Blessings are all around in these gentle picture books that exalt sharing and gratitude in a manner accessible to children.
An inspiring story of athletic challenge and the struggle to excel, highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school readers.
While much of the story hews to the various class and gender dramas, Jade’s focus on exercise physiology and self-improvement will appeal to strength trainers. Recommended for high school libraries.
An excellent graphic novel that is fun while also presenting ethical issues teens will find highly engaging.
An exciting and compassionate adventure featuring an unconventional yet inspiring heroine. A must have for YA graphic novel collections.
An essential purchase, particularly for teens who gravitate toward budding LGBTQIA+ romance books and where stories of underrepresented sports like figure skating are in demand.
Perfect for fans of realistic fiction such as “PAWS” and “The Babysitters Club” series.
An approachable, enjoyable story of rough beginnings and environmental themes for thoughtful middle-grade readers.
This is a timely novel that is a must-buy for elementary schools as it gently yet effectively opens conversations about the critical topic of food insecurity for young readers.
For the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” reader who is looking to graduate to stories with higher stakes and more heart.
Readers will likely be charmed by the unique chupacabra protagonist in this lighthearted homage to classic monster comedies.
Packed with world history and soccer lore and visually fertile, this is a promising series starter. Highly recommended for middle and high school libraries.
As schools and libraries face book bans across the country, this is a compelling choice, a timely piece of literature, and an urgent call to action, exhibiting the fictionalized narrative of a real book ban in Chicago and showcasing the power of those defending the right to freedom of information.
A spunky graphic novel that pays homage to old westerns, this high-energy adventure celebrating friendship and identity will appeal to fans of the genre, though the dense western-style language may occasionally slow down the pace.
These two adventurous novels center Black youngsters traveling across space and time to protect their loved ones, save planets, and achieve their dreams.
A great graphic novel for readers who are seeking sapphic romances and prefer slice-of-life stories over action and adventure. Though the characters are high school seniors, suggest the book to middle schoolers, who might better appreciate its simplified depiction of the high school experience.
A solid entry in this early chapter book mystery series that is an excellent choice for Spanish-language collections for children.
Featuring a tween girl’s experience with friendships and personal discovery through the middle school years, this timeless book is a first purchase for all collections.
An entertaining and laugh-out-loud addition to this graphic novel series.
An astute and emotional story of the courage it takes to truly accept oneself and to love others for who they are.
Intriguing and dramatic, this is a fantastic introduction to middle grade fantasy from the author of Star Scouts.
A fun graphic novel with cute characters, recommended for mystery and animal lovers alike.
An excellent coming-of-age graphic novel from the author of Pumpkinheads, great for tweens and teens learning more about themselves and what they want from their future.
This joyful, culturally rich introduction to Lunar New Year is a fantastic addition to any collection.
This book is sure to be a hit beyond Valentine’s Day and is a great addition to early reader sections and for kids who love funny books.
A good additional purchase where transitional graphic novels are in demand.
A simple story for those seeking to add to their lower elementary graphic novel collection.
A wonderful choice for Spanish-language chapter book collections, this title will have readers wanting to dive into the other series entries.
With unexpected twists and detailed panels that bring the story to life, this exemplary graphic novel delivers Middle Eastern fantasy at its finest and should absolutely be on all shelves.
The overt themes in this first volume may feel heavy-handed to voracious readers, but fans of high-action storytelling and comic book art styles will be satisfied by this new graphic novel series.
Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault by Megan Clendenan and A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila are the Orbis Pictus and Charlotte Huck award winners, respectively.
Another hit from Pilkey, sure to be popular with his many fans, this is a multi-copy purchase for any library serving young people (and adults!).
A first pet story with a cultural and magical twist. Disappointed that he didn’t have a connection with one of the animals at the pet adoption agency, Leo roams a busy marketplace where he comes acros...
