School Library Journal

PREMIUM

One for the Dogs: A Graphic Novel

Weisfeld, Brian & Bonnie Bader

Perfect for fans of realistic fiction such as “PAWS” and “The Babysitters Club” series.

Just Between Us

Kon, Adeline

An essential purchase, particularly for teens who gravitate toward budding LGBTQIA+ romance books and where stories of underrepresented sports like figure skating are in demand.

Olive

Cazot, Vero

An exciting and compassionate adventure featuring an unconventional yet inspiring heroine. A must have for YA graphic novel collections.

PREMIUM

The Greenies

Mills, Emma

An approachable, enjoyable story of rough beginnings and environmental themes for thoughtful middle-grade readers.

Shy Cat and the Stuff-the-Bus Challenge

Day, Dian

This is a timely novel that is a must-buy for elementary schools as it gently yet effectively opens conversations about the critical topic of food insecurity for young readers.

PREMIUM

Raise the Bar: A Graphic Novel

H., Fernanda Frick

An inspiring story of athletic challenge and the struggle to excel, highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school readers.

PREMIUM

Colossal

Rutile

While much of the story hews to the various class and gender dramas, Jade’s focus on exercise physiology and self-improvement will appeal to strength trainers. Recommended for high school libraries.

PREMIUM

A Kid Like Me: A Graphic Novel

Feuti, Norm

For the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” reader who is looking to graduate to stories with higher stakes and more heart.

Steam

Garrity, Shaenon K.

An excellent graphic novel that is fun while also presenting ethical issues teens will find highly engaging.

PREMIUM

Feo the Chupacabra: An Original Graphic Novel

Blankenship, Sequoia

Readers will likely be charmed by the unique chupacabra protagonist in this lighthearted homage to classic monster comedies.

PREMIUM

A spunky graphic novel that pays homage to old westerns, this high-energy adventure celebrating friendship and identity will appeal to fans of the genre, though the dense western-style language may occasionally slow down the pace.

PREMIUM

Lionel Messi’s World Cup Triumph

Barish, Chris

Packed with world history and soccer lore and visually fertile, this is a promising series starter. Highly recommended for middle and high school libraries.

Wake Now in the Fire: A Graphic Novel

Dapier, Jarrett

As schools and libraries face book bans across the country, this is a compelling choice, a timely piece of literature, and an urgent call to action, exhibiting the fictionalized narrative of a real book ban in Chicago and showcasing the power of those defending the right to freedom of information.

PREMIUM

Wrack & Rune

Kappel, Chris

The overt themes in this first volume may feel heavy-handed to voracious readers, but fans of high-action storytelling and comic book art styles will be satisfied by this new graphic novel series.

PREMIUM

Wallflower

Ata, Iasmin Omar

An astute and emotional story of the courage it takes to truly accept oneself and to love others for who they are.

PREMIUM

The Lionharts: Book 1

Lawrence, Mike

Intriguing and dramatic, this is a fantastic introduction to middle grade fantasy from the author of Star Scouts.

PREMIUM

Zeb and Bel: A Case of Bird Problems

Elliott, Rachel

A fun graphic novel with cute characters, recommended for mystery and animal lovers alike.

Inbetweens

Hicks, Faith Erin

An excellent coming-of-age graphic novel from the author of Pumpkinheads, great for tweens and teens learning more about themselves and what they want from their future.

Ling & Ting’s Lunar New Year: Two Times Lucky

Lin, Grace

This joyful, culturally rich introduction to Lunar New Year is a fantastic addition to any collection.

PREMIUM

My Little Pony: A Magical Valentine’s Day

This book is sure to be a hit beyond Valentine’s Day and is a great addition to early reader sections and for kids who love funny books.

PREMIUM

Along Came a Spider: In Spring

McGrath, Raymond

A good additional purchase where transitional graphic novels are in demand.

