A touching tale, with shortcomings, about grief and friendship among humans and pets alike; this will circulate well in libraries where Cannistra’s books are popular.
Thoughtfully addressing decision-making anxiety with humor and warmth, this title is a solid purchase for large picture book collections.
A heartbreaking historical story about grief, legacy, and the complexities of being human. Recommended for general purchase.
An appealing invitation to contemplate how our actions may impact the natural world, this title is a welcome addition to any picture book collection, especially where there is a demand for STEM content.
A definite purchase for all libraries.
Generous sentiments against tempered storytelling make for a tangible glimpse of amiable competition mixed with a powerful draw toward cooperation. A necessary volume.
Bourgonje has a gift for watercolor-like scenes that keep action—a lot of action
Simple and empowering, this book may hit the mark for young children.
A lively book for inclusion, but not a necessity.
This book is highly recommended for libraries, as it offers an important message of inclusion, empathy, and the different ways friendship can flourish.
This thoughtfully crafted story could be helpful to a young reader who has a family member struggling with addiction. A solid purchase where picture books addressing serious topics are needed.
A “fetching” tale from the reigning master of retro-themed whimsy.
A solid addition to any school library’s STEM collection that promotes innovation, perseverance, and maintaining a proactive attitude.
A solid first book for the series, especially for readers who might want some romance but nothing heavy handed.
An important and timely book that will make anyone who has been “othered” feel seen. Recommended for most collections.
The story is so basic but the treatment in words and art is not, and this will help children put into words the very noisy side of being mad.
Listeners who enjoy nonfiction, documentaries, and titles about World War II will want to pick up this audiobook. Recommended for all library collections.
For the Indigenous shelves, for the SEL shelves, this is a book to charmingly inspire children to reflect on their day-to-day.
Children will be empowered to declare their own special events each week, while educators and parents will see that even small moments are worthy of celebration.
A must for every YA collection.
Keeping engaging series fiction in the hands of young patrons as they build habits and discover a love of reading is a priority. Fiction Series Made Simple is designed to help librarians maintain fresh and fun collections.
A careful examination of decodable sets designed to support burgeoning readers and their grown-ups on the path toward reading fluency.
Picture book series that help readers consider their place in the world.
This season’s additions to early reader series appeal to developing passions in science, animal welfare, and more.
Additions to beloved, well-established series and exciting new adventures await readers in this season’s middle grade selections.
The best of these hi-lo titles hit on the perfect mix of layered characterization, compelling plots, and sharp writing that will appeal to readers of any skill level.
These graphic novels series and sequels bring lessons about friendship, care, and self-determination into sharp focus.
If you’re looking to foster a love for fantasy that’s sure to last a lifetime, here are six spectacular, inclusive (and more or less recent) middle grade fantasy books to gift this holiday season.
A highly enjoyable body-part adventure; correctly named body parts in rhyming text will resonate with readers who are interested in their own bodies.
Encouraging children and their families to enjoy time outdoors, this is perfect guidance for this demographic that can be carried along on adventures, or enjoyed as a daydream.
A heartfelt and essential purchase for all libraries.
Fabulous characters and an excellent plot hook readers from the start and keep them reading. Highly recommended for all libraries.
A charming and exciting read for upper-elementary readers.
This is an age-relevant horror novel for tweens with a spooky twist.
An excellent science fiction story with just enough creep factor and excellent pacing to keep readers tearing through the pages to the gripping climax. Nix uses his superb writing powers to control and thrill readers throughout this fantastic novel.
Existing fans will most likely be eager to read this installment, but, with its very familiar beats, it’s hard to imagine a new generation of readers connecting with “Dork Diaries.”
Recommended for readers of fantasy, and especially those who enjoy playful language and highly imaginative settings.
This will be popular with Korman’s many fans, but it is not one of his best.
Add this to the shelf! It fills an important gap with charm, fun, and heart; it’s a must-have for holiday collections.
Usually putting “unicorn” in a title is part of a recipe for success, but this light offering is flimsy.
A unique and well-done spin on the subtraction caused by disappearing animals trope, and a good purchase for picture book collections.
This book is a perfect read-aloud and is excellent for the classroom, teaching readers the value of kindness through humor.
For elementary libraries lacking books that address this specific message, this is an important purchase.
Purchase where the first book is popular.
An important volume that celebrates the value of family and cultural heritage.
A highly entertaining tale with interesting information on how different creatures cope with hot days, this is recommended for all collections for an engaging blend of science and story.
This book celebrates culture, connection, and the universal journey of finding where one belongs. It is an inspiring, enjoyable story that will resonate long after the last page.
Kindergarten teachers may want a copy to read annually, but most public libraries can skip this one.
A perfect transitional book for those leaving their teenage years behind and stepping forward into the vastness of uncertainty that is adulthood.
