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New York Times Best Sellers – Children’s

The New York Times Best Seller list is widely considered the preeminent list of best-selling books in the United States. It is updated online every Wednesday evening. Below are best seller lists for children's middle grade hardcover books and picture books. For more lists, visit our New York Times Best Sellers page, our NYT Times Best Sellers for Teens page , or The New York Times's Best Sellers page.

Children’s Middle Grade Hardcover

September 21, 2025

1

Troubling Tonsils!by Aaron Reynolds. Illustrated by Peter Brown
Charlie Marmot's infected tonsils have disappeared before surgery! (Ages 6 to 9)

2

Wonderby R.J. Palacio
A boy with a facial deformity starts school. (Ages 8 to 12)

3

Hurricane Heistby James Ponti
After a hurricane exposes a body from a cold case, four young sleuths investigate. (Ages 8 to 12)

4

Refugeeby Alan Gratz
Three children in three different conflicts look for safe haven. (Ages 9 to 12)

5

Impossible Creaturesby Katherine Rundell. Illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie
A young boy is enlisted to save a place where magical creatures reside. (Ages 10 and up)

6

The Last Resortby Erin Entrada Kelly
After the death of her grandfather, Lila communicates with his ghost and he tells her he was murdered. (Ages 8 to 12)

7

Dreamby Barbara O'Connor
Idalee Lovett dreams of becoming a country songwriter. (Ages 8 to 12)

8

Odderby Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Charles Santoso
After a shark attack, Odder recuperates at the aquarium with the scientists who raised her. (Ages 8 to 12)

9

The School for Thievesby Peter Burns
A young pickpocket named Tom is invited to an elite school for thieves. (Ages 10 and up)

10

Spooky Lakesby Geo Rutherford
Geo takes you to 25 mysterious lakes around the world. (Ages 8 to 11)

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Children’s Picture Books

September 21, 2025

1

Hansel and Gretelby Stephen King. Illustrated by Maurice Sendak
A reimagining of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. (Ages 6 and up)

2

The Wonderful Things You Will Beby Emily Winfield Martin
A celebration of future possibilities. (Ages 3 to 7)

3

How to Catch a Witchby Alice Walstead. Illustrated by Megan Joyce
The Catch Club Kids attempt to snare a witch on Halloween. (Ages 4 to 7)

4

Chicka Chicka Tricka Treatby Julien Chung
The alphabet letters climb the creaky old tree for Halloween. (Ages 4 to 8)

5

Zombie and Brain Are Friendsby Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic
Zeb the zombie and Brian the brain become friends. (Ages 4 to 8)

6

Little Blue Truck and Racer Redby Alice Schertle. Illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Red challenges Blue to a race. (Ages 4 to 8)

7

Dragons Love Tacosby Adam Rubin. Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
What to serve your dragon-guests. (Ages 3 to 5)

8

Grumpy Monkey Don't Be Scaredby Suzanne Lang. Illustrated by Max Lang
Jim Panzee and his friends brave the dark jungle to collect Halloween treats. (Ages 4 to 8)

9

Creepy Pair of Underwearby Aaron Reynolds. Illustrated by Peter Brown
Jasper Rabbit deals with a pair of glowing underwear that won't go away. (Ages 4 to 8)

10

See You Later, Alligator!by Sally Hopgood. Illustrated by Emma Levey
A departing tortoise says goodbye to all his animal friends. (Ages 3 to 6)