These titles include the background for the current state of book banning, as well as ideas to help librarians respond proactively and reactively. Turn to these titles for information and inspiration for the fight.
There's something for everyone in this roundup of active nonfiction. Some books teach readers how to go fishing, bird-watch, and get in touch with their mystic powers, while other offerings cover affirmations, puberty, and career readiness.
Gale offers comprehensive guides to mental health for teens. This three-book series tackles a range of mental health challenges.
This is well-crafted narrative nonfiction. Purchase where more coverage of the artist is needed.
Recommended for general purchase for all nonfiction collections; there are impossibly few resources available to this readership that take on this topic and cover it in such depth.
Recommended only for research or where presidential biographies are in demand or need updating.
An excellent resource that is a recommended addition to any school library.
A great addition to any collection, as it builds an influential bond between readers and nature’s call to aid in its rejuvenation.
An approachable, comprehensive guide to empower kids to find their passion and make a change. A must-purchase for all libraries.
This book is especially recommended because it not only explains the growth of a successful writer, but it also can stimulate discussions of the ways in which reading and writing enrich our lives.
This is a powerful and accessible invitation for readers of all ages to embrace and support the freedom inherent to all.
A stunning book and essential purchase, stuffed with ideas, poetic musings, and more than one reason to connect with rocks wherever they are found.
An informative biography that highlights the importance of making difficult decisions and helping others, and an inspiring read for young audiences.
In the books for new siblings space, this is a very thoughtful and thorough approach.
An outstanding choice for biography and science classes, women’s history studies, and Black history studies.
Answering deep questions, this book will encourage meaningful, grounded discussions and will be an important part of the elementary library collection.
A fantastic resource for introducing children to robotics. This book educates and inspires, making it a valuable addition to any children’s library.
An excellent purchase to help readers learn about the importance of the brain, and a great addition to Gravel’s other nonfiction titles.
A compelling set of stories that will fascinate animal lovers, and a recommended purchase.
A compelling story of a young girl remaining true to herself, this will inspire readers and athletes of all faiths.
Words and illustrations provide an excellent introduction to how one woman brought her love of fine Chinese food to the United States.
Required reading for independent spirits
Positive, straightforward, and useful, this appealing graphic novel is a solid choice for youth collections.
An interesting and informative story focusing on both the history of the White House and menorahs. A good first buy.
Good reading for the chapter book crowd, who will enjoy the fast-paced fun in this new series.
Good reading for the chapter book crowd, who will enjoy the fast-paced fun in this new series.
This special folktale blooms to life upon the pages, and contains a sweet story of loneliness, friendship, and love.
This is an artistic masterpiece introducing readers to centuries of artistic movements, while reinforcing the strengths and merits of being one’s authentic self.
An eccentric fantasy set in the pastoral Middle Ages; fans of Lemony Snicket’s “Series of Unfortunate Events” will be drawn to this tale of wise and resourceful siblings trying to escape their fate.
Children who often have their heads in the clouds may enjoy poring over the illustrative collages and the sparse text, but many may not fully follow.
A gentle horror perfect for reading aloud, and for fans of Charles Gilman’s “Tales from Lovecraft Middle School” series.
A charming, inventive mystery with an art history component and a touch of magic.
Readers with an interest in either textile arts or science will love the visually dynamic combination this book presents. Overall, an enjoyable and educational read from start to finish.
This title can be used to enrich social studies curriculum, for reports, and to engage curious readers. A great choice for middle grade collections.
The dense text, tedious prose, and somewhat proselytizing tone will cause browsers to pass while report writers will be better served with government websites. Selectors, consider alternatives.
Recommended for research purposes for middle schools, high schools, and public libraries.
A wonderful addition to any library collection.
An utterly compelling narrative of a woman who was integral to the fight for Civil Rights and mostly overlooked by history. Colorful and engaging, it is a reminder of how much women sacrificed to fight for equality. Strong first buy.
A kid-friendly introduction to the not-so-friendly world of crime-fighting.
This rich and inspiring true story will have children riveted.
Recommended; this is a heartfelt story of loss, hope, and overcoming, based on true events.
A must purchase for all libraries to fill much needed positive disability representation in picture books.
An extensive, accessible, and relevant exploration of viruses and the people whose life’s work to study them have changed the course of humanity.
A lovely addition to more traditional biographies of van Gogh, with particular appeal to younger readers. This will inspire discussion, and perhaps an art lesson or two.
A highly recommended work that will have kids wanting to learn more about robotics.
Contemplative, joyful, and informative, this book is recommended for school and public libraries.
Middle schoolers will enjoy the gross factor while learning of jobs seldom discussed. Recommended.
This is a delightful mix of education and entertainment, perfect for newcomers to Greek mythology and seasoned enthusiasts looking for a fresh take.
