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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.
PREMIUM
Fish Don’t Go to School
Children will enjoy reading about Henry’s first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends.
PREMIUM
Trusty Bus
A comforting tale about a necessary and sometimes overlooked companion in a successful school day. This story will resonate with beginning school populations and lovers of things with wheels.
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.
PREMIUM
Sports Are Fun!
This wonderful early reader about a variety of sports is a great addition to any preschool or elementary library collection.
PREMIUM
Lissa Loves Bugs
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.
PREMIUM
Pete the Cat’s Mars Mission
A recommended purchase for libraries where Pete the Cat is popular and early readers circulate widely.
This is an awesome addition to all collections. People are always looking for community helpers books, and the bonus here is the school setting.
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.
PREMIUM
I’m a Preschool Kid!
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.
PREMIUM
First Day Around the World
A delightful celebration of global connection through the lens of education.
PREMIUM
Yeti Is Not Ready for School
Sensitive and only slightly spooky, this book makes Yeti’s first day of school amusing and relatable.
PREMIUM
My Teacher Is a Dinosaur!
Dinosaurs are perennially popular, making this a sound addition to picture book collections.
PREMIUM
I’m Your School Bus
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.
PREMIUM
Alpaca Goes Back-A to School
Recommended for school and public libraries: going back to school is an event that most children will encounter at one point or another.
PREMIUM
Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!
Grumpy Monkey retains his usual humor while slipping in a little new knowledge in this book that may become a favorite reread.
PREMIUM
On the First Day of Preschool
A great addition to any library collection. Children will enjoy seeing themselves in activities they have done in their school.
PREMIUM
Preschool Is Cool!
For public libraries or early childhood programs looking for works that eases nerves and makes school look like a place to learn and grow.
An excellent purchase for upper elementary and middle schools for its short, humorous take on murder mysteries.
Purchase where more books on processing grief are needed.
PREMIUM
Return to Sender
A fantastical middle grade story with a touch of ethics; would be a good fit in collections favoring adventure and fantasy.
PREMIUM
The Burning Season
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 powerful novel about an often-forgotten region and era that highlights the power of education through shared communication to create bonds.
PREMIUM
The Visitors
A poignant, recommended story for fans of character-driven fiction with a touch of supernatural thrill.
PREMIUM
Going Overboard
A charming, timely novel about growth and change; recommended for most middle school collections.
This luminous, heartfelt debut reminds readers the sky is never the limit and will inspire any middle school student who reads it.
PREMIUM
Graciela in the Abyss
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.
This is a peppy first day of school story to knock game-day jitters out of the park.
PREMIUM
I Love Kindergarten! Numbers
An academically solid, aesthetically underwhelming volume of math-themed poetry.
PREMIUM
A Book of Maps for You
For all collections, this lovely book will translate to lessons on a sense of place, love of community and, of course, mapmaking.
PREMIUM
The Runaway Pancake
A fun retelling of the gingerbread runaway with exceptional illustrations.
A remarkable debut novel which delves into both adolescent struggles and mental health.
PREMIUM
This Thing of Ours
A rich view into the many ways oppression marginalizes people and a loving portrait of an urban Black community, recommended for high school collections.
PREMIUM
Learning to Fall
This British import is an ode to the sport of roller derby and its inclusivity, and will be appreciated by older readers who enjoy the sport or are simply curious.
PREMIUM
The Payback Girls
An optional purchase for school or public libraries looking to satiate increased demand for YA thrillers.
This fantastical tale of stone spirits, dragons, and humans is an enchanting must-have for any school library.
PREMIUM
Creepy Sheepy
A fun but nonessential addition to a library seeking more Halloween books for young readers.
PREMIUM
Glitch Girl
An important purchase for all libraries seeking to help their students understand themselves and others better.
In this popular Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Adina King shares about 'The House No One Sees' in this latest installment.
A heartfelt contemporary novel for fans of Jennifer L. Holm’s Sunny Side Up and Gennifer Choldenko’s The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman.
PREMIUM
Dino-School
A terrific back-to-school read, perfect for classroom and library collections. With its blend of humor, heart, and prehistoric fun, this book is sure to be a hit with fans of dinosaurs, rhyming books, and school stories.
PREMIUM
Wait ‘Til You’re Older
This book is a good addition to the scientific (and fun) section of the library.
PREMIUM
I Like You So Much: A Powerful Message of Celebrating Individuality and What Makes You Unique
In a time where too much of what children see is negative, a book like this in a library collection or being read-aloud to them is important. A great tool for both the library and SEL.
PREMIUM
Falling Star
A compelling reminder to readers that they do not have to be the brightest to be important. A good addition to any SEL collection.
A comforting story for families of all stripes, with an added educational bonus showing acceptance of all for younger elementary children.
PREMIUM
Meet Me at Blue Hour
For readers who like to consider and think about the effect of technology on social interactions and the idea of scientific studies mixed with a little romance. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Wish Upon a K-Star
A readable, charming, drama-filled story with relatable characters, this book will appeal to readers who like romance and K-pop combined into one fun tale.
PREMIUM
Bad Influence
An enjoyable enough read for readers looking for a love story with a little drama. Includes language more suitable for older readers.
PREMIUM
Get Dressed, Belly Button!
Perfect for a range of ages and story times, this book is a delightful crowd-pleaser.
A great purchase for libraries with fans of the series, or those seeking an inclusive Mother’s Day read.
A great purchase for libraries where the series is popular, or for those needing a Father’s Day read-aloud.
Recommended where previous books in the series are popular.
PREMIUM
Billions to Burn
This novel’s blend of Black history exploration with action-packed puzzles around every corner will appeal to readers seeking adventure and mystery.
Fun, humorous, and realistic, with a great representation of students and an emphasis on learning language in a fun manner, this book is a must-have for both libraries and classrooms. This should be the next great read-aloud.
A charming addition to have on hand, though not an essential purchase for all collections.
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.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Trisha Tobias shares about Honeysuckle and Bone in this latest installment.
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.
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.
These three books poignantly explore characters whose relationships to the past heavily influence their present.
A fantastic addition to any early reader collection, Bear and Bird’s latest adventures are sure to keep young readers entertained while encouraging the growth of their reading skills.
PREMIUM
Uni and the Dolphin
Bright pictures and familiar characters will appeal to those who enjoy a story about magical creatures and helping the environment.
PREMIUM
Maker Girl and Professor Smarts
A wonderful complement to any Makerspace or STEAM program and a strong addition to graphic novel collections, especially with a bit of booktalking to point out the book’s unique elements.
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
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 strong continuation of a Korean folkloric mystery series.
PREMIUM
A Day at the Beach
This multi-viewpoint narrative highlighting tween interactions among family and friends will be enjoyed by many readers.
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