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These titles with book banning and censorship themes are good to share with students and patrons of all ages during Banned Books Week and all year round.

There's something for everyone in this roundup of active nonfiction. Some books teach readers how to go fishing, bird-watch, and get in touch with their mystic powers, while other offerings cover affirmations, puberty, and career readiness. 

These titles include the background for the current state of book banning, as well as ideas to help librarians respond proactively and reactively. Turn to these titles for information and inspiration for the fight.

These titles for the youngest readers share information on the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as show the importance of gathering with family and eating mooncakes on that day.

Starting a new school, or even a new school year, can elicit a lot of emotions for many children. These board books, picture books, and early readers will help reassure young readers that all will be well when they step into their new classroom.

These excellent middle grade titles illustrate the significance and complexity of tween friendships.

This list showcases 19 books that reflect our differences and model healthy interactions with those unlike us. These books are about recognizing, accepting, and celebrating our differences.

Featuring holiday and pop culture themes, sweet and savory delights from around the world, and more fun recipes, these cookbooks have much to offer budding chefs. 

The ‘Librarian’ episode, and these eight books, show the power of school libraries and the vital importance of defending them.

From literacy instruction to battling book bans and censorship, the subjects of these titles will inform and inspire librarians and other educators.

This month's starred titles include a first day of school story by June Sobel, biographies on Mae Jemison and Roberto Clemente, and a new picture book from Kyle Lukoff.

Inclusion and play seem to be the watchwords for this roundup. These books include children using cochlear implants, eye shields, prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other helpful tools and devices, but the text never points them out or even mentions them. Welcome to the world of children at play.

Biographies for the picture-book set are in abundance, so we pulled out recent titles that got our reviewers' attentions and became stars in the first months of 2024. Use the link for the full review!

Readers can see the Goa-based artist’s work in two 2024 SLJ-starred titles, each distinct in format and scope: the cover of Saadia Faruqi's novel The Partition Project and the illustrations in Abigail Wheatley’s children’s cookbook, World Kitchen.

Women's Equality Day, celebrated on August 26th, commemorates the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. In these titles, mothers and grandmothers take their daughters and granddaughters along with them to polls, to show the children the importance of exercising the hard-won right for women to vote.

These individual poems and collections about animals, outer space, feelings, and more will satisfy a wide range of budding poets and other interested readers.

Is the Mexican jumping bean really a bean? And how do animals and plants communicate? These Spanish-language books for elementary students explore sea animals, wildlife, and girls making their mark.

From looking out the window and appreciating wildlife in the city to recognizing the emotions involved with moving and growing up, the poems in these books offer much to young readers.

These exceptional resources will help librarians, ranging from early career to veterans, create equitable environments and diversity their collections. 

It's been a great year for YA so far! These starred titles include everything from contemporary coming-of-age stories to high-stakes fantasy to diverse romances, and more.

From early reader to YA titles, these starred graphic novels showcase the very best of the comics medium so far in 2024. Use the downloadable spreadsheet to ensure your collection includes these superb graphic novels.

Creators are never so ambitious than when they want to get the facts into the hands of young readers. Here is our list of outstanding nonfiction books from the first part of 2024.

Check out SLJ's starred titles so far, featuring nonfiction for middle and high school readers from compelling memoirs to insightful explorations of natural resources.

These 9 books and graphic novels feature protagonists who enjoy the popular RPG Dungeons & Dragons—and have adventures that help them learn more about themselves both inside of and outside the game.

Board books just keep getting better, and we've rounded up all our favorites. These are the starred board books of 2024.

Get your purchase list out and make sure you include these picture books; we've found dozens of contenders for this year's Best Books collection.

These diverse offerings include stories featuring STEM, mythology, gentle lessons, and more.

This year has gone above and beyond with its middle grade offerings! From powerful historical fiction to hilarious magical mayhem, this list features our top titles so far.

From miniature biographies of icons Selena and El Chavo to more adventures about Juana Martinez-Neal's beloved Alma, these board books will put smiles on little ones' faces.

A new thriller from Joelle Wellington, a nonfiction title from Paula Yoo, and an illustrated poem from Ada Limón are of note among this month's stars. Along with poetry, board books and audio are also featured this month.

This print reference roundup features nonfiction titles for all ages, including a bird guide for kids, a volume on censorship, two research-ready tomes on women's history, and the ultimate bugopedia.

As the world prepares for the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, here are a few nonfiction titles about the Games and some of the inspiring athletes who have competed in them.

Two picture books take on the magic of trees springing up from mere seeds in stories with redemptive themes as well as teaching moments.

This month, Arihhonni David shines with a new early reader based on an Indigenous tale, Rex Ogle delivers with both graphic novel and literary memoirs, and more.