PREMIUM

Squirrel Lock Holmes: The Pet Rock Mystery

Belote, Ashley

A simple story for those seeking to add to their lower elementary graphic novel collection.

Lucy López: Programadora estrella

Mills, Claudia

A wonderful choice for Spanish-language chapter book collections, this title will have readers wanting to dive into the other series entries.

Fustuk

Apelian, Robert Mgrdich

With unexpected twists and detailed panels that bring the story to life, this exemplary graphic novel delivers Middle Eastern fantasy at its finest and should absolutely be on all shelves.

Dog Man: Big Jim Believes

Pilkey, Dav

Another hit from Pilkey, sure to be popular with his many fans, this is a multi-copy purchase for any library serving young people (and adults!).

Hell-o Royalty: 2 YA Novels Where Teens Meet Royals from Hell

SLJ Reviews, Nov 19, 2025

In Dietrich’s book, Owen rooms with a prince of Hell; in Joyce’s book, the Princess of Hell plans an escape with Nate.

El lobo de Leo.

Shelley Diaz, Nov 19, 2025

A first pet story with a cultural and magical twist. Disappointed that he didn’t have a connection with one of the animals at the pet adoption agency, Leo roams a busy marketplace where he comes acros...

Best Picture Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Jonah Dragan, Kimberly Olson Fakih, Chance Joyner, Louis Lauer, John Scott, Nov 19, 2025

From sensory-filled illustrations to relentlessly funny characters, the 2025 Best Picture Books make for excellent read-alouds, heartfelt one-on-ones, and heartrending reads.

Best Transitional Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Shelley M. Diaz, Florence Simmons, Ashleigh Williams, Nov 19, 2025

These Best Transitional Books of 2025 for beginning, emerging, and newly independent readers include relatable friendship tales, challenges overcome, and everyday slice-of-life stories that are pitch-perfect for the age group.

Best Middle Grade Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Monisha Blair, Kristin Brynsvold, Tracy Cronce, Rose Garrett, Mariah Smitala, Ashleigh Williams, Nov 19, 2025

The Best Middle Grade titles of 2025 feature action-packed fantasies, resonant realistic fiction, and heart-pounding horror stories for tweens.

Best Young Adult Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Ashley Leffel, Emmy Neal, Florence Simmons, Allie Stevens, Emily Walker, Nov 19, 2025

The 2025 YA Best Books list has a choice for every teen—long-anticipated companion novels, adorable rom-coms, and genre-bending romantasy.

Best Poetry Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Molly Dettmann, Florence Simmons, Nov 19, 2025

Vibrant anthologies, powerful celebrations of groundbreaking figures, and volumes filled with concrete poems and traditional rhymes make their appearance on our Best Poetry list.

Best Nonfiction Elementary Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Kimberly Olson Fakih, Vi Ha, Mary Lanni, Debbie Tanner, Nov 19, 2025

From poo and tentacles to contemplative picture book biographies, this year’s picks for the Best Nonfiction for Elementary readers are filled with facts, information, and wonder.

Best Nonfiction Middle to High School 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Alicia Abdul, Lisa Buffi, Shelley M. Diaz, Bob Hassett, Lynne Stover, Ashleigh Williams, Nov 19, 2025

This year’s Best Nonfiction for Middle and High School students features true crime, an inclusive puberty book, sports titles, and lots of STEM.

Best Graphic Novels 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Jasmine Amiri, Angie Jameson, Rosemary Kiladitis, Andrea Lipinski, Allison Tran, Nov 19, 2025

Every one of our picks on the Best 2025 Graphic Novel list, ranging from early readers to adaptations of popular kid lit prose, has illustrations to be pored over and a narrative to be enjoyed.

Best Manga 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Jasmine Amiri, Rachel Forbes, Joe Pascullo, Lisa Rowland, Nov 19, 2025

The 2025 Best Manga roundup features haunting sci-fi, slow-burn romance, and charming friendship tales for middle grade and YA readers.

