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A family cafe, angry girls, a taekwondo wiz, a mysterious painting, and a heist inspired by Indigenous American mythology.
PREMIUM
La profecía equivocada
This magical boarding school drama with a Greek myth twist would be perfect for Spanish-language fantasy collections.
A must for Spanish-language collections serving tweens, especially where fantasy is popular.
PREMIUM
El porqué de las estaciones
A great purchase for early elementary school collections and curriculum and for communities serving Spanish speakers.
A visually playful introduction to Latin American treats that works best for Spanish-speaking families. While the concept is appealing, stronger Spanish-language board books exist for teaching vocabulary.
Purchase for early elementary school collections and communities serving Spanish speakers and learners.
A lively, educational celebration of mariachi instruments and a strong addition to bilingual board book collections.
PREMIUM
Confessions of a Mango
A story about belonging and neurodivergence; put this into the hands of any shy tween.
PREMIUM
The Water You’re Swimming In
A perfect addition to middle grade realistic and sports fiction collections. Recommended for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Hometown Treasure Hunt
This charming middle grade series has the perfect blend of humor, adventure, family, and friendship. Readers unfamiliar with geocaching are bound to want to start exploring wherever they live.
PREMIUM
Wally Mammoth: Hide-and-Seek
A good book for early readers and for encouraging SEL conversations.
A comparison to His Dark Materials feels inevitable, particularly given Anya’s feisty character, and this is similarly a charming and often grittier-than-expected audiobook for fantasy fans.
PREMIUM
The Art of How Dogs Sleep
A gentle, observational picture book that doubles as a bedtime wind-down for dog lovers; a strong addition to bedtime story collections or even quiet-down story hours.
PREMIUM
Story Rug
A warm, visually appealing story that celebrates creativity, cultural expression, and classroom community. Ideal for lessons on collaboration, heritage, and the value of collective storytelling.
An inspired and joyful boost to both new swimmers and those experiencing the ocean for the first time; a first purchase for picture book collections.
A triumphant addition to an already excellent series, highly recommended for middle school collections and libraries.
PREMIUM
Friends Are Like Stars
Packed with SEL content, advice, and an activity, this book is a great fit for a library audience looking for ways to cope with the topic of moving.
PREMIUM
The Three Wolves
This enthralling book will capture the hearts of animal lovers who will be rooting for the successful release of the wolf pups. Recommended for collections seeking fresh, nature-centered stories.
With no focus on the bike race itself and no background for Mr. Felix’s astonishing ability, the story serves as a goofy lark, offbeat but unfulfilling. An additional selection.
This winning, humorous title will delight on its own and even more so when paired with its predecessor. A first purchase.
PREMIUM
Incredibly Penelope
Passive characters with dated speech and actions make this a frustrating choice, though this could be recommended as a read-alike for the classic.
A simple notion carried out with intention, effectively evoking compassion in children across many grade levels.
PREMIUM
Wild Mountain Ivy
An additional purchase for middle grade collections, but a first purchase for collections in need of stories centering young people with chronic illness.
PREMIUM
Find the Sun
A whimsical morning lullaby, this SEL adventure will gently guide readers to find the sun amid their own fears.
Contagious fun for elementary–age readers, this series continues to explore how exciting experiences can provide opportunities for emotional growth.
PREMIUM
One Night at Camp Bigfoot
Just spooky and silly enough for every “Goosebumps” fan, this is a recommended addition to juvenile fiction collections.
Hand to fans of Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie, as well as those who love Yoon’s other stories. A first purchase for all libraries where little readers frolic.
PREMIUM
The Puddle Day
An inviting resource for all those hoping to bring more nature-based play into children’s lives, this is a recommended purchase, especially for collections supporting outdoor play, exploration, and early learning.
PREMIUM
The Blue Dress
A timely and powerful story of immigration, puberty, and healthy food and body habits for tweens. Highly recommended for purchase.
This is a strong sequel and suitable addition to libraries and classrooms alike.
PREMIUM
Today Is the Day
A thought-provoking ode to the multitudes each unique day contains, this story demonstrates the interconnectedness of all things near and far, and has plenty of potential for classroom and storyhour use.
A true triumph of the genre, with gripping pacing, authentic characters, and a balance of coming-of-age and survival. Older middle grade readers will be riveted by this heartfelt thriller; a must for all library collections.
PREMIUM
In This Classroom
With its bold colors and friendly forms, this is a must-purchase for elementary collections in need of a fresh back-to-school story to help students that are both fun but imperfect processes.
Drawn from the author’s childhood, this uplifting story pairs beautifully with the included puppet-making activity.
