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A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the historic land rush; a must-buy for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Swimming with Spies
Nuanced characters and brisk pacing add interest to a novel focusing on historical events that are now current events and rarely written about in middle grade fiction.
PREMIUM
The Ripple Effect
A charming multiple-perspective novel featuring character growth and the power of community; a great addition to larger libraries.
PREMIUM
My So-Called Family
An affecting story of persistent trauma that leaves the door open for eventual healing.
PREMIUM
The Mystery of Mystic Mountain
A great read for all fans of mysteries, puzzles, true love, and friendship.
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.
PREMIUM
Millie Magnus Won’t Be Bullied
A cute social-emotional read for kiddos. Pair with Doreen Cronin’s “Chicken Squad” series for more lively fun.
Fans of “Hilda and Twig” will love this fantastic new outing, which also works perfectly as a standalone or an introduction for those new to the series.
The perfect realistic read for readers pursuing family, friendship, and hope.
This book’s historical significance and poignant narrative offers a realistic, empathetic understanding of the impact of war. A compelling addition to libraries.
PREMIUM
Taco Tuesdays: A Wish Novel
This fast-paced book with relatable characters will appeal to readers and parents alike, especially those interested in food, cooking, and family-run businesses. Highly recommended for collections.
A strong entry in the family and friends graphic novel genre. Give this to fans of Raina Telgemeier, Shannon Hale, Varian Johnson, and Nathan Fairbairn.
Highly recommended and appropriate for all YA collections, especially where diverse romance stories featuring women of color are popular.
A breathtaking trip through one boy’s imagination, this beautiful picture book is highly recommended for school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
Leo and the Pink Marker
A wonderful book that showcases what the imagination can do, and to shelve right next to Crockett Johnson’s original.
PREMIUM
Brown Girl, Brown Girl
This gorgeously illustrated poem celebrating and elevating brown girls is a solid choice for picture book collections.
A lively look at opposites that is a useful teaching tool and an examination of the many animals in a busy forest. A recommended purchase.
PREMIUM
Four Fallen Eagles
In charming and expressive imagery, readers will find a journey that requires courage, reasoning, and newfound maturity. A worthwhile purchase.
PREMIUM
A Voice in the Storm
Highly recommended; this is a compassionate look at how to support a friend overwhelmed by emotions.
PREMIUM
The Sorry Seeds
A story with a clear message about owning up to one’s mistakes that is sure to inspire discussion.
PREMIUM
Chloe and the Fireflies
This hopeful work on a subject treated all too infrequently in picture books would be a sensitive and welcome addition to any library.
PREMIUM
Milo the Knight
A sweet tale about overcoming fears that uniquely merges the insect and medieval worlds. Recommended for picture book collections.
PREMIUM
A Face Is a Poem
A thought-provoking and beautiful discussion about what makes up a face, but an optional purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
Vanishing Act
Compelling as this is in concept, it misses the mark and is not recommended for purchase.
A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library.
PREMIUM
Like This
This sweet and charming book shows children how to connect emotions and memories through simple, repetitive language and softly colored illustrations.
PREMIUM
The Band in Our Basement
A lovely purchase, this warm bedtime story is laced with love of music and close family feelings.
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
Emilio Sloth’s Modern Manners
A gentle reminder that everyone possesses the golden commodity of time when it comes to showing courtesy, compassion, and care for others.
PREMIUM
The Spark in Me
A great introduction to the wonderful world of science, this book can be used across many grade levels.
PREMIUM
Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians
A twist on the animal-in-the-library story that is both perfect nonsense and informative.
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
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
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.
Featuring an entertaining, captivating narrative, this series opener is a pot of intrigue that is sure to boil over in ensuing volumes.
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.
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
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
Heart-Shaped Lies
An additional purchase where thrillers involving social media are popular.
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
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.
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.
PREMIUM
Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee
A stunning book, this may have difficulty finding the right audience; a limited first buy.
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.
The novel is a must-read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling with emotional depth.
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, Rebecca Stafford shares about Rabbit & Juliet.
Tale of the Flying Forest is Narnia, if Narnia was grounded in Judaism rather than Christianity.
