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Being vulnerable on the page hasn’t been easy. Opening myself up to judgement—both good and bad is terrifying.
New planets, secret headquarters, extraterrestrial creatures, and other cosmic delights fill the pages of these works for elementary through high school readers.
Caregivers can read these poems to children to help them on their journey to slumber.
From historical works to books influenced by personal history to those with characters who must examine the past to move forward, these five titles are strong Printz contenders.
From board books that invite the littlest readers to hippity-hop to anthologies that encourage older readers to explore deep themes in narratives, these 11 titles celebrate the Festival of Lights in a variety of ways.
This Thanksgiving season, I’ve been thinking about all the ways libraries have influenced my life.
It was a huge week in the movie world this Thanksgiving, as Wicked and Gladiator II continued their streaks and Moana 2 premiered to huge numbers. So I thought, while listening once again to the Wicked soundtrack, why not recommend books that I think fit some of the characters from these huge films? After all, […]
November's starred offerings include nonfiction by Kwame Alexander and Andrea Davis Pinkney, as well as a professional reading title about Judy Blume.
The mysterious octopus is explored in-depth through its evolution and ecology in this young readers adaptation, targeting engaged and patient tweens.
A strong overview of a wide range of Asian American icons who have helped, and are helping, to shape the world; recommended for juvenile nonfiction collections, and as a research jumping-off point.
For collections requiring more on the hijab and its importance to devout Muslim women, this book is an ideal addition; those seeking comprehensive biographical information on female Muslim athletes will need to look elsewhere.
PREMIUM
Weirdest Animals on the Planet
While this book is not recommended as a first purchase due to its disorganized formatting, it will circulate well in children’s collections where books on unique animals are popular and desired.
An attractively designed fact book that stumbles in its execution; purchase only where the series is popular.
An excellent mentor text for either poetry or science, this book is also an elegant way to compare and contrast different kinds of wind in a toddler or preschool setting. A first choice for any library.
A fascinating and well-told look at a little-known African animal. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Meet Bisticeratops
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
PREMIUM
TIME for Kids: Weather
A rich array of science terminology is woven into this visually appealing book, designed to challenge upper elementary readers with advanced syntax and introduce meteorological phenomena.
Keleti’s life experiences will captivate new generations of readers while simultaneously teaching important history lessons.
A fun book that would be great in the hands of readers who want to learn more about where their food comes from but aren’t ready for in-depth information.
This is a wonderful STEM book to add to any collection; the witty, lighthearted format will engage readers across a broad age range.
For music collections, biography, or even Americana, this book lends itself to story hours and certainly as an icebreaker for conversations on style, substance, and marching to the beat of a different drummer.
Perfect for young marine biologists, this title uses humor and fascinating facts to capture the imagination and remind readers that new discoveries are being made every day.
This serves as an accessible introduction to a civil rights hero, regardless of flaws, and is worth an add to larger collections.
Suited for classrooms and browsers, this is an excellent choice across the curricula and a winner across the board.
PREMIUM
Meet Mbiresaurus
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
PREMIUM
Meet Meraxes Gigas
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
PREMIUM
Meet Yuxisaurus
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
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.
PREMIUM
Harriet Hound
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.
PREMIUM
Bulldozer’s Big Rescue
A touching story of overcoming social fears, perfect for early chapter book readers or those younger to read with a loved one.
PREMIUM
The Jellyfish Bus
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.
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.
PREMIUM
Lucy Lancaster Has a Secret
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.
PREMIUM
Spring Fever! (Disney Stitch)
Nothing groundbreaking, but fans of the movie will forgive the formulaic plot.
PREMIUM
The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day
A fresh look at the early reader superhero genre with unbeatable art that pushes boundaries.
PREMIUM
The King and Nothing
An enchanting story that is recommended for readers across a wide grade range.
PREMIUM
Saif’s Special Patches
This warm tale about self-realization and growth is recommended for picture book collections.
The illustrations and the author’s use of rhyme work wonderfully together in a lovingly crafted story of diversity.
PREMIUM
This Is a Moment
A heartwarming celebration of life’s milestones captured in a fun read that will come in handy during story hours.
PREMIUM
Sand Cakes
A sweet story of hard work, enthusiasm, and ultimately finding the right audience.
