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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
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.
PREMIUM
Persuasion
Purchase for English literature curriculum and where Regency-era fans are prevalent.
PREMIUM
The Grapes of Wrath
Students will enjoy this harsh but beautiful story of a family in crisis bound together by their belief in their right to a better life.
PREMIUM
The Hobbit
A high fantasy tale that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Purchase for all collections.
PREMIUM
Siddhartha
A compelling adventure story and an insightful, practical exploration of ancient Indian philosophy, recommended for older teens.
PREMIUM
A Thousand Splendid Suns
A must read for those who enjoy nuanced stories set in Central Asia and sweeping dramas with unforgettable characters.
PREMIUM
Beloved
Scenes of rape and violence make this a difficult read, but it is a must particularly for those who are studying the physiological and historical effects of the Civil War.
PREMIUM
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Through humor and his brand of heroism, Kesey reveals the mistreatment and ostracism of the mentally ill who society would have preferred to remain forgotten. A must for all collections.
Hand to fans of Becky Albertalli’s novels and Casey McQuiston’s I Kissed Shara Wheeler, and any teens who can’t get enough of rom-coms with deep connections and a bit of angst.
PREMIUM
Guava and Grudges
Teen romantics and foodies will clamor for this debut. A great read for those who enjoyed Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee, Eight Dates and Nights by Betsy Aldredge, and A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey.
PREMIUM
This Is How You Fall in Love
Give to addicts of rom-coms, especially those who wish there were more Desi characters in their favorite novels and movies.
PREMIUM
Orris and Timble: The Beginning
A sweet read for young children who may not be quite ready for Charlotte’s Web.
PREMIUM
Two Together
A great short and interactive picture book to engage preschoolers and older kids alike.
PREMIUM
From the Farm, to Our Table
A nice addition to younger children’s library shelves that will serve as a reminder that the food everyone eats comes from people who work hard to ensure they stay healthy.
This is not only a unique story with a strong message, but the spotlight on lesser-appreciated plants makes this book a must-buy.
PREMIUM
Tiana’s Perfect Plan
Purchase. This book is guaranteed to fly off the shelves among Disney princess aficionados everywhere.
PREMIUM
Telephone of the Tree
A lovely book for children (and even adults) who may be grieving; this will grab readers’ hearts.
A rhyming read-aloud for little listeners, this wonderful Christmas tale will delight youngsters through the chaos of the bunnies and their adventures with Santa.
PREMIUM
The Color Purple
A must-read for those who want a true and honest look at life during this period; this is a bold, brave, and rich literary account that humanizes the experiences of Black women. Purchase for all collections.
PREMIUM
The Handmaid’s Tale
A cautionary dystopian tale published almost 40 years ago that still resonates with readers.
This debut shines brightly on shelves full of oncoming spooky season releases. Keep one eye on future novels by the author, and be sure to purchase this one.
PREMIUM
Los zapaticos de rosa
An additional purchase where historical and culturally significant Spanish-language titles are needed.
This lovely offering is recommended where bilingual SEL titles are needed.
This book could jump-start art projects, writing experiences, and more. The art is perfect
This book is a reprint of a 2013 edition, with a new illustrator, and it is a suggested purchase for elementary science or language arts classrooms.
These short story collections center diverse characters and stories in creepy, readable tales.
Here are SLJ's reviews of the books that made the longlist for the 2024 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, including six books with SLJ stars.
An additional purchase to expand holiday diversity in collections.
Lyrical and lovely. Recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
The Last Pomegranate
This wintry tale will lead readers to develop an understanding of multicultural holiday traditions as well as to learn the practice of everyday philanthropy.
PREMIUM
One Foggy Christmas Eve
A solid buy for holiday collections, but the Christmas vibes are subtle enough that this wondrous story also has year-round appeal.
PREMIUM
Felix Powell, Boy Dog
This charming, lightly magical tale is a wonderful addition to all libraries serving young readers.
A story that young readers will enjoy, this will be a welcome addition to holiday collections.
PREMIUM
Martee Dares to Dance
A suggested purchase for collections seeking more books that will empower young readers.
A charming movable book that promises to delight readers of all ages, making it a must-have addition to any holiday collection.
This is a joyful but meaty take on the celestial beings that surround Earth. It delivers solid SEL as well: in an argument between good friends, sometimes all that’s needed is a little perspective.
Debut author Mepani pulls from her own childhood experiences to capture a single Saturday gathering full of family, friends, and joyful chaos. An important book for every growing library collection.
PREMIUM
The Last Tamale
A beautiful love letter to Latinx culture celebrating the importance of family culinary traditions.
This charming book will have children holding love in their hands; a must-have for any social-emotional collection.
PREMIUM
Boy Here, Boy There
This can be enjoyed with or without acknowledging the Neanderthal/Homo Sapien subtext, but either way it should be read aloud to make the most of the poetic text. A good choice for most libraries.
