Light speculative fiction with a vague hint of romance, this is a secondary selection.
Overall, this is a clever take that will please fans of the genre and de la Cruz’s books.
This delightful book features a relatable and inquisitive little girl who many readers—especially those who love science
This could easily end up a story hour favorite and an often checked-out new bedtime classic for not-so-tired kids and their very tired parents; this will especially work a spell on preschoolers.
A sure pick for Minecraft enthusiasts who may need a way in to reading practice and peer connections.
There’s not a word out of place in this blustery adventure, a masterful collaboration of illustration and text; this cozy winter tale with its striking pictures may appear to be cold but is quite the opposite.
Likely to become an instant classic and a favorite for families to snuggle up and read together, this charming picture book is recommended for first purchase.
Recommended for high school libraries.
Recommended for middle school collections, especially where hi-lo titles are in demand.
Dramatic, moving, and energetic, this diverse historical novel about found family and choices at the end of the world is a YA must-have from the author of Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating.
Sure to be a cherished favorite, this simple but resonant book is highly recommended for early elementary collections.
This would be a great motivational tale to share with young artists, aspiring writers, and gifted education classes. With its emphasis on creativity, self-expression, and production, this delightful book is perfect for libraries with makerspaces.
An excellent follow up to the first book. Fans of Schwartz will not be disappointed. Recommend to readers of the first installment or fans of Gothic romance.
A fun mystery adventure with small openings for important conversations about racism and more.
Hand to reluctant high school readers looking for a good crime story.
Despite some flaws, this will pair nicely with the original song for a music-themed story time.
Recommended for fans of Laini Taylor and Stephanie Garber.
This novel sets the standard for inclusive, swashbuckling romance; it’s adventurous, fun, and highly recommended.
Sure to inspire children and readers of all ages to ask questions and prompt insightful discussion; in an era when the flag has been co-opted by various groups, this book is a reminder that it belongs to everyone and means many things. Highly recommended for purchase.
An enjoyable introduction to legends of Bigfoot and Nessie that is certainly worth noticing. Recommended for public and school libraries.
While the series has a fun dystopian premise, it ultimately fails to come together. Not recommended for purchase.
A theatrical spectacle that will entertain stage and historical home fans alike.
Readers will wish the story wasn’t over. A must for all library collections.
This clever tale should find a place in most collections, especially given the lack of Indigenous voices and representation in the beginning reader format.
A compassionate look at the asylum seeker system in Ireland through the eyes of a teen girl. First purchase.
A sweet peek into Egyptian family culture that is relatable to all. Purchase for picture book collections where representation of North African, Arabic, or, Egyptian traditions is lacking.
Definitive proof that a book doesn’t have to delve into the dark corners of the dictionary to be deeply affecting. An ideal tool to illustrate poetic elements or emphasize stories of sharing scary yet necessary truths.
A secondary selection where climate fiction is popular.
This Irish import will please children who want an over-the-top bully book jam-packed with adventure. This novel is wacky, awesome, and terrifying. It hits the right balance of ridiculous and real, but a sibling trying to kill a sibling is still intense and may be a specific fit for prepared readers.
A welcoming paean to home, recipes, and family, and although the emphasis is the Dominican Republic, there are few whose mouths will not water over these pages. A feast for cultural sharing, awakening, and creating.
Recommended purchase for all libraries. Hand this to readers who are fans of Preston’s other works, and who enjoy books that keep the tensions high right up to the very last word.
A fun and atmospheric conclusion recommended for secondary purchase.
This novel will be a favorite among patrons who love dystopian fiction and will be a popular read in any high school library.
Featuring the unconditional, iridescent love of a caregiver and Elbert’s own stoic nature, this is a stellar purchase for every picture book collection.
A quality selection for informational books about artists and BIPOC individuals, this is likely to spark some real love in conversations surrounding the role of folk art, community outposts such as neighborhood barbershops, and more.
A fresh thriller that will appeal to fans of E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, Dana Mele’s People Like Us, and Alexa Donne’s The Ivies.
With little character development or plot, poor illustrations, and simplistic writing, this one is unsuitable for most libraries. Not recommended.
A simple story of a tree which transforms into a glorious celebration of life, growth, and community.
A secondary purchase for middle school libraries.
Naliah’s story teaches readers about the importance of family and culture in forming identity. Purchase where books on identity and culture circulate well; this would pair especially well with Eva Chen’s I Am Golden, Joanna Ho’s Eyes that Kiss in the Corners and Nabela Noor’s Beautifully Me.–Heidi Dechief
A gorgeous, almost bygone-era tale of overcoming adversity, full of wisdom for all. Upper elementary students, high schoolers, and beyond can learn resilience and wisdom from these characters.
Not recommended for purchase.
Purchase only where the first novel has fans; readers will be more enthralled with the characters in dystopian titles like The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey or Legend by Marie Lu.
An exploration of teen drama that will appeal to a wide range of high school readers.
A satisfying addition to emergent reader collections for classrooms and for libraries where previous titles by this author are popular.
With contemporary themes, relatable characters, and plenty of high school drama, this title is recommended for high school libraries.
Part of a new series centered on the mysterious Texas sinkhole, this is fun, light horror for fans of supernatural stories.
A strong, heartwarming coming-of-age tale for tweens, teens, and even adults.
With social justice themes, relatable teenage protagonists, and a satisfying conclusion, this is an essential purchase for teen collections.
This rollicking Kamp Koral adventure is sure to engage young readers.