PREMIUM
Nellie’s Big Splash
A lovely tale of finding courage when embracing new adventures, just right for the early elementary shelves.
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.
PREMIUM
I Need Pants!
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.
PREMIUM
All the Best Dogs
A sweet story for dogs who love to be read to and the middle schoolers who love them.
PREMIUM
The Factory
Readers will devour this middle grade cli-fi adventure with excellent characters and a fascinating concept.
This graphic novel about friendship and identity is a must-have for libraries serving elementary and middle school readers.
PREMIUM
Away
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.
PREMIUM
The Song of Orphan’s Garden
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.
PREMIUM
Mixed-Up
While this must-read title will be especially affirming for those with dyslexia or who struggle in school, all young readers will find aspects of themselves within Stella’s world, and perhaps be inspired to ask for help when needed.
PREMIUM
Blake Laser
A perfect pick for young readers who love fearless heroines and thrilling space adventures.
PREMIUM
The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie
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.
PREMIUM
Mountain Upside Down
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.
PREMIUM
Tear This Down
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.
PREMIUM
Norah’s Ark
A resonant work of realistic fiction that touches on housing and food insecurity, empathy, and unlikely friendships. Recommended for tween collections.
PREMIUM
Ex Marks the Spot
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.
PREMIUM
The Losting Fountain
Fans of dark fantasy with horrifying monsters and action will enjoy the rising action of this novel and its unique world. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Dust
This coming-of-age novel is poetic with vivid descriptions and comes highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Greater Secrets
With electrifying illustration, this poignant depiction of a sensitive time will appeal to teens.
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.
PREMIUM
Teleportation and Other Luxuries
A story that highlights the strength of individuals uniting against a materialistic corporation, delivering a powerful message that’s sure to delight teens.
PREMIUM
Heavenly Tyrant
Returning fans will find many things to love in this cathartic power fantasy. Recommended for collections with the first book.
PREMIUM
Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue
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.
PREMIUM
You’re Dead to Me
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.
This fast-paced, tightly woven graphic novel may lack historically accurate details, but proves a rewarding light read that may awaken questions of social justice.
PREMIUM
What the Woods Took
An enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance framed in horror, with transformation at its core.
PREMIUM
Better Than Revenge
YA romancers will not be disappointed in this coming-of-age narrative! Recommended for all school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
We Are the Beasts
Exciting historical horror; full of sharp turns and fast-paced action with a fiery, feminist heart.
PREMIUM
Who Brought the Hamantaschen?
Cheerful and appealing to the youngest audience, though not as educational as Tracy Newman’s Purim Is Coming! or Joni Kibort Sussman’s Happy Purim, Grover!
PREMIUM
Hap-Pea Easter
Sure to be a holiday favorite, as pages filled with pleasant rhymes and joyful illustrations beg to be read over and over again.
PREMIUM
Zayde Babysits Before Passover
Universal themes of grandparenting and family traditions make this a good addition to holiday collections.
PREMIUM
Just Like Queen Esther
While the story is rather didactic and uninspiring, with no real conflict or suspense, libraries looking for picture books with Jewish and transgender representation may find it this a useful addition.
PREMIUM
Eid for Nylah
A sweet story of Eid al-Fitr that underscores the universal experience of families celebrating a religious holiday together.
This Passover story is written with nimble tongue-in-cheek humor. Readers won’t want it to end.
A playful and unique addition to Easter holiday books.
PREMIUM
The St. Patrick’s Day Alphabet
While not an essential purchase, libraries may find this slim volume a welcome and useful addition.
PREMIUM
Maya’s Holi
A fresh and lively book that both entertains and teaches about this special holiday.
PREMIUM
Excited for Eid
A welcome addition to the limited but growing collection of children’s books about this celebration.
PREMIUM
Bunny’s Easter Basket
A simple, straightforward Easter book with story hour potential that will delight young eyes and is enjoyable to read.
PREMIUM
Little Love Songs
A must for any board book collection, especially where Boynton’s works are already in high demand.
PREMIUM
Max’s Mask: A Purim Story
A thoughtful look at Purim through a social-emotional lens. Purchase where collections could use new titles on the holiday.
PREMIUM
We’re Going on an Egg Hunt
This fun take on an old chant offers a simple and secular presentation of the holiday, sure to delight young children and leave them eager to embark on an egg hunt of their own.
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