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I am essentially making comfy nests where other tired hearts can rest, books with arguably naive but stubborn resilience against tough odds, and books with kind power in them.
After a busy bookish September and October, we’re combining the posts for November and December! Here’s 10 fabulous titles that release before the end of 2024. The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis Sequel to: The Davenports by Krystal Marquis The Davenports Pitch: The Davenports live in 1910s Chicago, one of the few Black […]
Shifa Saltagi Safadi's novel in verse about an immigrant family, the 2016 Muslim ban, and a boy trying to balance school and family earned the prestigious prize.
The best poems educate with their facts and inspire with their beautiful flow of words. These 11 titles contain poems that do both exceptionally for young readers of all ages.
The trick is to not give up while the slow burn runs its course.
Mythology and animal stories compose a large part of this early reader and chapter book list, alongside contemporary tales of young protagonists staying true to themselves and the things they love while figuring out how to act among peers. These titles will help children learn how to read as well as model ideas for how they can be authentically themselves.
As it turns out, becoming a writer for teens—and teen Jan—is about the most thrilling and rewarding answer to the question: who am I?
SLJ will reveal the 193 titles selected for this year's Best Books list starting November 19 and culminating November 25 with a live webcast.
Writing Lucy was our way of coping with the years Teghan lost: both the years trapped in self-denial about her identity and the years she spent in prison. The book is a badge of honor for those tough years we survived, and it’s a love letter to each other.
I discovered that if told with some heart and soul, history can be as compelling as fine fiction. And before long I found myself on a mission to make history come alive for young people.
Anthologies are the literary equivalent to a buffet dinner. They offer a wide selection of different perspectives (both in story telling and in personal background) and writing styles on the same theme.
You know what rules? Dogs. I sure do like them. Here are a few middle grade books featuring dogs, all approved by my rescue chiweenies, Charlie and Spot.
The warm camaraderie of these sisters will put a smile on readers’ faces as both siblings work together for the common good. A great addition to the series and to library collections.
PREMIUM
Welcome to the Woofmore
The writing is strong and the dog hotel premise can easily be expanded for an audience in the ever-growing early chapter book genre.
An angst-fueled, twisted fairy tale wrapped tightly in dark academia, exploring the border between love and something more dangerous.
PREMIUM
A Vile Season
The main character’s arc from villain to antihero to lovestruck romantic makes this a worthwhile addition to YA collections.
Fans of King’s work and teens interested in music and social issues will be drawn to this work.
PREMIUM
Mummy & Me: A Monster’s Tale
Mother-child love is abundant in this non-frightening monster story that reveals a beginning self-awareness and a nod to empathy. This recommended story is sure to capture the attention of the most rambunctious child.
PREMIUM
The Easter Bunny Hop
A secular Easter-themed book perfect to read aloud to an active preschool group.
PREMIUM
The Beautiful Game
For middle grade readers who love complicated families, sports, and realistic fiction, this novel will be a strong fit.
PREMIUM
Rise of the Spider
An accessible introduction to social and political events in Germany during the time leading up to World War II.
PREMIUM
The Frindle Files
A celebration of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and community that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation to read Frindle.
There is a joy to asking questions and learning new things. It’s fun to explore, and to find the answer to a question. It’s exciting to learn that the world works in ways we did or did not expect.
Today, we are premiering Aaron's book trailer for his upcoming board book Winter Light. Before we do, however, I felt inclined to hear from the man himself about why exactly, precisely, minutely, he likes board books as much as he does.
Shakespeare’s greatness can live on, but we can also give space to new voices - and both can happen at the exact same time with the power of a retelling.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. In the latest installment, Wen-yi Lee shares about The Dark We Know.
The Donut Prince of New York isn't just about donuts or theater or football. It's about the revolutionary act of accepting yourself in a world that often suggests you shouldn't.
Author Gayle Forman is over on The Yarn podcast, taking us behind the scenes of her new middle grade novel NOT NOTHING
Middle grade may not have been in my initial career plans as an author, but now I can’t imagine writing without it.
