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Learn how author Hà Dinh's own experiences shaped Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix-Up, a chapter book that beautifully explores diversity, empathy, and the importance of welcoming new friends with open hearts.
This year, we awarded dozens of books a prestigious star—and among this distinguished group, several clear commonalities shine bright. From fresh approaches on topics like grief to specific recurrences, such as characters taking on another person’s identity, here are the key trends among 2025's starred books.
In Praise of Curation: The practice of advising readers holds something dear—trust | From the Editor
AI-generated booklists are possible—and even published. So what is the value of human curation?
These eight forthcoming board books and picture books will be available long before December. Turn on some Christmas tunes, grab a Santa hat, and peruse these holly, jolly offerings.
The July issue—“the stars so far”—is our halfway point on the path to Best Books in December. SLJ reviews editors stand back to take a look at a beautiful, blossoming list of notable books.
Ranging from heartfelt to hilarious, these remarkable graphic novel and manga titles are sure to leave a lasting impression that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.
From Pakistan to Spain to ordinary neighborhoods, the power of books has never been more visible than in these 65 gems plucked from the mines of picture books published in the first half of 2025.
The accolades keep coming for nonfiction picture books that dare to offer facts and true stories to elementary-aged readers. We cannot wait for autumn, when it's time for a whole other harvest of titles that keep children reading and learning.
From video games and documentaries to anime and tabletop RPGs, these standout stars shine at the top of their categories.
These six titles show that good things come in small sturdy packages. Board books, for the pre-literate and newest readers, continue to surprise and delight in equal measure, and fly off the shelves for story hours.
Whether they want to read one good poem or delight in a collection of good works, these titles offer something for all young readers.
In these two titles, librarians will be inspired by reading about the good work of colleagues and motivated to help young readers through the use of bibliotherapy.
Our starred middle and high school nonfiction offerings for the first half of 2025 are sure to keep readers engaged and informed.
From picture book biographies to the Spanish-language edition of Jason Reynolds’s Lu, these picks are just-right for Spanish readers.
These audiobooks for kids, tweens, and teens offer stories of resilience, hope, and joy.
New readers will feel proud of their ability to read these fun, outstanding stories on their own.
Spanning genres from fantasy to thriller to romance and everything in-between, these titles for teens are sure to delight.
From rollicking fantasy to heartbreaking realism, these excellent additions to the middle grade and hi-lo genres will have something for every tween to enjoy.
The Dreams I’ll Dream Tonight
Embarrassed Ferret
Ai & Aiko and the Little Curve
We Match!
Best Buds
On Our Way with Mr. Jay
The Rise of Nicholas the Noble
Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom
The Moving Book
Trash Truck’s Christmas
Imposter
When Devils Sing
A Girl Walks into the Forest
Link + Hud: Sharks and Minnows
Orris and Timble: Lost and Found
Soulmatch
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban
The Space Cat
Deepwater Creek
Say Something, Poupeh Babaee!
School Dance
Seabird
Dracula’s Brunch Club
Schoolbot 9000
Steel & Spellfire
To the Stars and Back, Vol. 1
Tall Water
Pretty Girl County
Rosa by Any Other Name
Codebreaker
This Book Might Be About Zinnia
Water in Her Veins
Soul of Shadow
A Spell to Wake the Dead
In this golden age of anime, these beginner-friendly films and series provide librarians with a strong starting point for introducing the format to new audiences.
These three titles feature tweens with parents navigating incarceration and detention in the United States.
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