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PREMIUM
Sona Sharma, a Friend Indeed
A well-crafted tale of class elections, self-awareness, and childhood friendship; a valuable addition to any collection.
PREMIUM
Second to None
Despite issues, this is a fine addition to libraries looking to expand their middle grade collections; fans of Gordon Korman and Max Brailler will enjoy DJ’s high jinks.
PREMIUM
The Witching Wind
Although the plot sometimes gets tangled in metaphor, this is a warm and lyrical story about the ways that connections between loved ones can stretch across distance and time.
A terrific book that uses horror to discuss the importance of family, remembrance, and the matrix of support needed to thrive in this world and beyond.
A first purchase for middle school libraries, especially where fresh approaches to sports fiction are in high demand.
PREMIUM
Tinker Bell and the Lost City
A must for fans of Tinker Bell and for libraries seeking classic fantasies with refreshingly modern twists.
An anthology that beams with heart and hope, especially for young Black girls. Recommended for all middle grade collections.
Rarely does a book build suspense as perfectly as this one. Readers will fall under the spell of the title and influence their friends to pick it up as well. Remember: Don’t just read, share.
PREMIUM
The Art Thieves
Enchanting and full of darkly prescient social commentary; a Cherokee dystopia with Afrofuturistic inspiration.
A superb addition to horror collections that will also satisfy fans of mythology, too.
PREMIUM
The Shadow Road
Filled with adventure, intrigue, and a bit of romance, this compelling read will capture the interest of teens and tweens.
PREMIUM
Lucy, Uncensored
An essential read for those who identify as gender diverse as well as for teens struggling to find their spots as they think beyond high school.
PREMIUM
The Forbidden Book
Despite the promise of “a genderqueer lesbian with a knife,” fans of Lamb’s previous work will struggle to connect with an uninspired lead character and a dearth of adventure.
This must-purchase is an expansive narrative that skillfully examines the ways a family’s past affects descendants in the present.
PREMIUM
There Is No Map for This
This will make a good addition to library collections that want to offer teenagers a frank and realistic look at, and how to deal with, grief.
PREMIUM
The Debutantes
This twisty mystery is recommended for thriller aficionados and collections where such titles circulate well.
A highly recommended addition to collections. This compelling novel leaves it up to Bella alone to admit she needs help and is an education—and a warning
PREMIUM
Zodiac Rising
This fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy will certainly leave readers begging for the next installment. Recommend it to fans of Cassandra Clare and Tracy Deonn.
PREMIUM
The Bitter End
A gripping, fantastically twisty mystery for fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson.
PREMIUM
For She Is Wrath
Hand to romantasy fans looking for an Arya Stark–esque heroine. This standalone is recommended for most collections.
In this exciting addition to YA shelves, Ali’s characters leap off the page. Highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
Stronger at the Seams
This must-read book for teens with chronic illness has universal themes for all readers about the importance of self-advocacy, family, and friendship.
PREMIUM
Red in Tooth and Claw
All the gritty violence of a Western melds with a dark mystery to great effect. A definite purchase for most collections.
PREMIUM
All the Books
A charming introduction to libraries but a missed opportunity for deeper explorations.
An engaging and culturally thoughtful picture book for libraries, especially for a family story time focusing on mirror-and-window encounters with heritage families.
PREMIUM
Dot! Scribble! Go!
An engaging exploration of creativity to use with children one-on-one or as part of an introductory art lesson; hand out finger paints and blank pieces of paper for messy story hours.
PREMIUM
Dance Fast
Readers can relate to the protagonist as they embark on their own creative endeavors.
A highly artistic rendition of a loved fantasy for the classroom and the public library shelves.
From break of dawn to day’s end, the journey of the sun as captured in lyrical text and stunning illustrations is a joy to behold. Highly recommended for all collections to encourage curiosity about life on Earth and the connections all living beings share.
PREMIUM
So Cold!
A vital book for cold days or warm ones, this is a STEM celebration of the amazing opportunities below-zero temperatures can provide for eager explorers.
PREMIUM
When Dogs Work
Covering a wide spectrum of the roles dogs play in our world, this board book will engage young readers and help them develop an appreciation for the amazing canines in our world.
This cotton candy confection of a big horse and a little girl will have broad appeal. Strong first buy.
