This biography is a good addition to a secondary school’s biography collection. Readers who enjoy stories of bravery, espionage, and strong female figures will find Hall’s story both thrilling and inspiring.
A must-read for anyone looking to understand the future of advocacy in a rapidly changing world.
An engaging and well-crafted tribute to a talented athlete, offering an inspiring read for sports enthusiasts, Clark fans, and aspiring athletes alike.
Graphic memoirs are a fantastic way to capture the sense of an era and experience, and Huang does so masterfully, bringing 1990s China to life.
This book puts a relatable face on climate resistance in Appalachia for YAs.
A general purchase for an art curriculum tie-in.
Young children will relate to Tiny and his first day of school jitters, while being reassured that school is a place to make mistakes and grow.
Children will enjoy reading about Henry’s first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends.
A solid, heartwarming addition to early chapter book collections.
A well-crafted graphic novel about facing one’s fears, recommended for early reader or graphic novel sections.
This new standout early reader series is highly recommended for general purchase.
This rhyming tale of an unusual character in a wacky situation will appeal to fans of Dr. Seuss.
This wonderful early reader about a variety of sports is a great addition to any preschool or elementary library collection.
The perfect chapter book for young lovers of science or fantasy, especially bug enthusiasts who enjoy a hint of suspense in their stories as well. Strong female characters will also inspire readers of all ages.
A recommended purchase for libraries where Pete the Cat is popular and early readers circulate widely.
Sure to be a hit with vehicle lovers, this engaging title for early chapter book readers cleverly uses a bulldozer child protagonist to address social fears about new situations and friendships. Highly recommended.
An accessible introduction to preschool, helping young children as they prepare to transition to a new environment.
A simple, yet impactful, story about big feelings and how kids can effectively manage them.
A delightful celebration of global connection through the lens of education.
Sensitive and only slightly spooky, this book makes Yeti’s first day of school amusing and relatable.
Dinosaurs are perennially popular, making this a sound addition to picture book collections.
Libraries, especially those with fans of buses and vehicles, looking to increase their board book collections will find this title worth the purchase. Otherwise, an additional purchase.
Perfect for the younger crowd to get them excited about going to school, or for a back-to-school storytime.
Purchase where back-to-school collections need bulking up.
Recommended for school and public libraries: going back to school is an event that most children will encounter at one point or another.
Grumpy Monkey retains his usual humor while slipping in a little new knowledge in this book that may become a favorite reread.
A must-purchase. This one will leave kids wanting more.
A great addition to any library collection. Children will enjoy seeing themselves in activities they have done in their school.
For public libraries or early childhood programs looking for works that eases nerves and makes school look like a place to learn and grow.
A generally amusing title for cat lovers and school newbies.
A cute social-emotional back-to-school must-purchase.
This debut is an absolute delight to read; it’s perfect for readers who never outgrew horse stories.
A fun, unique historical romance for fans of Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End and Roman mythology. Consider for general purchase.
A refreshing, original debut, this book is a must-have addition to any YA collection.
The “what if” plot of a fantasy romance serves a deeper purpose here as two teens grieve the death of loved ones.Williams, Tia. Audre & Bash Are Just Friends. 384p. Little, Brown. May 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780316511087. Gr 9 Up–Audre cannot wait for “Dadifornia,” the time she spends living with her father in California every year. Dadifornia means Malibu beach, peace and quiet, and a summer internship at a therapist’s office. But when her father abruptly cancels the visit, Audre finds herself stuck in Brooklyn for the summer. Desperate to find a new way to make her college application to Stanford stick out, Audre decides to write a self-help book for teens. The problem is that she’s lacking in the “typical teen experiences” department, so she enlists the help of Bash, a mysterious newcomer to the Brooklyn private school scene who is reportedly down for anything. Audre is certain that Bash can help her break out of her comfort zone and live life on the wild side. But what is Bash hiding? And can the two really remain just friends? Brooklyn comes alive as Audre and Bash seek thrills throughout the city, but above all, this story is heavily character-driven. Teens will be drawn in by Audre’s abundant relationship turmoil, from struggling to figure out her role in her family since the birth of her half-sister, to navigating her crush on Bash and frequent spats with her best friend, Reshma. Audre and Bash model good mental health practices as they work to overcome their respective traumas. Laugh-out-loud humor sparkles throughout the drama, keeping the overall mood bright despite its serious themes. Audre is Black, while Bash is biracial Black and white. VERDICT A good choice for teens looking for a summer rom-com that has a bit of depth.–Chelsey Masterson
Hand to readers who like the ache of slow-burn romance and the whimsy of fairy tales. Highly recommended for all collections.
