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2026 in review

The 12 best kids' books of 2026 (a few on tech and AI)

A good year in children's books, from award winners to a picture book that finally explains AI without fear or hype. We mixed big honors, critics' picks from publishers and booksellers, and a handful of titles about robots, screens and tech for kids who are curious about the machines around them. Ages are a guide; many picture books work for older kids too. Most are easy to find at your library. Pair a tech book with a conversation: ask what the robot in the story gets wrong, and what your child would teach it.

We drew on the 2026 ALA awards, Penguin Random House and BookTrust 2026 picks, and professional reviews, choosing a range of ages and topics. Publication details were checked in October 2026. Checked 2026-10-24. Nobody paid to be here and nothing is an affiliate link.

  1. All the Blues in the Sky

    Renée Watson · Ages 10-14

    The 2026 Newbery Medal winner. Told in a mix of verse and prose, it follows 13-year-old Sage after her best friend dies, as she learns that strength can grow from sorrow.

    Watch for: Heavy themes; preview for sensitive kids. Published 2025.

  2. Fireworks

    Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia Chien · Ages 3-7

    The 2026 Caldecott Medal winner. Two children share a hot city summer day, and rhythmic words and pictures turn ordinary street scenes into joy, ending in a fireworks finale.

  3. How to Train Your Evil Robot

    Joy McCullough, Sourcebooks eXplore · Ages 4-8

    Out July 2026. A kid explains AI's pros and cons to a tiny robot that wants to rule the world, from smart maps and medical help to job changes and the power data centers use. Funny and balanced.

  4. The Amazing Generation

    Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price · Ages 9-12

    A graphic, upbeat kids' companion to The Anxious Generation. A running comic follows friends through a school year of phones and social media, with challenges to try phone-free fun.

    Watch for: Strongly one-sided; read with your child and talk it through.

  5. The Future Book

    Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris · Ages 4-8

    A picture book "written in the future" that imagines tomorrow's words, customs and colors. A playful way to talk with kids about how the world, and its technology, keeps changing.

  6. Robots Stole My Mum!

    Alex Kirk, illustrated by Tim Wesson · Ages 9-12

    A BookTrust pick for August 2026. Two friends suspect robots are replacing the grown-ups in town and set out to stop a factory owner. Silly sci-fi that sparks real questions about machines.

    Watch for: UK publisher; may be easier to find as an import or ebook.

  7. Holomonsters

    Lee Newbery · Ages 9-13

    Also on BookTrust's August list. Newt investigates when monsters from a video game start to seem frighteningly real. A good fit for gamers and a way into talks about what is real online.

    Watch for: Some scary moments for younger readers.

  8. When Tomorrow Burns

    Tae Keller · Ages 10-13

    From the Newbery-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger. Three middle schoolers search for a book that might save their lives as they face an uncertain future together.

    Watch for: Themes of fear about the future.

  9. Houdini's Library

    Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mar Delmar · Ages 5-9

    A picture-book biography of the great escape artist as a devoted book collector. A fun reminder that curiosity and reading power even the flashiest careers.

  10. We Are Mighty

    Sharon McMahon, illustrated by Susanna Chapman · Ages 6-10

    A picture book about twelve real people from American history whose small acts of courage changed events. Good for building kids' sense that ordinary people shape the world.

  11. I, Rock

    Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Mark Chambers · Ages 3-7

    A rock worries nobody will come to its three-billionth birthday. A funny picture book that sneaks in real geology facts, perfect before a nature walk.

    Watch for: UK publisher; check your library.

  12. Schoolbot 9000

    Sam Hepburn · Ages 9-12

    A 2025 graphic novel about AI in a fifth grader's school life that School Library Journal called timely, engaging and funny, and highly recommended for grades 4-6. Good for reluctant readers.

    Watch for: Published July 2025, not 2026.

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