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These selections combine witty dialogue, incongruous situations, goofy characters, and silly plots to keep young readers entertained.
This comical, relatable, and delightful picture book is a must-have for young children and families.
This beautifully written, vibrantly illustrated book would be a solid choice for sharing the culture and life experiences of desert dwellers, whether as windows or mirrors.
PREMIUM
The Summer Love Strategy
Teens searching for stories exploring nuanced friendships will love the easy flow of dialogue, the adventures, the acceptance, and the sweet “friends to girlfriends” romance.
This novel has camp adventures galore and some swoony romantic moments; readers who love the stories of Casey McQuiston, Sophie Gonzales, and Becky Albertalli will add Baldwin to their list of excellent sapphic storytellers.
PREMIUM
With Love, Echo Park
A great addition to realistic fiction, this book has equal parts romance and family drama.
PREMIUM
Build a Girlfriend
A story brimming with heart and comedy, full of quirky moments that sometimes feel forced and overwhelming.
PREMIUM
Werewolf Hamlet
An emotional and engaging tale teetering the line between tragedy and comedy; this is a delightful addition to any middle grade collection.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A fun, engaging read that is appropriate for all ages but would especially fit in the early reader section of any library.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A perfect read for fans who love fast-paced unconventional stories with good triumphing over evil and a feel-good ending.
Arango’s fans will celebrate the opportunity to read another poignant story told in verse; it packs a punch, and is brimming with love and optimism. Recommend to fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Barbara O’Connor, and Kwame Alexander.
This compelling novel will leave readers hoping for a future sequel. Hand to readers of the “Rick Riordan Presents” series, and tell them this is even better.
PREMIUM
Rhino’s Run
Teens who enjoyed Lipsyte’s other books may enjoy this, but this is definitely a dropped ball from the normally great writer.
A strong title for holiday early chapter book collections. This is a great purchase for elementary school libraries where Subramaniam’s other books, such as My Name Is Long as a River, are popular.
A sweet purchase for libraries to boost Muslim picture book collections.
PREMIUM
No Place Left to Hide
Highly enjoyable and highly recommended. In her second thriller, Lally continues to prove herself one to watch in the genre.
PREMIUM
We Are Family (L.O.L. Surprise)
Kids who love the L.O.L. Surprise! dolls will devour this colorful, straightforward early reader, which is recommended to libraries with larger collections.
Recommended for purchase where the Berenstain Bears are popular.
Cute and filled with the reality of sisters who don’t get along all the time, this graphic novel will appeal to fans of humorous stories with a fairy-tale spin.
PREMIUM
Snap! Crunch! Munch?
Blending easy reader and early graphic novel formats, this enjoyable story captures the fun of family meals and invites readers to chime in with a “Nom. Nom. Nommm.”
Although light on story, the familiarity of the Dean team’s beloved feline character makes this a recommended purchase where those other early reader titles are popular.
This is a well-written book that will appeal to young readers who are beginning to show interest in their self-image; teachers may find that this story serves to increase reader vocabulary.
PREMIUM
Mack Moon and the P.E.T.S
Filled with comical, appealing art and slapstick humor, this book is sure to find its audience.
PREMIUM
Cool Buds: To the Rescue!
A welcome new graphic novel series for early readers who enjoy comic adventures without superheroes. Recommended for libraries serving this age group.
PREMIUM
Makeda Makes a Mountain
Recommended for purchase to expand diverse offerings, but other early readers, such as the “Questioneers” series, will build a stronger collection.
PREMIUM
Lost and Found in the City
A delightful addition to early chapter book collections, especially for young readers who enjoy humorous animal tales.
PREMIUM
Meet the Boxcar Children: Bk. 1
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
This must-have addition to the series continues the journey of an endearing protagonist who authentically illuminates a variety of coming-of-age lessons.
A realistic story about being yourself and feeling good about it, and a perfect title for bedtime.
PREMIUM
Mystery at the Old Ranch: Bk. 4
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
PREMIUM
Secret of the Yellow House. Bk 3
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
PREMIUM
Surprise Island Adventure: Bk. 2
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
Kelly convincingly provides a soothing balm to navigating the precarious pitfalls of middle school dramas.
A notably complementary quartet of two British actors and two phenomenal U.S. authors (Sheinkin reads the historical note, Sepetys the acknowledgements) enhance an already exemplary read on the page.
PREMIUM
Gracie Under the Waves
With increasing threats to climate change protections, Gracie’s ardent commitment is antidotal sustenance for young activists.
While effortlessly enlivening Warga’s notable characters, Crouch expertly imparts that “singular feeling to be understood. Seen. Connected. It is the best feeling in the whole world.”
PREMIUM
A Brush with Magic
Bell turns contemporary magical realism into convincing multicultural exploration.
PREMIUM
A Constellation of Minor Bears
An Indigenous trifecta assuredly accentuate Ferguson’s three-pronged coming-of-age novel.
In any format, Johnson’s justified demand for recognition for “the Flamboyants” transforms into accessible, necessary inspiration for new generations.
PREMIUM
Find Her
Author and narrator solidly inspire greater awareness and action to safeguard and save Indigenous women and girls.
PREMIUM
All the Truth I Can Stand
A quarter-century after the original tragedy, Picasso ushers Stokes’s fictionalized truth with measured, attentive narration.