21 Splendid Books from Kwame Alexander, Rin Chupeco, and More | Starred Reviews, November 2025

SLJ Reviews, Nov 18, 2025

An audiobook of Tuck Everlasting is narrated by Alexis Bledel for its 50th anniversary; Stacy McAnulty goes to Venus in the latest "Our Universe" book. We herald these and more titles in our November stars list.

PREMIUM

The Froggy Library

Fiveash, Julie

A deft, multifaceted story filled with delightful characters and relatable emotions that weaves in serious discussions about keeping traditions alive in the modern world.

PREMIUM

The Search for Gluscap

Mitchell, Brandon

This contemporary adventure is an engaging exploration of Indigenous heritage and how stories carry through generations.

9 Magical Christmas Romances for Teens and Tweens

SLJ Reviews, Nov 10, 2025

Whether they are returning home or going somewhere new for the holiday break, the promise of a magical Christmas romance awaits these teens.

PREMIUM

Hello Sunshine

Young, Keezy

A bold accomplishment that provides an unflinching yet compassionate look at schizoaffective disorder, and how love can help those living with it.

PREMIUM

Queen Kodiak

Greenslate, Christopher

In addition to serving as an engaging bridge for new graphic novel and horror readers, veteran junior high readers of both the format or the literary genre will find satisfaction here.

PREMIUM

Chase Speedington: And the Last Dragon’s Breath

Aureliani, Franco

A great option for elementary readers who love epic battles of good versus evil unfettered by complex superhero lore.

6 Adorable Titles to Share for Hanukkah and Other Jewish Holidays

SLJ Reviews, Nov 07, 2025

Elephants, mice, and dragons make their appearance in these fun and festive board books and picture books.

PREMIUM

Of Swamp & Sea Volume 1

Boulton, Mia Jay & Laurel Boulton

This creepy, well-paced monster-hunting trip with a dash of romance will have broad appeal. A good purchase for public and school libraries.

PREMIUM

Unfairies: A Graphic Novel

Aaron, Huw

Dense, rich, and riotously illustrated, a full-to-the-brim read for middle grade fantasy lovers.

PREMIUM

Princess Academy: The Graphic Novel

Hale, Shannon

A charming graphic novel adaptation of a beloved series perfect for fans and new readers alike.

PREMIUM

Camp Monster

Messner, Kate

A strong addition to any library serving young elementary readers.

PREMIUM

Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad

Reese, Brandon

For video game lovers, comics fans, and readers who appreciate the grosser things in life, this book will circulate well in libraries that love “Dog Man.”

PREMIUM

Children of the Night (When Monsters Wake Book 1): A Graphic Novel

Setian, Victoria

This modern Dracula retelling is packed with plenty of mystery for readers to sink their fangs into.

PREMIUM

Forgive-Me-Not

Costa, Mari

Perfect for fans of Nimona, this sapphic romance is sure to charm fairy-tale lovers who will swoon over the HEA ending. A recommended purchase for all graphic novel collections.

PREMIUM

A Little Step Vol. 1

Szeto, Mimi

The first volume in a boldly artistic manga series that effectively utilizes fine watercolor art as a backdrop to an emotional coming-of-age story.

Abuzz

Chase, Amy

Give this humorous and modern Shakespeare retelling to fans of Molly Horton Booth’s “Arden High” series or any reader looking for a humorous graphic novel.

PREMIUM

Before We Wake (A Graphic Novel)

Glock, Sophia

A poignant graphic narrative highlighting the path towards acceptance during a period of sorrow.

PREMIUM

The Boy Who Cried Robots!

Britt, Chris

An eminently easy to read, pleasantly jokey comic perfect for a quick laugh for young readers.

The Case of the Missing Kolo

Ònájìn, Àlàbá

This accessible introduction into young detective Korobá’s world is both narratively efficient and visually exquisite; a promising start to a planned series of graphic mysteries.

