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In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Mina Ikemoto Ghosh shares about Hyo the Hellmaker in this latest installment.
PREMIUM
Thirsty Ground
With this novel that explores themes of identity, duty, and destiny, YA readers are in for an adventure.
PREMIUM
Finding Her Feet
Challenging middle school dynamics and identity themes are accurately portrayed; striving readers will root for Lily as she navigates her way through a new social group and game. A needed and welcome addition for school and public libraries.
A timely, affirming gift book ideal for Father’s Day shelves and family story times celebrating modern dads.
Like a sun-drenched memory, this book embodies the magic of girlhood fangirl summers, the sun warming your face, and your favorite pop song blasting as if the whole world is yours.
A heartwarming and entertaining read that celebrates the joys of summer, the magic of childhood, and the enduring bonds of friendship; a great addition to any children’s or school library.
PREMIUM
Sib Squad
Featuring a nostalgic comic art style and plenty of laughs, this graphic novel is a standout option for young readers, offering a relatable look at sibling dynamics.
Purchase where readers devour the “I Survived” series by Lauren Tarshis.
PREMIUM
The Rebel’s Guide to Pride
Fans of Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda and Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish will fall in love with Zeke and his story.
A vital read that celebrates the power of true authenticity, this is a must-buy for middle school collections.
An adventure story that underlines themes of personal agency, this is recommended for fans of fantasy that includes strong human-animal connections.
A relatable story highlighting social intelligence skills in a way that will feel real to young readers.
Hand to fans of rich fantasies like those of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.
PREMIUM
Music of the Mountains
A narrative steeped in tradition and family with a modern plot, this book will be a welcome addition to picture book collections.
While the back matter provides a good deal of information, there are more engaging options that blend historical information and cultural celebration seamlessly into the narrative.
A delicious read from the first bite; Ellis has whipped up a true goody. This is a solid purchase for all libraries where tweens desire a relatable delight.
PREMIUM
Barnacle Bay
Perfect for fans of the visual style and humor of Ben Clanton’s “Narwhal and Jelly,” and also a useful introduction to marine habitats and sea life for classroom units and individual interest.
PREMIUM
The Village Beyond the Mist
A long-awaited translation that will appeal to fans of Spirited Away and those eclectic readers who have never encountered Miyazaki’s film; recommended for fans of tales ranging from The Secret Garden to “The Spiderwick Chronicles.”
A buggy adventure with high jinks and teamwork galore, recommended for middle grade fiction collections.
A solid, heartwarming addition to early chapter book collections.
A well-crafted graphic novel about facing one’s fears, recommended for early reader or graphic novel sections.
This new standout early reader series is highly recommended for general purchase.
This rhyming tale of an unusual character in a wacky situation will appeal to fans of Dr. Seuss.
PREMIUM
Sports Are Fun!
This wonderful early reader about a variety of sports is a great addition to any preschool or elementary library collection.
PREMIUM
Lissa Loves Bugs
The perfect chapter book for young lovers of science or fantasy, especially bug enthusiasts who enjoy a hint of suspense in their stories as well. Strong female characters will also inspire readers of all ages.
PREMIUM
Pete the Cat’s Mars Mission
A recommended purchase for libraries where Pete the Cat is popular and early readers circulate widely.
Sure to be a hit with vehicle lovers, this engaging title for early chapter book readers cleverly uses a bulldozer child protagonist to address social fears about new situations and friendships. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
I’m a Preschool Kid!
An accessible introduction to preschool, helping young children as they prepare to transition to a new environment.
A simple, yet impactful, story about big feelings and how kids can effectively manage them.
PREMIUM
First Day Around the World
A delightful celebration of global connection through the lens of education.
PREMIUM
Yeti Is Not Ready for School
Sensitive and only slightly spooky, this book makes Yeti’s first day of school amusing and relatable.
PREMIUM
My Teacher Is a Dinosaur!
Dinosaurs are perennially popular, making this a sound addition to picture book collections.
PREMIUM
I’m Your School Bus
Libraries, especially those with fans of buses and vehicles, looking to increase their board book collections will find this title worth the purchase. Otherwise, an additional purchase.
Perfect for the younger crowd to get them excited about going to school, or for a back-to-school storytime.
Purchase where back-to-school collections need bulking up.
PREMIUM
Alpaca Goes Back-A to School
Recommended for school and public libraries: going back to school is an event that most children will encounter at one point or another.
PREMIUM
Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!
Grumpy Monkey retains his usual humor while slipping in a little new knowledge in this book that may become a favorite reread.
PREMIUM
On the First Day of Preschool
A great addition to any library collection. Children will enjoy seeing themselves in activities they have done in their school.
PREMIUM
Preschool Is Cool!
For public libraries or early childhood programs looking for works that eases nerves and makes school look like a place to learn and grow.
Young children will relate to Tiny and his first day of school jitters, while being reassured that school is a place to make mistakes and grow.
PREMIUM
Fish Don’t Go to School
Children will enjoy reading about Henry’s first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends.
An excellent purchase for upper elementary and middle schools for its short, humorous take on murder mysteries.
Purchase where more books on processing grief are needed.
PREMIUM
The Visitors
A poignant, recommended story for fans of character-driven fiction with a touch of supernatural thrill.
