When we write, research, and even read about things that truly excite us, the job is suddenly fun. In fact, it’s no longer a job. It is a joy.
What I really loved about this book is that it shows a really good, healthy, positive relationship steeped in friendship, respect, and support.
Gracey Zhang and I have a new book coming . . .
Ah, October. Hoodie weather. Pretty leaves. Apple and pumpkin everything. Impending long, cold, dark winter. Needing to get out my Happy Light. Okay... maybe I should stop listing things fall brings. But it does bring a nice batch of new books!
With important themes, and careful crafting, this is worth considering for most libraries.
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.
Highly recommended. In narrative construction and sequential art, this story of athleticism, the fragility of confidence, and teen friendship unfolds with the grace and power of the sport of gymnastics itself.
An additional purchase for collections where Hanukkah stories are popular.
A good addition about natural disasters for chapter book collections.
A focused and rewarding sports story that will leave readers cheering for the inspiring Peace Academy team, and a great recommendation for sports fans or new students worried about finding their place.
Gritty and gripping; give to fans of Courtney Summers and Mindy McGinnis immediately.
Hand to teens who like reading about role-playing games with a side of romance.
While the nostalgic teen detective storyline and unique subscription box premise holds promise, unsteady execution prevents this graphic novel from reaching its potential.
This holiday story is perfect for fans of the series and for libraries looking to build their Lunar New Year collections.
In a world where anti-Semitic violence has steadily risen since 2016, this book delivers a reminder that Jewish people are musicians, athletes, activists, religious leaders, and just like everyone else
A gentle look at one family’s community and culture.
With its unique blend of science, humor, and visual appeal, this is a must-read for anyone curious about the natural world.
Not an essential purchase, but a charming interactive board book to bring Christmas cheer nonetheless.
A worthy addition for collections looking to broaden coverage in their religions representation.
An introspective coming-of-age novel in verse that is a must-have for young adult collections.
A strong follow-up to the first book and an absolutely delightful choice for story time or an elementary school classroom read-aloud.
This story teaches a positive lesson about working together to complete a task and spread holiday cheer. A lovely choice for holiday shelves.
Guaranteed to inspire young scientists and environmentalists eager to learn how the past can guide us to a sustainable future. Highly recommended for the middle school library and classroom.
A delightful first buy, full of fun and interesting facts and photos that will appeal to shark fanatics and the merely curious.
This well-loved tune, now in book form, is a perfect addition to any Halloween collection.
Fans of the original will enjoy this Christmas rhyme just as much.
A twisted reimagining that’s sure to thrill readers.
Warm presentations of vulnerable species will appeal to young animal lovers in these read alouds.
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.
A great resource for research projects and nature enthusiasts, recommended for middle grade science collections. Finally, some good news about the future of honey bees!
Hand this to fans of Karen M. McManus or students looking for a thrill without the gore. Recommended as an additional purchase.
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.
Purchase to fill a hole in coverage of international celebrations and for readers who enjoy a good scare.
While readers will find interesting tidbits, they will come away wishing for fewer words and more recipes.
A raw and fiercely gripping portrayal with paramount representation.
Race car and holiday fans will enjoy this befitting story for picture 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.
Until there is a more informative book about this unique celebration, this works in large collections.
A potentially popular addition to elementary library collections. Readers will likely enjoy Betty’s enthusiasm and excitement around the Christmas holiday.
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.
A perfect recommendation for fans of animal adventure stories of all stripes in the mood for a thrill and a laugh.
For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.
For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.
Charlotte was my student in a university fiction course during the pandemic. A couple years later, I was delighted to find out that my publisher had chosen Charlotte to illustrate my cover!
The National Book Award finalists have been announced!
Ruth Chan talks about her graphic novel memoir, UPROOTED
With a mother who grew up in Istanbul and a father who grew up in Montana, I spent much of my childhood traveling between those settings, figuring out how to exist in both, and grappling with questions of identity and belonging.
Celebrate the Jewish New Year by sharing these board and picture books.
Spooky month is here, and not only am I thrilled for the fall breezes and pumpkin decor, but I’m also excited for so many incredible YA releases that arrive this month. And there are so many. I cut this list down at least four times, and we’re still at 16 books! So here’s the 16books […]
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.
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.
This beautiful book about the healing of distance and reflection is recommended for all libraries where picture books circulate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Readers can relate to the protagonist as they embark on their own creative endeavors.
An additional purchase for the elementary story-hour shelf.
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.
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.
Filled with adventure, intrigue, and a bit of romance, this compelling read will capture the interest of teens and tweens.
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.
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.
A charming, paranormal graphic novel about falling in love and learning how to create healthy boundaries within relationships.
A charming, empowering story that will resonate with members of and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
This must-purchase is an expansive narrative that skillfully examines the ways a family’s past affects descendants in the present.
With its existing fanbase, and sweet LGBTQIA+ story of defying destiny to beckon others, this series will prove a hit in many collections.
A compelling quest into the depths of the human mind and the darkest tunnels of life and death that will appeal to mature readers who want challenging topics to ponder on.
Readers will flock to this graphic novel, especially fans of Webtoons, romantasy, secret identities, and ladies who are stronger than they look.
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.
Readers will love the themes of found family and burgeoning love. Don’t miss this one.
This twisty mystery is recommended for thriller aficionados and collections where such titles circulate well.
A dark and sensory exploration of familial trauma and the effects of grief.
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
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.
A gripping, fantastically twisty mystery for fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson.
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.
This must-read book for teens with chronic illness has universal themes for all readers about the importance of self-advocacy, family, and friendship.
All the gritty violence of a Western melds with a dark mystery to great effect. A definite purchase for most collections.
A well-crafted tale of class elections, self-awareness, and childhood friendship; a valuable addition to any collection.
A very successful biography that portrays a purpose-driven life fueled from Obama’s early years to the White House; the text captures the energy and passion of a man who broke barriers and changed history.
This well-written and well-illustrated book introduces young readers to an important writer, and is an excellent choice for discussing the significance of writers finding their own voices.
Entertaining and funny, this title is incomplete as nonfiction but makes for a good story.
A wonderful addition to library collections or for use in music classrooms to introduce this early childhood icon.
An accessible nonfiction book, perfect for children and read-alouds.
Despite that one caveat, this is a useful resource for introducing physical activity and breaks, making it a solid addition to collections seeking new ideas.
A well-researched and excellent addition to STEM classes and library collections.
The illustrations carry this book; readers will enjoy seeing recognizable characters who express their individuality, which may be enough to offset the unwieldy text.
With the stated shortcomings, this title will be of interest to collections where tales of animal heroics are popular.
This collection will draw Ito’s loyal fans and horror enthusiasts; an additional purchase for libraries where his other work is popular.
This supernatural mystery comes with moments of intensity, but nonetheless makes for an interesting read.
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