Halloween Hits: Don’t Wake Up, Mayhem at Misfit Mansion
Diverse Voices: Don’t Wake Up (Chicanx characters + Mexican folklore + Mexican-American author)
Graphic Novel: Mayhem at Misfit Mansion
Most Anticipated Middle Grade: all of them
DON’T WAKE UP by Cassandra Ramoes-Gomez (8/25/26 | Ages 8-12 | Simultaneous HC/PBK)
Diego and his friends must face the legendary Mexican boogeyman, El Cucuy, in this fast-paced, action-packed middle grade horror that’s Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine, the sequel to Lost on Doll Island. Coming in at a quick 200 pages, this book features much-needed Chicanx representation, themes of forgiveness/second chances, and the lesson that needing help is okay!
ISLAND OF SKULLS by Peter Burns (9/1/26 | Ages 10+ | Hardcover)
Tom’s latest assignment is uncovering the hidden bounty of a remote estate in this sequel to the New York Times bestselling The School for Thieves, an upper middle grade boarding school adventure full of heists, danger, and secret plots perfect for fans of Spy School and Keeper of the Lost Cities. Set in an alternate version of 1920s Europe, blending historical intrigue with unique worldbuilding this series is great for the MG/YA crossover age. The School for Thieves was selected as this year’s Barnes & Noble Children’s Book Award Winner! Media compared it to SO MANY legendary series (Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, James Bond, Skandar, Artemis Fowl, Alex Rider, Oliver Twist, Six of Crows, and more) but with a fresh twist.
STIFLED by Jennifer Gennari (9/1/26 | Ages | Hardcover)
Madge from Muffled gets her own story in this companion coming-of-age middle grade novel about rediscovering your voice, overcoming challenges in school, facing loss, and experiencing the ups and downs of friendship.
MAYHEM AT MISFIT MANSION by Kay Davault (Graphic Novel! | 8/4/26 | Ages 8+ | Simultaneous HC/PBK)
A monster girl and her mythical housemates work together with their human friends to save the town from an unexpected new threat in this delightful spooky and sweet graphic novel companion to Misfit Mansion. Think Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends meets Halloweentown! Kay is best known for her webcomic turned graphic novel, ODDITY WOODS, that has over 1 million views, but fans are flocking to this series as well for its heartwarming haunts.