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In this popular Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Adina King shares about 'The House No One Sees' in this latest installment.
PREMIUM
Wait ‘Til You’re Older
This book is a good addition to the scientific (and fun) section of the library.
PREMIUM
I Like You So Much: A Powerful Message of Celebrating Individuality and What Makes You Unique
In a time where too much of what children see is negative, a book like this in a library collection or being read-aloud to them is important. A great tool for both the library and SEL.
A great purchase for libraries with fans of the series, or those seeking an inclusive Mother’s Day read.
Recommended where previous books in the series are popular.
PREMIUM
Meet Me at Blue Hour
For readers who like to consider and think about the effect of technology on social interactions and the idea of scientific studies mixed with a little romance. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Falling Star
A compelling reminder to readers that they do not have to be the brightest to be important. A good addition to any SEL collection.
A heartfelt contemporary novel for fans of Jennifer L. Holm’s Sunny Side Up and Gennifer Choldenko’s The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman.
PREMIUM
Wish Upon a K-Star
A readable, charming, drama-filled story with relatable characters, this book will appeal to readers who like romance and K-pop combined into one fun tale.
A comforting story for families of all stripes, with an added educational bonus showing acceptance of all for younger elementary children.
A great purchase for libraries where the series is popular, or for those needing a Father’s Day read-aloud.
PREMIUM
Dino-School
A terrific back-to-school read, perfect for classroom and library collections. With its blend of humor, heart, and prehistoric fun, this book is sure to be a hit with fans of dinosaurs, rhyming books, and school stories.
PREMIUM
Get Dressed, Belly Button!
Perfect for a range of ages and story times, this book is a delightful crowd-pleaser.
PREMIUM
Bad Influence
An enjoyable enough read for readers looking for a love story with a little drama. Includes language more suitable for older readers.
Fun, humorous, and realistic, with a great representation of students and an emphasis on learning language in a fun manner, this book is a must-have for both libraries and classrooms. This should be the next great read-aloud.
A charming addition to have on hand, though not an essential purchase for all collections.
PREMIUM
Billions to Burn
This novel’s blend of Black history exploration with action-packed puzzles around every corner will appeal to readers seeking adventure and mystery.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Trisha Tobias shares about Honeysuckle and Bone in this latest installment.
In these three novels, the pace and proximity of small-town life play a vital role in characters’ disparate journeys that are ultimately bids for safety, recognition, and belonging.
An absolute must-purchase powerhouse of a hybrid illustrated novel packed with humor, storycrafting lessons, and a great rivals-to-teammates tale.
PREMIUM
Candle Island
A worthy purchase for library shelves that would also serve well as a selection for group discussions.
PREMIUM
Dinosaur Pie
This book pulls readers into an entertaining narrative while illustrating what inclusivity looks like in the process, whisking even the most wayward students into a hilarious world of inquiry, adventure, and acceptance.
PREMIUM
Gus
A first purchase. This endearing tale of lasting friendship will not only appeal to young readers, but it also provides a positive depiction of aging.
PREMIUM
The Floating World
An interesting folklore-inspired fantasy with shades of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone and Final Fantasy. Recommended for larger collections.
A deeply moving portrayal of contemporary teens living complex lives with dignity and courage, this should find a home in any library serving middle and high schoolers.
Required reading for fans of the original trilogy. A must-have in all collections.
Fun and unexpected, this charming back-to-school book lovingly supports children who are preparing for their first day of school.
PREMIUM
I Don’t Want to Go to School
This unique story is a good fit for home library collections, especially those with children for whom school attendance is a struggle.
PREMIUM
Beasts
A simple yet effective monster story that will appeal to fans of postapocalyptic fiction.
PREMIUM
Night Owl and Early Bird
A sweet story about embracing one another’s differences and compromising; highly recommended for all libraries serving emergent readers.
Recommended for most upper elementary and middle school collections; hand to fans looking for a quick, satisfying paranormal adventure.
A must-purchase title for any library serving teens, though still relevant for younger readers. Hand to fans of tender explorations of young masculinity like Kenneth M. Cadow’s Gather, Shifa Saltagi Safadi’s Kareem Between, or Alicia D. Williams’s Mid-Air.
