NCTE has announced Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of American Indian Boarding Schools by Dan SaSuWeh Jones and The Last Stand by Antwan Eady, illus. by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey, as the 2025 Orbis Pictus and Charlotte Huck award winners, respectively.
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.
Recommended for sparking deep conversations with older teens.
Friendship and misunderstanding go hand in hand in this layered character study of a teen who longs to be accepted.
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.
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.
A wonderful coming-of-age story that successfully explores the roles that secrets and family history play in shaping family relationships.
Children will delight in looking for small details, particularly in the wordless spreads, of this lively story with special appeal to cat lovers.
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.
This book will entertain fans of “The Princess in Black,” “Mercy Watson,” and “Puggleton Park.”
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.
This book would be popular in places with an Italian-centered population or in libraries looking for books about Christmas celebrations from various cultures.
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.
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.
Keep “Wimpy Kid” on the must-buy list.
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.
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.
Gripping fantastical journeys, family secrets, unbridled joy, and inconceivable loss: in these pages, tweens are facing it all. These 26 middle grade titles are exemplars across genre of the power of truth telling and embracing one's authentic self, even when it seems impossible.
A good guide to Easter fun and treats that readers new and old will enjoy.
Purchase where other titles in the series circulate well with young readers.
One needn’t be familiar with Mulan to enjoy this gentle easy reader about Lunar New Year, which is recommended for larger libraries.
A multisensory title sure to make your youngest readers giggle. Purchase where other hide-and-seek style board books are popular.
An additional purchase for libraries that serve multi-faith populations or are looking to enhance their art or religion selections.
Dahlin’s debut earns her place on library shelves with this fantastic piece of nail-biting suspense.
This historical novel in verse is superb, conveying the magnitude of disrespect, hatred, and racist practices Chinese immigrants had to endure.
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.
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.
For libraries in need of books covering the subject of partition.
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.
A recommended purchase for early reader collections.
These coauthored narratives offer readers the opportunity to experience a novel from multiple perspectives, expanding worldbuilding, character development, and plot lines, proving that there are always two (or sometimes three or four) sides to every story.
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.
The writing is strong and the dog hotel premise can easily be expanded for an audience in the ever-growing early chapter book genre.
Recommended for general purchase.
An angst-fueled, twisted fairy tale wrapped tightly in dark academia, exploring the border between love and something more dangerous.
A comfy summer romance with STEM themes.
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.
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.
A secular Easter-themed book perfect to read aloud to an active preschool group.
For middle grade readers who love complicated families, sports, and realistic fiction, this novel will be a strong fit.
An accessible introduction to social and political events in Germany during the time leading up to World War II.
A celebration of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and community that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation to read Frindle.
Family members who collaborate talk about the dynamics (and ground rules) of their creative partnerships.
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.
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.
For those needing a solid read-aloud for story times, consider this; despite some random elements, its message of love for nature is clear.
An excellent resource for those seeking an interactive story hour.
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 for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans.
A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
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.
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
An ideal holiday book for all, and essential Lunar New Year reading.
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.
Despite a promising start, this underdeveloped title is not recommended for purchase.
A book that begs to be read in one sitting.
This book fulfills its purpose but count on another title to find the joy of Purim.
Bound to be a story time hit.
While not an essential purchase, libraries where holiday titles are popular may want to get their paws on this adorable book.
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.
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.
Recommended for purchase where the series is popular.
A cute social-emotional read for kiddos. Pair with Doreen Cronin’s “Chicken Squad” series for more lively fun.
A lighthearted read for any child nervous about the start of school.
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.
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.
An additional purchase where science-based novels are needed.
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.
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.
A pleasant second installment with plenty of action and scares.
A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the historic land rush; a must-buy for all libraries.
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.
A charming multiple-perspective novel featuring character growth and the power of community; a great addition to larger libraries.
An affecting story of persistent trauma that leaves the door open for eventual healing.
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.
The novel is a must-read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling with emotional depth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An additional purchase where thrillers involving social media are popular.
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.
A singular historical romance destined for all YA collections. These characters will have a hold on readers long after the last page.
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