A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library.
Here is a small selection of twenty books which score 8/10 or higher on my personal "Fear Factor" grading used in The YA Horror 400.
A read aloud that has never let me down.
A strong entry in the family and friends graphic novel genre. Give this to fans of Raina Telgemeier, Shannon Hale, Varian Johnson, and Nathan Fairbairn.
A lighthearted read for any child nervous about the start of school.
Fans of “Hilda and Twig” will love this fantastic new outing, which also works perfectly as a standalone or an introduction for those new to the series.
Recommended for purchase where the series is popular.
A cute social-emotional read for kiddos. Pair with Doreen Cronin’s “Chicken Squad” series for more lively fun.
This tender and introspective graphic novel is full of hope and is a great choice for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
A promising and unique addition to juvenile graphic novel sections, perfect for kids looking for something reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or for those trying to find a way to manage their own grief.
A successful story of overcoming challenges with compassion and patience, and a recommended purchase for libraries, especially for those who can’t seem to have enough graphic novels for their patrons.
This gut-wrenching story of hope and resilience needs to find its way to all readers’ hands.
While a bit sad throughout, this graphic novel builds toward a high note thanks to a cast of goodhearted characters and will be a hit with young fantasy readers.
An additional purchase where science-based novels are needed.
This fast-paced book with relatable characters will appeal to readers and parents alike, especially those interested in food, cooking, and family-run businesses. Highly recommended for collections.
The perfect realistic read for readers pursuing family, friendship, and hope.
This book’s historical significance and poignant narrative offers a realistic, empathetic understanding of the impact of war. A compelling addition to libraries.
A pleasant second installment with plenty of action and scares.
A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the historic land rush; a must-buy for all libraries.
Nuanced characters and brisk pacing add interest to a novel focusing on historical events that are now current events and rarely written about in middle grade fiction.
A charming multiple-perspective novel featuring character growth and the power of community; a great addition to larger libraries.
An affecting story of persistent trauma that leaves the door open for eventual healing.
A great read for all fans of mysteries, puzzles, true love, and friendship.
Overall, this novel is a queer-friendly, heartwarming exploration of identity, communication, and acceptance, making it a must-read for young readers seeking an authentic and relatable story.
The novel is a must-read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling with emotional depth.
Perfect for students who may not care to read a book cover to cover, but who can open these books and fall into the weird and wonderful worlds of discovery.
While this is a fun book to page through, get lost in, and find inspiration, the careful organization and index welcome readers across grade levels to explore and study the worlds we know and the ones we don’t know
Readers who are fascinated with dragons and lore will surely be entertained.
A good reference guide to a difficult subject that neither oversimplifies nor neglects essential facts regarding the horrors of the Holocaust.
A solid reference book for curious and astute high school students.
This provides a compelling and visually stunning overview of the prehistoric past.
Purchase for reference collections. These powerful women will inspire young people, especially girls of color, to reach for their dreams.
A fascinating update on the 2020 edition. Purchase where that volume has proven popular.
A good choice where Shakespeare and women’s studies are part of the curriculum.
Trivia lovers and fact hounds will hungrily pore over this. A strong purchase for reference and nonfiction collections.
An essential purchase for high school libraries and public library collections.
As with previous “Factology” titles, Dinosaurs and Romans are visually engaging and well-researched nonfiction titles that will serve school projects and capture the imagination of kids who devour series such as “Eyewitness” and “Who Would Win?”
Readers will have to look elsewhere for a comprehensive history of baseball; nonetheless, this overview is a good option for most collections.
This reference book would be useful for high school students with an interest in the topic.
This example of science writing at its best is highly recommended for middle and high school library collections.
The technical information on parasites presented in this book is accessible through the use of humor and illustrations, making it a solid choice for libraries serving middle grade students.
A great resource for readers with enough background knowledge to truly understand the material.
A glorious and filling book that will leave readers well-satisfied.
Despite some missing elements, this book’s delightfully effective partnership of visual and textual storytelling makes it a solid choice for upper elementary and junior high school collections.
A fascinating and important tale of one scientist’s dedication to ocean conservation and community that will inspire many to follow in her footsteps.
While the soft yet dynamic and detailed illustrations are the stars of this book, the lyrical writing combined with solid scientific information make it a must-have for upper elementary and middle school library collections.
A good purchase to add to libraries that aim to support book discussion groups and classroom learning that coincides with true events, past and present.
The dramatic narrative asks thought-provoking questions about class and mobility under repressive systems. The murkiness of the art sometimes gets in the way of engaging with the story, but the text carries it through.
A sweet, queer coming-of-age story about listening to one’s self and navigating the complex world of friendships and romance. Recommended for purchase.
Though not for the faint of heart, this touching, gripping, and heartbreaking historical graphic novel doesn’t shy away from the dark sides of the true events it’s based on, while still offering a ray of hope for the genuine good out there.
Fans of Shinkai’s previous works, such as your name or Weathering with You, will be at home here too. Purchase where epic adventure-fantasies are popular.
Featuring an entertaining, captivating narrative, this series opener is a pot of intrigue that is sure to boil over in ensuing volumes.
A standout graphic novel that belongs in every collection for artful storytelling, beautifully expressive imagery, and a heroine who is admirable and fully human.
While far too violent for younger readers, this first volume ostentatiously highlights disability representation through outrageous fun action, laying the groundwork for a promising series where anything is possible.
An additional purchase where thrillers involving social media are popular.
This YA horror novel is perfect for fans of Kendare Blake, Rin Chupeco, and Madeleine Roux. The narrative is fast paced, with plot twists to keep readers intrigued and wanting more.
A singular historical romance destined for all YA collections. These characters will have a hold on readers long after the last page.
An exhilarating thriller; fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson will devour it.
This wild, romantic gallop through a fascinating moment in history will delight both history buffs and readers looking for high society escapism.
An ardently macabre and unique horror-fantasy mashup with strong appeal for the rabid and eager fans of V.E. Schwab and Stephanie Garber who are ready to go darker.
Recommended for older readers, as characters partake in drinking parties and sexual relationships; a good choice for those seeking atmospheric magical realism.YA Graphic Novels
Creative and unique, this is a special treat for readers who wish Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games had been set in the world of Jumanji.
A feisty queer retelling of a classic, perfect for a teach-along or lesson enhancement.
A quick and riveting mystery with fantastic representation.
Gr 10 Up–Horan’s second contemporary queer YA novel is a fantastic and much-needed ace romance...
Recommended for collections where titles like Tom Ryan’s I Hope You’re Listening or Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder circulate well.
An emotionally gripping debut novel that shines with hope, even through its traumas and trials.
A timely and engaging read for all ages, sure to be popular with teens and adult readers of YA.
Highly recommended and appropriate for all YA collections, especially where diverse romance stories featuring women of color are popular.
A basketball tome for die-hard fans of sports fiction.
An excellent purchase for school and public library collections.
A professional purchase for most school libraries.
A good resource that offers detailed insights and practical examples on how to strengthen advocacy and collaboration through ecosystem thinking.
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