NCTE has announced Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of American Indian Boarding Schools by Dan SaSuWeh Jones and The Last Stand by Antwan Eady, illus. by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey, as the 2025 Orbis Pictus and Charlotte Huck award winners, respectively.
A must-purchase tale of conservation and coming of age for children and adults.
Despite the disparity in quality between the two alternating perspectives of this book, teens who enjoy lighthearted queer love stories by authors like Jason June, Mason Deaver, and Jennifer Dugan will enjoy this candy cane–sweet holiday romance.
Humorous, relatable elementary school situations make this a perfect suggestion for a reluctant reader.
An exceptional book about Ramadan that celebrates the breaking of the daily fast and the sharing of the transcendent power of food.
A must-have conclusion to a winning series.
A series opener that will leave readers aching for the next installment. Not to be missed, this is one enemies-to-lovers trope that lives up to the name.
This novel suffers from a rough start, but the second half makes it worthy of consideration in collections short on stories about addiction, loss, and generational trauma.
This novel excels in delivering a fast-paced and unique dystopian thriller with a cliffhanger ending.
A triumph; Green has crafted an unforgettable coming-of-age story that is poignant and hopeful. With a blend of humor and resilience, this work deserves a place in the hearts of readers, especially those navigating similar journeys in a world that doesn’t always welcome difference.
This action-packed adventure is perfect for young manga fans. Purchase where Splatoon is popular or younger readers are begging for manga.
A moving story appropriate for a younger audience. This is an essential purchase.
A must buy for school libraries; kids will be clamoring for the continuation of Big Jim’s story.
Any new title from Jeffers is sure to attract attention. Due to the book’s complex plot line, young readers will be more enamored of the whimsical, characteristic artwork.
A resonant, compelling addition to library collections.
Nestled in the pages between its poetry and inspired art is a highly recommended book that readers of all ages will love.
A playful and engaging story that encourages children to appreciate themselves just as they are.
Both an engaging group read-aloud and a book to prompt deeper discussion between a child and their grown-up.
A substantial addition to any collection, especially those dealing with tough topics.
A solid addition to collections, but with an important caveat: it encourages readers to write in the book’s final pages.
Relatable to any child, regardless of religion, who is trying to navigate a world of grown-up nuance. A valuable window and mirror for readers.
Using a graphic novel format, this slyly humorous picture book about dreaming big, accidentally solving a mystery, and doing right by those who have been wronged is sure to be a hit.
A welcome tale about persistence and optimism in the face of hardship.
A tender look at adoption from a shy and sensitive boy’s perspective, this book is a necessary addition to the shelves.
Henry will help many children feel better about their worries, making this a good choice for early elementary collections in need of contemporary graphic novels.
An amiable chapter book that illuminates the daily life of a child on the autism spectrum while providing information on dogs. An unnecessary fantasy element adds little to the storytelling.
A touching story of overcoming social fears, perfect for early chapter book readers or those younger to read with a loved one.
A feel-good graphic novel about doing what you love and being flexible. Recommended for readers who enjoy some facts with their fiction adventure stories.
Sure to please young nature-lovers transitioning to longer chapter books.
A relatable story for young readers on the ups and downs of friendship in elementary school.
A fast-paced adventure for confident readers willing to tackle unfamiliar words.
Early readers will be looking forward to reading Lucy’s next adventure.
A chapter book about friendship and SEL that will be a great fit for children’s collections.
Nothing groundbreaking, but fans of the movie will forgive the formulaic plot.
A fresh look at the early reader superhero genre with unbeatable art that pushes boundaries.
An enchanting story that is recommended for readers across a wide grade range.
This warm tale about self-realization and growth is recommended for picture book collections.
A solid read-aloud with themes of venturing out and dealing with anxieties.
This is a good choice for libraries in need of SEL.
The illustrations and the author’s use of rhyme work wonderfully together in a lovingly crafted story of diversity.
A heartwarming celebration of life’s milestones captured in a fun read that will come in handy during story hours.
This celebration of food is a rare thing, a truly essential board book.
A sweet story of hard work, enthusiasm, and ultimately finding the right audience.
A lovely tale of finding courage when embracing new adventures, just right for the early elementary shelves.
A sweet book with beautiful illustrations but an additional purchase.
A day with forest friends is a day well spent; put this on the “baby’s first nature encounters” shelf and mingle with more fanciful titles on the subject.
An excellent addition to those needing informational texts about travel for children.
Funny and simple, this book will be a story hour hit with children, as well as an option for early independent reading.
An uplifting message of positivity about culture, and a first choice for elementary level libraries.
A fun book that requires a sense of story and an attention to detail.
