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Contributor Riley Jensen reviews The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala, coming September of this year.
Contributor Riley Jensen shares some YA books that center main characters with disabilities for Disability Pride Month
This story of one of the most pivotal engineering accomplishments in U.S. history, told from diverse perspectives, is highly recommended for middle and high school collections.
This engaging biography contains detailed descriptions of setting and cultural context that convey a clear time line and sense of causation, as well as peeks into the artist’s intimate life.
An important and compelling work that belongs in all high school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
The Space Cat
Okorafor’s story blends the everyday life of a pampered cat with satisfying sci-fi action. Middle grade readers who enjoy stories from the pet’s point-of-view will be delighted to meet and get to know Periwinkle.
PREMIUM
Deepwater Creek
A fast-paced horror story that intertwines a monster adventure with emotional growth.
A solid addition to middle grade graphic novel collections, this engaging series expertly blends a compelling narrative with fascinating historical details about unexplained phenomena, sure to captivate with its colorful artwork and intriguing mysteries.
Short list this title for middle grade library collections and recommend to readers, reluctant or not, with an interest in pirates, history, bodies of water, or atypical family structures.
PREMIUM
Say Something, Poupeh Babaee!
An emotionally compelling, insistently educative view of a challenging immigration experience.
A real humdinger of a story told by master storyteller; this title will appeal to tweens seeking high-stakes, high-fun realistic fiction.
PREMIUM
School Dance
This story of finding the courage to overcome stage fright is a solid addition to any middle school graphic novel collection, especially where the series is already popular.
PREMIUM
Seabird
A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail.
Confirmed sci-fi fans, comic readers, and those new to the genre or format will all find easy entry here, along with a satisfying payoff.
A delightful, interdimensional graphic adventure about found family, the need to belong, and dubious motivations.
Enhancing a classic and empowering readers to better understand complex imagery, this faithful and beautiful adaptation is a must purchase for all graphic novel collections.
A nice blend of the western Marvel-mania in a manga format that will charm both readers already in-the-know and appease those who are just getting their first tastes.
Birdsall is so adept at magical realism that after finishing this book, readers will likely keep an eye out for fairylike creatures the next time they visit a museum or library. An essential purchase for all middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Dracula’s Brunch Club
A delightful addition to the middle grade-friendly collection of vampire titles.
PREMIUM
Schoolbot 9000
An exploration on humans vs. machines combines with a student navigating middle school life. Graphic novel fans will gobble this up and be eager for the next installment. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Steel & Spellfire
With a Regency-style setting, likable protagonists, romance, plot twists, and complex worldbuilding, this magical mystery story will appeal to readers who enjoy their historical romance laced with strong fantasy elements.
PREMIUM
To the Stars and Back, Vol. 1
This slice-of-life LGBTQIA+ romance is a secondary purchase where Webtoons or boys’ love manga is popular.
PREMIUM
Tall Water
A compelling, heartfelt story, and an excellent addition to most YA graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
Pretty Girl County
A funny, emotional glimpse into the unique Black social system of Prince George’s County; readers will be rooting for Sommer and Reya to achieve their dreams.
Stunning illustrations coupled with a thrilling plot make this a standout title that belongs in all YA graphic novel sections.
PREMIUM
Rosa by Any Other Name
A powerful coming-of-age story about passing, resistance, and self-discovery. Recommended for YA collections.
PREMIUM
Codebreaker
This book will appeal to tween and teen readers seeking an engrossing, adrenaline-packed mystery. Recommended for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Holly Jackson, and Kayvion Lewis.
Brimming with heart and humor, this poignant and thought-provoking graphic novel is perfect for fans of awkward romantic entanglements with fantastic twists.
PREMIUM
This Book Might Be About Zinnia
Full of heart, this book is recommended for libraries where Elizabeth Acevedo’s Clap When You Land is popular.
PREMIUM
Water in Her Veins
A potential town-wide conspiracy and links beyond the veil combine for a chilling mystery sure to keep readers eager to unearth the truth.
PREMIUM
Soul of Shadow
The first in a new YA romantasy series, this novel is perfect for readers of Holly Black, Lauren Roberts, and Stephanie Garber and mythology lovers who enjoy Rick Riordan and Joanne Harris.