From haunted camps to music camps to STEM camps, these 22 stories have a diverse range of characters and experiences, so all tween readers can find something to enjoy. 

As we find ourselves at the midway point of June, amidst the celebrations of Pride Month, it's an opportune time to reflect on the rich tapestry of narratives within the LGBTQIA+ community with 15 noteworthy graphic novels that can help us celebrate Pride this month, and year-round.

In these stories, some grandparents are kind and loving, others carry the trauma of their past. Often, kids turn to them when they feel their parents won’t understand.

New readers can feed their minds as they read these books about feeding their bellies.

From a big-city internship to work at the family Laundromat, these books for tweens deliver a range of experiences.

A New York City blackout and romance in Taipei provide the settings for some of these teen books.

The 2024 Margaret A. Edwards Award winner talks about hope, collaboration, and the school librarian who changed his life. 

Stories of children with parents behind bars are as diverse as the millions of real-life kids familiar with the experience. These 19 fiction and nonfiction titles may offer an empathetic, metaphoric hand for young readers to hold.

They are politicians and artists and athletes. They are young people, and people with a few years of life under their belts. And their stories can inform and encourage young readers in June and throughout the year. These books can change lives—and even save them.

Seven new manga releases that are sure to be a hit with YA readers. 

From a TEDx Talk to a manga, these transmedia picks will entice young adults to keep their minds engaged this summer.

As reading instruction swings toward phonics, librarians need to stay in the game with decodables. These suggestions, plus a sampling of publishers' offerings, will help.

From graphic novels centering underrepresented perspectives to charming rom-coms and nonfiction about climate change, these summer reading selections will inspire young adults to make positive change in their communities—and themselves.

These titles take a look at two traditions around the Muslim holiday that commemorates the story of Ibrahim (Abraham).

From a fire-breathing corgi to bunnies with wings, characters in these fantasy titles for elementary and middle school readers hold strong appeal.  

From magical school fantasies to hilarious sibling stories, these 13 selections will keep middle schoolers turning pages during summer break. Complete with graphic novels, biographies, and poetry, this list has something for every tween.

From going to work in faraway or dangerous jobs to walking with their kids around the neighborhood or reading bedtime stories, these fathers offer support and encouragement and set an example for their kids. As Father's Day approaches, or all year long, share these titles with little ones and families to recognize the important role Dad plays in their lives.

These early readers and chapter books will be just the thing for independent readers looking to meet new characters and engage with fun stories during the summer months.

Hi-Lo titles are high-interest stories written at a lower reading level for striving readers. These 24 books, in genres ranging from romance to horror, are sure to grip readers with relatable main characters and contemporary ­coming-of-age themes. 

From the Caldecott-winning Big by Vashti Harrison to a bilingual counting book in Mi’kmaw and English, these illustrated works are guaranteed to engage young readers during summer break and all year around.

From fantasy to horror, these 31 novels featuring AAPI characters are great picks for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May and throughout the year.

Genre-blending books offer readers the opportunity to comfortably expand across boundaries and try something different while still in the safety of their preferred reading choice. Here are 14 middle grade graphic novels that blend genres to perfection.

Mother's Day is coming up and there is no shortage of new board and picture books to share with young readers leading up to the holiday. Across this selection, the maternal figures featured illustrate the special bond between a mother and child. Enjoy these titles to celebrate moms of all kinds on Mother's Day and throughout the year.

In our last round of reviews of banned classics, SLJ and NCTE cover two of Jane Austen's works, the timely Fahrenheit 451, and the heartbreaking I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

Teamwork, competition, and the glory of team sports drive these graphic novel stories for elementary through high school readers.

Fifteen outstanding books of poetry and seven novels in verse have been recognized as 2024 Notable Books. Selections include a range of formats—lively nonfiction, fantasy, and moving verse novels—written by familiar poets and debut authors.

From poems about planets and trees to poems about LGBTQIA+ heroes, young readers from elementary through high school will find something to enjoy here. Share these titles for National Poetry Month and all year long.

Two girls discover their surprising supernatural ancestry in these fantasy-adventure novels rooted in fairy tales and mythology.

These books nurture literacy, empathy, and understanding.

Offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of Olympic athletes, these books encourage readers to believe that their own bodies and minds can achieve amazing things.

Korean and Chinese comics reach English-language readers.

What is Easter? Where is the Easter bunny? Where are all the Easter eggs? And what should I wear? Find the answers to these questions and many more about the holiday in these 11 titles. 

Incorporating interactive features, engaging text, and delightful rhymes, these board books encourage the magic of a shared reading experience that no screen, app, or video can replicate.

From elementary books to young adult titles—across various genres and formats—these 12 recent releases elevate voices and showcase the multifaceted experiences within the trans and nonbinary community.