PREMIUM
The Duel: A Story About Peace
This beautiful book about the healing of distance and reflection is recommended for all libraries where picture books circulate.
PREMIUM
Hay un lugar
A straightforward and helpful tool for discussions about expressing big feelings and different ways to receive support. Recommended.
A delightful message-in-rhyme makes for a fun read-aloud for anyone who’s ever wondered if they have what it takes to accomplish a goal.
PREMIUM
When Love Is More Than Words
This is a sweet book about love being shown in all the ways that matter and would be enjoyed by parents and children reading together or in story-hour settings.
The focus on two children experiencing trauma provides an opening for young people to process and discuss their own shared experiences in a story that is clear and honest without being didactic.
PREMIUM
Chooch Helped
This recommended story reminds readers how they could lead by example for those who are curious and want to also be included in the joys of life, be it miniscule chores or creating art.
An economic lesson that reads like a fairy-tale and turns out to be true, this book is a charming and accessible story that teaches values of saving, expanding, working with others, and dreaming big. Outstanding.
PREMIUM
El Pez Arcoíris
A lovely translation of the classroom staple, this title is a solid choice for Spanish-language collections.
PREMIUM
Everything Is Grape!
Zany energy, expressive illustrations, and a sweet ending can’t overcome a somewhat confusing narrative.
A first-rate historical verse novel with opportunities for classroom extension activities.
PREMIUM
Haven
Many readers with similar experiences as well as sympathetic tweens will be drawn to Mardella’s story.
PREMIUM
Daggers of Ire
This story of hope and self-exploration will appeal to middle grade fantasy readers who can’t get enough of otherworldly quests.
An excellent and accessible read for fans of Sallie J. Pla’s The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn and Dan Gemeinhart ‘s The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. Recommended for all middle grade collections.
Despite a busy plotline, this is an overall sweet story about feeling connected with family, even across distances, and honoring traditional remedies. Recommended.
PREMIUM
This Dark Paradise
An additional purchase for fantasy collections seeking dark but fun stories.
A present-day Judy Blume’s Forever, this novel has been set up by its author to become a modern classic.
A masterpiece of speculative, postapocalyptic fiction that demands to be devoured in a night or two, this is a white-knuckle ride into the future that is both moving and frightening. If Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower were written for teens, it might look like Tew’s debut.
PREMIUM
Divine Mortals
A melting pot of everything BookTok loves, this feels destined to be a hot title this fall. A first purchase.
PREMIUM
Inheritance of Scars
A solid debut dark fantasy inspired by Norse myth and folklore sure to please the intricate romantasy reader.
PREMIUM
The Wild Huntress
A gripping and tightly woven adventure with high emotional stakes, recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
What Lolo Wants
A gentle read-aloud that celebrates love in change, this could be included on the SEL shelves.
Highly recommended for Spanish-language collections, this title poignantly depicts the loving relationship between father and daughter as well as the beauty that can be found in nature.
PREMIUM
I Can Help in the Neighborhood
A simple but winning story of cooperation, kindness, and the importance of being willing to lend a paw.
With Haitian communities under attack in Ohio and across the country, share these titles that feature Haitian American representation or are by Haitian American authors, including picture books by Tami Charles and YA novels by Ben Phillipe and Ibi Zoboi.
PREMIUM
No Thanks, Said Turkey
A secondary purchase; this may make a good addition to a holiday collection that would benefit from a Thanksgiving holiday-themed board book.
PREMIUM
Shy Steve
Although the story is about young adults, the theme of shyness will definitely resonate for children. A melancholy and sweet addition to any children’s collection.
PREMIUM
The Keeper of Stars
A enjoyable addition to the bedtime collection, great for military or nontraditional families.
PREMIUM
One More Story, Tata!
Highly recommended; this joyful intergenerational tale is a solid addition for most picture book collections.Tracy, Kristen. I Quit. illus. by Federico Fabiani. 40p. Farrar. Oct. 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780374392192. PreS-Gr 1–This book follows the well-known plot of leaving home to find one’s way in the world, and then returning after having learned some important truths. Only in this case, the tale centers around a cat. When the cat is adopted by a family, life improves dramatically. Not only is the cat surrounded by soft spots, but it “snacked like a queen.” Life was good—very, very good—until the rules came. No scratching window screens and no chasing the baby. “Bad Kitty” quits and leaves, but it’s terrible out there—dark and scary, cold and rainy. This is a very appealing book. The artwork is bold and attention-grabbing, with large, detailed illustrations that support and add to the text. The story, told from the point of view of the cat, is familiar
PREMIUM
Poppy’s Family Patterns
An expressively illustrated book that details how and why fabrics and the art of sewing are important.
