlights:

• A heartwarming and funny exploration of sibling dynamics and family loyalty.
• Engaging 'Save-Daddy Plan' plot that keeps readers entertained with high jinks.
• Relatable characters that deal with school, friendships, and first crushes.
• A modern classic that appeals to both children and nostalgic parents.

In the fifth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is finally facing the "ugly truth" about growing up. As he navigates the complexities of middle school, Greg finds himself dealing with more responsibilities, awkward physical changes, and the realization that his childhood is quickly slipping away. With his best friend Rowley out of the picture for a while, Greg must face the challenges of boy-girl parties, increased homework, and the dreaded "The Talk" all on his own.

Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of hilarious text and iconic line drawings makes this book a perfect choice for reluctant readers and fans of funny, relatable stories. It captures the universal anxieties of pre-adolescence with wit and charm, making it an ideal read for children interested in realistic fiction that doesn't take itself too seriously. This book is a great choice for parents looking to engage their middle-grade readers with a story that mirrors their own school-day experiences while providing plenty of laughs.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school struggles told through a humorous and honest lens.
• Engaging hybrid format of text and comic-style illustrations that appeals to all reading levels.
• Explores the changing dynamics of childhood friendships and family expectations.
• Perfect for fans of the Big Nate, Dork Diaries, or Middle School series.

Phoebe and her fabulous unicorn best friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, return in Unicorn Crossing, the fifth installment of this beloved award-winning series. This volume captures the whimsical and often hilarious reality of childhood, from the excitement of snow days to the looming dread of summer reading assignments. Whether they are navigating spooky Halloween parties or experimenting with magical spells, the bond between Phoebe and Marigold remains the heart of the story, proving that a true friendship is the most powerful magic of all.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love Smile or The Bad Guys, offering a delightful blend of relatable human experiences and fantastical unicorn flair. Parents will appreciate the clever wit and the way Dana Simpson explores the nuances of growing up with humor and heart. It is an ideal for readers interested in graphic novels that celebrate being yourself and finding joy in the everyday adventures of life.

Highlights:

• Features the charming and witty dynamic between a relatable young girl and a magical unicorn.
• Explores real-life themes like school assignments and social events through a fantastical lens.
• Includes a helpful glossary with pronunciations to support vocabulary development.
• Perfect for fans of humorous graphic novels and stories about unique friendships.