Best Novels on Epic to Read Right Now

Filled with old-world charm, this tender, spellbinding mystery audiobook is perfect for kids who love adventure and intrigue. 

An orphaned and mechanically-interested Hugo fights to survive. In fact, he secretly lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station all on his own. Life has always been tough, but when his fate meets that of a quirky, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs the station toy booth, Hugo’s secret life and all of his secrets are put in jeopardy.

For 500 years, the Cahills have been the most powerful family in the world, carefully and secretively guarding their source of their power. And that source is the 39 Clues (ingredients to a serum that can create the most powerful person on Earth). But the Cahills have finally opened their vault to reveal the story of the most coveted work of art in the world, and the many attempts through the centuries to steal it.  

This first book in the extraordinary children’s book series chronicles the very first attempt in the 1600s. Then it moves forward to young Grace Cahill’s efforts to save the precious artwork from the Nazis during WWII.  

From the Newbery Medal-winning author of “Holes” comes “Sideways Stories from Wayside School.” This is the first book in a hilarious chapter book series about a wacky 30-story school that was accidentally (oops) built sideways. Filled with laughs for young readers, it’s not just one of the best novels on Epic, it’s one of the top titles in kids’ lit.  

Wayside School (especially in Mrs. Jewls’ class on the 30th floor) has some of the wackiest classes in town. Not to mention some of the oddest students!

For those unfamiliar with this beloved piece of historical fiction, meet spunky orphan Anne Shirley. The story begins when Anne is mistakenly sent to live with a pair of middle-aged siblings. Once orphans themselves, they had asked for a boy to help manage their farm, Green Gables. In what turns into a blessing in disguise, though, they keep her on the farm. The story follows her adjustment to her new life as she touches everyone she meets with her spirited nature, inquisitive mind and unbridled authenticity. This graphic novel version is a great way to introduce kids to the original novel by L.M. Montgomery. 

This first book in the thrilling “Wings of Fire” series is a great pick for kids who are into other fantasy series like Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy or J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” books. 

Seven dragon tribes have been warring for generations over an ancient, lost treasure. With the help of a prophecy a secret group of revolutionaries, the Talons of Peace, work to stop the endless fighting. Five dragonets are captured and raised in a hidden cave to help end the war. But the dragonets escape in search of their homes, and what’s unleashed may be far bigger than what the revolutionaries had planned.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? For Cece, her new magic ability is bionic hearing! As a deaf student, Cece is nervous to start going to a new class where she’ll be different. She’s afraid that the other kids will all stare at her and her hearing aid, AKA “Phonic Ear.” But her anxiety melts away as something miraculous begins to happen. Cece can not only hear her teacher in class, but in the hallway, from the restroom and in the teacher’s lounge!

Your kid will love this semi-autobiographical #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel about Cece, and her wacky adventures about middle school, best friends and being different.

A shipwreck leaves an 1840s Japanese fishing boat deserted on a small island, and the passengers are rescued by an American ship. The saved castaways must then learn a new culture and language. A Japanese teen from the crew decides to move to the United States before eventually making his way back to Japan. Once he arrives, he encounters imprisonment, a meeting with the Emperor and a chance at becoming a Samurai.

Virgil, Valencia, Kaori and Chet couldn’t be more different, and they definitely are NOT friends. That is until a prank-turned-disaster links these four together in an unlikely place and in an unlikely way. 

This Newbery Award winner highlights the importance of individuality, friendship and kindness. All wrapped up in the beautiful message that anyone can build real relationships and find common ground, regardless of their differences. Filled with humor and authenticity, “Hello, Universe” is the perfect read for tweens.

“Güero,” in Spanish, refers to a Latino or an Anglo male with pale skin. So peers dub this Mexicano main character, with his red hair and freckles, Güero. Hanging out with a squad of fellow misfits, “Los Bobbys,” Güero is a reader, a gamer and a musician. But when his English teacher succeeds in making poetry cool, he also becomes a poet. 

Part novel, part collection of poems, this award-winning coming-of-age tale gives kids a moving glimpse into the life of a 12-year-old Mexican American “border kid” as he faces the challenges of 7th grade, fitting in and coping with a tough life at the border.