Young foodies will enjoy meeting a 12-year-old chef determined to master the art of Japanese cooking in this light tween romance.
Interesting and inventive, this installment is worth purchasing for libraries that own the series opener.
A fun political fantasy that fans will be happy to have. Recommended for purchase.
A solid end to this genre-blending duology and worth having on the shelf. Recommended for general purchase.
Rife with typical fart and burp humor but offering little else, this one is best passed over.
Recommended for general purchase.
A compelling read for basketball fans with a powerful message about the persistence of racial bigotry. Recommended for libraries serving middle schoolers.
A warmhearted story of friendship, bravery, and helping others, recommended for general purchase.
A secondary purchase, though an easy sell to Disney fans.
While it may require some handselling, the resentment and redemption narrative is strong and the action consistent. Recommended.
Libraries can’t go wrong with adding this timely book to their collection.
Combined with the witchy housemistress, odd teachers, multitude of sweet treats, the variety of creatures who talk to her, and Alice’s gradual discovery of her heritage, this will be great fodder for readers who like their adventures cushioned by wish fulfillment in the boarding school fantasy novel genre.
This well-researched narrative account will be most appreciated for its historical insights. Recommended particularly for classroom study of the Spanish Civil War, and for readers with an interest in photography or political advocacy.
A triumphant coming-of-age story about gender identity, strength, and friendship, as well as the different ways that people discover who they are.
A laugh-inducing introduction to sourdough bread and the science behind it that is sure to encourage young readers to make their own.
A recommended realistic fiction title with humor and depth.
The comfort of books is well known but perhaps never tackled so resolutely. The children here are relatable and never precocious, keeping the argument civilized, sincere, and for readers, too, win-win.
This book fits well into units exploring different cultures from around the globe and like the best folktales, will be a rich source for broadening childrens’ views of the world around them.
A lovely picture book about friendship and embracing uniqueness, perfect for Spanish-language picture book collections.
This book straddles a line between a story for upper and lower elementary readers. A good choice for libraries needing fiction picture books about starting to consider one’s place in the world.
With nearly endless variations, Prasadam-Halls has made hugging into a zoo of opportunity for passing the love around.
Hand to fans of Soman Chainani’s The School for Good and Evil and fantasy fans looking for autistic representation.
Romantic and satisfying, hand this series to fans of Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses and Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince.
A uniquely crafted fairy tale recommended for general purchase.
Purchase for YA fantasy collections and fans of dragons.
This essential purchase will spark interest in classical mythology and encourage readers to reach out to others in times of stress. Like Hercules, they don’t have to carry the sky by themselves.
This resonant story of hope, family, and finding yourself will be a hit. Recommend this to readers who enjoyed Joan Bauer’s Soar, and fans of heartfelt realistic fiction.
A solid purchase for YA collections.
Fans of Emily in Paris and Dash & Lily will enjoy this light, romantic romp around the Big Apple.
A gorgeous, richly rewarding novel for thoughtful readers; recommended as a first purchase.
This tale from two talented Slovenian creators will make a lovely addition to libraries seeking unusual international fare in books and those needing books on kids who beat their own drum.
For intercultural sharing, for awakening compassion, for tending empathy, or the SEL shelves, this story has many uses and should not be missed.
Give to high school readers seeking stories about finding your self-worth.
This is perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes and angsty, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a good series opener with plenty of twists and betrayals sure to come.
The most valuable lesson in this entertaining picture book is about the importance of making good choices and helping others, a moral delivered painlessly and with loads of good humor.
This feels like the first book of a beautiful relationship, and the other condiments, or side characters, are ready to step into the refrigerator’s glowing limelight as well. Readers will clamor for more.
This book will draw upper elementary and lower middle grade students in with the cute animal relationship but will keep them engaged with the emotionally complex, nuanced depiction of a young girl with cystic fibrosis.
This quick read will appeal to readers who enjoy tales of friendship and complicated family dynamics.
A book for every collection, offering an upbeat story to educate and inform of differences in hearing ability, a much-needed representation, and how “misbehavior” can be simply another kind of challenge that needs to be addressed. A wonderful little book.
Very appealing and rich with touching moments alongside innocent adventure. Readers will become friends with Henna and share in her growth while being thoroughly entertained.
Purchase where early readers are in demand.
A warm story that will help newly independent readers practice feeling empathy for storybook characters.
The author says her novel loosely based on the Maroon communities of escaped formerly enslaved people will give young readers a connection across cultures and experiences and help restart the difficult conversation around slavery.
An effortless story that is both widely relatable and culturally specific. This excellent title featuring main characters not often represented in contemporary realistic fiction is highly recommended.
This beautiful introduction of Hajj will leave young readers thinking about making plans for the pilgrimage, and is recommended for keen teachers and parents who are willing to do some research to explore the necessary steps of this journey.
Pair with similarly funny beginning readers, including Kimberley and James Dean’s “Pete the Cat” series and Chris Van Dusen’s “Mr. Magee” series.
An excellent candidate for any library’s teen collection, this is likely to appeal to a wide range of teen readers, with new adult and adult crossover appeal.
A sweet story of family, resilience, and the need for a strong Plan B, this is a recommended purchase for collections needing a little more Black joy on the shelves.
An atmospheric LGBTQIA+ romance perfect for all middle grade and young adult collections.
Pair this with nonfiction books for the same reading and comprehension level, including EagleCloud’s Future Scientist: Awesome Science Experiments for Kids.
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