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In these 18 YA horror titles, inclusivity across race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, mental health, physical ability, and more are highlighted, reflecting the diverse lives and needs of young adults.
PREMIUM
So Cold!
A vital book for cold days or warm ones, this is a STEM celebration of the amazing opportunities below-zero temperatures can provide for eager explorers.
PREMIUM
When Dogs Work
Covering a wide spectrum of the roles dogs play in our world, this board book will engage young readers and help them develop an appreciation for the amazing canines in our world.
This cotton candy confection of a big horse and a little girl will have broad appeal. Strong first buy.
PREMIUM
The Duel: A Story About Peace
This beautiful book about the healing of distance and reflection is recommended for all libraries where picture books circulate.
PREMIUM
Hay un lugar
A straightforward and helpful tool for discussions about expressing big feelings and different ways to receive support. Recommended.
A delightful message-in-rhyme makes for a fun read-aloud for anyone who’s ever wondered if they have what it takes to accomplish a goal.
PREMIUM
When Love Is More Than Words
This is a sweet book about love being shown in all the ways that matter and would be enjoyed by parents and children reading together or in story-hour settings.
The focus on two children experiencing trauma provides an opening for young people to process and discuss their own shared experiences in a story that is clear and honest without being didactic.
PREMIUM
Chooch Helped
This recommended story reminds readers how they could lead by example for those who are curious and want to also be included in the joys of life, be it miniscule chores or creating art.
PREMIUM
All the Books
A charming introduction to libraries but a missed opportunity for deeper explorations.
An engaging and culturally thoughtful picture book for libraries, especially for a family story time focusing on mirror-and-window encounters with heritage families.
PREMIUM
Dot! Scribble! Go!
An engaging exploration of creativity to use with children one-on-one or as part of an introductory art lesson; hand out finger paints and blank pieces of paper for messy story hours.
PREMIUM
Dance Fast
Readers can relate to the protagonist as they embark on their own creative endeavors.
A highly artistic rendition of a loved fantasy for the classroom and the public library shelves.
Rarely does a book build suspense as perfectly as this one. Readers will fall under the spell of the title and influence their friends to pick it up as well. Remember: Don’t just read, share.
PREMIUM
The Art Thieves
Enchanting and full of darkly prescient social commentary; a Cherokee dystopia with Afrofuturistic inspiration.
A superb addition to horror collections that will also satisfy fans of mythology, too.
PREMIUM
The Shadow Road
Filled with adventure, intrigue, and a bit of romance, this compelling read will capture the interest of teens and tweens.
PREMIUM
Lucy, Uncensored
An essential read for those who identify as gender diverse as well as for teens struggling to find their spots as they think beyond high school.
PREMIUM
The Forbidden Book
Despite the promise of “a genderqueer lesbian with a knife,” fans of Lamb’s previous work will struggle to connect with an uninspired lead character and a dearth of adventure.
This must-purchase is an expansive narrative that skillfully examines the ways a family’s past affects descendants in the present.
PREMIUM
There Is No Map for This
This will make a good addition to library collections that want to offer teenagers a frank and realistic look at, and how to deal with, grief.
PREMIUM
The Debutantes
This twisty mystery is recommended for thriller aficionados and collections where such titles circulate well.
A highly recommended addition to collections. This compelling novel leaves it up to Bella alone to admit she needs help and is an education—and a warning
PREMIUM
Zodiac Rising
This fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy will certainly leave readers begging for the next installment. Recommend it to fans of Cassandra Clare and Tracy Deonn.
PREMIUM
The Bitter End
A gripping, fantastically twisty mystery for fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson.
PREMIUM
For She Is Wrath
Hand to romantasy fans looking for an Arya Stark–esque heroine. This standalone is recommended for most collections.
In this exciting addition to YA shelves, Ali’s characters leap off the page. Highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
Stronger at the Seams
This must-read book for teens with chronic illness has universal themes for all readers about the importance of self-advocacy, family, and friendship.
PREMIUM
Red in Tooth and Claw
All the gritty violence of a Western melds with a dark mystery to great effect. A definite purchase for most collections.
PREMIUM
Sona Sharma, a Friend Indeed
A well-crafted tale of class elections, self-awareness, and childhood friendship; a valuable addition to any collection.
PREMIUM
Second to None
Despite issues, this is a fine addition to libraries looking to expand their middle grade collections; fans of Gordon Korman and Max Brailler will enjoy DJ’s high jinks.
PREMIUM
The Witching Wind
Although the plot sometimes gets tangled in metaphor, this is a warm and lyrical story about the ways that connections between loved ones can stretch across distance and time.
A terrific book that uses horror to discuss the importance of family, remembrance, and the matrix of support needed to thrive in this world and beyond.
A first purchase for middle school libraries, especially where fresh approaches to sports fiction are in high demand.
PREMIUM
Tinker Bell and the Lost City
A must for fans of Tinker Bell and for libraries seeking classic fantasies with refreshingly modern twists.
An anthology that beams with heart and hope, especially for young Black girls. Recommended for all middle grade collections.
From break of dawn to day’s end, the journey of the sun as captured in lyrical text and stunning illustrations is a joy to behold. Highly recommended for all collections to encourage curiosity about life on Earth and the connections all living beings share.
An economic lesson that reads like a fairy-tale and turns out to be true, this book is a charming and accessible story that teaches values of saving, expanding, working with others, and dreaming big. Outstanding.
PREMIUM
El Pez Arcoíris
A lovely translation of the classroom staple, this title is a solid choice for Spanish-language collections.
