Slow, solemn, and philosophically rich
Easy-flowing rhymes plus construction equipment, vibrant illustrations, and strong female representation in nontraditional roles culminate in a standout title.
A brilliant blend of dystopian and contemporary fantasy that will leave readers in complete awe by the end.
This satisfying and accessible graphic novel could readily serve as a mentor text and is an excellent book club choice for middle school students.
A lively, heartfelt fantasy anchored by humor and queer community; a strong addition to YA and upper middle grade collections. Fans of Lukens or authors like Mackenzi Lee and Aiden Thomas will not be disappointed.
A beautiful look at not only how bridges work but also how they connect people and change lives. Suitable for varying levels of interest, this is a solid purchase for most libraries.
This lovely audiobook will delight readers of adventure and fairy tales. Fans of DiCamillo’s other Norendy audiobooks, including The Hotel Balzaar and The Puppets of Spelhorst, will be enchanted.
In this giggle-inducing story for readers across a solid grade range, Monster’s unique conundrum offers an amusing, unexpected adventure down a familiar path.
A must for all collections, this hilarious story full of puns shows readers how creativity can be more important than size in getting a job done correctly.
Packed with punk rock and monster fights, this graphic novel’s fun vibes will be rocking right off middle grade shelves.
A concise, expert, and practical reference. Every school librarian, especially those seeking dependable, quick answers, should add this to their professional shelf. Highly recommended.
A truly stellar example of the best that horror can be, perfect for high schoolers who are not quite ready to engage with the works of Andrew Joseph White.
A powerful, unflinching exploration of Islamophobia, identity, and grief. An essential purchase for all collections.
The relative simplicity of the story (once the key elements have been established) and characters is more likely to appeal to younger teens than Taylor’s “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” series, but it will be savored by listeners longing to be transported to the faerie realm.
Meaningful and celebratory, this is an empowering story to share with elementary-aged readers to remind them of the strength and importance of raising their voices in support of equity and justice.
A must-purchase for collections where true crime and nearly unbelievable historical tales are popular.
A strong choice for school and public libraries, this is a positive, engaging story for upper middle graders and a welcome addition to baseball fiction collections.
A charmingly labyrinthine fantasy with broad appeal for those who enjoy clever narration and lightly chaotic quests; a strong addition to collections.
A required purchase for all middle school collections and a perfect pairing with Barbara Dee’s Maybe He Just Likes You.
A moving exploration of a young woman finding out what she wants for her life and her body.
A first purchase for libraries that own the companion novels and for middle grade readers interested in learning about the ongoing events in Ukraine.
This richly detailed encyclopedia transports readers across the US, supporting an appreciation for the flora and fauna of the country and enhancing STEM curricula.
For readers who love mythology, tearjerkers, and impossible romances.
A recommended purchase for middle grade collections.
For fans of Heartstopper and other sweet LGBTQIA+ romances, as well as anyone looking for a story about what it’s like to live with an invisible disability.
Funny and insightful, with deep philosophical questions nestled comfortably within an accessible and thrilling narrative, this is must-have for all collections.
Useful for both individuals and classrooms, this concise collection of well-researched facts is a browsable homage to the moments and people that molded present-day America.
A scavenger hunt adventure that is loving and tenderhearted about “a village” using local resources to model being open to new experiences in bold, creative, and inventive ways.
Engaging and beautifully written and illustrated, this can be read as an adventure story or be used for STEM learning. Regardless, it will inspire readers to learn more about the Kraffts’s lifelong passion and is an outstanding addition to any collection.
A must purchase companion graphic novel with cover appeal and attractive social commentary.
A funny and poignant graphic memoir, this is a must-buy for every library.
Especially well-suited to being paired with recordings of Copland’s music, this accessible biography effectively connects young readers to the artist’s life and the ongoing relevance of his work into the present day.
This must-read will delight graphic novel fans and self-proclaimed word nerds. Readers will be eagerly anticipating the sequel the minute they finish.
An excellent resource that lends a lively, humorous tone to a straightforward topic.
This is a compelling and sweet must-read for all teen romantasy readers who want a cozy but adventure-packed story.
This inventive book will engage young readers interested in Asian American history, activism, and social justice.
A dreamy story with sophisticated illustrations that will live in the minds of readers long after its conclusion. Recommended.
This hard-to-put-down mystery centering an ensemble cast is a solid choice for fans of the genre, especially for those who loved Karen McManus’s One of Us Is Lying or Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games.
A compassionate, thought-provoking story that encourages empathy and innovation. Highly recommended for middle school readers and educators.
A compelling story that is highly recommended for any high school library with romance readers.
Readers of sci-fi fantasy books will love this inventive new addition.
An excellent choice for elementary classrooms, young naturalists, homeschooling families, and any child fascinated by animals, ecosystems, or environmental stewardship, filled with sensory language, and captivating images.
This charming pictorial work will be devoured by budding ornithologists and nature lovers alike. Highly recommended for all nonfiction collections.
This is a stunning collection of animals and their nests that will make an ideal addition to any nonfiction picture book collection.
A beautiful reminder that America is shaped by many different stories and experiences, and that the goal is to continue expanding who is included in that “we.” Perfect for all libraries.
A necessary purchase, this glorious collaboration between author and illustrator brings the world of jellyfish to unforgettable life.
A delightful, curious, and engaging collection; if there is only one poetry book to add this year, this is it.
Essential for any collection, especially those looking for picture books for older readers, this book is perfect for those interested in science, exploration, and the extreme frontiers of our world.Graphic Nonfiction
A heartwarming tale that will thoroughly engage readers and leave them completely satisfied at the its conclusion.
A lovely introduction to the challenges of the creative process, Monet, and the joys of having a young pet, this is highly recommended for all collections; it’s an outstanding example of the power of a wordless picture book.