PREMIUM

Fiddlehead Forest

Curll, Jana

A great fit for readers who enjoy the style of “Owly” graphic novels, while also serving as an introduction to the forest ecosystem of a nurse log for classroom units and individual interest.

Alyte

Moreau, Jérémie

A masterpiece about the circle of life through the eyes of one so seemingly small will resonate with readers and provide hope to triumph over some of the most difficult parts of life.

Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce

Wang, Andrea

A compelling true story, excellent for older readers interested in American history and suited to social studies in the classroom.

PREMIUM

Journey of the Humpbacks

Toro, Juliana Muñoz & Dipacho

A wonderful addition for the elementary nonfiction shelves or for the budding marine scientist in the family.

PREMIUM

Make Art with van Gogh: A Creative Activity Book

Van Gogh Museum

Created in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, this inventive biography is a must-have, with the stated caveat, but can also be put to excellent use in the classroom.

PREMIUM

Unreal: Can You Tell Fact from Fake?

Simpson, Kate

A recommended purchase for all libraries, especially where unique animals are a popular topic.

Kaho‘olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People

Hurley, Kamalani

As one of the few stories of Indigenous life that in the full sweep of history has a positive outcome, this standout title deserves a place on every shelf.

PREMIUM

The World’s Best Soccer Book: Everything You Need to Know About Soccer!

10Ten Media

A worthwhile addition for expanding any nonfiction sports collections.

40 Excellent Works by Katherine Applegate, Derrick Barnes, and More | Web Starred Reviews, September 2025

SLJ Reviews, Oct 28, 2025

Derrick Barnes has a picture book and a middle grade in this roundup. Plus, nonfiction picks range from Gail Jarrow’s latest to a primer on deadly snakes.

PREMIUM

That Swingin’ Sound!: The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Rajan, Rekha S

A rousing tribute to two influential musical greats and the swinging sounds they made together.

PREMIUM

Sound: Discovering the Vibrations We Hear

Fadeeva, Olga

A fun and visually appealing all-around look at the wonders of sound, viewed through scientific, historical, and artistic lenses.

PREMIUM

The Deadliest: Sea Creature

Spicer Rice, Eleanor

This blend of morbid humor and science will resonate with middle-grade fans of nonfiction and graphic novels.

PREMIUM

Zohran Walks New York

VON Platen, Millie

While the artwork is dynamic and polished, the advocacy-focused material is too explicitly linked to contemporary politics in one city. Furthermore, the book offers a too-specific reflection of a place through the narrow lens of one person’s experiences, providing limited information about New York City compared to what can be found in broader books.

The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang

Yan, Stan

An excellent purchase where unique, amusing, and compulsively readable coming-of-age graphic fiction is in demand.

Vida: Los ratones, el gato y el alebrije.

Selenia Paz, Oct 23, 2025

Vida and her brother Máximo live in Ratontepec,or Mousetepec in English, a town full of life, where they help their mother sell piñatas in the bustling market. The town is full of joy, and people come...

4 YA Novels for Native American Heritage Month

SLJ Reviews, Oct 22, 2025

Native American Heritage Month, celebrated in November, celebrates the rich histories, cultures, achievements, and stories of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Share these four YA titles, all with Indigenous protagonists, with young readers in time for NAHM and anytime during the year.

26 Spectacular Titles, Including New Books by Margarita Engle and Susan Dennard | Web Starred Reviews, August 2025

SLJ Reviews, Oct 21, 2025

This month’s starred selections include titles about donuts, the women of Norse mythology, the Russo-Ukrainian War, and more.

El oso polar y la bailarina.

Nicole Gaudier Alemañy, Oct 20, 2025

These wordless books from award winning Afro-Latino author-illustrator Velasquez focus on an unlikely friendship between a young ballerina and a polar bear. Chloe, who is Black, and fellow Harlem Chil...

Con hilo y aguja: Un cuento judío de Cuba.