A compelling blend of folklore and adventure that will appeal to fans of B. B. Alston's Amari and the Night Brothers and Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, this is a beautiful, inclusive work that’s also a terrific story; highly recommended for middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
The City of Lost Cats
This ambitious multigenre novel provides enough twists to keep readers engaged and wondering how all the distinct elements will come together in resolution.
Perfect for readers who love trains and adventure. A valuable addition with an entertaining story line and enjoyable artwork.
A must-purchase for exploration of advocacy for kiddos with sensitive souls, and a great choice for group reading. Pair this with The Lonely Book by Meg Grehan.
This wolf tale presents a diversity of ideologies and perspectives, all of which are sure to help readers reflect on where and how they fit into the world. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
13 Ways to Say Goodbye
Recommended for middle grade collections where verse novels are popular.
To remember is to honor the past, and Currie’s Gothic problem-solving horror combines the best of local history with community action. Highly recommended for middle grade shelves.
PREMIUM
On Thin Ice
A resonant novel about sports and sibling relationships in the face of grief; recommended for realistic fiction collections.
PREMIUM
Danilo Was Here
An excellent purchase for middle grade collections looking for unique historical fiction perspectives and sports fiction.
PREMIUM
Ice Apprentices
This first book in a new series is distinct and enjoyable for its worldbuilding, and is for fans of magic academy tales and mystery.
A fun, refreshing, and occasionally dark story recommended for fans of Harry Potter.
PREMIUM
The Doomsday Vault
Without more emphasis on the characters’ personal struggles and less on fantastical elements, this title does not fully deliver a rich emotional experience. Still, fans of cerebral adventures and time-traveling twists will find much to enjoy.
PREMIUM
The Secrets of Underhill
This socially conscious fantasy should appeal to fans of Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Christina Soontornvat’s A Wish in the Dark.
PREMIUM
The Paper Bridge
A very different kind of fairy tale that revolves around a paper craft and with salient lessons on cooperation and community.
PREMIUM
Wind Watchers
A fresh and poetic offering for wind and weather-themed story times. Recommended for all picture book collections.
PREMIUM
The Night Before Earth Day
This fits the bill for an earth-themed chapter in this series. Purchase where circulation warrants and paperback formats are appropriate.
PREMIUM
My Dear Sea
Truly, the sea is dear in this immensely gorgeous tale of oceanic depth, perfect for reading aloud to preschoolers and early elementary children.
An essential purchase for most libraries that celebrates global diversity and the joy of dance.
Best for cozy story hours, small classroom settings, or home reading, this unique picture book celebrates the power that friendship has to open up the world in more ways than one.
Within the confines of a regular day, the author-illustrator brilliantly conveys the joy and beauty found in an autumn morning, making every small moment relatable and wonderful. A solid purchase for libraries.
PREMIUM
Safe Crossing
Young eco-activists looking for an ambitious but doable local project will find both useful informational guidelines and inspiration here, despite the fictional wrappings.
PREMIUM
I Love You, Mama
A delightful gift book and thoughtful addition to Mother’s Day collections, and a treasure for sharing with little ones.
The art seems to be a tip of the hat to Jon Klassen’s enigmatic work in the humor, the controlled palette, and the incredible story line. Teachers and kids will love this whole package.
PREMIUM
Call Me Gebyanesh
What an unusual, subtle addition to a familiar conflict; this will be a good fit for collections that support social-emotional learning in early elementary students.
PREMIUM
Made for More
A thoughtfully crafted story and unique depiction of a biracial child; the details of one child’s developing self-image and self-concept will resonate for readers.
PREMIUM
The Greatest River
This piece of literature beautifully represents the Ganga river and serves to educate readers on the Hindu beliefs and practices surrounding the river.
A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others.
An interesting story, but also one that leaves readers with an unanswered question.
PREMIUM
Moonlight, Goodnight
A serviceable bedtime story with outstanding illustrations, perhaps for post-story-hour naps.
An additional purchase for library collections, particularly where demand for literary adaptations for children is high.
PREMIUM
Eggs, Please!
Highly recommended for most library collections as a fun and educational pick for young food lovers.
PREMIUM
Biology Lessons
An essential and poignant novel that will resonate deeply with older teens navigating the complex world of relationships, identity, and social justice.
PREMIUM
These Vengeful Wishes
Recommended purchase; hand this to fans of Trang Thanh Tran’s She Is a Haunting and Krystal Sutherland’s House of Hollow.
PREMIUM
The Rival
Recommended for school and public libraries; shelve with books aimed at readers leaving the nest and flying on their own for the first time.
PREMIUM
Mystery Royale
This novel takes the successful inheritance-mystery formula and infuses it with dark, illusory magic. Hand this to fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games or Joelle Wellington’s Their Vicious Games.
Smartly told with fast-paced and suspenseful chapters, there is no question librarians would be pleased to add this novel to collections.
PREMIUM
This Is the Year
A sad but hopeful look at our future if climate change continues to be ignored.
This straight shot of pure shonen manga energy is a priority purchase for libraries struggling to meet the needs of middle schoolers who are striving readers.
PREMIUM
Needy Little Things
Riveting and complex, this debut is a robust companion to Jade Adia’s There Goes the Neighborhood and Tiffany D. Jackson’s Monday’s Not Coming.
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