Related
Caregivers can read these poems to children to help them on their journey to slumber.
November's starred offerings include nonfiction by Kwame Alexander and Andrea Davis Pinkney, as well as a professional reading title about Judy Blume.
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.
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.
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, […]
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.
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
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.
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.
This serves as an accessible introduction to a civil rights hero, regardless of flaws, and is worth an add to larger collections.
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.
An uplifting message of positivity about culture, and a first choice for elementary level libraries.
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.
Suited for classrooms and browsers, this is an excellent choice across the curricula and a winner across the board.
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.
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
Meet Yuxisaurus
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
PREMIUM
Meet Bisticeratops
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
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
The Rules of Royalty
An LGBTQIA+ romance reminiscent of The Princess Diaries with characters readers will root for.
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
Brewed with Love
This tale of a misbrewed potion is great for any YA collection where magical realism, sapphic, and witchy titles are already popular.
PREMIUM
Greater Secrets
With electrifying illustration, this poignant depiction of a sensitive time will appeal to teens.
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.
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
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
Planet Perfect
If Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games took place in space and was written for elementary school readers, this would be it. An additional purchase.
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.
A riveting and welcome addition to the middle grade historical fiction market; recommended for all elementary and middle school library collections.
PREMIUM
Chickenpox
Heartwarming and fun, this holds its own as a solid graphic novel about siblings and family.
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.
PREMIUM
Crumble
The levity of this magical story deftly balances the gravity of its subject matter and will leave readers wanting another bite. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.
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.
Lovers of space and science fiction simply must have this one on their shelves and in their TBR.
PREMIUM
We Are the Beasts
Exciting historical horror; full of sharp turns and fast-paced action with a fiery, feminist heart.
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.
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.
Keleti’s life experiences will captivate new generations of readers while simultaneously teaching important history lessons.
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.
Book mail continues to trickle in as we get ready to wrap up 2024!
I am very grateful for the books here that managed to hold my wandering attention and pull me into their fictional worlds.
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.
Whether portraying a humble farming community, a home in the south of Korea, a synagogue filled with love and hope, or a neighborhood where more than small things are mended, the best picture books of 2024 celebrate how those working together are the models for humanity we want our children to witness.
PREMIUM
Ros Demir Is Not the One
Friendship and misunderstanding go hand in hand in this layered character study of a teen who longs to be accepted.
PREMIUM
Killer House Party
A unique mix of haunting and humor that captures the volatility of youth and the belief that one’s future is worth the fight, even against the supernatural.
PREMIUM
Tangleroot
A wonderful coming-of-age story that successfully explores the roles that secrets and family history play in shaping family relationships.
Ellor has truly found their stride in this sparkling tribute to a well-loved ballet that belongs first in line for purchase where teens crave classic, atmospheric fantasy or retellings.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