A beautifully written and compassionate story of healing set against the horror of a brutal generational ritual.
PREMIUM
A Spell to Wake the Dead
Fantasy fans may want more explanation to the magic as it’s glossed over; the true reward in this novel is the mystery. Overall, this is a fun, spooky read that will keep readers hooked until the end.
PREMIUM
Soulmatch
A quick standalone read for teen fans of the “enemies to lovers” trope with some mystery and thriller set against the backdrop of dystopian science fiction.
Great for fans of F.T. Lukens and those who enjoy cozy fantasy and standalones.
These three titles feature tweens with parents navigating incarceration and detention in the United States.
More concept than direct instruction, this humorous art book takes readers on a journey of imagination and embracing imperfection.
PREMIUM
How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers): Remembering Slavery and How it Shaped America
While this book addresses an important topic and will have niche readers, the lack of establishing shared context for a younger audience and the uneven approach make this a secondary pick.
PREMIUM
Free Piano (Not Haunted)
A great addition to middle grade collections, this graphic novel balances supernatural humor with real-world emotional resonance.
PREMIUM
Worst Bot Ever: Meet Ballpoint
Readers of all ages with some knowledge of Transformers lore and a penchant for goofy jokes and fumbling heroes will have fun with this unique tale.
PREMIUM
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
Readers who love fantasy and adventure will be drawn to Feather and the dangers of a menacing and destructive Forest and crave more details about the communities Feather encounters.
PREMIUM
Kindred Dragons
A sweet way to introduce “Anne” books to newbies and a dragon fantasy for fans and potential converts.
PREMIUM
Another
A robust horror title that deftly utilizes the uncanny valley while drawing on real-life recent events. Highly recommended for youth horror shelves.
PREMIUM
Mooncussers
A charming and original sequel that will take readers on a magical adventure in an alternate 19th century. Recommended for dark fantasy lovers and fans of the first installment.
PREMIUM
A Beautiful and Terrible Murder
Recommended; hand this book to strong readers who like a complex mystery entwined with Victorian culture set in the center of the Sherlock Holmes universe.
An engaging and well-executed adaptation that will revive interest in the original series.
A comfort read for anyone who is drawn to romances set in the Regency and Victorian eras.
PREMIUM
Sky on Fire
Recommended for libraries with fans of Aetherbound or Johnston’s “Star Wars” novels, but its uneven pacing and lack of background context limits its wider appeal.
Author E. L. Starling discusses how the movie Interstellar and family discussions about terraforming led to the book BOUND BY STARS
I learned so much about myself while writing this book. As a mother. As a daughter. As a cycle-breaker. As a storyteller. And I’ve come to realize just how quickly perfectionism can sabotage all four of those roles.
I'm burning through my TBR, which feels good, after months of it just growing out of control. Hope you find some good things to add to your own summer TBR!
Summer means I can grab the book mail the second it drops on my doorstep and tear into it. It also means I can put it in my TBR and know that I might actually get to it sometime soon.
PREMIUM
The Birds of Christmas
An additional purchase, appropriate where Christian faith-based books are popular.
PREMIUM
The House at the Edge of Magic
Those who love puns and magic filled with quirks and idiosyncrasies will enjoy Nine’s journey as the reluctant hero of this extraordinary house.
PREMIUM
Into the Bewilderness
While this title may come across as meandering and perhaps nonsensical to readers who prefer a more action-driven story, those who appreciate a quiet, unconventional charm will cherish it. A welcome addition to most graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
It’s Time for Christmas
A charming and developmentally attuned Christmas title that blends sensory delight with early literacy skills. A welcome addition to holiday board book collections.
PREMIUM
Sarah and Darah
This graphic novel will find an audience among those who can’t get enough high-stakes high school drama, but will be a pass for most.
PREMIUM
Senpai is an Otokonoko, Vol. 1
Purchase where heartwarming stories of acceptance and romance are needed or popular.
This story about acceptance and kindness is a change of pace from many holiday picture books, and the humorously detailed illustrations provide plenty of added appeal.
