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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.
These Juneteenth offerings include various formats, ranging from cookbooks to early readers to audiobooks, so all your young readers can find their preferred way to learn more about this holiday.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Leon Egan shares about Lover Birds in this latest installment.
A great, immersive read that will leave readers anxious to see what happens next.
Check out these 12 June releases from Penguin Young Readers!
From cheerful picture books to a thought-provoking YA novel, these titles about July 4th offer stories for children, tweens, and teens.
With Dan in Green Gables, I’d like to pay homage to a book that helped me through difficult times—and offer some compassion and love to my relatives in the Smoky Mountains by focusing on happy memories of them, and what could have been, if they’d only embraced me.
A fun choice for Spanish-language middle grade shelves, perfect for summertime reading.
PREMIUM
¡Hola, Tobi!
This joy-filled, Spanish-language picture book is a strong addition to collections for children.
PREMIUM
¡Ñam, ñam, ñam!
This onomatopoeia-filled translation about picky eaters and family bonding is great for emerging comics fans and story times.
For better or worse, this depiction simplifies a complex issue and will be of value as an addition to collections.
PREMIUM
The Very Fine Clock
A text-heavy but airy story for the patient child or the adult enthusiast and a must for the Gorey shelves; not essential except as a quite charming eccentricity.
PREMIUM
Snow Babies: Touch and Feel
A cozy, hands-on pick for baby shelves and touch-and-feel collections.
PREMIUM
The Secret Powers of Animals
A standout addition to nonfiction collections, this pairs learning with delightful design.
An emotional take on a ghost story, with heartwarming illustrations and an ending to bring a tear to the eye.
PREMIUM
Finding Forgiveness
A tender, beautifully crafted story about conflict, emotional insight, and Jewish holiday traditions. Highly recommended for family reading, classroom discussions, and all library collections.
A delightful picture book of Hanukkah poems that showcases Judaism and Hanukkah in an authentic way; a great addition for those who are looking to build up their holiday collections.
Recommended as a fresh addition to public and school libraries to introduce the concept of a bruja. The story is lively and is likely to capture the interest of children and adults.
PREMIUM
The Raven: The Classic Poem
Though not for everyone, this elegant treatment of Poe’s work will find a place on the shelves of erudite readers with an appetite for sophisticated language and Gothic atmosphere.
PREMIUM
Rabbit Rabbit
While there will be readers who identify with Bee and Alice’s struggles, some of the topics addressed may be more mature than the intended tween audience.
In the lead-up to July's Stars issue, June is bursting with top quality reads in holiday titles, Spanish books, cookbooks, anime, and more.
Sometimes, in order to honor their whole personage, instead of choosing approval or someone else’s desire, girls must choose themselves.
Big or small, we need to be talking about our boobs, especially with young women. Maybe our new battle cry for boobs should be, “We must—we must—we must DISCUSS our busts!”
Whether they are going to school for the first time or facing the beginning of another academic year, the start of the school year can be a time of high emotions for little ones. Share these titles to help them prepare.
A romantic comedy is delightful enough on its own, but traveling to a new destination through the eyes of one’s protagonist brings with it an additional sense of escapism and adventure, especially if traveling in real life isn’t possible.
Author Jamar J. Perry joins us to talk about his new book FINDING PRINCE CHARMING.
PREMIUM
Home, Home
Perfect for libraries wishing to add a beautiful cross-cultural story to their collection, and for every child who has ever felt different.
PREMIUM
Dreaming of a Quinceañera
An excellent story about siblings and quinceañeras that entertains while providing a good description of the traditions and ceremonies that make up a quinceañera.
PREMIUM
12 Little Elves Save Christmas
A perfect way to introduce children to diverse Christmas traditions and cultures.
PREMIUM
Owl’s Fall Feast Fiasco
A warm title for young readers about honest and effective communication, friendship, and the understanding that differences are worth celebrating.
This is a wonderful addition to any library and would be well suited for children of all ages.
PREMIUM
Illuminary
This fantastical novel of misfits on a Quest literally and figuratively will entice readers in middle school and beyond. The cliff-hanger ending will have readers anticipating the sequel.
PREMIUM
Of Earthly Delights
This gothic romance, while occasionally repetitive, offers an atmospheric and emotionally charged narrative. Mature readers may particularly appreciate the sharp, eerie imagery woven throughout.
By sounding a warning before the catastrophe comes, it might motivate some readers to find ways to take action to mitigate the very worst of it.
PREMIUM
Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite
This strong choice can be used across multiple grades as a read-aloud or as part of a math lesson involving kites and competition.
When I sat down to write VESUVIUS, my debut YA historical fantasy set in the final days of Pompeii, I did so to put queer people back in the narrative.
In these books that take place in part during the first semester of college, characters learn more about themselves during this time of transition—and maybe fall in love along the way.
Eventually, the time will come when you have to go your own way like me and Aaliyah. You’ve got this and if nobody else believes in you, don’t worry—I do.
Just in time for Father's Day, we've rounded up a few of the latest board books that highlight the special bond between fathers and their children. Share these titles with your young readers before mid-June or all year long.
Books are crucial tools in understanding the lives of those who may look or sound a little different from the majority.
If Castle Swimmer sounds like a story you would enjoy, then I have some additional, queer YA comics I’d like to recommend, in celebration of Pride Month.
A beautiful and reflective read, perfect for celebrating Día de Muertos or simply savoring life’s precious moments. Purchase to enrich holiday collections.
A warm and empowering story about finding one’s voice while celebrating the love of family. Highly recommended.
