Related
Where are the very real depictions of us saying, “yes, we have the thing, and it sucks, but we can still have amazing lives anyway, even when the disability causes us hardship.”
What a great book. It's so full of love and joy and community, things that feel particularly needed considering the everythingness of everything these days.
The hope is that LGBTQ+ teens can see that positive change is doable, even in difficult conditions, and that although it may not feel like it sometimes, it matters. They matter.
In these three novels, the pace and proximity of small-town life play a vital role in characters’ disparate journeys that are ultimately bids for safety, recognition, and belonging.
Along with the best books in kid lit, this month's stars also include adult books for teens and professional reading.
I talked with Jing Jing Tsong about her excellent 2024 graphic novel Fake Chinese Sounds. In the episode Jing Jing talks about how the book was inspired by a real-life event, and how she went about turning that event into her author/illustrator debut. Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
Looking for bunnies? Looking for eggs? Whatever your young readers are looking for this Easter season, these tactile and interactive offerings will take them on a fun-filled journey.
Starred reviews are always good news, for what they mean and for what happens next.
Here are five new releases to read while sitting outside in the sun!
PREMIUM
Creaky Acres
While barn life is at the core of this story, it is also about seeing and being seen beyond first impressions and outward appearances. A first purchase for middle grade graphic collections.
An absolute must-purchase powerhouse of a hybrid illustrated novel packed with humor, storycrafting lessons, and a great rivals-to-teammates tale.
PREMIUM
Candle Island
A worthy purchase for library shelves that would also serve well as a selection for group discussions.
This title will be valuable to report writers, and those with an interest in the Bill of Rights will find it an informative read; selectors in school and public libraries should consider.
PREMIUM
Climate Is Just the Start
Purchase where there are already initiated environmental activists. Those in need of a more practical how-to should look elsewhere.
An engaging read for tweens and teens.
A quality text that should be considered for purchase in large collections with high circulations of animal books, as it can fill a hole in most collections’ animal behavior section. For libraries with limited space, this could be skipped in favor of more animal-specific titles.
PREMIUM
Dinosaur Pie
This book pulls readers into an entertaining narrative while illustrating what inclusivity looks like in the process, whisking even the most wayward students into a hilarious world of inquiry, adventure, and acceptance.
PREMIUM
Gus
A first purchase. This endearing tale of lasting friendship will not only appeal to young readers, but it also provides a positive depiction of aging.
PREMIUM
The Floating World
An interesting folklore-inspired fantasy with shades of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone and Final Fantasy. Recommended for larger collections.
A deeply moving portrayal of contemporary teens living complex lives with dignity and courage, this should find a home in any library serving middle and high schoolers.
Required reading for fans of the original trilogy. A must-have in all collections.
Fun and unexpected, this charming back-to-school book lovingly supports children who are preparing for their first day of school.
PREMIUM
I Don’t Want to Go to School
This unique story is a good fit for home library collections, especially those with children for whom school attendance is a struggle.
A must-purchase title for any library serving teens, though still relevant for younger readers. Hand to fans of tender explorations of young masculinity like Kenneth M. Cadow’s Gather, Shifa Saltagi Safadi’s Kareem Between, or Alicia D. Williams’s Mid-Air.
PREMIUM
Beasts
A simple yet effective monster story that will appeal to fans of postapocalyptic fiction.
PREMIUM
Night Owl and Early Bird
A sweet story about embracing one another’s differences and compromising; highly recommended for all libraries serving emergent readers.
Recommended for most upper elementary and middle school collections; hand to fans looking for a quick, satisfying paranormal adventure.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares some YA book recommendations inspired by the emotion themed characters in Disney's Inside Out movies
Personally, I love poetry, but it can be a hard sell to kids. Many readers do not naturally gravitate to poetry books. Left to their own devices, teens and tweens are not stampeding to the poetry shelf. But if you can find a gateway, a poetry resource or activity that engages students deeply and gives […]
These three books poignantly explore characters whose relationships to the past heavily influence their present.
The eighth book in this easy reader series features a beach party filled with fun; purchase where need dictates or where "Really Bird" books are popular.