These three books poignantly explore characters whose relationships to the past heavily influence their present.
A fantastic addition to any early reader collection, Bear and Bird’s latest adventures are sure to keep young readers entertained while encouraging the growth of their reading skills.
PREMIUM
Uni and the Dolphin
Bright pictures and familiar characters will appeal to those who enjoy a story about magical creatures and helping the environment.
PREMIUM
Maker Girl and Professor Smarts
A wonderful complement to any Makerspace or STEAM program and a strong addition to graphic novel collections, especially with a bit of booktalking to point out the book’s unique elements.
The eighth book in this easy reader series features a beach party filled with fun; purchase where need dictates or where "Really Bird" books are popular.
PREMIUM
Art’s Art
Give to patrons who are eager for an compelling story as well as a book to develop their vocabulary.
PREMIUM
Rosey Stink Badger
While not an essential addition to collections, this title’s gentle resolution suggests that reputations are not necessarily to be believed.
A delightful and relatable read, this book is a must-have for libraries and a sure hit with young readers.
Popular sea creatures like sharks and mermaids may not be enough for this to become a favorite. A secondary purchase, it may connect with Disney fans or where fairy tales frequently circulate.
PREMIUM
Rainbow Fair
A solid purchase for libraries seeking more diversity in Asian experiences as well as Muslim representation.
A delightful addition to the shelves, highlighting the power of friendship and overcoming obstacles, both big and small.
PREMIUM
Family Week
An engaging, introspective read that balances humor with heartfelt emotion, capturing the joy, pain, and uncertainty of adolescence in a way that will resonate with young readers navigating their own paths.
A resonant tale of a tween struggling to adapt to change; a must-buy for all middle grade collections.
A strong continuation of a Korean folkloric mystery series.
PREMIUM
A Day at the Beach
This multi-viewpoint narrative highlighting tween interactions among family and friends will be enjoyed by many readers.
PREMIUM
The Girl in the Walls
For fans of Anne Ursu’s Not Quite a Ghost, an eerie, emotional exploration of the way family haunts us and—with luck and care
PREMIUM
Dreamslinger
Readers who like Rick Riordan titles, Korean culture, fantasy, and adventure will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
PREMIUM
The Forgotten Summer of Seneca
Give to readers who liked Marie Arnold’s The Year I Flew Away and kids seeking a gentle read with a big heart as well as important themes.
PREMIUM
The Garden Just Beyond
An intriguing premise and solid characters can sell this story despite some plotting problems.
PREMIUM
Unboxing Libby
Readers will likely find they have much in common with these Robot Dolls of the future, while considering what the future may have in store for who remain behind on Earth.
A must-buy for middle grade collections, especially where contemporary mysteries circulate well.
PREMIUM
The Kite Collector
A charming story exploring sibling relationships around toys and each other; it’s a fun book, especially when James finally lets go of his ideas of how things should be and allows them just to happen.
PREMIUM
Under Anna’s Umbrella
A moving and beautifully illustrated picture book, recommended for addressing themes of grief and healing with young readers.
PREMIUM
That Time I Turned Into a Worm
This title enticingly captures the imagination and creativity of a lonely girl who finds friends and joy in her community garden.
A beloved classic fairy tale with a new twist, this is frightfully fun and novel.
PREMIUM
Just One Wave: A Picture Book
A great purchase for libraries for showing persistence, patience, and acceptance; additionally, this book shows a single-parent family.
PREMIUM
You’re Beautiful
This heartwarming reminder of self-love is a perfect purchase for any library’s picture book collection.
PREMIUM
My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!
Children won’t need a lesson on the history of rock to join this celebration of intergenerational love.
A concept that might seem complex at first glance is rendered accessible for readers young and old, and this title featuring a diverse cast of characters will be a welcome addition to classrooms and libraries alike.
Friends are simply strangers we have yet to meet; the endearing beast and a message will encourage readers to learn and engage with new things other than react with dread. For all collections.
With rich language and a complex subject matter deftly touched on throughout, this is suitable for intermediate students; it’s no fairy tale, but a retelling that amplifies courage and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
A great narrative nonfiction purchase on a topic that is rarely discussed.
