Okorafor’s story blends the everyday life of a pampered cat with satisfying sci-fi action. Middle grade readers who enjoy stories from the pet’s point-of-view will be delighted to meet and get to know Periwinkle.
A fast-paced horror story that intertwines a monster adventure with emotional growth.
A solid addition to middle grade graphic novel collections, this engaging series expertly blends a compelling narrative with fascinating historical details about unexplained phenomena, sure to captivate with its colorful artwork and intriguing mysteries.
A great addition to middle grade collections, this graphic novel balances supernatural humor with real-world emotional resonance.
Short list this title for middle grade library collections and recommend to readers, reluctant or not, with an interest in pirates, history, bodies of water, or atypical family structures.
An emotionally compelling, insistently educative view of a challenging immigration experience.
A real humdinger of a story told by master storyteller; this title will appeal to tweens seeking high-stakes, high-fun realistic fiction.
This story of finding the courage to overcome stage fright is a solid addition to any middle school graphic novel collection, especially where the series is already popular.
A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail.
Confirmed sci-fi fans, comic readers, and those new to the genre or format will all find easy entry here, along with a satisfying payoff.
A delightful, interdimensional graphic adventure about found family, the need to belong, and dubious motivations.
Enhancing a classic and empowering readers to better understand complex imagery, this faithful and beautiful adaptation is a must purchase for all graphic novel collections.
A nice blend of the western Marvel-mania in a manga format that will charm both readers already in-the-know and appease those who are just getting their first tastes.
Birdsall is so adept at magical realism that after finishing this book, readers will likely keep an eye out for fairylike creatures the next time they visit a museum or library. An essential purchase for all middle grade collections.
A delightful addition to the middle grade-friendly collection of vampire titles.
An exploration on humans vs. machines combines with a student navigating middle school life. Graphic novel fans will gobble this up and be eager for the next installment. Highly recommended.
This story of one of the most pivotal engineering accomplishments in U.S. history, told from diverse perspectives, is highly recommended for middle and high school collections.
This engaging biography contains detailed descriptions of setting and cultural context that convey a clear time line and sense of causation, as well as peeks into the artist’s intimate life.
A strong purchase for graphic memoir shelves, refugee stories collections, and curricular tie-ins for studies on the Cold War and Latin American history.
An important and compelling work that belongs in all high school and public libraries.
With a Regency-style setting, likable protagonists, romance, plot twists, and complex worldbuilding, this magical mystery story will appeal to readers who enjoy their historical romance laced with strong fantasy elements.
This slice-of-life LGBTQIA+ romance is a secondary purchase where Webtoons or boys’ love manga is popular.
A compelling, heartfelt story, and an excellent addition to most YA graphic novel collections.
For older teens who enjoy romantasy and mythology stories.
A funny, emotional glimpse into the unique Black social system of Prince George’s County; readers will be rooting for Sommer and Reya to achieve their dreams.
Stunning illustrations coupled with a thrilling plot make this a standout title that belongs in all YA graphic novel sections.
A powerful coming-of-age story about passing, resistance, and self-discovery. Recommended for YA collections.
An atmospheric heist for early YA readers. Recommended for general purchase.
This book will appeal to tween and teen readers seeking an engrossing, adrenaline-packed mystery. Recommended for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Holly Jackson, and Kayvion Lewis.
Brimming with heart and humor, this poignant and thought-provoking graphic novel is perfect for fans of awkward romantic entanglements with fantastic twists.
This fast-paced mystery belongs on library shelves.
Fans of Holly Jackson and Karen McManus will love this book.
Full of heart, this book is recommended for libraries where Elizabeth Acevedo’s Clap When You Land is popular.
A potential town-wide conspiracy and links beyond the veil combine for a chilling mystery sure to keep readers eager to unearth the truth.
The first in a new YA romantasy series, this novel is perfect for readers of Holly Black, Lauren Roberts, and Stephanie Garber and mythology lovers who enjoy Rick Riordan and Joanne Harris.
A beautifully written and compassionate story of healing set against the horror of a brutal generational ritual.
Fantasy fans may want more explanation to the magic as it’s glossed over; the true reward in this novel is the mystery. Overall, this is a fun, spooky read that will keep readers hooked until the end.
A quick standalone read for teen fans of the “enemies to lovers” trope with some mystery and thriller set against the backdrop of dystopian science fiction.
A solid work of atmospheric botanical horror.
A must purchase for all libraries.
Great for fans of F.T. Lukens and those who enjoy cozy fantasy and standalones.
A robust horror title that deftly utilizes the uncanny valley while drawing on real-life recent events. Highly recommended for youth horror shelves.
More concept than direct instruction, this humorous art book takes readers on a journey of imagination and embracing imperfection.
While this book addresses an important topic and will have niche readers, the lack of establishing shared context for a younger audience and the uneven approach make this a secondary pick.
A charming and original sequel that will take readers on a magical adventure in an alternate 19th century. Recommended for dark fantasy lovers and fans of the first installment.
A sweet way to introduce “Anne” books to newbies and a dragon fantasy for fans and potential converts.
Readers who love fantasy and adventure will be drawn to Feather and the dangers of a menacing and destructive Forest and crave more details about the communities Feather encounters.
Readers of all ages with some knowledge of Transformers lore and a penchant for goofy jokes and fumbling heroes will have fun with this unique tale.
Recommended; hand this book to strong readers who like a complex mystery entwined with Victorian culture set in the center of the Sherlock Holmes universe.
A comfort read for anyone who is drawn to romances set in the Regency and Victorian eras.
An engaging and well-executed adaptation that will revive interest in the original series.
A must-have for teen libraries and lovers of dystopian fiction.
Recommended for libraries with fans of Aetherbound or Johnston’s “Star Wars” novels, but its uneven pacing and lack of background context limits its wider appeal.
Teen Librarian Cindy Shutts "Level Up"s her programming with a diy tutorial for stained glass crafts that feature Pokemon, characters that level up
Living and creating with my partner is one of the great joys of my life. Love is an experience. Love is work. It comes with ease and also requires discipline. Don’t think about it too much. Just do it.
Children's and YA titles are vital resources in public health education.
"Thrill and adventure are not just for dads!" We're talking today with debut illustrator Ishita Jain about a Kirkus starred Neal Porter picture book with a lot to say about moms and motorcycles.
This adaptation of Maggie Stiefvater's novel starts slow but builds up momentum as it goes, heading toward a gripping climax.
This picture book biography with STEM connections and disability representation shares the fascinating story of astronomer Wanda Díaz Merced. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Díaz Merced was fascinated by t...
How do you create the ultimate lupine cynic? This early reader series holds the answer, so we're going to grill the creators to see what makes Lone Wolf tick.
. I hope this book takes young readers to a place of hope, understanding that when we confront the carefully constructed myths about the country, consider who benefits from this and who is harmed, when we are finally able to dismantle this legacy of lies, we can heal and be fully free.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
If you are a teen librarian, please feel free to use any of these techniques to make sure THREAT OF THE SPIDER is at the top of your circulation list!
Take the chance. I dare you.
In these stories, tween and teen protagonists with a range of abilities face real and fantastical challenges, from time loops to dust storms to going viral. Share these titles with readers in time for Disability Pride Month in July, and all throughout the year.
The winners of the 2025 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards are I Know How to Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely, illus. by Matt James; Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay; and Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown by Candace Fleming.
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