Charlotte’s New Moccasins
Jenn Moudahi
Illustrated by Rhael McGregor
Charlesbridge
Ages 3-8
Available October 14th, 2025

Charlotte loves her moccasins, but she’s finally outgrown them. At first, she mourns her favorite shoes, until Mommy announces that it’s time for a trip to see Grandma! Together, Charlotte and her grandma pick out their materials, decide on a beaded design, and sew together a brand new pair of moccasins to fit Charlotte’s growing feet. What started out as a disappointment turns into an exciting adventure, as Charlotte decides that she can’t wait to outgrow her new moccasins and start the whole process all over again.

Moudahi’s prose captures all of the big emotions Charlotte is feeling, from deep sadness to profound joy. There is a deep sense of familiarity throughout the story — Charlotte knows everything in her grandmother’s workshop, even if the reader does not, and comments on each item with an ease that brings us into her world. McGregor’s full color, full page illustrations bring the story to life, capturing Charlotte’s joy through constant motion. A repeated motif of orange-yellow swirls follows her throughout the book as her love and excitement grow.

Growing out of a beloved item of clothing is something every child can relate to. Some may be familiar with moccasins and see themselves reflected in the story, while for others it will be an introduction to new cultures and traditions. For children who want to know more about moccasins and their importance to various Indigenous cultures, back matter provides a more in-depth explanation.

Chris Makes a Friend
Alex Gino
Scholastic/Scholastic Press
Ages 8-12
Available November 4th, 2025

Chris knows exactly what she’s going to do with her summer: the Great Summer 72 Book Challenge. She and her best friend Vicky are going to read 72 books each, one for every day of the summer. But their plans come crashing down Chris finds out that she and her sister Becca will be spending the summer with their grandparents while their mom recovers from surgery. It’s not so bad — at least Chris can still message Vicky about their progress on the GS72BC. Except Vicky is spending all her time with her new friends from theater camp, and barely messaging Chris at all. When Chris meets Mia, a fellow bookish 11-year-old, while reading in the woods, it seems like she’s finally found someone who understands her. But there’s more to Mia than meets the eye.

Chris Makes a Friend, like Gino’s other titles, focuses on the realities of being a kid with a heavy focus on diverse and authentic characters. Chris faces challenges that will be relatable to many young readers: loneliness, friend troubles, parental illness, and difficult younger siblings. As she explores the world around her and the way she (and Mia) exist in it, Chris is met with kindness, understanding, and just enough pushback to allow her to learn and grow. At the crux of the book is a question anyone can relate to — what can we do when we feel lonely?

Chris’ ever-present love for reading (and complete list of 70 book recommendations) will make hungry young readers feel at home in Chris Makes a Friend. Themes of chronic illness and disability will be familiar to some readers, while providing a window of insight for others.