As winter draws to a close and spring knocks on the door, everything is becoming a little fresher: the air, the grass, and our TBRs! And with March on the way, there is a whole world of new reads that are perfect for adding that little bit of freshness, and we’re here with our favorites.

From unexpected friendships to tales of cultural pride, from examinations of timely issues to timeless tales of growing up, these are the middle grade and picture books releasing in March that we’re buzzing about!

Picture Books

Bartleby by Matt Phelan (3/3)

Starting with a certified sweetie-pie, Bartleby tells the story of a reserved yet polite little polar bear during his first day of school. Employing the phrase “I prefer not to,” Bartleby’s mannerly refusal of boisterous activities puzzles his fellow students… until his quiet nature reveals a thoughtful soul who simply prefers to do things his own way.

The Lost Robot by Joe Todd-Stanton (3/3)

When a little robot wakes up at a trash dump, they have no memory of where they belong; they simply know that they don’t belong there. Another deeply feeling protagonist, this powerful tale is a marvelous introduction to the concept of found family, and that those who truly care about you will always value you just as you are.

Loops by Jashar Awan (3/10)

Recent Caldecott and Geisel Honoree Awan returns with another boldly joyous tale of childhood, this one examining a classic rite of passage: learning to tie shoelaces. Acting as both a pseudo instruction manual and an encouragement to remain persistent in the face of “big kid tasks,” Loops is a timeless and universal book that every lace-tyer in training can find affirmation in.

Navigating Night by Julie Leung, illus. by Angie Kang (3/10)

For third-culture kids, growing up and helping out in family restaurants can be a highly relatable experience. Such was author Julie Leung’s inspiration for this father-daughter tale of heritage, responsibility, and family love. Fans of last year’s The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi will also resonate with this one, which recognizes the grown-up responsibilities often placed on TCKs.

Ours: A Story of Loss and Healing by Mandy Settembre, illus. by Fran Matsumoto (3/10)

Pregnancy loss is a subject not often addressed in books for young readers, making this sensitive and heartfelt title a welcome resource for families who are experiencing it. Settembre doesn’t shy away from the painful impact of such a loss, especially after an extended period of excitement and preparation. While this is undoubtedly a sad tale, it can offer valuable guidance for kiddos and their caregivers as they process the grief and find ways to cope.

Music of the Bells by Anitha Rao-Robinson, illus. by Chaaya Prabhat (3/17)

Neela loves to dance; since moving, she has joined her new friends from school at ballet class. Still, she can’t help but miss dancing Kathak, an Indian classical dance that she performed in India. For an upcoming showcase, Neela decides to perform Kathak, but can she remember the steps? A visually sumptuous and heartwarming story of blending cultures, this read will leave readers cheering.

While We’re Here by Anne Wynter, illus. by Micha Archer (3/24)

Rushing out the door with a wrapped present in hand, a kid and their grown-up rush to a party in the park… only to find that the party was yesterday. Pushing past the initial disappointment, the pair find joy and connection in an unexpected day at the park, turning what could have been a disastrous outing into a delightful one. Absolutely stunning artwork perfectly complements a lovely tale of silver linings.

It’s My Bird-Day! by Mo Willems (3/31)

It’s the Pigeon—need we say more?! Mo Willems’s hilariously histrionic fowl makes a grand return in this Bird-Day celebration, for which he has meticulously prepared so that he may be celebrated in grand style. But wait… are you saying that he is not the only avian to be celebrating his bird-day today? As always, comically overblown reactions ensue in this perfectly silly addition to the series.

Chopsticks Are by Chloe Ito Ward, illus. by Lynn Scurfield (3/31)

Fans of the magnificent multipurpose utensils unite! This loving ode to chopsticks is a comprehensive celebration of everything that makes them special, from the versatility of use, their variety of styles, and how such a small tool can bridge cultures and cuisines. Mouthwatering artwork and poetic yet dynamic language will leave readers with a brand new appreciation for the humble chopstick.

Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, illus. by LeUyen Pham (3/31)

Living in a seaside castle with her best friend Bird, the titular Violet has an unusual ability: when she feels afraid—and she often does—she shrinks in size until she becomes a fraction of herself. Yet one terrifying night, when Bird is in danger, Violet must summon the courage to act, with shocking results. A gorgeous fable that not only soothes but also empowers readers to find the hidden strength in their big (and little) feelings.

