Let’s fight book bans on a personal level, one book at a time. Because bans aren't only about books; they’re working to erase people and their stories.
When the amount of property damage the Hulk causes while saving the day gets Dr. Banner in legal trouble, he's forced to do community service...as a middle school teacher.
These are five books I've got on my fall TBR and hope to find time to read soon (if I can learn how to keep my eyes open past 8:00).
Guest blogger Jessie Mae introduces WHAT FELL FROM THE SKY, a possible Newbery contender with an alien rescue, a military "takeover," and themes of community and empathy.
Sometimes you need to watch out for the quiet books. They know how to sneak up on you.
It's always been about more than the books.
Dark Horse unveils a new volume in its middle-grade Minecraft series.
A shy student begins a friendship with a popular werewolf in this fun manga.
20 books out this month just waiting to go on your TBR!
"I live in a sea of lemon trees." In a time when Mexicans and Mexican-American suffer at the hands of our government, we talk about this National Book Award nominee and a historical moment of one injustice rectified.
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.
These cheerful chapter books span a wide range of reading interests and genres and are a bastion of diverse stories and characters.
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.
This season’s Fiction Series Made Simple includes reviews of new and ongoing fiction series that will have patrons clamoring to add to their growing piles.
"I live in a sea of lemon trees." In a time when Mexicans and Mexican-American suffer at the hands of our government, we talk about this National Book Award nominee and a historical moment of one injustice rectified.
The first of the six Newbery criteria is interpretation of theme or concept. Without a doubt, this year our most common thing is coping with grief and loss. Today Steven and Emily take a look at different titles addressing these themes and compare them.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen reviews the recently released YA thriller THIS IS WHERE WE DIE by Cindy R. X. He
This simple yet highly effective early reader will greatly help new readers. A first purchase for all early reader collections.
This is a tender, culturally rich story that belongs in every school and community library. A touching celebration of culture, honesty, and family that inspires young readers to cherish their roots.
Powell’s illustrations match perfectly with the text; this would be a great addition to any library’s early chapter book collection.
Recommended for all libraries, as it will prove popular with both series fans and those new to it.
A charming coming-of-age story featuring realistically portrayed children who are learning to face life’s challenges.
This intriguing fantasy, with its ecological focus and unique points-of-view leaves too many unanswered questions to fully satisfy.
A definite first purchase that can be read as a standalone or as part of its series.
A timely, heartfelt, and emotive adventure for fans of survival or dog narratives utilizing a quick pace to grip readers.
A fun mecha adventure with an animal-hero twist, this is a solid addition to collections where sci-fi/fantasy graphic novels are popular.
Gr 3-7–GR 4 - 8: Seventh grader Luna Juniper Wright-Evans is less than thrilled when her father announces they’re leaving California for Washington, D...
Full of hijinks and endless energy, this is a strong additional purchase where realistic, slice-of-life graphic literature is in demand.
Beyond bold illustrations and pitch-perfect rhythm make this bio-book a great pick for the shelves.
A nearly perfect board book in tone and content. Bring it on, story hour.
Not essential, but a toddler-pleaser, and minor introduction to classical music.
A lovely version of such childhood classics Runaway Bunny and an improvement over I’ll Love Your Forever, this certainly belongs on early childhood shelves.
The pictures pull in viewers, while the text offers a direction for discussions; this could be useful for group sharing or one on one.
Classroom hot pot, anyone? A book that will leave readers and listeners hungry, but the whole family will want to institute hot pot nights.
A sweet look at Dora’s home, as upbeat as she is, with illustrations that closely resemble the show.
As a gentle bedtime or bonding read, this fits the bill, but it lacks any deep emotional layers to keep children coming back after one read.
A board book for the early animal shelves, but also a text full of writing prompts at the early elementary level.
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 fun read for vehicle-obsessed toddlers and anyone who appreciates the magic of childhood imagination.
This is a fun and funny book, and there may be motor skills children pick up along the way.
Poring over the details and finding themselves in the pages makes this a mirror-and-window board book with reach beyond the usual preschool demographic.
The pigeon will count to 10 in story hours and classroom counting units; children can take it from there. Bold and funny.
This is a useful tool for introducing concepts of empathy, belonging, and peaceful problem-solving to young children, addressing important SEL concepts without being preachy.
A pleasant, bite-sized reverie on the meaning of love, this can be added judiciously to the holiday shelves.
Board books don’t always come with an “essential” stamp, but this one is.
This may acclimatize children to the names of great books, if it holds their attention.
A simple, charming stroll will inspire lapsitters and emerging readers alike to get out into the wind and look around.
Baby’s first football game is not a necessary purchase, but it works as an introduction to the sport.
Good intentions can’t turn this into an essential purchase, plus there is a fill-in page that caps the usefulness of this book in libraries.
Hand this to romance and fairy-tale lovers.
Recommended as an additional purchase where contemporary romantic fiction is popular.
An intriguing graphic narrative with plenty of magical realism that will leave readers wanting more.
A must-buy for the young adult crowd; readers will be excitedly waiting for the next book in the series.
Recommended for high school libraries, especially for readers who liked McBride’s previous books.
A heartwarming tale about connection, grief, and challenging assumptions, this will be well-received by fans of graphic novels like Samuel Teer’s Brownstone or other epistolary YA novels like Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian.
For fans of Jennifer Mathieu’s Moxie, an overall relatable and universal coming-of-age story.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoyed books like John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars or Dustin Thao’s You’ve Reached Sam.
A great sapphic romance for readers who enjoy a good will-they-won’t-they with depth and festive charm.
Deeply unsettling and absolutely perfect for those who understand the vulnerability at the root of every vicious monster.
A compelling and important addition for mature young adult collections, this novel powerfully portrays the fight for freedom and self-determination against overwhelming odds.
Meyer fans and new readers alike will find much to love in this spooky, atmospheric read. A welcome addition to any library collection.
A laugh-out-loud funny whodunit that is a first purchase for mystery fans.
This inventive and explosive beginning to a cyberpunk trilogy is a first purchase.
Readers of books in verse, romance, and music history will all be drawn to this engaging book.
Sure to be popular with students seeking an exciting and emotionally rich read, this deliciously romantic and intricate adventure is a highly engaging addition for young adult collections.
Recommended where horror is popular.
For fans of Kiera Cass’s The Selection, a fast-paced, The Bachelor inspired romance, going deeper with purpose for its characters.
This amazingly cool and super scary book is recommended for teen readers.
A queer slice-of-life romance that acknowledges the rocky reality, while the creators work through their own artistic bumps. By the end of Volume 1, this is a solid graphic novel.
Recommended for fans of gothic fiction, horror books, and anyone who enjoyed C.J. Drews’s Don’t Let the Forest In or Lauren Kate’s Fallen.
Highly recommended for libraries serving older teens
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.
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