Teens who enjoyed Lipsyte’s other books may enjoy this, but this is definitely a dropped ball from the normally great writer.
A recommended first purchase for all libraries serving tweens and teens.
A perfect read for fans who love fast-paced unconventional stories with good triumphing over evil and a feel-good ending.
Arango’s fans will celebrate the opportunity to read another poignant story told in verse; it packs a punch, and is brimming with love and optimism. Recommend to fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Barbara O’Connor, and Kwame Alexander.
This compelling novel will leave readers hoping for a future sequel. Hand to readers of the “Rick Riordan Presents” series, and tell them this is even better.
A fun, engaging read that is appropriate for all ages but would especially fit in the early reader section of any library.
A strong title for holiday early chapter book collections. This is a great purchase for elementary school libraries where Subramaniam’s other books, such as My Name Is Long as a River, are popular.
A sweet purchase for libraries to boost Muslim picture book collections.
A cute additional title in the Christian tradition.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
Blending easy reader and early graphic novel formats, this enjoyable story captures the fun of family meals and invites readers to chime in with a “Nom. Nom. Nommm.”
Although light on story, the familiarity of the Dean team’s beloved feline character makes this a recommended purchase where those other early reader titles are popular.
This is a well-written book that will appeal to young readers who are beginning to show interest in their self-image; teachers may find that this story serves to increase reader vocabulary.
Filled with comical, appealing art and slapstick humor, this book is sure to find its audience.
A welcome new graphic novel series for early readers who enjoy comic adventures without superheroes. Recommended for libraries serving this age group.
Recommended for purchase to expand diverse offerings, but other early readers, such as the “Questioneers” series, will build a stronger collection.
A delightful addition to early chapter book collections, especially for young readers who enjoy humorous animal tales.
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
This must-have addition to the series continues the journey of an endearing protagonist who authentically illuminates a variety of coming-of-age lessons.
A realistic story about being yourself and feeling good about it, and a perfect title for bedtime.
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
A compelling blend of folklore and adventure that will appeal to fans of B. B. Alston's Amari and the Night Brothers and Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, this is a beautiful, inclusive work that’s also a terrific story; highly recommended for middle grade collections.
This ambitious multigenre novel provides enough twists to keep readers engaged and wondering how all the distinct elements will come together in resolution.
Perfect for readers who love trains and adventure. A valuable addition with an entertaining story line and enjoyable artwork.
A must-purchase for exploration of advocacy for kiddos with sensitive souls, and a great choice for group reading. Pair this with The Lonely Book by Meg Grehan.
This wolf tale presents a diversity of ideologies and perspectives, all of which are sure to help readers reflect on where and how they fit into the world. Highly recommended.
Recommended for middle grade collections where verse novels are popular.
To remember is to honor the past, and Currie’s Gothic problem-solving horror combines the best of local history with community action. Highly recommended for middle grade shelves.
A resonant novel about sports and sibling relationships in the face of grief; recommended for realistic fiction collections.
An excellent purchase for middle grade collections looking for unique historical fiction perspectives and sports fiction.
A general purchase, likely for larger collections.
This first book in a new series is distinct and enjoyable for its worldbuilding, and is for fans of magic academy tales and mystery.
A fun, refreshing, and occasionally dark story recommended for fans of Harry Potter.
Without more emphasis on the characters’ personal struggles and less on fantastical elements, this title does not fully deliver a rich emotional experience. Still, fans of cerebral adventures and time-traveling twists will find much to enjoy.
This socially conscious fantasy should appeal to fans of Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Christina Soontornvat’s A Wish in the Dark.
A very different kind of fairy tale that revolves around a paper craft and with salient lessons on cooperation and community.
A fresh and poetic offering for wind and weather-themed story times. Recommended for all picture book collections.
This fits the bill for an earth-themed chapter in this series. Purchase where circulation warrants and paperback formats are appropriate.
Truly, the sea is dear in this immensely gorgeous tale of oceanic depth, perfect for reading aloud to preschoolers and early elementary children.
An essential purchase for most libraries that celebrates global diversity and the joy of dance.
Best for cozy story hours, small classroom settings, or home reading, this unique picture book celebrates the power that friendship has to open up the world in more ways than one.
Within the confines of a regular day, the author-illustrator brilliantly conveys the joy and beauty found in an autumn morning, making every small moment relatable and wonderful. A solid purchase for libraries.
Young eco-activists looking for an ambitious but doable local project will find both useful informational guidelines and inspiration here, despite the fictional wrappings.
A delightful gift book and thoughtful addition to Mother’s Day collections, and a treasure for sharing with little ones.
The art seems to be a tip of the hat to Jon Klassen’s enigmatic work in the humor, the controlled palette, and the incredible story line. Teachers and kids will love this whole package.