PREMIUM
The House with a Dragon in It
A modest but heartfelt tale about loneliness, belonging, and the quiet magic of human connection. Although it may not fully meet the fantastical expectations its title suggests, this is a meaningful exploration of what it means to find one’s place in the world.
PREMIUM
Keep It Like a Secret
Although this book may not be for everyone, the themes and tones can be relatable; it will make a fitting book suggestion by a trusted adult to help children cope with tough at-home, sibling situations.
This excellent historical novel, based on true events, will give readers a unique perspective on WWII. Recommended for wide purchase
Filled with beautiful illustrations and bird facts, this moving book addresses the complexities of sudden death for middle grade readers who will be drawn to the heartfelt characters and adventure plot.
PREMIUM
This Is Not a Dead Girl Story
Readers who enjoy Elana K. Arnold and Courtney Summers will appreciate this thought-provoking suspense story.
PREMIUM
Past Present Future
A must-purchase for fans of sentimentality who enjoy Solomon’s style, sweet romances, and stories about new beginnings.
PREMIUM
Ruin Road
Though there are occasional struggles to fit the narrative within the specificity of Cade’s wish, Giles’s story is a great combination of thriller and horror that will appeal to a wide audience. Recommended.
PREMIUM
A Misfortune of Lake Monsters
A fantastic sci-fi creature thriller with a terrific cast of characters makes this an easy recommendation for those who can handle a little gore.
PREMIUM
The Unfinished
The eerie imagery is not extremely explicit, making this spooky read a tantalizing addition to middle school shelves.
PREMIUM
Stefi and the Spanish Prince
Perfect for teen romance lovers who want all of the passion but are not comfortable with the graphic details.
While the book touches on meaningful themes of freedom and cultural traditions, it lacks the appeal and engagement needed to draw in younger readers.
A welcome addition to early reader or Lunar New Year collections.
PREMIUM
If Animals Celebrated Easter
Suitable Easter basket fodder, but not outstanding enough to make the cut for most library collections.
PREMIUM
Wrath of the Rain God
A delightful mix of myth and modern-day struggles, this adventure will captivate young readers and is a recommended purchase for collections seeking to expand their myth-based offerings.
An excellent realistic novel in verse for all libraries serving middle grade students.
This powerful book will be enjoyed by all young readers, especially those with a fondness for historical fiction. It will remind them that no matter what, no one is “not nothing.”
PREMIUM
The Elephant and the Purim Crown
While the perspective of a Jewish girl in Burma is unique, the story feels forced and hard to believe.
Give to early readers who prefer their books with as gentle drama as possible.
PREMIUM
Mouse and Mole: A Fresh Start
Give to early readers who prefer their books with as gentle drama as possible.
PREMIUM
The Diamond Explorer
A lovely fiction pick for readers who don’t often see themselves represented in fiction, those interested in learning more about Hmong spiritual beliefs, or seeking a fantasy genre not often explored for this age group.
Gritty and gripping; give to fans of Courtney Summers and Mindy McGinnis immediately.
PREMIUM
Who We Are in Real Life
Hand to teens who like reading about role-playing games with a side of romance.
An introspective coming-of-age novel in verse that is a must-have for young adult collections.
PREMIUM
If Anything Happens to Me
Hand this to fans of Karen M. McManus or students looking for a thrill without the gore. Recommended as an additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Pizza for Birds
A strong follow-up to the first book and an absolutely delightful choice for story time or an elementary school classroom read-aloud.
This is a lovely depiction of a parent sharing their culture with their child in a way that will feel refreshingly new and happily familiar.
This is a buoyant look at inspiration from those who have come before, and it’s a good choice for libraries needing books about artists and inspiration.
While readers will find interesting tidbits, they will come away wishing for fewer words and more recipes.
Until there is a more informative book about this unique celebration, this works in large collections.
PREMIUM
The Zebra’s Great Escape
A perfect recommendation for fans of animal adventure stories of all stripes in the mood for a thrill and a laugh.
This would be a good choice for picture book collections needing books about nature that have high-level vocabulary, even if they are coupled with adorable scenes that make the book read younger.
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