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PREMIUM
Dream for the Land
A book that motivates young readers to learn more about tending the land, growing food, and the impact of human overdevelopment on the environment.
PREMIUM
Down on the Bayou
An unusual and useful book that uses imagination, storytelling, and ecology to connect readers to the Louisiana bayou.
This sweet, simple story about the human-nature connection will be a pleasing addition to library collections.
PREMIUM
Peek & Boo Time for Bed!
Combining cartoony illustrations and the eternal crowd-pleaser that is peekaboo, this is guaranteed to be a hit with the toddler crowd.
PREMIUM
Leo Takes a Bath
This is a darling, diverse addition to the bath shelves or just for a fast and funny read-aloud with toddlers.
The animals glow in the illustrations, drawing readers into their magical world while reminding them that facing fears with good friends makes everything better. A recommended purchase
PREMIUM
Hello, Tobi!
A sweet and deceptively simple story offers readers a new lens for looking at those they are familiar with as well as those who are different with an open heart
PREMIUM
A Summer Without Anna
A sensitive and honest story dealing with the illness of a sibling. Strong first buy.
A stunning story of family history and heritage, identity, and the power of protest, this is highly recommended purchase for all collections.Danticat, Edwidge. Watch Out for Falling Iguanas. illus. by Rachel Moss. 32p. Black Sheep. Jul. 2025. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781636142326. Gr 1-3–Leila is happy to get to wear her winter coat, since she rarely needs it in Miami. Then, as she’s leaving for school, Leila is surprised when Grandma Issa tells her to “Watch out for falling iguanas.” As they drive, her mother suggests perhaps it’s chickens crossing the road or peacocks on the sidewalk that Leila is supposed to watch out for, but Leila knows what she heard. When she sees an iguana fall from a tree, no one else does. Papa asks if it was a cat and her friends tease her about thinking the sky is falling, per the story of Chicken Little. Leila is vindicated when her teacher takes the class for a walk to show them some fallen iguanas and to explain why they are on the ground. Moss’s realistic illustrations do an excellent job of depicting the substance of Danticat’s plentiful text, which is nicely integrated into the illustrations. VERDICT Use of thought/speech bubbles, the variety of half-page and full spreads, and highlights of a falling iguana make the illustrations a delight, especially with facts along the way.–Catherine Callegari
A stellar debut about ignorance and privilege and the abuse of it that resonates beyond the final page.
Recommended for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stranger Things, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games who relish conspiracy theories, weird phenomena, slow-burn romances, and tearful family reunions.
For avid YA romance readers or casual readers with an interest in LGBTQIA+ experiences, this book provides a heartwarming and relatable overview of a teenager’s life.
A tour de force trilogy for all collections. This final installment of the “Little Thieves” trilogy makes every page count as Vanja’s character arc comes to a close, grappling with forgiveness and restitution.
PREMIUM
All the Stars Align
A good purchase for libraries looking for more romance with physical disability and queer rep.
A profoundly beautiful, strange, and introspective love story, at turns soothing and scalding. Recommended for every collection.Bayerl, Katie. What Comes After. 416p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen. Apr. 2025. Tr $21.99. ISBN 9780399545283. Gr 9 Up–Waking up dead is shocking enough, but this version of the afterlife—with its forced positivity, kale chips, and yoga—proves to be even more unsettling. All Mari, 16, wants is to make peace with her mother (who is also in purgatory), move on, and reunite with her beloved grandparents. If she could remember how she died that would be great, too, but something sinister is lurking beneath the surface of Paradise Gates. Souls are disappearing, mysterious agencies are scheming, and then there’s Jethro
A book that gets readers in its clutches and refuses to let them go; many will want to consume it in one sitting.
PREMIUM
The Coven Tendency
A surreal fantasy like this will do well in collections for teens who enjoy reading about serious themes in magical settings.
Emezi’s latest novel will help readers see beauty in the void. Fans of their work or Nnedi Okorafor’s “Nsibidi Script” series will doubtlessly gravitate to this one.
A testament to how folklore, craftsmanship, and visual elements can come together to create an unforgettable reading experience.