A realistic portrait of the plight of homeless queer youth across the United States as well as a beautiful story of first love, this novel is great for high schoolers or fans of a wholesome, romantic tearjerker.
A lighthearted exploration of villainy, revenge, and reconciliation.
With a new-era Pretty Little Liars vibe, this cautionary thriller is the perfect drama for Karen M. McManus and Rory Power fans.
Highly recommended for libraries diversifying their YA romance collections with more stories that focus on managing identity, disability, and mental health anxieties in positive ways. A sure delight for fans of authors like Tashie Bhuiyan and Farah Heron.
An honest exploration of first love and the strength it takes to leave an abusive relationship.
A charming story that is recommended for libraries that are looking for sweet, fun romances.
Recommended for libraries where Karen M. McManus and Maureen Johnson books are popular.
A mash-up of sci-fi and horror tropes fervently coalesce into a satisfying and fresh option for teens.
Small doses of gore and horror heighten the stakes of this magical survival story. Recommended for general purchase.
Recommended where Henry’s books and blends of coming-of-age and mystery are popular.
A thought-provoking, uncomfortable thriller that readers won’t be able to forget. Highly recommended.
An excellent purchase for upper elementary and middle schools for its short, humorous take on murder mysteries.
A cool, well-conceived graphic novel that captures the essential appeal of vintage anthology sci-fi shows like The Twilight Zone. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.
Purchase where more books on processing grief are needed.
With plenty of ups and downs, this middle school sports story will appeal to fans of friendship-themed narratives.
A wonderful STEM-themed addition for all tween shelves. Readers will love Nova and look forward to sequels.
A lively new graphic novel series recommended for elementary libraries where spy stories are widely circulated.
A unique ghost story that may have been better served in a different format.
A fantastical middle grade story with a touch of ethics; would be a good fit in collections favoring adventure and fantasy.
The adventure starts fast in this wilderness survival verse novel that will circulate in libraries with students who enjoy Dusti Bowling’s The Canyon’s Edge, and Gary Paulsen’s “Brian’s Saga” series.
A sweet, recommended purchase for libraries serving tweens and teens.
A powerful novel about an often-forgotten region and era that highlights the power of education through shared communication to create bonds.
A poignant, recommended story for fans of character-driven fiction with a touch of supernatural thrill.
While it doesn’t break new ground, this is an enjoyable and magical tale for readers with a taste for adventure.
A charming, timely novel about growth and change; recommended for most middle school collections.
A thoughtful drama with richly drawn characters, and a meaningful exercise in empathy for young readers.
With an excellent, fun, and unique voice, this graphic novel introduces a new trickster and is a great option for those looking for a quick read and some laughs.
This luminous, heartfelt debut reminds readers the sky is never the limit and will inspire any middle school student who reads it.
An excellent fit for readers of fantasy and ghost stories, Graciela will make readers feel near the sea, hearing old stories passed around a campfire.
Betrayal, murder, magic, and a monster combine within a desert setting for an ancient Egyptian-inspired Game of Thrones feel.
Unique and unputdownable. Essential for thriller fans.
A must-purchase not just for sports fans but any reader looking for hope and stories of belonging.
An interesting and well-structured guide for young readers looking to build wealth and break free from financial limitations, though future editions may need periodic updates to keep up with evolving financial trends and political policies.
Despite some faults, this book is a strong choice for nonfiction shelves and as a curricular tie-in due to the significance of the subject’s contribution to science and world history.
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