PREMIUM
Robin’s Worlds
Families come in all sizes and shapes, warmly shown here; this book is recommended for libraries to add any shelves on ever-expanding inclusivity.
An excellent story about Indigenous culture, and how communities can support each other when things are tough. A strong choice for any elementary library.
PREMIUM
I Hear You, Mountains
For those needing a solid read-aloud for story times, consider this; despite some random elements, its message of love for nature is clear.
PREMIUM
The Long Way Around
A fast-paced adventure that forces three children to make decisions about survival and come to terms with some grown-up issues.
A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.
PREMIUM
Dead Girls Don’t Say Sorry
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
PREMIUM
Sixteen Minutes
A dreamy and mysterious tale about taking chances and traveling through time for the people you love, this is an excellent blend of a tense, high-stakes mystery and a relationship-driven, coming-of-age story.
Readers of the “Raybearer” series will welcome the return to familiar territory.
PREMIUM
Spells to Forget Us
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
PREMIUM
Poppy Song Bakes a Way
Buy the book and the series. Kids need access to this diverse classroom of students who face everyday crises with their supportive friends, and this gentle read shows the goodness in the world without being overly sappy.
PREMIUM
Hannah and the Wrong Note
Despite a promising start, this underdeveloped title is not recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
Ten Purim Bears: A Counting Book
This book fulfills its purpose but count on another title to find the joy of Purim.
While not an essential purchase, libraries where holiday titles are popular may want to get their paws on this adorable book.
PREMIUM
Happy Birthday, Little One
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
PREMIUM
On Your Baptism Day
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
This thankful season, children can read all about dinosaurs, crayons, and even turkeys enjoying food, fun, and family.
PREMIUM
The Spark in Me
A great introduction to the wonderful world of science, this book can be used across many grade levels.
PREMIUM
Vietnamese Folktales for Children: Stories of Adventure and Wonder in Vietnamese and English
Recommended for communities with Vietnamese families and for building out collections of folktales from the world.
PREMIUM
Challah, Challah for You and Me
A quick yet joyous read, this is a sweet addition to libraries looking to expand any inclusive picture book section.
This combination of cheerful drawings and omniscient narrative, plus joyful dogs, will appeal to young readers. The book works for both story time or independent reading. A strong first buy.
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.
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.
PREMIUM
London: A History
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.
PREMIUM
The Library Mule of Cordoba
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.
PREMIUM
Thief of the Heights
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.
PREMIUM
Leap
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.
PREMIUM
Tank Chair, Vol. 1
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.
PREMIUM
Heart-Shaped Lies
An additional purchase where thrillers involving social media are popular.
PREMIUM
Snow Drowned
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.
PREMIUM
Where the Library Hides
A singular historical romance destined for all YA collections. These characters will have a hold on readers long after the last page.
PREMIUM
Perfect Girl
An exhilarating thriller; fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson will devour it.
PREMIUM
A Queen’s Game
This wild, romantic gallop through a fascinating moment in history will delight both history buffs and readers looking for high society escapism.
PREMIUM
Fortune’s Kiss
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.
PREMIUM
Streetlight People
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
PREMIUM
Darkly
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.
PREMIUM
Here Goes Nothing
A feisty queer retelling of a classic, perfect for a teach-along or lesson enhancement.
PREMIUM
Thanks for Listening
Gr 10 Up–Horan’s second contemporary queer YA novel is a fantastic and much-needed ace romance...
PREMIUM
If You Can Hear This
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.
PREMIUM
Midnights With You
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.
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.
A scholarly work more at home in academic libraries for those studying the impact of classic children’s literature and for superfans of Montgomery’s work.
A necessary purchase for elementary professional collections; the read-aloud experiences included provide a wealth of ideas to utilize across content areas and grade levels.
PREMIUM
Tove Jansson: Life, Art, Words
The love of the work and artist is evident, but the magic is lost in translation.
School libraries will find this a helpful addition to a well-used professional collection.
A crucial title for all academic libraries; this should be required reading in graduate library science, education, and higher education programs across the U.S.
Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Band in Our Basement
A lovely purchase, this warm bedtime story is laced with love of music and close family feelings.
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