PREMIUM
How to Tell a True Story
Engaging characters convey kindness, loyalty, and the price of honesty in this relatable portrayal of school and family life suitable for intermediate and middle school readers.
PREMIUM
The Summer I Ate the Rich
What starts off as a strong commentary about immigration, socioeconomic status, and healthcare in the U.S. falls flat by the conclusion.
Highly recommended, especially for those who grew up in a less-than-magical world.
PREMIUM
Messy Perfect
Cassie’s eventual confrontation with the various parts of her life and the impact of her decisions make this book the perfect addition to any well-rounded YA collection.
Completely charming and pithy, with laughs galore, this romance should be in all middle school and high school collections.
PREMIUM
The Notorious Virtues
For fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen, Hamilton offers a thrilling fantasy that takes a critical look at the corrupting influence of power and the fight for a more equitable society.
PREMIUM
Night Swimming
Between the slow pacing and heavy 1990s references, this one will need to be hand sold to teens.
PREMIUM
Under the Fading Sky
A cautionary tale wrapped in a vivid slice of contemporary life, recommended for high school collections.
PREMIUM
If We Were a Movie
A breezy summer romance that celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and Black cinema.
PREMIUM
Where Shadows Meet
This YA fantasy has it all: a well-developed mythos, engaging emotional journeys, and captivating romance.
A mesmerizing ode to poetry, art, and love that stands the test of time, Selznick’s first title for young adults is recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
I Love You S’more
Full of heart and a depth of understanding of young girls battling the forces of hormones, responsibilities, and social media, this is a must-read for fans of YA romance and queer romance.
PREMIUM
The Kite Collector
A charming story exploring sibling relationships around toys and each other; it’s a fun book, especially when James finally lets go of his ideas of how things should be and allows them just to happen.
PREMIUM
Under Anna’s Umbrella
A moving and beautifully illustrated picture book, recommended for addressing themes of grief and healing with young readers.
PREMIUM
If I Could .
Perhaps this is more certain to be a treasured gift for new or expecting parents; an additional purchase for picture book collections.
PREMIUM
That Time I Turned Into a Worm
This title enticingly captures the imagination and creativity of a lonely girl who finds friends and joy in her community garden.
A beloved classic fairy tale with a new twist, this is frightfully fun and novel.
PREMIUM
Just One Wave: A Picture Book
A great purchase for libraries for showing persistence, patience, and acceptance; additionally, this book shows a single-parent family.
PREMIUM
Whose Baby Is This?
An optional title for public libraries and preschools looking to expand their nonfiction animal collections.
PREMIUM
You’re Beautiful
This heartwarming reminder of self-love is a perfect purchase for any library’s picture book collection.
PREMIUM
My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!
Children won’t need a lesson on the history of rock to join this celebration of intergenerational love.
A concept that might seem complex at first glance is rendered accessible for readers young and old, and this title featuring a diverse cast of characters will be a welcome addition to classrooms and libraries alike.
Friends are simply strangers we have yet to meet; the endearing beast and a message will encourage readers to learn and engage with new things other than react with dread. For all collections.
PREMIUM
In the Autumn Forest
Invite children to join in Squirrel’s joy over fall and all it brings to this group of friends.
With rich language and a complex subject matter deftly touched on throughout, this is suitable for intermediate students; it’s no fairy tale, but a retelling that amplifies courage and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
A great narrative nonfiction purchase on a topic that is rarely discussed.
PREMIUM
Los pantalones de Luisa
Shelve with Aida Salazar’s Jovita Wore Pants and its Spanish-language edition Jovita llevaba pantalones.
PREMIUM
Good Luck, Ice Cream Truck!
Art and text are a perfect match that all picture book lovers, especially young children, will continuously enjoy.
PREMIUM
The Bi Book
This simple book shares complex ideas, teaches an important prefix, and engages young readers through lovely, approachable illustrations.
Worth a peek for adult fans of this colorful personality, as well as older elementary readers seeking validation, even if from imperfect sources.