PREMIUM
Art’s Art
Give to patrons who are eager for an compelling story as well as a book to develop their vocabulary.
PREMIUM
Rosey Stink Badger
While not an essential addition to collections, this title’s gentle resolution suggests that reputations are not necessarily to be believed.
A delightful and relatable read, this book is a must-have for libraries and a sure hit with young readers.
Popular sea creatures like sharks and mermaids may not be enough for this to become a favorite. A secondary purchase, it may connect with Disney fans or where fairy tales frequently circulate.
PREMIUM
Good Boy
Guts meets PAWS in a graphic novel about anxiety and agility that will be popular in all graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
Rainbow Fair
A solid purchase for libraries seeking more diversity in Asian experiences as well as Muslim representation.
A delightful addition to the shelves, highlighting the power of friendship and overcoming obstacles, both big and small.
PREMIUM
Family Week
An engaging, introspective read that balances humor with heartfelt emotion, capturing the joy, pain, and uncertainty of adolescence in a way that will resonate with young readers navigating their own paths.
A resonant tale of a tween struggling to adapt to change; a must-buy for all middle grade collections.
A satisfying tale of magic gone wrong, this title has appeal for fans of fantasy and realistic fiction alike. A welcome addition to large graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
Band Nerd
A moving and ultimately uplifting story, this is a must-read for middle school libraries.
A strong continuation of a Korean folkloric mystery series.
PREMIUM
Carousel Summer
Perfect for fans of Kayla Miller, this thoughtful graphic novel is a must-have for libraries serving upper elementary and middle school readers.
PREMIUM
A Day at the Beach
This multi-viewpoint narrative highlighting tween interactions among family and friends will be enjoyed by many readers.
PREMIUM
Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology
A sweet and fun romp through a magical countryside, steadied by a strong message of finding what truly makes one happy.
PREMIUM
Creature Clinic
This imaginative tale will delight middle grade readers, making it a fun addition to all library collections.
PREMIUM
The Girl in the Walls
For fans of Anne Ursu’s Not Quite a Ghost, an eerie, emotional exploration of the way family haunts us and—with luck and care
PREMIUM
Dreamslinger
Readers who like Rick Riordan titles, Korean culture, fantasy, and adventure will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
The personal is profoundly political, and a specific experience feels universally meaningful in this fantastic graphic novel, highly recommended for all middle grade readers.
PREMIUM
The Forgotten Summer of Seneca
Give to readers who liked Marie Arnold’s The Year I Flew Away and kids seeking a gentle read with a big heart as well as important themes.
PREMIUM
Camp Frenemies
A well-developed friendship story with strong middle grade appeal and a lot of heart, this title will be a welcome addition to any graphic novel collection.
PREMIUM
The Garden Just Beyond
An intriguing premise and solid characters can sell this story despite some plotting problems.
PREMIUM
Astronautical!
A great option for fans of the “First Cat in Space” series and those readers who enjoy a healthy dose of strong character development.
PREMIUM
Nightmare Hunter
A dark and fun foray into the horror comedy genre for young graphic novel readers.
PREMIUM
Unboxing Libby
Readers will likely find they have much in common with these Robot Dolls of the future, while considering what the future may have in store for who remain behind on Earth.
A must-buy for middle grade collections, especially where contemporary mysteries circulate well.
PREMIUM
The Kite Collector
A charming story exploring sibling relationships around toys and each other; it’s a fun book, especially when James finally lets go of his ideas of how things should be and allows them just to happen.
PREMIUM
Under Anna’s Umbrella
A moving and beautifully illustrated picture book, recommended for addressing themes of grief and healing with young readers.
PREMIUM
That Time I Turned Into a Worm
This title enticingly captures the imagination and creativity of a lonely girl who finds friends and joy in her community garden.
A beloved classic fairy tale with a new twist, this is frightfully fun and novel.
PREMIUM
Just One Wave: A Picture Book
A great purchase for libraries for showing persistence, patience, and acceptance; additionally, this book shows a single-parent family.
PREMIUM
You’re Beautiful
This heartwarming reminder of self-love is a perfect purchase for any library’s picture book collection.
PREMIUM
My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!
Children won’t need a lesson on the history of rock to join this celebration of intergenerational love.