This action-packed series is a must-buy for early chapter book collections.
PREMIUM
Tumblebaby
A quirky, imaginative tall tale for adventurous young readers unafraid of stretching their vocabularies, this is recommended as an additional purchase for the humor section.
PREMIUM
Jo Jo Makoons: Rule School
An adorable, easy chapter book reminiscent of “Junie B. Jones” that cherishes the curiosity and learning curves that come with change.
PREMIUM
The Girl and the Robot Heart
Though beautiful, this book may struggle to find a home among child readers.
PREMIUM
Simone
A book one doesn’t see coming, Simone glows like a small, steady flame of childhood agency.
This bright, cheery book is sure to fill every reader’s heart with the magic of Christmas and sweet nostalgia for Dahl’s famous stories.
PREMIUM
Nancy Bess Had a Dress
Nancy Bess and her multi-purpose flour sack will make an excellent story for history units and environmental lessons, with the story’s gentle pitch for conservation and repurposing. A delightful addition to all primary library shelves.
PREMIUM
The Hawk Shadow
A tender tale with unexpected depths, yielding more than the simple story suggests. An enveloping and sturdy addition to the shelves, filed under siblings, family stories, or Indigenous culture.
PREMIUM
James Finds the Beat
A mildly inspiring story about overcoming anxiety, for young readers facing similar struggle.
Fun but incomplete, this book is an additional purchase for most collections.
PREMIUM
The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn
This book will be a hit with most elementary students for the story, but there are also SEL connections relating to self-esteem and equity topics.
Well-intentioned, but misses the mark. Choose from other stories with characters eager for Christmas to arrive.
This elevated spin on “letters to Santa” will be a Christmas staple with its unique inclusion of removable letters. An essential purchase for personal collections and public or school libraries.
PREMIUM
Socks: A Kid’s Christmas Lament
A tale of tragedy and seasonal cheer to help teach even the most precocious reader the value of socks and the season.
PREMIUM
Puggleton Park
Humorous, endearing, and loaded with quirks, this targets a specific reader and should be a supplemental purchase for chapter book collections.
PREMIUM
Peppa and the Christmas Elf
A festive Christmas wish story that all lovers of Peppa Pig will enjoy.
PREMIUM
Fail-a-Bration
With a celebratory tone and inclusive message, librarians and teachers will be planning a lot of Fail-A-Brations for their young learners.
A great book for a religious school library, church class, or any collection in need of more of this kind of title.
PREMIUM
Clovis Suspects a Sneak
Fall in love with Clovis all over again as he learns—and teaches readers
PREMIUM
The Littlest Grito
This tasteful addressing of an underrepresented holiday warrants a recommended purchase.
While the intended age may not quite understand the funny nod meant by “all by my elf,” which is a recurring phrase in the text, this book is an overall solid addition to most libraries’ holiday board book collections.
PREMIUM
Santa Mouse Finds a Furry Friend
The rhyme seems forced at times, but the happy ending and attractive illustrations will win over young readers.
A rhyming Christmas story celebrating family and faith that will appeal to Christians.
PREMIUM
Bless Me, Ultima
A classic about family, religion, and growing up that has stood the test of time.
PREMIUM
Animal Farm
An undereducated working class lured by propaganda, manipulation of power, and political corruption are themes that remain as important now as when this was published. A necessary addition to YA collections.
PREMIUM
Through the Looking-Glass
The kind and considerate Alice trusts her own judgment even as a fantastic dream turns her world upside down, endearing her as a heroine to children everywhere for over 150 years. A must for all collections.
PREMIUM
The Great Gatsby
Recommended for all collections. A great resource for developing and nurturing critical thinkers.
PREMIUM
Of Mice and Men
A dark look at a time and people in history that should be examined with a critical eye. Purchase for libraries serving teens.
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