PREMIUM
Lights at Night
A lovely look at fox and human families as they enjoy the changing lights and nature. Perfect for cozy bedtime stories.
PREMIUM
The Forgotten Summer of Seneca
Give to readers who liked Marie Arnold’s The Year I Flew Away and kids seeking a gentle read with a big heart as well as important themes.
PREMIUM
Sam
Despite the grim setting and topic, this character-driven novel will appeal to middle grade readers–M
PREMIUM
The Garden Just Beyond
An intriguing premise and solid characters can sell this story despite some plotting problems.
PREMIUM
Unboxing Libby
Readers will likely find they have much in common with these Robot Dolls of the future, while considering what the future may have in store for who remain behind on Earth.
A must-buy for middle grade collections, especially where contemporary mysteries circulate well.
PREMIUM
Spelling It Out
Not particularly exhilarating, but may inspire readers to ponder important questions.
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.
More than a novel, this is a journey into the heart of a boy searching for answers and a lost piece of himself, and a story that will linger with readers.
PREMIUM
The Girl in the Walls
For fans of Anne Ursu’s Not Quite a Ghost, an eerie, emotional exploration of the way family haunts us and—with luck and care
PREMIUM
Dreamslinger
Readers who like Rick Riordan titles, Korean culture, fantasy, and adventure will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
PREMIUM
Murray the Viking
A new series perfect for fans of Alex T. Smith’s “Claude” books and Shirley Hughes’s “Digby O’Day” titles. With its hilarious antics, engaging illustrations, and accessible text, this series is sure to be a hit with young readers who will eagerly await each new installment.
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.
PREMIUM
Have a Good Trip, Mousse!
A delightful import that will leave young readers eager to explore more of Mousse’s adventures in the rest of the series.
A must-buy for any collection, whether Junie is new to readers or an old friend. Park could not ask for a better representation of her classic.
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.
As we mark five years since COVID-19 emerged in the United States and consider the lasting impacts of the global pandemic, this list of books for young readers of all ages features representations of anxiety, grief, coping techniques and, most of all, hope.
These starred YA debuts released during the first three months of 2025 feature propulsive, thought-provoking plots from authors we’re sure to see more of in the future.
PREMIUM
A Traitorous Heart
A pathway into a complicated, fascinating moment in history through a queer feminist perspective.
With sweeping action, high stakes, and a shocking love triangle, this book has something for everyone with promises of more to come in the duology conclusion. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Afterdark
As an intense story featuring older teens and young adults, this will do best in collections for mature teens where contemporary fantasy is popular.
PREMIUM
Say a Little Prayer
A unique look at reconciling religious values and personal beliefs, a purchase where LGBTQIA+ books are in demand
PREMIUM
Notes on Infinity
Unless titles like John Carreyrou’s Bad Blood or scientific memoirs are hot commodities in your library, this is one to pass on.
A fantastical murder that will be a hit for both classic mystery lovers and true crime fans looking to explore new genres.
PREMIUM
The Search for Carmella
A fantastic addition to library collections with an inspiring heroine and a window into deep-sea exploration, this is perfect choice for story hours and STEM programs alike.
PREMIUM
The Best Daddy of All
The charming repetitive nature of the text and the loving illustrations will have young readers thoroughly enjoying the read-aloud experience, for Father’s Day or all year around.
While this book features little to no plot, it is a good emergent reader title. It’ll fly off the shelves with Spidey fans everywhere.
PREMIUM
I Love Kindergarten!: Art
Sorely lacking in imagination, this collection of poems fails to understand the topic it purports to celebrate.
PREMIUM
Voice of the Ocean
A definite purchase for libraries where tales of high sea adventures, pirates, and enemies-to-lovers thrive.
This feel-good, queer coming-of-age story will circulate well in libraries with diverse young fantasy and Dungeons & Dragons fans.
PREMIUM
Sorcery and Small Magics
Suggest this engaging, medium-stakes adventure to teens who are ready to mix tame romance with approachable high fantasy.
PREMIUM
The Reunion
Skip this one to save room for something shorter or more applicable to today’s teens.
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