Characters in these books, including a few classics, are comfortable being different from others and engage with their world in nontraditional ways.

Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall around April 9 to April 11 in 2024. These picture books, along with a board book and an early reader, can be shared with young ones while they wait for the first appearance of the crescent moon that marks the end of the long month of fasting.

These books help support positive discussions with students about the climate crisis.

These three titles hark back to beloved tween reads of years past.

Consider these two board books and two picture books a four-leaf clover to share with young readers for St. Patrick's Day. We can't guarantee good luck, but we can guarantee good books.

U.S. publishers step up to provide age-appropriate new releases for 8- to 12-year-olds. 

Feminism receives barely a mention in most curricula. These titles for upper elementary to high school students delve deeper into the knowledge gaps and feature a diverse, international representation of women from the past and present who have made a mark on history.

When they were first published, Sydney Taylor’s books not only planted a flag for Jewish identity but also for Jewish joy, and today remind readers that Alcott's March sisters haven't cornered the market on getting by on love and little else. For Women's History Month, we remind readers of Sydney Taylor's origin story.

This selection of picture books features various traditions and ways to celebrate the holy month, showing young readers the diversity within the Muslim community while celebrating the shared principles.

Illustrated titles about strong women and self-empowerment for girls from the 2024 Rise Booklist. 

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. and School Library Journal announce the 2024 Children & Youth Literary Awards, which celebrate the diversity of the Black experience.

In these novels, characters find connection and joy amid life-altering health issues.

Who runs the world? Girls! March is Women's History Month. Share these diverse stories of brave, fierce, powerful women of the past and present with tweens to inspire them throughout the year.

This month, check out a middle grade novel by John Schu, the latest book from Kelly Yang, and more.

In partnership with coalition members, including School Library Journal and dozens of publishers, Unite Against Book Bans today launched a free book résumé resource to help counter censorship attempts.

Two characters enter a mutually beneficial agreement to pretend to date each other, then inevitably, feelings get involved. These YA novels are sure to delight romance fans who can’t get enough of the Fake Dating trope. 

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day is February 26 this year. Young readers can revisit stories about Goldilocks and Jack and the Beanstalk—with new characters and formats giving the classic stories a fresh feel.

Bustard tells the story of a Italian priest who became a saint, Churnin writes about a female entrepreneur in the 1800s, and Strauss informs readers about the preservation of a 14th-century manuscript.

Young readers will love the sense of accomplishment they feel after reading these stories about Valentine's Day on their own or with a caregiver.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association released its 2023 Best of the Best Books list, featuring more than 75 titles divided into three categories: PreK–4, Grades 5–8, and Grades 9–12.

The theme for Black History Month 2024 is "African Americans and the Arts." In these titles, young readers can learn about people who loved to express themselves through visual art, dance, song, and other forms of artistic creation.

In these three titles—a board book, picture book, and early reader—brother-and-sister duos celebrate Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day.

Eight books for elementary through high school readers center issues of democracy with engaging examples and stories.

Lunar New Year falls on Saturday, February 10 in 2024. From wish soup to dragon gifts, these board books and picture books show young readers many ways to celebrate the holiday.

Here are the overall Top 10 books chosen from six curated lists, spanning early readers to YA.

“Because Black history isn’t centered, you have to search harder for those stories,” says Gill, who has researched figures including Spottswood Rice, who escaped enslavement and joined the Union Army, and motorcyclist Bessie Stringfield. 

In each of the 41 titles on this year’s United States Board on Books for Young People’s (USBBY) Outstanding International Books list, the authors and ­illustrators empower readers to make sense of themselves and the world at large. Download the full list.

We need more than ever inclusive ways to socialize with family, friends, and neighbors. In this list, two dozen books about kindness offer a recalibration or supplement to manners to account for the many ways our cultures, families, and differences manifest practices of getting along with one another.

January 16 is 'Appreciate a Dragon Day' and there is no shortage of dragon books to help readers celebrate. Here are some titles to share with children who can't get enough of the magical creatures.

Welcome 2024 with this selection of starred reviews, including several audiobooks narrated by their authors, such as those by Jason Reynolds and Jacqueline Woodson, as well as new poetry collections from Renée Watson and Jane Yolen.

Mostly realistic fiction, these recent YA novels (and one picture book) cover first love, found family, and living authentically. Each shines a light on queer & trans stories in both past and present settings, proving that LGBTQIA+ youth have always been here—and are not going anywhere. 

When it’s executed well, the unreliable narrator device can turn a story around in memorable and highly satisfying ways. Here are 13 stellar examples of recent books with narrators who mislead, misdirect, or even outright lie to readers, waiting for just the right moment to reveal the truth.