What an unusual, subtle addition to a familiar conflict; this will be a good fit for collections that support social-emotional learning in early elementary students.
A thoughtfully crafted story and unique depiction of a biracial child; the details of one child’s developing self-image and self-concept will resonate for readers.
This piece of literature beautifully represents the Ganga river and serves to educate readers on the Hindu beliefs and practices surrounding the river.
A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others.
A fun romp, perfect for story hours.
An interesting story, but also one that leaves readers with an unanswered question.
A serviceable bedtime story with outstanding illustrations, perhaps for post-story-hour naps.
An additional purchase for library collections, particularly where demand for literary adaptations for children is high.
Highly recommended for most library collections as a fun and educational pick for young food lovers.
An essential and poignant novel that will resonate deeply with older teens navigating the complex world of relationships, identity, and social justice.
An important and necessary purchase for all collections.
Recommended purchase; hand this to fans of Trang Thanh Tran’s She Is a Haunting and Krystal Sutherland’s House of Hollow.
Recommended for school and public libraries; shelve with books aimed at readers leaving the nest and flying on their own for the first time.
This novel takes the successful inheritance-mystery formula and infuses it with dark, illusory magic. Hand this to fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games or Joelle Wellington’s Their Vicious Games.
Smartly told with fast-paced and suspenseful chapters, there is no question librarians would be pleased to add this novel to collections.
A sad but hopeful look at our future if climate change continues to be ignored.
This straight shot of pure shonen manga energy is a priority purchase for libraries struggling to meet the needs of middle schoolers who are striving readers.
Riveting and complex, this debut is a robust companion to Jade Adia’s There Goes the Neighborhood and Tiffany D. Jackson’s Monday’s Not Coming.
A bread-and-butter fantasy romance to consider for secondary purchase.
This novel will resonate with voracious romance readers who look for that combination of heartbreak and joy in stories.
For readers who appreciate fantasy with philosophical depth, this novel is a must-read, offering both a gripping plot and a meditation on the importance of words and empathy in a fractured world.
Hand this to students who never feel like what they do is enough, who just want to feel seen, and who long for that moment of fame and feeling perfect. Highly recommended.
Add this to collections where patrons are constantly seeking new royal reads and hand to older readers looking for a more nuanced, less fantasy-driven battle for the throne.
Teens who love retellings of Emma will devour this story; it is full of smart banter and lovely romantic moments throughout.
Recommended for libraries where shorter-length stand-alone fantasy does well.
A well-executed mystery with horror elements, this novel stands out for its social commentary and richly detailed Jamaican setting. A first purchase, hand to fans of Kit Frick’s I Killed Zoe Spanos or Ibi Zoboi’s American Street.
Quick, big-hearted, and well-curated, this is an anthology of stories about love, but not love stories.
A story that will pull at the heartstrings of those longing for an epic romance.
Highly enjoyable and highly recommended. In her second thriller, Lally continues to prove herself one to watch in the genre.
Give this to cat fans, especially the Pusheen crowd.
Kids who love the L.O.L. Surprise! dolls will devour this colorful, straightforward early reader, which is recommended to libraries with larger collections.
Recommended for purchase where the Berenstain Bears are popular.
Cute and filled with the reality of sisters who don’t get along all the time, this graphic novel will appeal to fans of humorous stories with a fairy-tale spin.
A must-have in all formats for all collections.
Empathic enlightenment awaits all listeners.
A notably complementary quartet of two British actors and two phenomenal U.S. authors (Sheinkin reads the historical note, Sepetys the acknowledgements) enhance an already exemplary read on the page.
With increasing threats to climate change protections, Gracie’s ardent commitment is antidotal sustenance for young activists.
While effortlessly enlivening Warga’s notable characters, Crouch expertly imparts that “singular feeling to be understood. Seen. Connected. It is the best feeling in the whole world.”
A must for all libraries, particularly those already invested in the trilogy.
An Indigenous trifecta assuredly accentuate Ferguson’s three-pronged coming-of-age novel.
In any format, Johnson’s justified demand for recognition for “the Flamboyants” transforms into accessible, necessary inspiration for new generations.
Bell turns contemporary magical realism into convincing multicultural exploration.
A quarter-century after the original tragedy, Picasso ushers Stokes’s fictionalized truth with measured, attentive narration.
Hand to mature teens—particularly with BIPOC backgrounds
Author and narrator solidly inspire greater awareness and action to safeguard and save Indigenous women and girls.
Perfect for all library shelves.
A well-paced psychological thriller affectingly audio-adapted.
A significant, immediate necessity for all collections.
Kelly convincingly provides a soothing balm to navigating the precarious pitfalls of middle school dramas.
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