A concept that might seem complex at first glance is rendered accessible for readers young and old, and this title featuring a diverse cast of characters will be a welcome addition to classrooms and libraries alike.
Friends are simply strangers we have yet to meet; the endearing beast and a message will encourage readers to learn and engage with new things other than react with dread. For all collections.
With rich language and a complex subject matter deftly touched on throughout, this is suitable for intermediate students; it’s no fairy tale, but a retelling that amplifies courage and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
A great narrative nonfiction purchase on a topic that is rarely discussed.
PREMIUM
Good Luck, Ice Cream Truck!
Art and text are a perfect match that all picture book lovers, especially young children, will continuously enjoy.
PREMIUM
The Bi Book
This simple book shares complex ideas, teaches an important prefix, and engages young readers through lovely, approachable illustrations.
Worth a peek for adult fans of this colorful personality, as well as older elementary readers seeking validation, even if from imperfect sources.
PREMIUM
Lights at Night
A lovely look at fox and human families as they enjoy the changing lights and nature. Perfect for cozy bedtime stories.
PREMIUM
Dream for the Land
A book that motivates young readers to learn more about tending the land, growing food, and the impact of human overdevelopment on the environment.
PREMIUM
Down on the Bayou
An unusual and useful book that uses imagination, storytelling, and ecology to connect readers to the Louisiana bayou.
This sweet, simple story about the human-nature connection will be a pleasing addition to library collections.
PREMIUM
Peek & Boo Time for Bed!
Combining cartoony illustrations and the eternal crowd-pleaser that is peekaboo, this is guaranteed to be a hit with the toddler crowd.
The animals glow in the illustrations, drawing readers into their magical world while reminding them that facing fears with good friends makes everything better. A recommended purchase
PREMIUM
Hello, Tobi!
A sweet and deceptively simple story offers readers a new lens for looking at those they are familiar with as well as those who are different with an open heart
PREMIUM
The Coven Tendency
A surreal fantasy like this will do well in collections for teens who enjoy reading about serious themes in magical settings.
Emezi’s latest novel will help readers see beauty in the void. Fans of their work or Nnedi Okorafor’s “Nsibidi Script” series will doubtlessly gravitate to this one.
A testament to how folklore, craftsmanship, and visual elements can come together to create an unforgettable reading experience.
PREMIUM
How to Tell a True Story
Engaging characters convey kindness, loyalty, and the price of honesty in this relatable portrayal of school and family life suitable for intermediate and middle school readers.
PREMIUM
The Summer I Ate the Rich
What starts off as a strong commentary about immigration, socioeconomic status, and healthcare in the U.S. falls flat by the conclusion.
Highly recommended, especially for those who grew up in a less-than-magical world.
PREMIUM
Messy Perfect
Cassie’s eventual confrontation with the various parts of her life and the impact of her decisions make this book the perfect addition to any well-rounded YA collection.
Completely charming and pithy, with laughs galore, this romance should be in all middle school and high school collections.
PREMIUM
The Notorious Virtues
For fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen, Hamilton offers a thrilling fantasy that takes a critical look at the corrupting influence of power and the fight for a more equitable society.
PREMIUM
Night Swimming
Between the slow pacing and heavy 1990s references, this one will need to be hand sold to teens.
PREMIUM
Under the Fading Sky
A cautionary tale wrapped in a vivid slice of contemporary life, recommended for high school collections.
PREMIUM
If We Were a Movie
A breezy summer romance that celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and Black cinema.
PREMIUM
Where Shadows Meet
This YA fantasy has it all: a well-developed mythos, engaging emotional journeys, and captivating romance.
This may be a fun series for art students but might not have broad appeal for the everyday manga reader. Recommended for larger collections with students interested in art or in collaboration with art classes.
A mesmerizing ode to poetry, art, and love that stands the test of time, Selznick’s first title for young adults is recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
I Love You S’more
Full of heart and a depth of understanding of young girls battling the forces of hormones, responsibilities, and social media, this is a must-read for fans of YA romance and queer romance.
PREMIUM
Family Force V: Book One
An explosive start to a promising new series that deserves a place on library shelves.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