Selenia Paz, Oct 20, 2025

A young girl uses the magic of sewing to give to her community in this artful picture book. As a little girl, Romi learns to sew from her grandmother, the seamstress in their Jewish community in Cuba....

PREMIUM

The Witches of Pepperwood Bay, Vol. 1

Wiley, Lisa Manuzak

A fun and colorful story for middle-grade readers who enjoy tales of magic, mystery, and family ties.

PREMIUM

The Stuff that Stuff Is Made Of: The Things We Make With Plants

Drori, Jonathan

A highly recommended purchase for botany sections that are lacking a fun encyclopedic element.

PREMIUM

Liftoff! How the Apollo Moon Missions Made Alma Thomas’s Art Soar

Crews, Nina

A unique look at both the Apollo 10 space mission and the art of a notable African American artist integrated into one successful picture book, this is a solid introduction to both and sure to pique the interest of space and art lovers alike.

PREMIUM

Frog: A Story of Life on Earth

Thomas, Isabel

A powerful work covering the big and small story of the creation of the universe, this is an excellent addition to a classroom library with accessible language and illustrations that speak to both younger and older learners.

PREMIUM

Srta. Campista

Fajardo, Kat

Purchase where Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels and Spanish-language middle school stories are popular.

16 More Halloween Titles to Spookify Your Shelves

SLJ Reviews, Oct 17, 2025

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.

PREMIUM

Red Threads

Nguyen-Hayama, Ila

A perfect light read for fans of magical boarding schools and Japanese mythology.

13 Adult Books for Teens (even New Adults) | Roundup

SLJ Reviews, Oct 08, 2025

These adult titles with teen appeal feature a range of genres and topics, from magical adventures and mysteries to nonfiction explorations of everything Taylor Swift and John Green’s adult nonfiction debut.

PREMIUM

Sib Squad: Flying High!

Breen, Steve

A worthy follow-up that expands on the humor and heart of the first installment, and an excellent pick for fans of humorous graphic novels and family-centered storytelling.

PREMIUM

The October Girl Vol. 1

Smith, Matthew Dow

An intriguing graphic narrative with plenty of magical realism that will leave readers wanting more.

PREMIUM

Always Raining Here

and Bell, Hazel

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.

PREMIUM

Dragon vs. Unicorn: Friends or Frenemies?

Hoover, P. J.

This plot-your-own-story title is recommended for its unique format and accessibility to reluctant readers, and is a great choice for collections looking to expand offerings that feature unicorns and dragons.

PREMIUM

Wiggler’s Big Joke

Vandorn, Kaeti

A great addition to classrooms and libraries, this SEL-focused book will charm readers and leave them wanting more adventures with Wiggler.

PREMIUM

Ten-Ton Titan Terrier

Pepose, David

A fun mecha adventure with an animal-hero twist, this is a solid addition to collections where sci-fi/fantasy graphic novels are popular.

PREMIUM

Winging It: A Graphic Novel

Lloyd, Megan Wagner

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...

PREMIUM

Serendipity

Benda, Gabbie

Full of hijinks and endless energy, this is a strong additional purchase where realistic, slice-of-life graphic literature is in demand.

No-ficción.

Carolina Youssif, Sep 30, 2025

A gorgeous and fascinating dive into the world of birds and monkeys. Gwis illustrates and writes this exploration of animals in their native habitats, but the highlight of these books is how each spre...

Astral Panic

Hicks, Katie

A funny yet realistic glimpse into the lives of young adults struggling with mental illness as they strive towards brighter futures by trying to connect with the world around them and finding understanding friends.

PREMIUM

The Five Wolves

McCarty, Peter

Hard to categorize and with an unclear audience, this book will be difficult to circulate.

Decir adiós en cubano

Miyares, Daniel

Bittersweet and emotional, this title is perfect for graphic novel and memoir shelves and as a curricular tie-in.

