May’s children’s book releases include books by popular authors like The Fan Brothers and Mac Barnett, as well as books by debut authors. Many of my picture book picks combine a range of diversity with super fun stories — from a wheelchair user putting on a beach play to a child attending her first pride parade with her moms. I had a hard time narrowing down my middle grade picks and ended up with quite a few stellar new fantasy books, including debut middle grades by popular young adult authors Dhonielle Clayton and Xiran Jay Zhao. These middle grade books are just as diverse and engaging as my picture book picks. There’s a book for every kind of reader, including one about a cat astronaut. For more great children’s books out in 2022, check out my April, March, and February children’s book releases lists.
