Youth Literature

May 2026

The State Library encourages everyone to visit their local library in May to sign up for summer programs and activities. Libraries, especially the youth staff, spend time creating unique and exciting programs for kids and families to enjoy. Not only are these fun activities; they are free and keep kids engaged and reading over the summer.

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Collaborative Summer Learning Program, 2026 theme

May 2026 Youth Booklist

Youth Spotlight

The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris; Brad Sneed (Illustrator)
A curious Kansas boy discovers the joy of learning with three devoted librarians in this heartwarming library story. Children's Picture Book
Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey; Mika Song (Illustrator)
This story follows Henry, a child on the autism spectrum, as he navigates a disrupted parade, using humor and heart to explore friendship, adaptability, self-advocacy. Children's Picture Book
A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo
Runaway Trix McCabe reconnects with her long-lost relatives, discovers their magical gifts, forms new friendships, and must face her past to embrace the life waiting for her. Young Adult Fiction
Native American Stories for Kids by Tom Pecore Weso
Introduce children to Native American cultures through 12 captivating stories from the Cheyenne, Lenape, and other tribes, complete with history, fun facts, traditions, and lessons about their rich heritage. Children's Picture Book
Airball: My Life in Briefs by L. D. Harkrader
Kirby Nickel, a hopeless basketball player, faces embarrassment, outrageous challenges, and hilarious team antics to meet NBA star Brett McGrew, his possible father. Young Adult Fiction

Additional Youth Titles

The Deepest Roots, Miranda Asebedo Young Adult Fiction
Seafire, Natalie C. Parker Young Adult Fiction
Steel Tide, Natalie C. Parker Young Adult Fiction
Girl in Reverse, Barbara Stuber Young Adult Fiction
Treehouse Town, Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Charlie Mylie Children's Picture Book
Haven’s Secret, Melissa Benoist, Jessica Benoist, Mariko Tamaki Young Adult Fiction
Night Out, Daniel Miyares Children's Picture Book
Sun and Moon, Lindsey Yankey Children's Picture Book
American Heart, Laura Moriarty Young Adult Fiction
Alphabet School, Stephen T. Johnson Children's Picture Book

Kansas Library Directory

Visit Your Public Library
Provides a directory of Kansas public libraries where you can find titles from this month's reading list or request a book through interlibrary loan.

State Library Event

Kansas Notable Books
In May the newest Kansas Notable Books are announced. Keep an eye out for the release of the titles selected to become the 2026 Kansas Notable Books.

Library Programming Ideas

Create a family event featuring dinosaur and book activities
Invite a palentology professor to present a program
Partner with Kansas Geological Survey

Other Statewide Events or Activities

Family Fun in Kansas
Fick Fossil & History Museum
Among the more than 11,000 sharks teeth and many marine fossils, there is the world's oldest known mosasaur fossil.
700 W Third Street, Oakley KS 67748
Field Station Dinosaurs
A one-of-a-kind, prehistoric expedition featuring life-sized, moving and realistic dinosaurs that’s educational and fun!
2999 N Rock Road, Derby KS 67037
Fossil Hunting
Fossils in Kansas - Kansas Geological Survey
Kansas Events
KU Natural History Museum
Home to four floors of public exhibits including live snakes and insects, vertebrate and invertebrate fossils, flora and fauna of the Great Plains and more.
Prairie Fire Museum
A towering Tyrannosaurus rex, colossal sea creatures and soaring reptile from our ancient past, plus live animal encounters, dinosaur digs, and missions to space in a virtual reality experience.
5801 W 135th Street, Overland Park KS 66223
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Gain an appreciation and understanding of Earth’s natural history, with an emphasis on the Great Plains. Permanent exhibits: The Fossil Gallery, Bringing Fossils to Life, Rattlerssss: From Fear to Fascination, The Ice Age Hall, and the Earth Science Hall.
3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays KS 67601

-- More to Come --

As Kansas and America 250 events, exhibits and ideas grow, this page will as well.

Kansas 250