Middle Grade

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga, illus. by Vivienne To (3/3)

Chase, an orphaned cheetah cub, and Finnegan, a stray “bad” dog, have not had easy starts to life. So when the two meet at the zoo where one of Finnegan’s rescuers works, they are as reluctant to trust one another as they are to trust the security of their new homes. An often heart-wrenching yet ultimately triumphant tale of friendship, this read is a must for animal lovers of all ages.

When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller (3/3)

When they were younger, Nomi, Violet, and Arthur were best friends who secretly discovered a book of prophecies, all of which came true, except one. Now middle schoolers, the trio have drifted apart—until the arrival of raging wildfires appears to act as the harbinger of the final prophecy. A complex character-driven story that uses its fantasy elements to explore larger issues of identity, gender, agency, and growing up, this tale grips readers tight until the final page.

Breakout by Christina Wyman (3/10)

I won’t lie, this one had me from the cover. Persistent acne, despite being an INCREDIBLY common issue for adolescent kids, is rarely addressed in children’s literature. Wyman perfectly captures the condition and the overwhelming anxieties that can surround it, which, for protagonist Ellis, are both a cause and effect of the multiple sources of stress in her life, leading to a powerful story of feeling secure in one’s skin.

Hafsa’s Way by Aisha Saeed (3/10)

A companion to Saeed’s previous novels Amal Unbound and Omar Rising, this title follows the titular Pakistani tween as she attends a science camp against the wishes of her conservative parents. An aspiring doctor, Hafsa is disappointed to learn that the camp’s program this year focuses on climate change rather than medicine. Undeterred, Hafsa battles preconceptions about gender, class, and the rights of animals to find the path that is right for her in this powerful read.

Queso, Just in Time by Ernesto Cisneros (3/10)

Twelve-year-old Quetzalcóatl (Queso for short) is grieving the loss of his father, a security guard killed by an armed robber. After falling asleep under a moonbow with a wish to see his father one more time, Queso unexpectedly wakes up in 1985—a time when his father is the same age, his Abuelo is still alive, and the world is very different. Amid standard time-travel shenanigans is a deeply moving story of intergenerational love and loss with a protagonist you can’t help but root for.

Woodlore: Discover the Seasons and Stories of the Forest by Kevin Parr, illus. by Anja Sušanj (3/17)

For those who love the forest, this comprehensive guide is filled with facts, fairy tales, and everything in between. An absolutely stunning blend of natural science and folklore, this gorgeous tome explores all aspects of a temperate forest’s life cycle, with a sturdy oak tree acting as its focal point. Showstopping artwork adorns every page, including medieval-inspired marginalia that lovers of detailed illustration will adore.

The Blue Dress by Rebecca Morrison (3/24)

Yasmin’s mom is making her a beautiful dress for Nowruz, the Persian New Year—except, she’s intentionally making it too small, hoping that it will encourage Yasmin to lose weight. This, along with other identity insecurities, sends thirteen-year-old Yasmin into a spiral of body dysmorphia and disordered eating. An unfliching perspective drawn from personal experience, Morrison offers a visceral look at how social and family pressures can affect self-image.

The Queen’s Granddaughter by Diane Zahler (3/24)

Based on a fascinating true story from history, twelve-year-old Blanca of Castile is shocked when her grandmother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, selects her to be the bride of Prince Louis and the future queen of France. So begins a dangerous journey across the Pyrenees mountains, in which Blanca must come to terms with the fate that has been decided for her… or perhaps fight to become a Queen on her own terms.

Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks (3/31)

Twins and besties Sloane and Ash are aspiring artists with a passion for animation, something that would presumably serve them well as they attend a prestigious summer animation program. However, at camp, their enthusiasm is challenged in different ways: for Sloane, an artistic block that affects her motivation; for Ash, self-doubt wrought by an exacting (and possibly sexist) teacher. Can the sisters find their own way back to their love of creating art?

Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, illus. by Violeta Encarnación (3/31)

This gut-punch of a picture book examines the horrific truth that history all too often repeats itself. A reverso poem from the perspective of two children—one a Japanese-American imprisoned in a concentration camp, one a Hispanic migrant imprisoned at the same camp in the modern day—this confrontational tale holds nothing back about the shameful, systemic abuse of marginalized groups by the U.S. government. Utterly haunting and eye-opening, this isn’t just a book; it’s a confrontation with uncomfortable truths that everyone should read.

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We hope that you and your young readers check out the books on this list! If you’re looking for more amazing reads, be sure to check out our picks for the best new books of last month!