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PREMIUM
José and Feliz Play Fútbol
An excellent addition to early chapter book collections. This title has so much promise for readers who are learning Spanish, interested in soccer, or have a love of dogs.
PREMIUM
The Dark Lord’s Daughter
This title may not grab readers looking for more exciting and fast-paced tales but will appeal to fans of other high fantasy stories with magic, like the “School for Good and Evil” series.
PREMIUM
Looking Up
With an imaginative ending that will make readers think, there is more than meets the eye in this funny gem.
Swartz’s latest is realistic fiction at its best. A solid story with a strong positive message about friendship, trust, and tenacity that will fit nicely into all collections.
PREMIUM
Like a Charm
An engaging fantasy/adventure story ideal for anyone experiencing social alienation; it’s especially deft in its handling of the topics of neurodivergence and disability.
PREMIUM
Secret of the Reaping
A solid follow-up that will keep readers invested in this exciting series.
PREMIUM
Forsooth
Chock-full of theater references, middle school romance, and drama, this book will find fans among so-called “theater kids,” but is too niche for a general audience.
PREMIUM
Brave Little Bear
This sweet, coming-of-age picture book conceptualizes the different ways we can be brave, and is a good metaphorical guide for children facing new chapters in their lives.
PREMIUM
I Am Dog!
Perfect for children who enjoy pet stories, rhyming word play, and lots of laughs.
PREMIUM
The Real Story
A first purchase for most collections, this book will prove popular at story time.
PREMIUM
Lawrence & Sophia
This enjoyable story of two unlikely friends who make each other brave is a good addition to library collections.
PREMIUM
Asha and the Toymaker
With a well-told story whose simple illustrations convey complex emotions, this book will be a great addition to any library.
PREMIUM
Winter: A Solstice Story
This beautiful book offers young readers a way into a world they may not encounter, deep in the woods, in winter.
Highly recommended, this humorous and cozy book is an excellent addition to any collection.
A demonstration of individual responsibility, this loving and conscientious story deserves a home in all library collections.
PREMIUM
Bhangra Baby
This is a great addition to any collection, especially for story times looking to give kids—and families
Highly recommended for picture book collections, this fun-filled rumpus will delight young children and leave everyone in a glow.
PREMIUM
My Brother Is an Avocado
A great book for story hours, and ideal for helping families awaiting their own new bundle.
PREMIUM
Are You Mad at Me?
Illustrating one aspect of anxiety, this title will be helpful to children in recognizing their own anxiety and also how other children might be feeling.
PREMIUM
5-Minute Princess Power Stories
Add where there are fans of the series; otherwise this is an additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Don’t Blow Your Top!
Knowing that mistakes happen and that improvement is possible is an important message for all ages.
PREMIUM
The Incredible Hotel
The illustrations are transporting, perfectly capturing the magic of the hotel and the charm of a European town, and that may be enough for some readers. Recommended as a secondary purchase.
PREMIUM
My Cat Does Ballet
A creative celebration of dance, friendly competition, cats and their gifts.
PREMIUM
An Unexpected Thing
The book is certainly timely, as anxiety among youth is on the rise. An excellent addition to all library collections.
PREMIUM
Dim Sum Palace
A savory delight for young readers who enjoy dreaming about food as much as eating it.
PREMIUM
The Wishing Machine
A generous, thoughtful celebration of community and embracing life’s transitions.
PREMIUM
If I Was a Horse
A wonderful reminder of the power of imagination and a launching point for story hour discussions.
A masterful integration of storytelling, an introduction to a complex language, and cross-cultural understanding make this an excellent addition to any elementary library.
PREMIUM
A Hundred Vicious Turns
Trans fantasy novels are still a rare occurrence on YA shelves, and this novel will appeal to readers who prefer slower stories. A secondary purchase.
A ruthless and standout series opener to a dark, adrenaline-fueled duology. Highly recommended for all collections.
A swoon-worthy LGBTQIA+ romance with a lot of heart, this one is a first purchase for all library collections.
PREMIUM
The Reunion
This one may interest teens who enjoy thrillers, but the pacing detracts from the plot’s strengths.
PREMIUM
Champion of Fate
The tight-knit friendships and thrilling action sequences are the true heroes of this duology opener. Blake subverts classic tropes to reward new and frequent fantasy readers. Recommended for general purchase.
A compelling story as the James women struggle to deal with their own secrets, and in the process, reveal some the darkest ones in town. A first purchase.
Make space for this in your collection; Reid’s dark and lyrical writing will hold readers captive even after the story ends.
PREMIUM
The Last Girls Standing
A recommended purchase where thrillers are popular; hand this to fans of Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Stephen King’s IT.
PREMIUM
When Ghosts Call Us Home
A quiet paranormal horror that, because of its slow pacing, would be a secondary purchase in libraries where these kinds of stories are popular.
PREMIUM
Have You Seen My Sister?
This is a fast-paced, twisty read that will keep readers guessing until the very end. A great addition to YA collections; hand it to readers who enjoy the works of Karen M. McManus, Jessica Goodman, and Holly Jackson.
PREMIUM
The Rosewood Hunt
This mystery will grab the attention of readers from the start as it takes them along a trail of clues. An excellent addition to library collections for teens that will satisfy genre fans.
PREMIUM
Flubby Does Not Like Snow
A great addition for all libraries looking for modern emergent reader books.
PREMIUM
Bright Star: An Acorn Book
Recommended for purchase where the series and beginning chapter books are popular.
PREMIUM
This Is Not My Story
A great addition to any library and a wonderful way to pull in reluctant readers and kids just starting to figure out how to tell a story.
Though the depth of the text is limited, the large print and vibrant digital art will keep emerging readers’ attention.