From sensory-filled illustrations to relentlessly funny characters, the 2025 Best Picture Books make for excellent read-alouds, heartfelt one-on-ones, and heartrending reads.
These Best Transitional Books of 2025 for beginning, emerging, and newly independent readers include relatable friendship tales, challenges overcome, and everyday slice-of-life stories that are pitch-perfect for the age group.
The Best Middle Grade titles of 2025 feature action-packed fantasies, resonant realistic fiction, and heart-pounding horror stories for tweens.
The 2025 YA Best Books list has a choice for every teen—long-anticipated companion novels, adorable rom-coms, and genre-bending romantasy.
Vibrant anthologies, powerful celebrations of groundbreaking figures, and volumes filled with concrete poems and traditional rhymes make their appearance on our Best Poetry list.
From poo and tentacles to contemplative picture book biographies, this year’s picks for the Best Nonfiction for Elementary readers are filled with facts, information, and wonder.
This year’s Best Nonfiction for Middle and High School students features true crime, an inclusive puberty book, sports titles, and lots of STEM.
Every one of our picks on the Best 2025 Graphic Novel list, ranging from early readers to adaptations of popular kid lit prose, has illustrations to be pored over and a narrative to be enjoyed.
The 2025 Best Manga roundup features haunting sci-fi, slow-burn romance, and charming friendship tales for middle grade and YA readers.
A deft, multifaceted story filled with delightful characters and relatable emotions that weaves in serious discussions about keeping traditions alive in the modern world.
This contemporary adventure is an engaging exploration of Indigenous heritage and how stories carry through generations.
Whether they are returning home or going somewhere new for the holiday break, the promise of a magical Christmas romance awaits these teens.
A bold accomplishment that provides an unflinching yet compassionate look at schizoaffective disorder, and how love can help those living with it.
In addition to serving as an engaging bridge for new graphic novel and horror readers, veteran junior high readers of both the format or the literary genre will find satisfaction here.
A great option for elementary readers who love epic battles of good versus evil unfettered by complex superhero lore.
Elephants, mice, and dragons make their appearance in these fun and festive board books and picture books.
This creepy, well-paced monster-hunting trip with a dash of romance will have broad appeal. A good purchase for public and school libraries.
The first volume in a boldly artistic manga series that effectively utilizes fine watercolor art as a backdrop to an emotional coming-of-age story.
Give this humorous and modern Shakespeare retelling to fans of Molly Horton Booth’s “Arden High” series or any reader looking for a humorous graphic novel.
A poignant graphic narrative highlighting the path towards acceptance during a period of sorrow.
An eminently easy to read, pleasantly jokey comic perfect for a quick laugh for young readers.
This accessible introduction into young detective Korobá’s world is both narratively efficient and visually exquisite; a promising start to a planned series of graphic mysteries.
A great fit for readers who enjoy the style of “Owly” graphic novels, while also serving as an introduction to the forest ecosystem of a nurse log for classroom units and individual interest.
Dense, rich, and riotously illustrated, a full-to-the-brim read for middle grade fantasy lovers.
A charming graphic novel adaptation of a beloved series perfect for fans and new readers alike.
A strong addition to any library serving young elementary readers.
For video game lovers, comics fans, and readers who appreciate the grosser things in life, this book will circulate well in libraries that love “Dog Man.”
This modern Dracula retelling is packed with plenty of mystery for readers to sink their fangs into.
Perfect for fans of Nimona, this sapphic romance is sure to charm fairy-tale lovers who will swoon over the HEA ending. A recommended purchase for all graphic novel collections.
A masterpiece about the circle of life through the eyes of one so seemingly small will resonate with readers and provide hope to triumph over some of the most difficult parts of life.
A compelling true story, excellent for older readers interested in American history and suited to social studies in the classroom.
A wonderful addition for the elementary nonfiction shelves or for the budding marine scientist in the family.
Created in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, this inventive biography is a must-have, with the stated caveat, but can also be put to excellent use in the classroom.