PREMIUM

Trial and Error

Newman, Robin

A promising start to a series with stereotypes should be avoided in future entries.

5 Picture Books for Dia de Muertos

SLJ Reviews, Sep 26, 2025

Celebrate the Day of the Dead with these colorful, educational, and fun titles for young readers.

PREMIUM

El mejor peor campamento de todos

Cepeda, Joe

A cheerful early reader graphic novel full of happiness and positivity that would be an excellent addition to all Spanish-language collections for children.

PREMIUM

Pizza Witch

Graley, Sarah

Kiki’s Delivery Service with a sauced-up hero’s journey; a funny adventure story for young teens and graphic novel fans.

PREMIUM

Dear Jackie

Bagley, Jessixa

A realistic read that will make readers want to know what happens next. Give this to fans of Terri Libenson’s “Emmie & Friends” series and Maria Scrivan’s “Nat Enough” books. Highly recommended.

Related

Date Range

Category

Author/Illustrator

Publisher

Tag

One for the Dogs: A Graphic Novel

Just Between Us

Olive

The Greenies

Shy Cat and the Stuff-the-Bus Challenge

Raise the Bar: A Graphic Novel

Colossal

A Kid Like Me: A Graphic Novel

Steam

Feo the Chupacabra: An Original Graphic Novel

Gumshoe: A Graphic Novel

Lionel Messi’s World Cup Triumph

Wake Now in the Fire: A Graphic Novel

Wrack & Rune

Wallflower

The Lionharts: Book 1

Zeb and Bel: A Case of Bird Problems

Inbetweens

Ling & Ting’s Lunar New Year: Two Times Lucky

My Little Pony: A ­Magical Valentine’s Day

Along Came a Spider: In Spring

Squirrel Lock Holmes: The Pet Rock Mystery

Lucy López: Programadora estrella

Fustuk

Dog Man: Big Jim Believes

Hell-o Royalty: 2 YA Novels Where Teens Meet Royals from Hell

El lobo de Leo.

Best Picture Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Best Transitional Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Best Middle Grade Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Best Young Adult Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Best Poetry Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Best Nonfiction Elementary Books 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Best Nonfiction Middle to High School 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Best Graphic Novels 2025 | SLJ Best Books

Best Manga 2025 | SLJ Best Books

21 Splendid Books from Kwame Alexander, Rin Chupeco, and More | Starred Reviews, November 2025

The Froggy Library

The Search for Gluscap

9 Magical Christmas Romances for Teens and Tweens

Hello Sunshine

Queen Kodiak

Chase Speedington: And the Last Dragon’s Breath

6 Adorable Titles to Share for Hanukkah and Other Jewish Holidays

Of Swamp & Sea Volume 1

Unfairies: A Graphic Novel

Princess Academy: The Graphic Novel

Camp Monster

Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad

Children of the Night (When Monsters Wake Book 1): A Graphic Novel

Forgive-Me-Not

A Little Step Vol. 1

Abuzz

Before We Wake (A Graphic Novel)

The Boy Who Cried Robots!

The Case of the Missing Kolo

Fiddlehead Forest

Alyte

Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce

Journey of the Humpbacks

Make Art with van Gogh: A Creative Activity Book

Unreal: Can You Tell Fact from Fake?

Kaho‘olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People

The World’s Best Soccer Book: Everything You Need to Know About Soccer!

40 Excellent Works by Katherine Applegate, Derrick Barnes, and More | Web Starred Reviews, September 2025

That Swingin’ Sound!: The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Sound: Discovering the Vibrations We Hear

The Deadliest: Sea Creature

Zohran Walks New York

The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang

Vida: Los ratones, el gato y el alebrije.

4 YA Novels for Native American Heritage Month

26 Spectacular Titles, Including New Books by Margarita Engle and Susan Dennard | Web Starred Reviews, August 2025

El oso polar y la bailarina.

My Little Pony: A Magical Valentine’s Day