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Tale of the Flying Forest is Narnia, if Narnia was grounded in Judaism rather than Christianity.
PREMIUM
The House with a Dragon in It
A modest but heartfelt tale about loneliness, belonging, and the quiet magic of human connection. Although it may not fully meet the fantastical expectations its title suggests, this is a meaningful exploration of what it means to find one’s place in the world.
PREMIUM
This Is Not a Dead Girl Story
Readers who enjoy Elana K. Arnold and Courtney Summers will appreciate this thought-provoking suspense story.
PREMIUM
The Elephant and the Purim Crown
While the perspective of a Jewish girl in Burma is unique, the story feels forced and hard to believe.
PREMIUM
Past Present Future
A must-purchase for fans of sentimentality who enjoy Solomon’s style, sweet romances, and stories about new beginnings.
PREMIUM
Keep It Like a Secret
Although this book may not be for everyone, the themes and tones can be relatable; it will make a fitting book suggestion by a trusted adult to help children cope with tough at-home, sibling situations.
This excellent historical novel, based on true events, will give readers a unique perspective on WWII. Recommended for wide purchase
While the book touches on meaningful themes of freedom and cultural traditions, it lacks the appeal and engagement needed to draw in younger readers.
This powerful book will be enjoyed by all young readers, especially those with a fondness for historical fiction. It will remind them that no matter what, no one is “not nothing.”
PREMIUM
Ruin Road
Though there are occasional struggles to fit the narrative within the specificity of Cade’s wish, Giles’s story is a great combination of thriller and horror that will appeal to a wide audience. Recommended.
Filled with beautiful illustrations and bird facts, this moving book addresses the complexities of sudden death for middle grade readers who will be drawn to the heartfelt characters and adventure plot.
A welcome addition to early reader or Lunar New Year collections.
PREMIUM
If Animals Celebrated Easter
Suitable Easter basket fodder, but not outstanding enough to make the cut for most library collections.
PREMIUM
A Misfortune of Lake Monsters
A fantastic sci-fi creature thriller with a terrific cast of characters makes this an easy recommendation for those who can handle a little gore.
PREMIUM
The Unfinished
The eerie imagery is not extremely explicit, making this spooky read a tantalizing addition to middle school shelves.
PREMIUM
Mouse and Mole: A Fresh Start
Give to early readers who prefer their books with as gentle drama as possible.
PREMIUM
Wrath of the Rain God
A delightful mix of myth and modern-day struggles, this adventure will captivate young readers and is a recommended purchase for collections seeking to expand their myth-based offerings.
PREMIUM
Stefi and the Spanish Prince
Perfect for teen romance lovers who want all of the passion but are not comfortable with the graphic details.
An excellent realistic novel in verse for all libraries serving middle grade students.
Gritty and gripping; give to fans of Courtney Summers and Mindy McGinnis immediately.
PREMIUM
Who We Are in Real Life
Hand to teens who like reading about role-playing games with a side of romance.
An introspective coming-of-age novel in verse that is a must-have for young adult collections.
PREMIUM
If Anything Happens to Me
Hand this to fans of Karen M. McManus or students looking for a thrill without the gore. Recommended as an additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Pizza for Birds
A strong follow-up to the first book and an absolutely delightful choice for story time or an elementary school classroom read-aloud.
This is a lovely depiction of a parent sharing their culture with their child in a way that will feel refreshingly new and happily familiar.
This is a buoyant look at inspiration from those who have come before, and it’s a good choice for libraries needing books about artists and inspiration.
While readers will find interesting tidbits, they will come away wishing for fewer words and more recipes.
Until there is a more informative book about this unique celebration, this works in large collections.
PREMIUM
The Zebra’s Great Escape
A perfect recommendation for fans of animal adventure stories of all stripes in the mood for a thrill and a laugh.
This would be a good choice for picture book collections needing books about nature that have high-level vocabulary, even if they are coupled with adorable scenes that make the book read younger.