PREMIUM
Going Overboard
A charming, timely novel about growth and change; recommended for most middle school collections.
PREMIUM
Love, Canter, Action
This debut is an absolute delight to read; it’s perfect for readers who never outgrew horse stories.
PREMIUM
Come Home to My Heart
A realistic portrait of the plight of homeless queer youth across the United States as well as a beautiful story of first love, this novel is great for high schoolers or fans of a wholesome, romantic tearjerker.
With a new-era Pretty Little Liars vibe, this cautionary thriller is the perfect drama for Karen M. McManus and Rory Power fans.
PREMIUM
Death in the Cards
Recommended for libraries where Karen M. McManus and Maureen Johnson books are popular.
PREMIUM
Titan of the Stars
A mash-up of sci-fi and horror tropes fervently coalesce into a satisfying and fresh option for teens.
PREMIUM
That Devil, Ambition
Small doses of gore and horror heighten the stakes of this magical survival story. Recommended for general purchase.
PREMIUM
When We Go Missing
Recommended where Henry’s books and blends of coming-of-age and mystery are popular.
A thought-provoking, uncomfortable thriller that readers won’t be able to forget. Highly recommended.
A must-have flirtation-via-tropes tale with all the swooning and joy readers want in a love story.
PREMIUM
Out of Step, into You
This sport-centered story featuring Black characters will appeal to teens looking for a feel-good queer romance, particularly in a genre of sports that is rarely represented.
PREMIUM
Just Another Meet Cute
Tweens and teens will gravitate towards this book, especially fans of Sarah Dessen, Katherine Center, and Ann Liang. It’s a good purchase for classroom and school libraries.
PREMIUM
This Could Be Forever
Whether readers personally resonate with Deja’s or Raja’s experiences or are just interested in YA romance, LaDelle’s book provides a beautifully sweet reading experience.
This is an awesome addition to all collections. People are always looking for community helpers books, and the bonus here is the school setting.
PREMIUM
I Love Kindergarten! Numbers
An academically solid, aesthetically underwhelming volume of math-themed poetry.
PREMIUM
Trusty Bus
A comforting tale about a necessary and sometimes overlooked companion in a successful school day. This story will resonate with beginning school populations and lovers of things with wheels.
This is a peppy first day of school story to knock game-day jitters out of the park.
PREMIUM
Return to Sender
A fantastical middle grade story with a touch of ethics; would be a good fit in collections favoring adventure and fantasy.
PREMIUM
The Burning Season
The adventure starts fast in this wilderness survival verse novel that will circulate in libraries with students who enjoy Dusti Bowling’s The Canyon’s Edge, and Gary Paulsen’s “Brian’s Saga” series.
A powerful novel about an often-forgotten region and era that highlights the power of education through shared communication to create bonds.
This luminous, heartfelt debut reminds readers the sky is never the limit and will inspire any middle school student who reads it.
PREMIUM
Graciela in the Abyss
An excellent fit for readers of fantasy and ghost stories, Graciela will make readers feel near the sea, hearing old stories passed around a campfire.
PREMIUM
Dad Rock Dragon Quest
A fast-paced book that will engage readers in what feels like the first in a series of adventures for Zadie and her family of Gamewardens.
PREMIUM
Vesuvius
A fun, unique historical romance for fans of Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End and Roman mythology. Consider for general purchase.
PREMIUM
It’s You Every Time
The “what if” plot of a fantasy romance serves a deeper purpose here as two teens grieve the death of loved ones.
PREMIUM
A Forgery of Fate
Hand to readers who like the ache of slow-burn romance and the whimsy of fairy tales. Highly recommended for all collections.
Highly recommended for libraries diversifying their YA romance collections with more stories that focus on managing identity, disability, and mental health anxieties in positive ways. A sure delight for fans of authors like Tashie Bhuiyan and Farah Heron.
PREMIUM
His Face Is the Sun
Betrayal, murder, magic, and a monster combine within a desert setting for an ancient Egyptian-inspired Game of Thrones feel.
PREMIUM
Audre & Bash Are Just Friends
A good choice for teens looking for a summer rom-com that has a bit of depth.
Bland and boring but likely to fly off the shelves anyway.
A whimsical and relatable tale that is fun and engaging for children and adults alike.
PREMIUM
Brave
A story of ancestors, love, loss, and self-acceptance wrapped in the meaning of long hair for men in Native American tradition, this rare topic in picture books makes it a good pick for most libraries.
A family who lives in their van has everything they need in an important and seldom discussed topic done extremely well. A must-have for most libraries.
A series opener that will delight tween mystery sleuths while leaving them anxiously awaiting the next installment.
PREMIUM
Gilbert and the Ghost
A perennial ghost-next-door story that readers will enjoy any time they long for a bit of mystery.
Rich with information and heart, this standout blends STEM learning with community building in a memorable package.
Add to library collections as a solid read for youngsters who are transitioning from picture books to early chapter books. A recommended purchase.
PREMIUM
Monty and the Mushrooms
A wacky tale that encourages readers to reflect on self-awareness and tolerance of others. Highly recommended for a fun discussion starter on living and learning in a community.
A relevant and redemptive tale of hope in the darkest of times, with gregarious graphics to satisfy kids and a message to break even the most callous adult’s bitter shell.
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