PREMIUM
The Little Green Swing
Make story hours that contrast this "Three Little Pigs" with other more traditional tellings, and watch Ruby, again, come in first, but with grace.
This delightful picture book allows Indigenous children to connect with and feel pride in the abundance of powwow participation, and gives all readers a great counting book full of cultural imagery.
PREMIUM
The Helping Sweater
A positive and uplifting book with a generous circular ending that young readers will love.
An odd interactive introduction to the concept of local resources and problem-solving but not entirely relatable for the intended audience.
A fun and imaginative story to read aloud with young children.
An uplifting story that celebrates the idea of “extraordinary,” which includes the story’s heroine, one’s friends, and Japan’s gift of cherry trees to the nation’s capital.
PREMIUM
The Dinosaur Next Door
A fun fantasy about finding one’s own place as well as respecting that in others.
PREMIUM
Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life
An easily digestible morsel of life advice, not too heavy on the moralistic sauce, but tweaked with a dash of cleverness.
PREMIUM
Dogs Love Books, Too
A gentle invitation to young readers to explore the joy and possibility of reading.
A moody book about adventure and one’s place in the world, this isn’t essential but will find receptive readers.
A plea for peace that younger readers will clearly hear, pointing no accusatory fingers, but shining with steady resolve to endure.
For the construction shelf, for story hours, for busy toddlers to pore over, this is one rescue that everyone will want in on.
The sensitive treatment and outstanding illustrations warrant a recommended purchase; this is a loving story with beautiful artwork for a broad audience on the importance of grandparents and memory.
PREMIUM
Fox Is Coming!
This is a pleasurable read-aloud for intergenerational pairings, as well as a book younger readers will want to reread often.
At around 200 pages, this standalone book doesn’t feel overwhelming and would be a good choice for reluctant readers and those who enjoy pop culture.
PREMIUM
Sweetest Darkness
The opening chapters are powerful enough to pull in reluctant readers, but later chapters require much more diligence. A secondary purchase for libraries in need of beefing up their horror/supernatural offerings.
PREMIUM
The Lies We Conjure
Despite some moments of heavy exposition, this blend of magical elements, family drama, and murder mystery wraps up neatly, providing a satisfying standalone read.
A priority purchase for fans of the first book and any collection with teens in search of their post–“Percy Jackson” obsession.
PREMIUM
The Ghost of You
This story is touching, heartbreaking, and poignant. A must for readers who enjoy complex emotional journeys.
PREMIUM
One Last Chance to Live
A moving portrayal of a teen confronting the world and himself. Recommended.
PREMIUM
This Fatal Kiss
This beautiful Slavic reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” will appeal to fans of fairy-tale retellings and queer romantasy adventures.
Equally heartbreaking and uplifting, this recommended book reminds readers that a forgotten past is irreplaceable, and the present is a gift.
PREMIUM
To the Bone
Hand this title to fans of Tracy Smith’s First Lady of Jamestown and Lauren Groff’s The Vaster Wilds. A general purchase for high school libraries.
PREMIUM
Signed Sealed Dead
Readers will find themselves drawn into the dark story of this small town. With only some violence and brief description of dead bodies, it would be acceptable for younger teen readers.
PREMIUM
They Thought They Buried Us
A modern take on horror for fans of Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Jordan Peele films that falls short due to a lack of clarity.
PREMIUM
Us in Ruins
A fun romantic adventure with a bit of magical realism. Great for fans of the film The Mummy and novels like Holly Rose’s Until the Stars Fall.
PREMIUM
Aisle Nine
This book will delight readers with its dark comedy, but also provides enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing. A perfect release for the upcoming spooky season.
PREMIUM
Old Wounds
Both a nuanced look at the complexities of being trans in our current landscape and a thoroughly enjoyable horror thriller, this book is sure to appeal to teens who love Jordan Peele films or Tiffany D. Jackson.
Hand this to any young student (and sci-fi fan) trying to find their place in their community.
A heartfelt must-read story for any kid who has felt “othered” in their life, with the hope that they find support and community.
PREMIUM
The Chainbreakers
A fresh new fantasy for readers who enjoy feisty, brave protagonists doing what they feel is right with heart and humor.
A beautifully told novel in verse about family and community. Recommended for all middle grade collections.
Fans of mystery and the paranormal will enjoy Danica’s adventures; a debut that leaves readers wanting more.
PREMIUM
Let It Glow
Meyer and Levy bring warmth and depth to the classic separated-at-birth trope with this gentle story. Recommended for tween fiction collections.
PREMIUM
The Hotel Balzaar
Just as endearing as the first book, this follow-up is sure to leave readers eager for the next volume. Enthusiastically recommended for libraries everywhere.
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