PREMIUM
Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival
This holiday story is perfect for fans of the series and for libraries looking to build their Lunar New Year collections.
PREMIUM
Christmas Cheer Is Everywhere
Not an essential purchase, but a charming interactive board book to bring Christmas cheer nonetheless.
PREMIUM
A Mouse Family Christmas
This story teaches a positive lesson about working together to complete a task and spread holiday cheer. A lovely choice for holiday shelves.
PREMIUM
Spooky, Scary Skeletons
This well-loved tune, now in book form, is a perfect addition to any Halloween collection.
Purchase to fill a hole in coverage of international celebrations and for readers who enjoy a good scare.
PREMIUM
Buster and the Christmas Parade
Race car and holiday fans will enjoy this befitting story for picture book collections.
A potentially popular addition to elementary library collections. Readers will likely enjoy Betty’s enthusiasm and excitement around the Christmas holiday.
An additional purchase for collections where Hanukkah stories are popular.
PREMIUM
The Diamond Explorer
A lovely fiction pick for readers who don’t often see themselves represented in fiction, those interested in learning more about Hmong spiritual beliefs, or seeking a fantasy genre not often explored for this age group.
PREMIUM
The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah
With important themes, and careful crafting, this is worth considering for most libraries.
For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.
Full of humor and heart, this is a must-buy for any school or public library. Hand to readers who love a good laugh but will also benefit from a quick lesson.
PREMIUM
Wildfire Rescue: A Branches Book
A good addition about natural disasters for chapter book collections.
Buy this one ASAP. This honest and compassionate dealing of a common occurrence in preschool and elementary school reminds kids to be kind to each other when accidents happen.
For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.
In these 18 YA horror titles, inclusivity across race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, mental health, physical ability, and more are highlighted, reflecting the diverse lives and needs of young adults.
A highly recommended addition to collections. This compelling novel leaves it up to Bella alone to admit she needs help and is an education—and a warning
PREMIUM
Zodiac Rising
This fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy will certainly leave readers begging for the next installment. Recommend it to fans of Cassandra Clare and Tracy Deonn.
PREMIUM
The Bitter End
A gripping, fantastically twisty mystery for fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson.
PREMIUM
For She Is Wrath
Hand to romantasy fans looking for an Arya Stark–esque heroine. This standalone is recommended for most collections.
In this exciting addition to YA shelves, Ali’s characters leap off the page. Highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
Stronger at the Seams
This must-read book for teens with chronic illness has universal themes for all readers about the importance of self-advocacy, family, and friendship.
PREMIUM
Red in Tooth and Claw
All the gritty violence of a Western melds with a dark mystery to great effect. A definite purchase for most collections.
PREMIUM
Second to None
Despite issues, this is a fine addition to libraries looking to expand their middle grade collections; fans of Gordon Korman and Max Brailler will enjoy DJ’s high jinks.
PREMIUM
The Witching Wind
Although the plot sometimes gets tangled in metaphor, this is a warm and lyrical story about the ways that connections between loved ones can stretch across distance and time.
A terrific book that uses horror to discuss the importance of family, remembrance, and the matrix of support needed to thrive in this world and beyond.
A first purchase for middle school libraries, especially where fresh approaches to sports fiction are in high demand.
PREMIUM
Tinker Bell and the Lost City
A must for fans of Tinker Bell and for libraries seeking classic fantasies with refreshingly modern twists.
An anthology that beams with heart and hope, especially for young Black girls. Recommended for all middle grade collections.
From break of dawn to day’s end, the journey of the sun as captured in lyrical text and stunning illustrations is a joy to behold. Highly recommended for all collections to encourage curiosity about life on Earth and the connections all living beings share.
PREMIUM
So Cold!
A vital book for cold days or warm ones, this is a STEM celebration of the amazing opportunities below-zero temperatures can provide for eager explorers.
