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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 settings to books influenced by personal history to 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, […]
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.
An interesting take on the planets and exoplanets with great illustrations but an uneven text structure.
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.
Well-crafted and inspiring, this is an excellent choice for readers interested in sports and issues of gender and social justice.
A serviceable addition to St. Patrick’s Day books that will please readers familiar with Chloe Zoe and her friends.
A new sibling book of a different stripe, to cherish and reread; despite the sacred, tender ceremony at its center, the story welcomes all to participate in a small moment writ large.
PREMIUM
Tangleroot
A wonderful coming-of-age story that successfully explores the roles that secrets and family history play in shaping family relationships.
PREMIUM
Three City Kitties
Children will delight in looking for small details, particularly in the wordless spreads, of this lively story with special appeal to cat lovers.
PREMIUM
Dear You, Dream Big!
This book may strike an interest in collections where books such as I Am Enough by Grace Byers or Black Is a Rainbow Color by Ekua Holmes have done well; it lacks their finesse but has a tremendous underlying message.
PREMIUM
Troop Esme
This book will entertain fans of “The Princess in Black,” “Mercy Watson,” and “Puggleton Park.”
PREMIUM
Around the World Celebrations
A fun addition to nonfiction areas about celebrations in parts all over the world.
The gift of safety is celebrated in this historical picture book that brims with messages for contemporary children: those whose families have fled to safety and those who have welcome to offer. Highly recommended for all collections, but especially useful for older elementary classes where historical conflicts and contemporary issues are discussed.
PREMIUM
The Magic of Christmas Ravioli
This book would be popular in places with an Italian-centered population or in libraries looking for books about Christmas celebrations from various cultures.
PREMIUM
A Kids Book About Diversity
Somewhat preachy, this title is a serviceable tool for parents and teachers on a very important topic; it may function best when combined with a storybook on a similar theme to enhance lessons on diversity.
PREMIUM
The Legend of Memo Castillo
A valuable addition to any collection, this early chapter book is perfect for sensitive readers seeking lighthearted fiction. It works well as a standalone, but fans will want to explore the entire series.
PREMIUM
Baby’s First Easter
Readers hoping for the context or religiosity of Easter won’t find it here; those hoping for a cozy lapsit story featuring images of family love and springtime joy, will.
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.
PREMIUM
Elvis Is Missing
As the first in a projected series, there is little here to invite reader investment in future installments. For large collections that circulate Hale’s other works.
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.
A good guide to Easter fun and treats that readers new and old will enjoy.
One needn’t be familiar with Mulan to enjoy this gentle easy reader about Lunar New Year, which is recommended for larger libraries.
PREMIUM
Can You Find the Easter Bunny?
A multisensory title sure to make your youngest readers giggle. Purchase where other hide-and-seek style board books are popular.
PREMIUM
Rembrandt Chooses a Queen
An additional purchase for libraries that serve multi-faith populations or are looking to enhance their art or religion selections.
PREMIUM
School Libraries Supporting Students with Hidden Needs and Talents: From ADHD to Vision Impairment
An important, browsable introductory resource to spark further learning on supporting students’ learning.
Dahlin’s debut earns her place on library shelves with this fantastic piece of nail-biting suspense.
PREMIUM
Snow & Ink, Vol. 1
This series will resonate with readers who enjoy a historically inspired setting with an enemies-to-lovers romance.
This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.
PREMIUM
Bridge Across the Sky
This historical novel in verse is superb, conveying the magnitude of disrespect, hatred, and racist practices Chinese immigrants had to endure.
PREMIUM
My Salty Mary
This title is for fans of the authors’ collaborations; otherwise, for mermaids and queering the fairy tale, read Emma Donoghue’s Kissing the Witch or Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish, and for swashbuckling and funny, historically embedded lady pirates, go to L.A. Meyer’s “Bloody Jack” series or Briony Cameron’s The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye.
PREMIUM
Eden of Witches, Vol. 1
Hand this story to fantasy fans, especially those who are transitioning between middle grade manga and darker, older teen series.
Tahir is an expert at swoonworthy heroes, fierce females, and slow burn romance. Accompanied by adventure, family and found family ties, and political intrigue, this multilayered, quick-paced story is a must purchase.
It cannot be overstated how important Brett’s story is for those who need to hear it, a possible lifeline for those in need of reassurance that their experiences aren’t as uncommon as they may think.
This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.
This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.
For libraries in need of books covering the subject of partition.
PREMIUM
Brandon and the Baby
Through demonstrations of preparation, routine, praise, and love, the title serves as a valuable supplement to manage emotions, attachment stages, bonding practices, and acceptance for children struggling with jealousy and aggression after the arrival of a younger sibling.
A highly recommended addition to any library, offering visual beauty and a meaningful narrative that will resonate with young readers and educators alike.
Highly recommended for any high school library in need more memoirs emphasizing the importance of sports and mental health.
Humor and detailed illustrations make this a great introduction to oceanography and marine biology for upper elementary and middle grade readers.
PREMIUM
Buckle Up
With humor, sensitivity, and a clean art style, this is a recommended first purchase for all collections.
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.
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