PREMIUM
Good Luck, Ice Cream Truck!
Art and text are a perfect match that all picture book lovers, especially young children, will continuously enjoy.
PREMIUM
The Bi Book
This simple book shares complex ideas, teaches an important prefix, and engages young readers through lovely, approachable illustrations.
Worth a peek for adult fans of this colorful personality, as well as older elementary readers seeking validation, even if from imperfect sources.
PREMIUM
Lights at Night
A lovely look at fox and human families as they enjoy the changing lights and nature. Perfect for cozy bedtime stories.
PREMIUM
Dream for the Land
A book that motivates young readers to learn more about tending the land, growing food, and the impact of human overdevelopment on the environment.
PREMIUM
Down on the Bayou
An unusual and useful book that uses imagination, storytelling, and ecology to connect readers to the Louisiana bayou.
This sweet, simple story about the human-nature connection will be a pleasing addition to library collections.
PREMIUM
Peek & Boo Time for Bed!
Combining cartoony illustrations and the eternal crowd-pleaser that is peekaboo, this is guaranteed to be a hit with the toddler crowd.
The animals glow in the illustrations, drawing readers into their magical world while reminding them that facing fears with good friends makes everything better. A recommended purchase
PREMIUM
Hello, Tobi!
A sweet and deceptively simple story offers readers a new lens for looking at those they are familiar with as well as those who are different with an open heart
PREMIUM
The Coven Tendency
A surreal fantasy like this will do well in collections for teens who enjoy reading about serious themes in magical settings.
Emezi’s latest novel will help readers see beauty in the void. Fans of their work or Nnedi Okorafor’s “Nsibidi Script” series will doubtlessly gravitate to this one.
A testament to how folklore, craftsmanship, and visual elements can come together to create an unforgettable reading experience.
PREMIUM
How to Tell a True Story
Engaging characters convey kindness, loyalty, and the price of honesty in this relatable portrayal of school and family life suitable for intermediate and middle school readers.
PREMIUM
The Summer I Ate the Rich
What starts off as a strong commentary about immigration, socioeconomic status, and healthcare in the U.S. falls flat by the conclusion.
Highly recommended, especially for those who grew up in a less-than-magical world.
PREMIUM
Messy Perfect
Cassie’s eventual confrontation with the various parts of her life and the impact of her decisions make this book the perfect addition to any well-rounded YA collection.
Completely charming and pithy, with laughs galore, this romance should be in all middle school and high school collections.
PREMIUM
The Notorious Virtues
For fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen, Hamilton offers a thrilling fantasy that takes a critical look at the corrupting influence of power and the fight for a more equitable society.
PREMIUM
Night Swimming
Between the slow pacing and heavy 1990s references, this one will need to be hand sold to teens.
PREMIUM
Under the Fading Sky
A cautionary tale wrapped in a vivid slice of contemporary life, recommended for high school collections.
PREMIUM
If We Were a Movie
A breezy summer romance that celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and Black cinema.
PREMIUM
Where Shadows Meet
This YA fantasy has it all: a well-developed mythos, engaging emotional journeys, and captivating romance.
A mesmerizing ode to poetry, art, and love that stands the test of time, Selznick’s first title for young adults is recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
I Love You S’more
Full of heart and a depth of understanding of young girls battling the forces of hormones, responsibilities, and social media, this is a must-read for fans of YA romance and queer romance.
For avid YA romance readers or casual readers with an interest in LGBTQIA+ experiences, this book provides a heartwarming and relatable overview of a teenager’s life.
PREMIUM
All the Stars Align
A good purchase for libraries looking for more romance with physical disability and queer rep.
PREMIUM
Murray the Knight
A new series perfect for fans of Alex T. Smith’s “Claude” books and Shirley Hughes’s “Digby O’Day” titles. With its hilarious antics, engaging illustrations, and accessible text, this series is sure to be a hit with young readers who will eagerly await each new installment.
PREMIUM
Have a Good Trip, Mousse!
A delightful import that will leave young readers eager to explore more of Mousse’s adventures in the rest of the series.
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