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.
Author and TikTok star Taylor Cassidy joins us to talk about her new book, Black History Is Your History.
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!
An additional purchase for middle grade collections in need of an eye-catching and accessible mythology anthology.
Recommended for high school libraries in need of a collective biography of prominent Latine figures to inspire further study.
An unforgettable, fast-paced survival story written in language that is both accessible and authentic. A must-purchase for middle-grade collections where adventure, resilience, and true survival tales are in demand. Perfect for Hatchet fans looking for their next read.
Dr. Whitney Casares discusses her book, One-of-a-Kind Body and body image with pre-teens and teens.
A unique book among space-exploration titles, this is recommended for browsers and as a first step in the research process.
An important and well-done title that teachers will want to explore with their students.
Give this to fact fiends and fans of the “Science Comics” series.
Readers approaching adulthood need the reassurance, hope, and bravery that Budde provides. A strong purchase for middle grade and teen collections.
An excellent addition to earth science classrooms, elementary school libraries, and medium to large public libraries. Ideal for children who gravitate toward visual nonfiction and enjoy collecting interesting facts.
With a stealthy intention to bring poetry to sports-minded young readers, this book may be too light on sports facts to appeal to soccer fans and too basic in its execution to be a meaningful resource for aspiring poets.
The collection format makes it easy for libraries to offer multiple battles in one simple book and is a must-have for those serving elementary readers.
At a time when Messi biographies are in abundance, this one stands out for its celebration of the phenom’s dedication and resilience in the face of childhood struggles. A first purchase for school and public library biography shelves of an admirable role model.
With vibrant visuals and an incisive narrative, this compelling new look at the Age of Exploration is a first purchase for children’s nonfiction collections.
Recommended for purchase for any collection wishing to spotlight a truly remarkable individual.
A remarkable tribute to those who made space travel possible in unexpected ways, this is a highly recommended STEM purchase to inspire a new generation of women.
An inspiring and energetic account of one man’s record-breaking journey around the world in a wheelchair, this is an uplifting and visually engaging biography of resilience and advocacy and a strong choice for classrooms and collections featuring changemakers and social justice role models.
A landmark work in the “kids love poop” genre, this is a must-buy for every collection.
A great read-aloud to celebrate Earth month, Indigenous innovation, and the resilience of the natural world.
A rousing rendition of a classic song celebrating baseball’s legacy and appeal. Recommended for collections that are looking for sports-themed titles in their picture book collections
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.
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.
Hidden identities, action and survival, and, of course, true love can be found in these new and ongoing manga series.
These cheerful chapter books span a wide range of reading interests and genres and are a bastion of diverse stories and characters.
Beyond bold illustrations and pitch-perfect rhythm make this bio-book a great pick for the shelves.
Board books are an inherently inviting form, but this title does not inspire travel, language skills, or even reading to the end.
An ideal book to acclimate kids of all ages to the notion of clean-up; this book could not be more cheerful.
A simple search-and-find that also carries a warm message of friendship, this board book works for large groups and one-on-one readings.
A must-have book for educators and libraries about the importance of medicine.
This merits wide readership as a triumph in the fight for civil rights that may well be new even to better-read students of the era.
This engaging and informative starter look at soil and the wide variety of the flora and fauna that live there is a solid purchase for all libraries.
Potentially confusing for many readers and without an anchoring demographic, this is an unnecessary purchase for most libraries,
The topic is well worth exploring, but whale falls are not haunted and the elegance of how they function within the ecosystem is anything but spooky.
In picture book format, a light historical look at women who bucked societal conventions to wear athletic gear that allowed them to be faster and better. Good purchase for most libraries.
Informative and colorful, this biography is a great book for libraries, especially those paying attention to kaiju in manga, graphic novels, and other media.
Gr 1-4–Using a friendly tone and speaking directly to readers, this book explains how a carbon atom that is now in a human might once have been in the body of a dinosaur...
This is not compelling as a collection of stories as implied by the title, but it’s a serviceable addition to nonfiction collections.
Succinct text, audacious facts, and vibrant imagery make this nonfiction text a good selection for preschool-aged readers with an interest in animal adaptations.
Lots of photographs and surprising information about lizards make this book both appealing and informative; this book could help launch student inquiries into a wide range of animal life.
A strong purchase. Add this to your collection, especially if your science section could use a little star power.
A good choice for fans of the “Little People, Big Dreams” series, this biography will help inspire young athletes and bring much deserved attention to women’s sports.
A nice biographical introduction of an amazing woman and a good selection for a well-rounded collection.
A driving call to dream big
Informative and engaging, this is an important addition to nonfiction library collections for elementary school-aged readers. Grades K-3
Recommended for purchase for nonfiction collections in both school and public libraries. This is a perfect nonfiction text for reluctant readers who may need some lighthearted humor.
Cassidy excels in making history personal in a way that middle grade readers will connect to and feel empowered by and lets young people know they too can be creative, break down barriers, and help their communities.