PREMIUM
The Healer and the Phoenix
Recommended for independent readers who enjoy fast-moving fantasies.
PREMIUM
Penelope Positano Sees It All
An energetic girl takes the starring role in a story that young readers will enjoy.
PREMIUM
Falling Like Leaves.
A warm, seasonal choice for those looking for Rainbow Rowell’s Pumpkinheads or Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
This factual and life-affirming book celebrates our ocean and reminds us to keep it healthy and wild.
PREMIUM
Baby Kraken
Suitable for most collections serving young children who may or may not have a fear of the water but will be rewarded with a gentle friendship story celebrating the beauty of the underwater world.
A good choice for libraries needing picture books featuring regional specialties, such as music and food or for use in the celebration of families.
PREMIUM
Poppy’s Question
A must-purchase for elementary collections where short and simple age-relevant stories about gender are needed.★Molk, Laurel. Lulu Didn’t Want a Dog. illus. by Laurel Molk. 40p. Random House Studio. Mar. 2026. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593709085. PreS-Gr 3–A charming look at what happens when a cat’s quiet life is upended by the addition of a new pet to the household. Lulu has everything she loves: sunny nap spots, favorite toys, and a predictable routine! But all of that is about to change. She’s getting “company,” and Lulu wants no part of it. To make matters worse, it’s a dog; not just any dog, but Gus, who embodies every chaotic trait Lulu dreads. Molk’s ability to tell a story shines as Lulu gradually has a change of heart after Gus unexpectedly comes to her rescue. The expressive illustrations elevate the narrative, adding warmth, wit, and personality to both characters. Lulu and Gus are so much fun, and it’s hard not to fall in love with the pair. Changes in the font when the owner is speaking add an additional layer of delight, while the opening and closing spreads first highlight what Lulu loves and end with what Gus loves, bookending the story with a delightful visual connection. VERDICT An enjoyable picture book perfect for dog and cat lovers alike. Molk’s artwork alone could carry the story, but paired with the playful text, it becomes an irresistible read-aloud about friendship, surprises, and learning to make room for someone new.–Virginia Brown
While not essential for libraries, the story is certain to be enjoyed by animal lovers who won’t want to put it out to pasture.
A lighthearted chapter book that honors Cree culture while navigating the complexities of identity, change, and friendship.
PREMIUM
Nighty Night, Dinos
The rhythmic text of this charming and effective story, along with its imaginative depiction of large creatures engaging in gentle rituals, will make this a great addition to anyone seeking soothing read-alouds for the young.
PREMIUM
While We’re Here
Gorgeous illustrations highlight the frenetic pace of life often faced by children, here paired closely with the gift of moments of calm and connectedness that might surprise anyone on a crammed day. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Are You Bored, Minimoni?
A simple story that prescribes playful imagination as the cure for the universal condition of occasional boredom; useful for units on balancing screen time.
PREMIUM
Leaving 4B
With its heartfelt exploration of change and thoughtful depiction of diverse characters, this story is a gentle, refreshing take on moving that will resonate with young readers and to have on hand for families navigating transitions.
PREMIUM
Last Day Pool Party
This kaleidoscope of tween troubles is a worthy addition to the ever-growing shelf of middle grade graphic novels.
In a nice change of pace from more serious storylines, Gunnar’s hardships in the quest for a delicious pizza for himself and for his community are wonderfully presented and entertaining.
PREMIUM
Princess Pete
A solid choice for those needing books about gender identity for young readers.
PREMIUM
Girls of Dark Divine
This title will be savored by teens who enjoy dark fantasy steeped in atmosphere and foreboding.
PREMIUM
Tough Times: El Toro & Friends
This story of sport and persistence should be a buy for any library.
A recommended purchase, this lyrical picture book, full of joyful detail, is a lovely choice for sharing and a wonderful introduction to the rhythms of life in the Arctic.
Administering to children’s natural curiosity, this is a sweet bedtime book or for use in lessons on animals at night.
Young readers who love a simple whodunit mystery with a bit of paranormal activity thrown in will enjoy the worldbuilding in this novel and eagerly await future entries.
An excellent read-aloud for all children, this book will be a welcome addition to any elementary school library.
PREMIUM
The Toy Plane
A tender, imaginative exploration of grief and remembrance, with the bonus of spotlighting groundbreaking representation of Black female pilots.
PREMIUM
My Someone: A Pet Adoption Story
More than any direct appeal to altruism or compassion, the focus on emotions in this very simple episode is sure to spark empathy in younger audiences.
PREMIUM
Table Titans Club: Sneak Attack
This D&D-themed summer camp adventure is recommended, especially where tabletop gaming is popular.