PREMIUM
What Lolo Wants
A gentle read-aloud that celebrates love in change, this could be included on the SEL shelves.
PREMIUM
Everything Is Grape!
Zany energy, expressive illustrations, and a sweet ending can’t overcome a somewhat confusing narrative.
Despite a busy plotline, this is an overall sweet story about feeling connected with family, even across distances, and honoring traditional remedies. Recommended.
PREMIUM
I Can Help in the Neighborhood
A simple but winning story of cooperation, kindness, and the importance of being willing to lend a paw.
A masterpiece of speculative, postapocalyptic fiction that demands to be devoured in a night or two, this is a white-knuckle ride into the future that is both moving and frightening. If Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower were written for teens, it might look like Tew’s debut.
PREMIUM
Divine Mortals
A melting pot of everything BookTok loves, this feels destined to be a hot title this fall. A first purchase.
PREMIUM
The Wild Huntress
A gripping and tightly woven adventure with high emotional stakes, recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
Inheritance of Scars
A solid debut dark fantasy inspired by Norse myth and folklore sure to please the intricate romantasy reader.
PREMIUM
This Dark Paradise
An additional purchase for fantasy collections seeking dark but fun stories.
A present-day Judy Blume’s Forever, this novel has been set up by its author to become a modern classic.
PREMIUM
Haven
Many readers with similar experiences as well as sympathetic tweens will be drawn to Mardella’s story.
An excellent and accessible read for fans of Sallie J. Pla’s The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn and Dan Gemeinhart ‘s The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. Recommended for all middle grade collections.
A first-rate historical verse novel with opportunities for classroom extension activities.
PREMIUM
Daggers of Ire
This story of hope and self-exploration will appeal to middle grade fantasy readers who can’t get enough of otherworldly quests.
Highly recommended for Spanish-language collections, this title poignantly depicts the loving relationship between father and daughter as well as the beauty that can be found in nature.
Librarians responding to our 2024 Transitional Books Survey had a lot to say about their favorite series. Here's why "Fly Guy," "Mercy Watson," and others stand out to them.
Explaining why they write about children who are grieving, authors describe experiences from the loss of a family member to concerns about gun violence.
An easy book to recommend, this a must-have title that caregivers will be delighted to see on the shelf.
Despite some possible wear-and-tear issues, this title is sure to be popular on all board book shelves.
PREMIUM
Let’s Go, Stinky Trucks!
This fun title about an array of trucks should find a home in every library.
Caregivers and children alike will giggle and relate to this charming story. A great purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
Is That the Bus?
The soft lines, bright color palette, and sparse text make this a first purchase for libraries.
For the younger end of the SEL shelves, this is a great choice for libraries looking to add to their mindfulness collection.
PREMIUM
Did You Hear That?
Filled with onomatopoeia, this title will be a favorite for story hours—noisy ones
PREMIUM
Feelings Are Wild
If you’re having trouble tempting little ones and their caregivers to the counting book shelves, this one will entice.
PREMIUM
Ford: Colors
Yes, it’s an advertisement, but with its vibrant illustrations and dynamic storytelling, this book can at least be a supplemental addition for most libraries with car fans.
PREMIUM
When Water Flows
With the inclusion of both Spanish and English words, this is a useful and beautiful title for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Suki Cat: Dancer
For sheer playfulness, this title is a valuable addition for most libraries.
As a celebration of Black joy and Black hair, this book is a must-have, and a first purchase for all libraries.
Developing social-emotional skills is crucial for this age range, and this title will help children understand some of the tools they need to make friends.
For new fans or old ones, this will be a hit and circulate well in library collections.
PREMIUM
You Deserve Everything
If the punning and joke book shelves for this age group are running a little low, here’s a new title.
PREMIUM
Yeah, Baby
With full-color photos and an upbeat narrative style, this is a purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
Mr. Santa
This imaginative tale will delight readers with its whimsical tone and beautiful illustrations and is a great addition to library collections.
PREMIUM
Majestica
A fantastical animal adventure perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures and Eric Kahn Gale’s The Zoo at the Edge of the World.
The incongruity of a Hawaiian palm tree centered in a Christmas story will delight and amuse readers. Consider this one for picture book shelves.
A safe purchase for elementary school libraries in need of compelling female characters and where mysteries circulate well.
Readers’ hearts will be warmed by this fictionalized account of a true story.
While an illustrated version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is nothing particularly innovative, Lockwood’s art is a riot of color and mayhem and, for the right readers, will be delicious to pore over.
Unputdownable, unbelievably powerful, deranged, and magnificently defiant. Hold on to your humanity for dear life, readers.
PREMIUM
Everything Glittered
Give to readers who like Malinda Lo’s Last Night at the Telegraph Club. Hand to fans of historical fiction, especially those looking for LGBTQIA+ identities in the past.
This well-illustrated adventure story will appeal to younger fans of Christmas.
PREMIUM
Rachel Friedman Breaks the Rules
A humorous and relatable series debut. Readers will eagerly await the next adventure.
This is a slightly uneven yet fun addition to middle grade shelves, sure to attract readers of urban fantasy, as well as those who love non-Eurocentric mythologies.
A warmhearted holiday story of an unexpected friendship, filled with silly puns and lots of laughs.
While the intention seems to be to celebrate the ever-changing nature of a location, the result is a somber book that leaves too many questions unanswered.
PREMIUM
Elmore the Christmas Moose
Recommended. Children will love all the tenderness these kindhearted characters will add to the holidays.
PREMIUM
Libertad
An empowering and multifaceted debut novel of queer love and identity, devotion to family, political activism, and personal freedom. Highly recommended.
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