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A worthy title to add to a library’s early chapter book shelves, especially those featuring neurodiversity among young people.
New readers are about to start a long and wonderful friendship with this impeccable new series.
Elementary school readers and their teachers will delight in this laugh-out-loud narrative lesson on poetry writing, or even pick it up just for fun. A recommended purchase for school and public libraries.
A recommended purchase for libraries expanding their early reader sections.
This volume may encourage young readers to expand their knowledge of naming words while engaging in picture hunt visual acuity exercises.
A richly imagined story to help children find balance when they are afraid, this is highly recommended for all collections.
Silly, sweet, and achievable stories for beginning independent readers.
Readers who like realistic fiction, doing good, humor, and friendship stories will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where early chapter realistic fiction is popular.
Fun and irreverent mysteries with relatable humor fill this charmer that highlights the value of friendship and being yourself. Highly recommended.
A good addition to early reader graphic novel collections looking to add more books that feature stories about the power of friendship.
A gentle and wholesome title for growing early readers.
This book has everything: diverse characters, a funny and entertaining plot, and a stand-out, memorable main character. An essential purchase for all.
PREMIUM
Saved by the Smell
A fun, quirky read that will entertain young readers. The series promises more zany adventures, making this a solid choice for most collections.
PREMIUM
Right Back at You
Through authentic and likable characters, readers will learn much about the Holocaust and antisemitism, as well as the importance of leaning on friends and family for support.
PREMIUM
A Study in Secrets
A great choice for tweens who already enjoy or are looking to get into mysteries.
PREMIUM
Inside the Park
With broad appeal beyond baseball, this is a delightful coming-of-age story with humor, honesty, and heart.
Historical realism blends with thrilling sci-fi to deliver a story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. It’s a timely and excellent choice for readers in a world that continues to struggle with both war and identity.
PREMIUM
The Rehearsal Club
Readers who love mysteries, along with singing and dancing, will enjoy this clever story that opens an intriguing window into theater history.
Beautifully written and accompanied by a glossary and a map of the island, this is a book to be shared again and again. Highly recommended for all libraries.
Hand to fans of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s The War that Saved My Life and Kate Albus’s A Place to Hang the Moon. A first purchase for all libraries.
A heartrending story of grief and resilience with a surprising depth despite a brief page count. A recommended first purchase for all collections serving teens and tweens.
PREMIUM
At Home in a Faraway Place
A simple, charmingly written story about a vacation to Guatemala that lacks the cultural depth and plot to add gravitas.
PREMIUM
Rap It Up!
This ode to hip-hop and rap is a perfect partnership between music and literature; a great purchase for your library’s picture book collection.
A fascinating look at a lesser-known field for working dogs and a surefire hit for a fictional tale that has uses for both cross-curricular connections and young dog enthusiasts.
PREMIUM
Otto and the Story Tree
A good read-aloud for elementary children, this tale covers how life can become a bit more hopeful with a little help from one’s friends.
PREMIUM
A Cup of Quiet
A heartfelt story of time shared with family, this story will encourage imagination and exploration with elementary and primary aged children.
A gratitude-enriched lesson for children that everyone has a different purpose, this book has a quiet but lasting impact for lessons on being true to oneself.
An additional purchase for most school libraries.
For public libraries, this book is an essential resource to celebrate diversity, promote positive representation, and engage readers in meaningful conversations about identity, joy, and the power of self-belief.
PREMIUM
Night Song
Children will love and relate to the arc of Bernard’s story as he patters from job to job; this is a quiet lesson on finding one’s place, big or small, night or day.
PREMIUM
This Is Our City
Few stories capture the joy of playing pretend in such a simple, direct way as this immensely charming book, perfect for reading aloud or independent exploration.
Pair with the original book for a heartwarming set of stories about a unicorn who is just the right size.
PREMIUM
The Keeper of Stories
An inspirational instance of people spontaneously coming together to help out in the wake of a natural urban disaster.
A gorgeous and uplifting tale that will find a home in all collections. Highly recommended.
It’s hard to imagine an audience that wouldn’t be inspired by Ruthie Rose’s idea or a setting that wouldn’t be improved by implementing it.
PREMIUM
The Gift of the Great Buffalo
This is a great volume for bringing an authentic First Nation voice to a historical period.
PREMIUM
The Lonely Goose
By introducing readers to themes of love and loss while fostering an appreciation for wildlife, this stunning book is sure to inspire curiosity and empathy.
PREMIUM
Diggers, Dozers, and Dumpers
What a joyful way to impart information, complete with a female-heavy group of workers, and make children rethink what they know about tools.
PREMIUM
Fierce Aunties!
A tale of feminine magic, power, and strength. A must-purchase and a wonderful read.
An exuberant love letter to all sorts of bellies and the people they belong to. Highly recommended for all collections.
There are many stories about standing up to an overbearing friend, but the fanciful twist on this one makes it stand apart. Recommended for most collections.
PREMIUM
Kenzie’s Little Tree
A heartfelt book that will resonate with families familiar with the struggles that come with chronic illness.
Considering this series’ fresh take on dystopian fiction with themes of mental health and eugenics, it is a must-have for library collections worthy of its place next to Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games.