A sweet story for dogs who love to be read to and the middle schoolers who love them.
Readers will devour this middle grade cli-fi adventure with excellent characters and a fascinating concept.
If Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games took place in space and was written for elementary school readers, this would be it. An additional purchase.
Intended readers are more likely to suspend disbelief and gloss over credibility issues as they tear through the text to see what happens to Maddie and her community.
A realistic fiction story about persisting through fear and the power of friendship that is marred by weak characterization and a troublesome portrayal of mental health support.
A carefully crafted fantasy adventure set in poetry, its steeper lead-in makes it less approachable than Megan Freeman’s Alone. Purchase for larger fantasy collections.
A riveting and welcome addition to the middle grade historical fiction market; recommended for all elementary and middle school library collections.
With the humor and pain that accompanies forced truth-telling, this book explores deeper familial, friendship, self-care, and cultural issues in a fun page-turner.
A powerful coming-of-age story about life, loss, and community.
A realistic novel that despite some narrative wandering presents a sweet tale of teen angst, intergenerational support, and young queer love.
A wonderful middle school story about family, friendship, and determining the right path. A must-purchase for all libraries.
Freya is a character that readers will root for. Recommended for middle grade collections and for curriculum enrichment on primary source research and social activism.
A must-purchase; this is a timely title for middle school students as well as parents, teachers, and librarians who are looking for powerful mirrors or windows into trans experiences.
Lovers of space and science fiction simply must have this one on their shelves and in their TBR.
A resonant work of realistic fiction that touches on housing and food insecurity, empathy, and unlikely friendships. Recommended for tween collections.
An LGBTQIA+ romance reminiscent of The Princess Diaries with characters readers will root for.
This beautifully written adventure is for readers who have a great interest in Taiwan and its culture, particularly the various specialty foods. For those who are looking for a perfectly sweet romance story, this book is a must-read.
Fans of dark fantasy with horrifying monsters and action will enjoy the rising action of this novel and its unique world. Recommended.
This coming-of-age novel is poetic with vivid descriptions and comes highly recommended.
This tale of a misbrewed potion is great for any YA collection where magical realism, sapphic, and witchy titles are already popular.
Fans of the X-Men and thrillers like the “John Wick” movies or Atomic Blonde will enjoy this caper.
This reads like a car wreck sitcom: impossible to look away from in the best way possible. It is difficult to imagine fans of Heartstopper not loving Patch and his larger-than-life personality on the quest for love.
Returning fans will find many things to love in this cathartic power fantasy. Recommended for collections with the first book.
A dramatic and darkly intriguing mystery.
Perfect for romance fans, book nerds, and aspiring authors.
An engrossing supernatural story with a nice slow burn romance. The first book does not need to be read but provides readers with a better understanding of the characters. Strong first buy.
This book will appeal to readers seeking a fast-paced high school horror with serial killers, supernatural visions, and plenty of suspense. Recommended for fans of Gretchen McNeil and Cynthia Murphy.
An enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance framed in horror, with transformation at its core.
YA romancers will not be disappointed in this coming-of-age narrative! Recommended for all school and public libraries.
Purchase only where Preston has an established fanbase.
Exciting historical horror; full of sharp turns and fast-paced action with a fiery, feminist heart.
Recommended for libraries seeking to expand their Valentine’s Day collection with a heartwarming and simple title.
A recommended purchase for those seeking an approachable book that is explanatory, concise, and engaging for young children.
Children will learn about the Passover seder while observing a young girl organize a memorable day for a beloved neighbor and friend.
A worthwhile title for collections looking for diverse representation in holiday preparations and traditions.
Sure to appeal to the youngest readers, this book is perfect for one on one.
An easy, energetic holiday book to linger over.
This clever tale about fun-loving, hard-working, and resourceful ants is sure to delight young children.
This simple story about lion dances makes a great read-aloud.
A delightful and meaningful read that celebrates the power of friendship, self-expression, and the magic of childhood. It would be a wonderful addition to any library or classroom, providing a relatable and affirming story for young readers.
Recommended. This is a part of history that needs to be shared.
A fun story that allows children to consider perspectives in an interesting way.
A solid Chinese New Year tale with delightful illustrations.
An excellent window into Sikh culture and a great lesson on how traditions can carry on even if you move.
A fun-filled, original story worthy of inclusion.
A solid choice for libraries, especially those looking to expand their Arab heritage representation.
A gentle, relevant holiday story and a welcome addition to Lunar New Year collections.
A solid vocabulary or holiday book with repeat-read value for bulking up holiday titles.
A clever addition to the holiday board book collection that will also help the youngest guests follow along during Seder.
This delightful tale is a solid addition to library collections.
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