A rallying cry for young people to demand environmental protection with detailed magical illustrations through which the message is powerfully embedded.
A must-purchase, universally appealing story to build on diversity and social justice in early fiction collections. Neville’s debut is sure to be a hit with fans of the “Jada Jones,” “Jo Jo Makoons,” and “Yasmin” series.
As a balm to frenetic, quick-cut storytelling; as a soul-filling friendship tale; as the satisfying conclusion to a beautiful series
A triumphant addition to an already excellent series, highly recommended for middle school collections and libraries.
A witty fantasy that celebrates ingenuity and subverts prophecy; a strong pick for readers who enjoy genre-bending adventures.
A true triumph of the genre, with gripping pacing, authentic characters, and a balance of coming-of-age and survival. Older middle grade readers will be riveted by this heartfelt thriller; a must for all library collections.
A realistic fiction title worthy of any middle school and public library shelf.
Fans of Sharon M. Draper’s “Out of My Mind” series will love this new story. Highly recommended for all school and public libraries and K–12 children’s literature collections in academic libraries.
This charmer flawlessly ebbs and flows like ocean tides.
A comparison to His Dark Materials feels inevitable, particularly given Anya’s feisty character, and this is similarly a charming and often grittier-than-expected audiobook for fantasy fans.
An excellent read-aloud for all children, this book will be a welcome addition to any elementary school library.
This paean to school will warm the heart of anyone who has ever worked in a school setting and is the perfect gift for Teacher Appreciation Day.
This factual and life-affirming book celebrates our ocean and reminds us to keep it healthy and wild.
This is highly recommended for purchase, and especially useful for units on the Civil Rights Movement and civic engagement.
By inviting children to understand the teachings of animal brothers and sisters, this book works for units on nature, animals, and Indigenous culture, and is a compelling work for all collections.
A gentle, inspiring addition to classroom, library, and community collections, perfect for helping children reflect on their own stories and honor the stories of others.
This winning, humorous title will delight on its own and even more so when paired with its predecessor. A first purchase.
A simple notion carried out with intention, effectively evoking compassion in children across many grade levels.
Hand to fans of Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie, as well as those who love Yoon’s other stories. A first purchase for all libraries where little readers frolic.
There isn’t a kid alive who won’t respond to this book; libraries should consider buying multiple copies.
Children will enjoy poring over the presented facts and the exquisite illustrations, and budding entomologists will adore this thought-out and well-designed book. Highly recommended.
This powerful graphic novel about a little-known battle in Salvadorian history needs to be on every graphic novel shelf.
This grim, sophisticated, and deeply unsettling story is a necessary addition for readers dealing with complex social and ethical issues. Fans of gritty, politically charged thrillers will be highly engaged.
A superbly crafted story navigated by a character with a strong, authentic voice. It’s sure to be a hit with teens.
An excellent title for libraries with teens who love genre-blending romance.
This is an important novel about the complexities of life with epilepsy, the challenges of advocating for your own medical treatment, and accepting the loss of loved ones. Highly recommended for readers of books like Kate Korsh’s Never Seen the Stars, Hannah Moskowitz’s Sick Kids in Love, or Abbey Lee Nash’s Breathing Underwater.
A highly recommended vibrant Irish-inspired fantasy.
An absolutely wild ride that deserves a place in every teen collection.
A first purchase, recommended for current McLemore fans and for readers who enjoy Taylor Kay Mejia or Freddie Kolsch.
A fun and relatable story about friendship, personal growth, and courage that will captivate fans of Gordon Korman and James Patterson.
This fast-paced dystopian novel is a must have due to the complex plot, fantastic writing, and queer representation.
Deeply relatable and beautifully written. Hand this to mature readers who are fans of Sabaa Tahir’s books or folktales.
An enjoyable picture book perfect for dog and cat lovers alike. Molk’s artwork alone could carry the story, but paired with the playful text, it becomes an irresistible read-aloud about friendship, surprises, and learning to make room for someone new.
Reminiscent of the Netflix television series Outer Banks, this is a mystery shrouded in history, wrapped up with a love story.
Librarians can’t go wrong putting any Reynolds novel on their shelves, and his latest is no exception. This story’s format and fast pace might catch the eye of reluctant readers looking for a quick yet intense and realistic story.
A thoughtful, character-driven fantasy with strong female leads and themes of courage and identity. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical settings with a modern sensibility.
A powerful autobiographical graphic novel that paints a poignant portrait of an immigrant family’s reckoning with heritage and history, this is recommended for all collections.
A thrilling, heartrending close to a must-purchase fantasy duology built for lovers of shonen manga who crave a touch of romance.
Highly recommended for purchase where fantasy and science fiction are in demand.
Though the main character has surrounded herself with death, this is a must-read work filled with life.
A healing balm to a hurting soul and a first purchase for all school libraries. Highly recommended.
Highly recommended for middle grade collections. A beautifully written, contemplative novel well suited for readers processing grief, change, or uncertainty.
Make space on the shelf for this tender and timely exploration of a family’s shared history and the lasting echoes of a parent’s love.
A rich triumph of historical fiction; recommended for all youth fiction collections.
A must-purchase for all middle grade graphic novel collections. With an expected follow-up planned for this coming fall, readers will surely be eager for more.
For fans of Judy Moody and Stink, this has fantastic crossover and great cover appeal. A must-purchase.
This lovely homage to the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and nature is a must-buy for all Spanish-language picture book biography collections.
An excellent addition to YA collections. Hand to any fans of fairy tales.
Readers who enjoy fantasy, mystery, theatre, and a little bit of romance will love this twisty story.
A strongly written, spooky choice for any middle school library. An outstanding recommendation for readers who enjoy R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series or are drawn to the horror/fantasy genre.
articles