Humming with sweetness and color, this is a lovely encouragement to new readers to make one’s life matter in small but important ways.
PREMIUM
Scientists Are Saving the World!
A helpful addition to libraries looking for introductory texts on science careers.
The title perfectly portrays the bonds of friendship and teamwork, making it a great addition to any library collection.
PREMIUM
Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day
Readers will laugh out loud at JoJo’s antics and opinions as she embraces her community, heritage, and love for life. Give to fans of “Junie B. Jones.” Recommended for all libraries.
A kid-friendly early reader graphic novel that hits all the right notes. You Gotta Go purchase for early elementary shelves.
These chapter books will whet children’s appetite for reading many other Anne of Green Gables adaptations, or perhaps the unabridged original, in all its beautifully purple prose.
PREMIUM
The Nose, Toes, and Tummy Book
Humorous play throughout ends with the featured child being told “Good Night!” Good luck putting a child to bed after all that fun! Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Bundle Up, Little Pup
While not every dog needs all the winter gear involved, young children will appreciate the adorable pups bundling up for snowy activities.
Simple, active text with classic illustrations, this is Carle for a new generation.
PREMIUM
Let’s Go, Puppy!
An outwardly simple title has helpful tips for caregivers to deepen the reading experience.
PREMIUM
By Myself!
Pitch perfect for an audience of children who want to be self-reliant and have the stubbornness to prove it!
Children will love squeaking Baby T. rex long after the story has been read.
PREMIUM
Gigantosaurus: Meet the Dinos!
Fun illustrations combine with interesting characters in search of age-appropriate adventure.
PREMIUM
Flying Up the Mountain
A good follow-up to the first book, this also works as a standalone. Both are fine additions to middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Melody Queen
Fans of show business will cheer Simi along as she tries to find her place in both the Bollywood music industry and among her fellow students.
A lovely genre introduction, perfect for those starting out to enhance reading comprehension with and enough fun to keep seasoned readers engaged.
With nonstop action that is always thrilling but never too scary, this fantasy is perfect for younger readers who are fans of Rick Riordan or Kwame Mbalia.
Speaking of classics, why not bring in Ezra Jack Keats’s The Snowy Day, too, and have a joyful story hour to remind kids that efforts, not results, count, and snow is a glorious break from everything.
This visually compelling tale is a thought-provoking addition to libraries for elementary school-aged readers.
A sweet and relatable story of feeling lonely, missing loved ones, and community; an excellent purchase for libraries.
Skillful Shalan deftly elevates Pla’s latest novel from good to great.
Dutt bestows aural enhancement to debut author Pinto’s homage to “Hansel and Gretel”
PREMIUM
Give Me a Sign
The author's words are unmistakable: “your deaf experience is valid...you belong.”
Libraries, take note: audiobooks get a specific shoutout from Claire, more reason to enable other readers like her.
PREMIUM
Adventures with Claudie
Small’s versatile accents and rhythms guarantee a dramatic performance; her recitation as Claudie’s mother recalling a lynching to her young daughter is exceptionally haunting.
PREMIUM
Lalo Lespérance Never Forgot
Relative audiobook newbie and Spanish-fluent Rocha is a thoughtful narrator, subtly spotlighting Lalo’s under-the-radar maturity. Rocha attentively reads rather than performs the various characters, but his compassionate, deliberate exposition is just the calm Lalo needs to be distinctly heard.
Once started, even the most reluctant readers will be hard-pressed to hit the pause button.
Zamamiri’s dynamic performance parallels Rana’s aspirational goals as she takes center stage.
The fear is real: Tedla’s expertly modulated adrenaline spikes will likely eclipse technical irritants.
PREMIUM
Forgive Me Not
A dynamic duo amplifies an already powerful novel about responsibility, justice, and family.
PREMIUM
Make a Move, Sunny Park!
The shared Korean American background of author, narrator, and protagonist ensures a persuasive experience.
BIPOC youth will find resonance here; privileged audiences, perhaps, need this most of all.
PREMIUM
Pedro & Daniel
For the more resonating experience, choose the page; it’s a visual homage to Erebia’s hybrid verse/prose/dichos (proverbs) exposition, enhanced with Julie Kwon’s empathic art.
PREMIUM
Warrior Girl
Nimbly inserted contemporary events—#BlackLivesMatter, COVID-19, anti-Asian hate
PREMIUM
We Still Belong
“We Still Belong, ” the title of Wesley’s poem, becomes an essential invitation for children of all backgrounds.
PREMIUM
Savi and the Memory Keeper
Inspiring youth facing environmental threats ensure for a timely, urgent read.
The exuberance of the vast cast (with credits at recording’s end!) is a contagious gift. Hand the Martín-illustrated print and the audio to all reluctant readers.
Libraries should prepare: experiencing print and audio simultaneously will surely elicit optimal appreciation.
PREMIUM
The Girls from Hush Cabin
YA mystery is often hesitant to embrace actual murder, but Hoy-Kenny doesn’t pull any punches. A solid mystery with actual murders.
Arnold’s wrenching tale of two sisters surviving the Holocaust in Romania is a must-read.
PREMIUM
The Boy You Always Wanted
A rom-com with a lot of heart and surprising depth, this is recommended for most collections.
PREMIUM
Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses
A solid follow-up and worthwhile purchase for those who enjoyed the first book and readers who like stories set in one day like Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton and others or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.
Budding scientists looking for a chapter book series that has both developed and interesting characters, and great STEM components, will enjoy Sejal and her adventures.
PREMIUM
Cat and Mice
One in a small category of very beginning reader texts that manages to communicate an interesting plot in fewer than 20 unique words.
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