PREMIUM
When Dogs Work
Covering a wide spectrum of the roles dogs play in our world, this board book will engage young readers and help them develop an appreciation for the amazing canines in our world.
This cotton candy confection of a big horse and a little girl will have broad appeal. Strong first buy.
PREMIUM
The Duel: A Story About Peace
This beautiful book about the healing of distance and reflection is recommended for all libraries where picture books circulate.
PREMIUM
Hay un lugar
A straightforward and helpful tool for discussions about expressing big feelings and different ways to receive support. Recommended.
A delightful message-in-rhyme makes for a fun read-aloud for anyone who’s ever wondered if they have what it takes to accomplish a goal.
PREMIUM
When Love Is More Than Words
This is a sweet book about love being shown in all the ways that matter and would be enjoyed by parents and children reading together or in story-hour settings.
The focus on two children experiencing trauma provides an opening for young people to process and discuss their own shared experiences in a story that is clear and honest without being didactic.
PREMIUM
Chooch Helped
This recommended story reminds readers how they could lead by example for those who are curious and want to also be included in the joys of life, be it miniscule chores or creating art.
PREMIUM
All the Books
A charming introduction to libraries but a missed opportunity for deeper explorations.
An engaging and culturally thoughtful picture book for libraries, especially for a family story time focusing on mirror-and-window encounters with heritage families.
PREMIUM
Dot! Scribble! Go!
An engaging exploration of creativity to use with children one-on-one or as part of an introductory art lesson; hand out finger paints and blank pieces of paper for messy story hours.
PREMIUM
Dance Fast
Readers can relate to the protagonist as they embark on their own creative endeavors.
A highly artistic rendition of a loved fantasy for the classroom and the public library shelves.
Rarely does a book build suspense as perfectly as this one. Readers will fall under the spell of the title and influence their friends to pick it up as well. Remember: Don’t just read, share.
PREMIUM
The Art Thieves
Enchanting and full of darkly prescient social commentary; a Cherokee dystopia with Afrofuturistic inspiration.
A superb addition to horror collections that will also satisfy fans of mythology, too.
PREMIUM
The Shadow Road
Filled with adventure, intrigue, and a bit of romance, this compelling read will capture the interest of teens and tweens.
PREMIUM
Lucy, Uncensored
An essential read for those who identify as gender diverse as well as for teens struggling to find their spots as they think beyond high school.
PREMIUM
The Forbidden Book
Despite the promise of “a genderqueer lesbian with a knife,” fans of Lamb’s previous work will struggle to connect with an uninspired lead character and a dearth of adventure.
This must-purchase is an expansive narrative that skillfully examines the ways a family’s past affects descendants in the present.
PREMIUM
There Is No Map for This
This will make a good addition to library collections that want to offer teenagers a frank and realistic look at, and how to deal with, grief.
PREMIUM
The Debutantes
This twisty mystery is recommended for thriller aficionados and collections where such titles circulate well.
PREMIUM
Sona Sharma, a Friend Indeed
A well-crafted tale of class elections, self-awareness, and childhood friendship; a valuable addition to any collection.
Librarians responding to our 2024 Transitional Books Survey had a lot to say about their favorite series. Here's why "Fly Guy," "Mercy Watson," and others stand out to them.
A present-day Judy Blume’s Forever, this novel has been set up by its author to become a modern classic.
PREMIUM
Haven
Many readers with similar experiences as well as sympathetic tweens will be drawn to Mardella’s story.
An excellent and accessible read for fans of Sallie J. Pla’s The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn and Dan Gemeinhart ‘s The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. Recommended for all middle grade collections.
A first-rate historical verse novel with opportunities for classroom extension activities.
PREMIUM
Daggers of Ire
This story of hope and self-exploration will appeal to middle grade fantasy readers who can’t get enough of otherworldly quests.
Highly recommended for Spanish-language collections, this title poignantly depicts the loving relationship between father and daughter as well as the beauty that can be found in nature.
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