Fans will enjoy direct messages from Copeland, but those seeking a full biographical picture should look to her other books. This is to inspire readers looking for advice and encouragement during tween years.
PREMIUM
The Heart of Winter
A beautiful picture book about friendship that will be enjoyed all year, but especially during winter and Christmas.
PREMIUM
The Memory Spinner
In the vein of classic fairy tales like Rumplestiltskin and Sleeping Beauty, Cornwell’s latest is ideal for striving readers or those seeking heartfelt fantasy without complicated worldbuilding.
PREMIUM
Meowy Christmas!
A great holiday addition for any library, focusing on a mischievous cat rather than the holiday itself.
Purchase where there is demand for continued exploration for the Twisted Wonderland expanded universe and interest in the mobile game.
Best purchased for libraries with large Miyazaki followings.
PREMIUM
Girl Crush, Vol. 1
A great option for fans of entertainment industry and self-discovery stories, or where manga series like “Wandance” and “Skip Beat” are popular.
This charming book about a girl navigating new situations belongs in every collection.
PREMIUM
The Good Night Airport
This book misses the very point it was trying to make, and with all the vehicle books out there, is not recommended.
PREMIUM
Little Ghost House Hunts
A great fall and Halloween read aloud that is not scary but sure to be entertaining. This will put little readers into the spooky spirit.
PREMIUM
Rembrandt’s Blessing
This little-known slice of history embellished with an engaging kid-friendly storyline is a worthy addition for most libraries.
PREMIUM
Make Way for Harriet and May
A tender story of sensory sensitivity and connection that may resonate with kids who color outside the lines.
PREMIUM
Two-List Thanksgiving
A must-have for libraries serving Korean American communities, and a heartfelt addition to any library seeking to broaden its Thanksgiving collection.
A great book to showcase fall and Halloween, especially for explaining the different events that happen during this time.
PREMIUM
Children’s Favorite Arabic Stories: Fables and Folk Tales from Across the Arabic Speaking World
An inviting and accessible addition for any folktale collection
PREMIUM
Vampire Jam Sandwich
A perfectly silly book to add to all Halloween or spooky book collections.
PREMIUM
America ABC
For libraries that need board books to develop vocabulary, there are better books.
Purchase for curricular tie-ins and where there are gaps in collections.
PREMIUM
Criaturas isleñas
Teens will be inspired by Engle’s young lovers and their dedication to serve and protect all who are endangered; purchase this for all Spanish-language YA collections.
PREMIUM
Cats at Night
While cats certainly can be sneaky and mischievous, this title does not connect well in its illustrative style nor in rhyming language. Not recommended.
PREMIUM
Bringing the Beach Home
Recommended with reservations; a child learns about the pleasures of a day at the beach, but caregivers will want to provide some context and caution regarding the unsafe behavior modeled.
What if I wrote about a girl who was devoted to a dream but then lost it all: a girl who, like me, had been a bright, perfectionistic student, and gave everything to an institution that didn’t love her back?
Living and creating with my partner is one of the great joys of my life. Love is an experience. Love is work. It comes with ease and also requires discipline. Don’t think about it too much. Just do it.
In these stories, tween and teen protagonists with a range of abilities face real and fantastical challenges, from time loops to dust storms to going viral. Share these titles with readers in time for Disability Pride Month in July, and all throughout the year.
A vivid world forms a backdrop to traditional Filipino tales and a positive realization of working for the greater good instead of self.
PREMIUM
The Blossoming Summer
Calmer than a typical WWII story, this is well suited for fans of cozy historical fiction, such as Anne of Green Gables.
PREMIUM
The Wish Switch
A fun read and an escape from the ordinary. A first purchase for libraries seeking a fusion of many genres in one story.
Recommended as a purchase for history-minded students or those interested in the auto industry in its early days.
Mata’s book will appeal to students entering a new school as well as to anyone who has felt like an outsider. It’s sure to be a hit.
This is an excellent book to teach young children about safety, sacrifice, putting service before self, and staying focused on a task until it is successfully completed.–Laura Ellis
PREMIUM
Sunny Wants to Play
An excellent look at what it feels like to be an only child, this is a good choice for any library’s picture book collection.
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