Best Children's Boys & Men Books of 2026

"Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys" is an informative guide that covers a range of topics on boys' health and hygiene. It is authored by the same writer of the bestselling "Care & Keeping of You" series. The book is an excellent resource for boys who are going through puberty and have questions about their changing bodies. It covers everything from hair care to healthy eating, shaving, voice changes, and more. The book is written in a friendly and approachable tone, making it easy for boys to understand and follow. Overall, "Guy Stuff" is a must-read for boys who want to learn how to take care of themselves better."

Inspiring Stories for Amazing Boys is a motivational book that aims to empower boys to accept themselves and overcome their fears. The book features stories of amazing boys who conquered their fears, showed their inner strength, and discovered their confidence. It encourages boys to believe in themselves and reminds them that they are unique, lovable, and important to this world. The book is suitable for reading aloud or on their own, with beautiful pictures and empowering "I" messages to build a strong personality. Overall, this book is a great gift idea for boys and helps them develop mindfulness, self-confidence, and deal with pressure.

New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft presents his latest work, "School Trip: A Graphic Novel (The New Kid)," which follows the adventures of Jordan and his friends as they embark on an educational trip to Paris. The graphic novel is filled with humor, heart, and thought-provoking observations on friendship, culture, and acceptance. With its multicultural cast and lighthearted approach, "School Trip" is a must-read book for children who are curious about new experiences and different cultures. Overall, "School Trip" is an excellent addition to Craft's previous works, "New Kid" and "Class Act," and is a valuable addition to any library's children's books collection.

"It's Not the Stork!" by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley is a children's book that answers common questions about human sexuality for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school children. The book uses lively language and engaging artwork to explain topics such as gender, body differences, and how babies are made in a reassuring way. The information is scientifically accurate and age-appropriate, and the book is vetted and approved by experts in science, health, and child development. Overall, "It's Not the Stork!" is a valuable resource for parents and educators who want to provide children with straightforward and accessible information about their bodies and how they came into the world.

Between Mom and Me: A Guided Journal for Mother and Son is a shared journal that offers a fun and creative way for mothers and sons to connect with each other. The journal is filled with thoughtful prompts, coloring pages, challenges, and free creative space. With engaging questions, memory recording, and perspective comparison, mothers and sons can build a lasting relationship while improving their penmanship and self-confidence. This is a perfect gift for Mother's Day or any occasion for mothers and sons to bond.

Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature! Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft. Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?This middle grade graphic novel is an excellent choice for tween readers, including for summer reading.New Kid is a selection of the Schomburg Center's Black Liberation Reading List.Plus don't miss Jerry Craft's Class Act!

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is a Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning middle-grade novel, featuring basketball and heartache. The book follows 12-year-old Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan, who are both excellent basketball players. However, Josh has a passion for poetry and uses it to tell his family's story in verse. The story explores family, brotherhood, and growing up on and off the court. The format of the book, which mixes free verse, hip-hop poetry, concrete poems, and newspaper clippings, is unique and engaging. Overall, The Crossover is a powerful and emotional read that will appeal to both sports enthusiasts and poetry lovers.

Great Battles for Boys: WW2 Europe is a fantastic book written by Joe Giorello that will ignite your son's love for reading and history. This engaging non-fiction book is specifically written for boys aged 8-14, taking them to the front lines of the most important clashes in World War II. Filled with authentic details, historic photographs, and notable biographies of soldiers, the book explores the leaders, weapons, and strategies that toppled the Axis Powers. The book is a treasure trove of information that is engagingly written and is highly recommended for school libraries and parents looking to inspire their children's love for history.

The Boy's Body Book (Fifth Edition) is an informative and comprehensive guide for boys going through puberty. Authored by nurse Kelli Dunham, the book covers everything from body changes to emotional health, cyberbullying, and personal boundaries. The fifth edition also includes topics like school safety and consent, learning disabilities, and stress management. With easy-to-understand language and illustrations by Steve Bjorkman, this #1 bestselling book is a must-have for pre-teen boys. Overall, The Boy's Body Book is an excellent resource that provides answers to questions that boys might feel too embarrassed to ask.

Pax by Sara Pennypacker is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel about the unbreakable bond between a boy and his fox. When Peter's father enlists in the military, he is forced to release his beloved pet into the wild. The story follows Peter's journey to reunite with his fox, while Pax embarks on his own adventures. Pennypacker's writing is expertly crafted, and her ability to convey the perspective of a sheltered animal is remarkable. This book is a wonderful choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups. Overall, Pax is a stunning work of fiction that should be read and discussed by children and adults alike.