This sequel to Silver in the Bone is an excellent end to a clever and creative duology. Recommended for purchase.
A complex and highly rewarding series entry that will follow readers beyond the final page. Highly recommended.
For teens interested in titles that blur the line between YA and new adult, this is an entertaining romance that starts as cotton candy and ends with the satisfying chew of a macaron.
Cashore threads fiction with fact in a three-generational story of love, loss, and friendship. For mature readers and a must for all collections.
Sisterhood, vampire romance, and the immigrant history of Manhattan makes this novel a triumph.
A satisfying conclusion to a complex duology; recommended for collections that have the first installment.
Choosing the page might be the more authentic option.
Taylor-Corbett warmly invites readers to join a transformative multigenerational, multispecies journey through struggles and adventures, past and present.
An unusual, loving purchase. Nanji serves Calgary, Alberta, well, showing it off as a Canadian, multicultural haven. Alina’s problems are our problems, and solutions are universal.
A unique and stellar piece about taking time to look at what others have made before you, and to wonder, this is a mesmerizing glimpse into art and the past; a must for all collections serving children.
Where books on kindness are in short supply, this is safe purchase.
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.
Humorous, relatable elementary school situations make this a perfect suggestion for a reluctant reader.
An exceptional book about Ramadan that celebrates the breaking of the daily fast and the sharing of the transcendent power of food.
A must-have conclusion to a winning series.
A series opener that will leave readers aching for the next installment. Not to be missed, this is one enemies-to-lovers trope that lives up to the name.
This novel suffers from a rough start, but the second half makes it worthy of consideration in collections short on stories about addiction, loss, and generational trauma.
This novel excels in delivering a fast-paced and unique dystopian thriller with a cliffhanger ending.
A triumph; Green has crafted an unforgettable coming-of-age story that is poignant and hopeful. With a blend of humor and resilience, this work deserves a place in the hearts of readers, especially those navigating similar journeys in a world that doesn’t always welcome difference.
This action-packed adventure is perfect for young manga fans. Purchase where Splatoon is popular or younger readers are begging for manga.
A moving story appropriate for a younger audience. This is an essential purchase.
A must buy for school libraries; kids will be clamoring for the continuation of Big Jim’s story.
Any new title from Jeffers is sure to attract attention. Due to the book’s complex plot line, young readers will be more enamored of the whimsical, characteristic artwork.
A resonant, compelling addition to library collections.
Nestled in the pages between its poetry and inspired art is a highly recommended book that readers of all ages will love.
A playful and engaging story that encourages children to appreciate themselves just as they are.
Both an engaging group read-aloud and a book to prompt deeper discussion between a child and their grown-up.
A substantial addition to any collection, especially those dealing with tough topics.
A solid addition to collections, but with an important caveat: it encourages readers to write in the book’s final pages.
Relatable to any child, regardless of religion, who is trying to navigate a world of grown-up nuance. A valuable window and mirror for readers.
Using a graphic novel format, this slyly humorous picture book about dreaming big, accidentally solving a mystery, and doing right by those who have been wronged is sure to be a hit.
A welcome tale about persistence and optimism in the face of hardship.
A tender look at adoption from a shy and sensitive boy’s perspective, this book is a necessary addition to the shelves.
A must-purchase tale of conservation and coming of age for children and adults.
Despite the disparity in quality between the two alternating perspectives of this book, teens who enjoy lighthearted queer love stories by authors like Jason June, Mason Deaver, and Jennifer Dugan will enjoy this candy cane–sweet holiday romance.
Henry will help many children feel better about their worries, making this a good choice for early elementary collections in need of contemporary graphic novels.
An amiable chapter book that illuminates the daily life of a child on the autism spectrum while providing information on dogs. An unnecessary fantasy element adds little to the storytelling.
A touching story of overcoming social fears, perfect for early chapter book readers or those younger to read with a loved one.
A feel-good graphic novel about doing what you love and being flexible. Recommended for readers who enjoy some facts with their fiction adventure stories.
Sure to please young nature-lovers transitioning to longer chapter books.
A relatable story for young readers on the ups and downs of friendship in elementary school.
A fast-paced adventure for confident readers willing to tackle unfamiliar words.
Early readers will be looking forward to reading Lucy’s next adventure.
A chapter book about friendship and SEL that will be a great fit for children’s collections.
Nothing groundbreaking, but fans of the movie will forgive the formulaic plot.
A fresh look at the early reader superhero genre with unbeatable art that pushes boundaries.
An enchanting story that is recommended for readers across a wide grade range.
This warm tale about self-realization and growth is recommended for picture book collections.
A solid read-aloud with themes of venturing out and dealing with anxieties.
This is a good choice for libraries in need of SEL.
The illustrations and the author’s use of rhyme work wonderfully together in a lovingly crafted story of diversity.
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