A recommended purchase for all libraries, especially where unique animals are a popular topic.
As one of the few stories of Indigenous life that in the full sweep of history has a positive outcome, this standout title deserves a place on every shelf.
A worthwhile addition for expanding any nonfiction sports collections.
These two titles explore the drama, the excitement, and the endless moving parts involved in the world of theater.
A rousing tribute to two influential musical greats and the swinging sounds they made together.
A fun and visually appealing all-around look at the wonders of sound, viewed through scientific, historical, and artistic lenses.
This blend of morbid humor and science will resonate with middle-grade fans of nonfiction and graphic novels.
While the artwork is dynamic and polished, the advocacy-focused material is too explicitly linked to contemporary politics in one city. Furthermore, the book offers a too-specific reflection of a place through the narrow lens of one person’s experiences, providing limited information about New York City compared to what can be found in broader books.
An excellent purchase where unique, amusing, and compulsively readable coming-of-age graphic fiction is in demand.
The new Children’s Booker Prize to be given for fiction written for ages 8–12 will launch in 2026 and first be awarded in 2027.
These picture books that celebrate found families, friendship, and connection are great choices for holidays shelves.
The books that shine here, including the latest from Leslie Patricelli and Mo Willems, keep it simple, are all heart, and let babies be babies and preschoolers be preschoolers.
Vida and her brother Máximo live in Ratontepec,or Mousetepec in English, a town full of life, where they help their mother sell piñatas in the bustling market. The town is full of joy, and people come...
A young girl uses the magic of sewing to give to her community in this artful picture book. As a little girl, Romi learns to sew from her grandmother, the seamstress in their Jewish community in Cuba....
These wordless books from award winning Afro-Latino author-illustrator Velasquez focus on an unlikely friendship between a young ballerina and a polar bear. Chloe, who is Black, and fellow Harlem Chil...
A fun and colorful story for middle-grade readers who enjoy tales of magic, mystery, and family ties.
A highly recommended purchase for botany sections that are lacking a fun encyclopedic element.
A unique look at both the Apollo 10 space mission and the art of a notable African American artist integrated into one successful picture book, this is a solid introduction to both and sure to pique the interest of space and art lovers alike.
A powerful work covering the big and small story of the creation of the universe, this is an excellent addition to a classroom library with accessible language and illustrations that speak to both younger and older learners.
Purchase where Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels and Spanish-language middle school stories are popular.
There can never be too many Halloween books! Check out these recently reviewed board books and picture books to round out Halloween displays and programs.
The game is afoot! Give these chapter book and middle grade capers to fans of whodunits and thrillers.
There’s not a dull moment in these transitional books for the main characters and their siblings!
A perfect light read for fans of magical boarding schools and Japanese mythology.
A worthy follow-up that expands on the humor and heart of the first installment, and an excellent pick for fans of humorous graphic novels and family-centered storytelling.
Whether it's the latest book in a favorite series or the next great read, librarians will find plenty of options to keep their most voracious patrons satisfied.
Bright illustrations, silly situations, and a sense of continuity and rigor in skill-building are the hallmarks of this season's decodable series.
These picture book series offer a sweet escape into education or entertainment.
The gentle stories in this collection of early readers feature warm, inviting illustrations and focus on navigating family and friendships.
These cheerful chapter books span a wide range of reading interests and genres and are a bastion of diverse stories and characters.
A chill is in the air, and there is no better time to be immersed in a juicy middle grade series.
These hi-lo titles have all the adventure, intrigue, romance, and drama that will engage striving readers.
Adam Fisher, Lane Libraries, Butler County, OH, Emilia Packard, Bloomington, IL, and Alexandra Quay, Chandler School, Pasadena, CA,
Oct 02, 2025
Wild adventures, goofy characters, and candy-colored illustrations dominate this collection of graphic novels.
The books in these YA series serve up a generous dose of big feelings.
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