This paean to school will warm the heart of anyone who has ever worked in a school setting and is the perfect gift for Teacher Appreciation Day.
This novel is great for upper elementary readers who enjoy mysteries, science, and a touch of the supernatural.
PREMIUM
Midnight Mayhem
A warm tale about friendship and belonging that will circulate well where quirky realistic fiction is popular.
PREMIUM
Deep Secrets: A Titanic Novel
Young readers who are intrigued by the Titanic sinking will enjoy this fresh angle to the story and will appreciate the well-conceived plot of “deep secrets” that are gradually (and satisfyingly) revealed by the end. Highly recommended for historical fiction and mystery fans.
A witty fantasy that celebrates ingenuity and subverts prophecy; a strong pick for readers who enjoy genre-bending adventures.
Another sweet tale of friendship from Kat and Mouse, well worth the investment.
PREMIUM
Stick Dog Meets Poo-Poo
This simplified comic story is sure to win over a new, younger generation of Stick Dog fans.
PREMIUM
Cosmic Girls, Vol. 1
An excellent introduction to what is sure to be an exciting series featuring strong female characters, characters of color, and a literal explosion of action.
Recommended for readers who enjoy quick, plot-driven books featuring offbeat characters with superhuman powers.
PREMIUM
Beginning, Middle, and End
This title is a first purchase for school and public libraries and is perfect for fans of Jan Thomas and Ethan Long. While it’s useful for supporting language arts curricula, it’s also plenty of fun on its own.
PREMIUM
Schooled
A candid examination of grief; readers will appreciate the honest exploration of loss. Best for collections where Sumner’s titles are popular.
This is highly recommended for purchase, and especially useful for units on the Civil Rights Movement and civic engagement.
By inviting children to understand the teachings of animal brothers and sisters, this book works for units on nature, animals, and Indigenous culture, and is a compelling work for all collections.
A gentle, inspiring addition to classroom, library, and community collections, perfect for helping children reflect on their own stories and honor the stories of others.
PREMIUM
A Guide to Falling Off the Map
A title sure to resonate with teens who like romance grounded by realistic issues where the barriers to the happy ending are internal conflicts.
Fans of Sharon M. Draper’s “Out of My Mind” series will love this new story. Highly recommended for all school and public libraries and K–12 children’s literature collections in academic libraries.
There isn’t a kid alive who won’t respond to this book; libraries should consider buying multiple copies.
As a balm to frenetic, quick-cut storytelling; as a soul-filling friendship tale; as the satisfying conclusion to a beautiful series
This kind of historical fiction is essential for providing easier connections to knowledge; this title is recommended for all library shelves.
PREMIUM
Eres libre
This poetic picture book teaches children about diversity, freedom, identity, and respecting others; it’s a great addition to any SEL collection.
A more fact-driven but engaging introduction to bunnies. Ideal for themed, bilingual story times or early Spanish nonfiction collections.
A charming introduction to read at home or for a themed bilingual story time.
Behind the scenes of the StoryKind podcast with Kelly Yang and Kate DiCamillo!
Kimmel creates a brand-new tale that feels ancient and wise; Kurpiel finds so much more in these mighty giants.
This month’s board book roundup is bursting with variety. From globe-trotting adventures to nature facts, silly animals, dancing feet, and everything in between, there’s something for every child.
The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the Geisel, Odyssey, Alex, and Batchelder Awards.
A love triangle, a foster kid, a GATSBY reimagining, book banning, a hurricane, and more.
A ghost story, a teen investigative podcaster, a Great Gatsby reimagining, a Sundown Town thriller, and a reimagining of The Winter's Tale.
We've waited long enough. Bring on the Caldecott. Bring on the Newbery.
I wrote this relationship because I believe that love is limitless and that traditional expectations can be severely limiting. This theme can be applied to so much more than someone’s sexuality. What better takeaway can a teen have than the notion that their future is full of infinite possibilities?
Books about Crohn's disease, jinns, a Nigerian village, puberty, and more!
PREMIUM
Tommy the Coward
An excellent choice for any elementary bookshelf in need of a spooky adventure story that shows that being scared doesn’t always mean you’re a coward.
PREMIUM
Each and Every Spark
Engaging historical fiction with a contemporary spin and a dash of detective intrigue. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Chris Makes a Friend
A book for socially awkward bibliophiles and kids experiencing family upheaval.
A strongly written, spooky choice for any middle school library. An outstanding recommendation for readers who enjoy R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series or are drawn to the horror/fantasy genre.
PREMIUM
A Sea Monster Conundrum
A jam-packed, fast-paced adventure that will satisfy series fans and entice newcomers to jump in. Recommended for juvenile fiction collections.
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