A refreshing and fun perspective about food that encourages children to see food neutrally. Recommended.
A humorous take not just on tigers but on how to group animals, and a solid addition to elementary library shelves.
For seasoned hikers and novices alike, this attractive guidebook is an indispensable companion for any outdoor enthusiast.
This social history will appeal to upper-elementary and young junior high school readers who are curious about the past and its relation to a positive and peaceable future.
With its engaging story and captivating artwork, this is an excellent choice for school and public library collections.
An unforgettable tale of triumph. The message is perfect for readers of all ages, but the book itself works for first through fifth grades, and deserves to be in all collections.
Silly, gross, and informative. Recommended for elementary collections.
An engaging, accessible, and highly recommended purchase for libraries.
A cursory look at civic action for the young. An additional purchase.
Artists, lovers of art, and those curious about the human drive to mark time on this planet through creative expression will all appreciate this profoundly beautiful and informative book; highly recommended.
Books for young readers about contemporary court cases that relate to anti-racism are few and far between. Purchase this book to fill that gap, especially where there is an additional interest in biographies of musicians.
This is a worthy book for budding scientists and kids who appreciate slimy details. Fact mongers will be inspired.
I hope this book sheds some light on the strange and wonderful animals you might find in the darkest reaches of caves!
Featuring holiday and pop culture themes, sweet and savory delights from around the world, and more fun recipes, these cookbooks have much to offer budding chefs.
The ‘Librarian’ episode, and these eight books, show the power of school libraries and the vital importance of defending them.
Making the decision to add this to your collection should be as easy as isa, dalawa, tatlo.
Overall, an enlightening look at how understanding and celebrating gender diversity has been a long-held belief for many people and cultures throughout history.
Patricia Newman and Jessica Stremer talk about narrative non-fiction
A laugh-out-loud tale for readers looking for a bridge between picture books and graphic novels.
A gorgeous and scientific microscope on a specific climate, providing exploration for a wide range of elementary-age readers.
A lyrical and powerful addition to any collection. Recommended.
This book would be a great fit for readers of any age, but especially tweens and teenagers as they are coming into identity-determining and -finding years.
A decent purchase for libraries serving young readers interested in sports and games.
From the first line, “I came out in the world like ‘this’...” Keith presents a masterful, life-affirming work sure to hit home in the hearts of true lovers of word and life.
A pleasant, nonessential purchase for libraries.
A gripping, authentic window into the soul of a young person, this would be a solid addition to any collection.
Middle and early high school readers who love a gripping adventure or survival story will tear through this one. Highly recommended.
A strong introduction to informational books for beginning readers.
Informative and inspirational without veering into sentimentality, this title is useful across curricula and will have readers rethinking the value of items that appear seemingly worthless. Highly recommended.
As an important work in combating mob mentality and misinformation, this is a good purchase for libraries to connect historical events to today’s current issues.
Pair this with a traditional biography of Washington for a refreshing look into the legacy of both the president and the painter. Highly recommended.
A fun and colorful ABC book for board book collections.
A very interesting and well-illustrated biography, this is surely a necessity for the shelves.
This is an appealing option for parents and caregivers looking for ways to introduce sustainability topics to young children.
For graphic depictions of how humans get fuel, this is a fine collection of images, but the text will leave readers wanting more.
Providing a unique take on the highs and lows of two monumental discoveries, this is a recommended purchase for libraries where narrative nonfiction and science topics circulate well.
An inspiring and detailed biography of strength in the face of adversity, and a highly recommended purchase.
An excellent choice for those looking to explore the physical aspects and cultural impacts birds have had across cultures while also building their bird word knowledge.
A novice, friendly approach to stargazing without equipment year-round that would circulate well due to ease of use and the creator’s connected “Learn to Stargaze” YouTube channel.
A highly recommended purchase based on the variety of easy projects and the appealing graphic design.
This update on popular experiments is a welcome addition to most middle grade science classrooms and public libraries looking for STEM programming ideas.
A highly recommended purchase for libraries looking to add to their habitat and endangered animal collections.
A great choice for school libraries and caregivers looking to take the fun of learning science outside the classroom, literally.
A safe and fun introduction to hiking on trails for children and families that would be at home on public library shelves.
Purchase this educational and beautiful series where nature programs and field exploration are popular and where there’s a need for more artistic nature guides.
A great and useful tool for SEL collections, families, and children who are experiencing hardship or having trouble expressing their emotions.
Urging readers to always choose freedom, this is an important personal telling of Holocaust suffering and survival. A solid purchase for collections with Holocaust interest and studies.
A browsable nonfiction work on an intriguing subject with many curricular tie-ins.
An insightful and affirming resource for understanding introverts, providing both depth and breadth in its exploration.
Highly recommended for collections serving high schoolers.
A strong choice for American history and civics curriculum.
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