This read will charm trick-or-treaters and caregivers, and is a solid addition to holiday collections.
PREMIUM
Peppa Pig and the Wedding Day
A heartwarming story about love, friendship, and the joy of celebrating special moments.
A good resource to learn more about Día de Muertos, recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
Bob the Vampire Snail
Slightly confusing at times, this unlikely vampire tale is excellent Halloween fun.
An informative read that introduces young readers to the richness of Jewish traditions and celebrations.
An affirming, sweet board book for families who celebrate Chuseok.
A must-buy. Young readers love exploring their independence, and this delightful story might just inspire a few more to embrace their unique selves
PREMIUM
Silly Witch
Fun art, pretty good Halloween jokes, and a straightforward premise. A fine first joke book for youngsters who love the spooky season.
PREMIUM
Not-So-Bad Guys Vampire!
A fine addition to collections, for those who don’t mind their vampires watered-down.
A beautifully illustrated, tenderly told story for fall reading or any unit on empathy and inference. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Pumpkin Dad
This funny and endearing story is a delightful read, perfect for eager and mischievous children who might think twice about tricking their own parents during the holiday season.
PREMIUM
Mustafa’s Mithai
This is recommended, especially for collections focused on global food traditions.
PREMIUM
Can You Find the Black Cat?
A playful Halloween book offering a sensory treat that will do well in board book collections.
PREMIUM
Chicka Chicka Tricka Treat
A must-have for little ghouls and goblins who love letters and laughs. Buy it to give holiday collections a boost.
Informative and colorful, this picture book provides a thorough and detailed explanation of Día de los Muertos for readers of all ages.
This book is recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
No More Mr. Mice Guy
A rollicking read-aloud for kids who enjoy Creepy Carrots! and other picture books that give readers the shivers while making them laugh out loud.
A great addition to holiday and board book collections that will be the star at any storytime.
Sweet holiday fun, perfect for the Halloween season.
PREMIUM
Magic Flashlight: Ghost Hunt
A cheery Halloween read and activity that will make toddlers and preschoolers squeal with delight again and again.
PREMIUM
Squash & Pumpkin: #SquashGoals
This fall-themed story of friendship is bursting with puns and adorable, big-eyed vegetables.
PREMIUM
Cat’s First Halloween
Not objectionable and also not additive, this book is easy for young readers to look at and quick to read.
A book to celebrate Halloween, while encouraging readers to consider whether they can stay true to their interests rather than simply following expectations.
PREMIUM
Let’s Get Spooky
Highly detailed spooky scenes will hold readers’ attentions and encourage them to pore over the details.
A good addition for libraries seeking to enhance their young children’s Halloween collections.
Fun and clever, this book is a unique addition to library collections for preschool readers and is an enjoyable story to read aloud as Halloween approaches.
PREMIUM
A Rakhi for Rakesh
A beautiful and culturally significant book that highlights the importance of family, forgiveness, and tradition.
A fun tale with appeal across many age groups, and especially for lovers of sea animals.
PREMIUM
Little Boo
An exhilarating seasonal pick that will appeal to little ghouls and their occasionally frustrated older siblings.
PREMIUM
Anyada Buena, Shanah Tovah
Along with Aroeste’s previous board books, Buen Shabat, Shabbat Shalom, and Mazal Bueno!, this newest offering is a wonderful way to highlight the diversity of the Jewish community.
PREMIUM
The Invisible Parade
A touching and visually stunning picture book that honors the depth of loss while celebrating the enduring power of family, tradition, and remembrance.
PREMIUM
The Protégée
A lively, if surface level, romp for teens who enjoy high drama against the barest whisper of historical settings.
PREMIUM
Amelia, If Only
A charmer of a book, this should be in teen libraries, especially ones that could use more queer romances.
PREMIUM
Embrace the Serpent
Newcomers to YA fantasy may find this one enjoyable, but for those well-versed in the genre, it doesn’t offer anything fresh.
PREMIUM
Under the Neon Lights
With the vivid verse, realistic characters, and the soul that comes from this book, it is recommended for all libraries, especially for those where novels in verse are popular.
PREMIUM
Bad Creek
This would be a great choice for readers who like the works of Mary Downing Hahn and the TV series Supernatural.
An original and entertaining adaptation with heart. Teens who are looking for realism and humor in their queer romance will be hooked.
PREMIUM
Solo Stan
The story suffers from contrivances and poor pacing, but some readers will forgive imperfections in return for a romance between underrepresented characters.
PREMIUM
The Uncertainty Principle
A wonderful addition to libraries where realistic fiction is always welcome.
PREMIUM
Kill the Lax Bro
Readers who enjoy twisty murder mysteries with multiple narrators will want to scoop this one up, though they will have to tolerate some dated viewpoints along the way.
Honest, empowering, and deeply relatable, this novel is recommended for all young adult collections.
With its charming premise, lovable characters, and heartfelt themes, this book is a must-have for any romance collection.
A perfect read for libraries in need of historical fantasy adventure fiction, especially for those interested in hierarchy of the ancient Chinese palace orders and power struggles.
PREMIUM
Soul Machine.
An intriguing book with multiple themes for readers to explore along Chloe’s quest, this is an excellent choice for discussion groups and equally appealing for general graphic novel fans.
PREMIUM
I Wanna Be Your Girl, Vol. 1
This is for manga fans who love stories about LGBTQIA+ characters, the ups and downs of friendship, and secret crushes.
PREMIUM
Never Thought I’d End Up Here
A comfort read for those struggling with connection and an easy purchase for libraries where romance fans of “he falls first” prevail.
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