A thoroughly researched, visually appealing, and reader-friendly title that brings the hidden world of fungi to life
For collections in need of more diversity in their political leader sections, this book will make a great addition.
This is a brief introduction to some of the world’s museums but doesn’t provide detail beyond a cursory level. Recommended purchase for larger collections or those looking to expand their nonfiction holdings.
A good textbook for classroom use, or as a resource for reports.
Messner’s newest entry in the massively popular “History Smashers” series is accurate, entertaining, and compulsively readable–a must-purchase for library and classroom collections alike!
Great for fans of Annette Leblanc Cate’s Looking Up! Birdwatching in Your Own Backyard, this is a delightful addition to any elementary library and a fun introduction to ornithology.
An accessible title to both educate and show readers they are not alone. Reviewer: Amanda Borgia.
A must-purchase for libraries looking for books on algorithms, bias, and media literacy.
The idea for this book is a good one, but the execution doesn’t hold up. Purchase other magic books instead.
Not an essential purchase, but a work that will add to WWII collections.
A recommended purchase. Young readers interested in exploration will enjoy learning of these intense expeditions that occurred without modern winter gear and technologies.
Despite the sprawl of information she’s offering, Siber neatly extends the idea of seeking and applying the wisdom of humans as well as animals in service of working with and caring for others. It’s a good idea.
Young readers will be motivated to engage with science in the latest edition of this series.
Not for school libraries, except for collections that include resource books aimed at families.
This would be an excellent addition to any children’s biography collection, especially those needing stories about health care workers or rural communities.–Debbie Tanner
This gorgeously illustrated book is an excellent first purchase, especially for libraries in need of books about animals and ecosystems, building vocabulary, or the enjoyment of a brand new day.
A valentine to Cohen and all artistry, this book reminds older readers to look within and may inspire children to aim high with their own gifts.
A must-have title that brings the wonders (and challenges) of Antarctica vividly to life.
This book provides abundant information for young children in an enjoyable way, for group sharing or classroom use.
Above all, this essential book provides a unique perspective by showing how communities can enjoy the experience of watching animals that live nearby and assist them as needed so that they continue to live satisfying lives.
With language guaranteed to tickle any middle grader’s funny bone, this book makes learning about the endocrine and exocrine systems fun and engaging. Recommended for every middle school library.
Celebrating the lives and accomplishments of women in tennis, this is an excellent purchase for elementary school libraries, especially for classrooms with students interested in the sport.
For the generally curious and where browsable nonfiction, such as DK books, are popular.
Perfect for budding naturalists and a helpful addition to science collections.
Lacking a fresh perspective and new information, this is not an essential purchase for collections with existing resources about electricity.
Whether used to inspire activism or reflection, Curtis and Suárez’s book is a gift centered around hope. A good choice for middle school nonfiction shelves.
A great resource for introducing the Tudors and their impacts on England. A good first buy for all libraries.
A recommended purchase about the possibility of extraterrestrial life that combines scientific accuracy and rigor with age-appropriate language and format conventions.
This book offers a clear, vivid, and detailed look at the birth of genetics, and the many photographs and illustrations make the story come alive.
Great for nonfiction and adventure lovers; a good start for history projects and reluctant readers in late elementary and early middle school.
For nonfiction that elicits an emotional investment from readers, this is an excellent purchase for all libraries.
Yang’s abstract approach favors concepts over factual depth, making it less useful for reports but potentially valuable as a springboard for future research. A thoughtful addition where science-themed read-alouds or inspirational STEM titles are in demand.
A must-purchase biography that illuminates both an important American innovator and the origins of a timeless art form.
This animal-centric picture book will be a hit with animal lovers but may not be enjoyable for others.
To echo Guatemalan Archbishop Gerardi’s words, “Knowing the truth is painful, but liberating. Without it, the scars will never heal.”
A light overview of dog evolution wit mixed results.
A solid choice that digs a little deeper into an often-overlooked subject.
Engaging, dynamic, and filled with bat facts, this nonfiction picture book is a strong addition to library collections.
A strong first buy for its explanations and examples of how to become an ally, while clearly explaining that it is ongoing and personal work.
The illustrations combined with compelling text will be a page-turning read for dragon lovers. Highly recommended.
A superb effort for enthusiasts who want the latest technological advances in dinosaur research. Perfect for libraries, classrooms, and research.
With extensive information and illustrations about relationships in nature, this is an excellent purchase for elementary where poetry and nature books are popular.
Apologies to everyone in my life is going to be so sick of me asking if they've heard of Tambora and the climate shock that followed. Tambora might be my whole personality now.
Purchase this resonant and relevant work for all middle grade nonfiction, Spanish-language collections.
The book’s anecdotes and chapter-specific discussion questions could be particularly useful in a classroom or book group setting to allow the sharing of ideas from multiple perspectives.
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