PREMIUM
The Meadowbrook Murders
A cutthroat boarding school story recommended for purchase where murder mysteries are particularly popular.
A strong entry point into dark academia fantasy, recommended for all libraries serving YA readers.
Recommended as a purchase for libraries seeking more stories with queer characters, or for those who want lighter sci-fi.
This unputdownable adventure is highly recommended for all collections and perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab’s “Shades of Magic” series.
PREMIUM
A Catalog of Burnt Objects
The amount of sexual innuendo, dangerous situations, and strong language make this work for older teens and adults, and otherwise not an essential purchase.
PREMIUM
The Trial Period
Using the backdrop of a school musical, Morrow integrates a whole cast of characters with a variety of backgrounds to create wonderful scenes and dialogue that gets straight to the heart of teen issues and wanting to fit in; the sweetly written romance is lovely in how it surprises both protagonists.
PREMIUM
The Underwood Tapes
A time-bending, twisted tale that will intrigue readers needing reassurance in grief while unraveling a mystery.
PREMIUM
Under the Same Stars
A moving love letter to courage, connection, and the long fight against oppression.
PREMIUM
Unhallowed Halls
A mild introduction to dark academia that will leave seasoned readers wanting more.
PREMIUM
Game On!
This cheerful graphic novel will appeal to elementary age readers who enjoy playing video games and reading stories about friendship.
While there is nostalgia for parents, the series relies on outdated gender roles and predictable plots; this may limit its appeal compared to fresher, more engaging content for young readers.
PREMIUM
How to Die Famous
An interesting idea and well-considered whodunit, this has issues, including a disappointingly rushed ending that makes it an additional purchase.
A must-have for libraries serving young children and an excellent choice for a seasons-centered or imagination-centered story time.
PREMIUM
Misery Hates Company
A solid and entertaining historical mystery, with a few unexpected twists. Marigold is a formidable young woman with plans to live life on her terms. A good general purchase.
PREMIUM
Burning Crowns
A good series for reluctant readers and existing fans, this is a satisfying conclusion to a fun, magic-filled romp. Those who appreciate sweet romances and creepy corpse armies will find much to enjoy.
PREMIUM
Peditos, pedos y superpedos
A good purchase for Spanish-language picture book shelves in need of humorous titles.
PREMIUM
Pluto Rocket: Full Blast!
This hilarious installment of the “Pluto Rocket” series belongs on library shelves and in the hands of young readers.
An excellent choice for libraries where fantasy is in high demand. Give this book to nature and animal lovers alike.
A joyous celebration of diversity and nurturing, this is a book to enliven story hours and one that children will want to share with friends and family.
PREMIUM
On Our Way! What a Day!
This musical picture book of gift-searching grandkids will make a sweet addition to any library’s collection.
PREMIUM
Time for Us
A relatable book with gentle examples for children of how to turn everyday struggles and into blissful moments of appreciation and joy.
PREMIUM
This Pirate Needs Your Help!
Solid purchase for collections that feature interactive texts, makerspaces aimed at the young, or for whole group activities.
A sweet story with minor religious overtones. Recommended secondary purchase for elementary and public libraries.
Libraries looking to add Easter titles beyond the common rabbit picture books or religious depictions will want to add this to their collections. Most libraries will find this an additional purchase.
A supplemental purchase for libraries seeking to expand their collection of similar titles.
A compelling tale full of the mundane and magical, Luce’s adventures and self-discovery will keep readers engaged in this page turner. A very strong first buy.
PREMIUM
Haunt Sweet Home
This haunting story may appeal to readers seeking a short, spooky paranormal fiction that is light on adrenaline or suspense, but is an optional purchase for most YA collections.
PREMIUM
Can’t Help Falling in Love
A sweet, quick read about tackling change in life that is sure to delight fans of romance and fake-dating.
PREMIUM
Getting Away with Murder
For larger collections. Thriller fans in search of a creepy game read may also enjoy Foxfield’s own Tag, You’re Dead and Kelsea Yu’s It’s Only a Game.
An excellent entry in the “Juana and Lucas” series, this title is perfect for Spanish-language chapter book collections.
PREMIUM
Carving Shadows into Gold
Tensions rise and relationships are strained in this heart-wrenching sequel. Recommended for existing fans and voracious romantasy readers alike.
PREMIUM
Your Island
An excellent purchase for board book collections or libraries serving beginning readers.
A perfect blend of fun and encouragement, this title is a first purchase for library collections.
While it doesn’t break new ground, it’s a solid addition to most collections.
SLJ reviews of YALSA's Excellence in Nonfiction Award titles and the winner and honor books of the 2025 Robert F. Sibert Informational Award, administered by ALSC.
Bestowed annually, the William C. Morris Award honors a young adult title written by a first-time author writing for teens. The 2025 winner: Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo. Four honor books were named.
The First State of Being, a middle grade novel about time travel, Y2K, family, friendship, anxiety, and loss, earned Kelly the coveted award.
These selections combine witty dialogue, incongruous situations, goofy characters, and silly plots to keep young readers entertained.
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