A compelling and poignant book that celebrates a courageous young girl’s journey toward growing up.
A love letter to books and the dreamers who read them. Hand this charming story to precocious readers and fans of Matilda.
An entertaining graphic novel with a strong heart; for fans of stories about magical journeys, identity, growing closer to friends, and growing up.
The literary equivalent of a summer blockbuster, this spine-tingling creature feature is just right for middle grade readers.
An authentic, character-driven look at self-doubt and identity.
The perfect read for book-smart students seeking social connection and friendship stories.
Purchase where novels in verse are popular.
A delightful story, this would be a great read-aloud and a possible segue to Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” books.
For readers who enjoy descriptive fantasy with a touch of horror.
An intrepid mystery with unexpected sci-fi elements, this story packs an emotional punch similar to Kelly Yang’s Front Desk.
This ode to beauty and the still-to-be-explored corners of the universe will find an audience among elementary school students and educators.
A strong first purchase. The poem and artwork, which create an exquisite sense of a child’s joy in playing on an autumn afternoon, will appeal to all ages.
Those keen on finding poetry for emerging readers will find this book a satisfying dish.
Hand this exceptional overview to future constitutional law students.
Yoo’s book is an important, balanced text for collections working to build digestible historical titles related to race and America.
This imaginative combination of art and text is a must-purchase for school and public libraries.
Guaranteed to be loved by all readers, this book is a valuable purchase for the SEL or general children’s section. Recommended.
An aspirational if abstract selection aimed at encouraging imagination.
This is a book for most classroom shelves, where its activities can be worked into almost every unit that includes the need to look sharp and pay attention as well as relax and say thank you
A visual treat that cheerfully celebrates winter through lyrical facts found in the natural world, while incidentally also being a counting book. A worthy purchase for most collections.
A standard telling of an anything-but-standard story, this biography of a courageous medicine woman would be especially valuable in a school collections.
A charming, easy-to-read book.
A sweet and silly mystery comic for kids just dipping their toes into the genre.
This promising series opener is a worthwhile purchase for a classroom, library, or home.
A heartwarming story of a dog’s loyalty to their human pack, perfect for young dog lovers.
A good choice for new and old fans of Pinkalicious and her adventures; especially recommended for beginning readers.
A solid choice for early readers, especially recommended for students in immersive or bilingual classrooms.
A sweet and silly story ideal for emerging reader collections.
A good addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.
Add to collections where STEM-themed graphic novels are in demand.
This graphic novel will be popular in libraries with makerspaces as well as with kids who are passionate about STEM and friendship stories.
Middle graders will be delighted with a second Meesh story. A recommended purchase for graphic novel collections.
An entertaining choice, with appropriate language for the developing reader.
A decent addition, perfect for fans of the “Pizza and Taco” series or where the “Real Pigeons” series circulates well.
Purchase for early readers who have graduated from “Frog and Toad.”
Accessible, enjoyable, and educational, this collection is a positive addition to library collections for new readers.
Accessible, enjoyable, and educational, this collection is a positive addition to library collections for new readers.
Accessible, enjoyable, and educational, this collection is a positive addition to library collections for new readers.
Accessible, enjoyable, and educational, this collection is a positive addition to library collections for new readers.
The indomitable Jarrow crafts another enthralling narrative of nonfiction that will mesmerize curious readers and serve as an exemplar for educators and researchers.
A unique book of opposites for children who enjoy learning about animals and being exposed to unfamiliar words.
An uneven collection of poetry. Consider it as an additional selection.
An interactive way for teachers and students to learn more about one of America’s famous poets.
With its good-humored approach and appealing illustrations reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, this uneven collection offers a few gems for sharing aloud, but ultimately falls short.
An engaging volume for young readers to use for reference
A pleasant and scary-but-not-too-scary addition.
An excellent addition to any elementary library collection.
A useful introduction that will entertain readers as it shares fascinating facts about these colorful birds, and a helpful addition to units on birds or animal adaptations.
A moving portrayal of community and appreciation for the past, this book is a fine addition to all collections.
Hand this to readers ready to get high school over with or those who just need a reminder that there are people in your corner (even if your corner is wedged in a storage room behind a locked door at school).
From haunted camps to music camps to STEM camps, these 22 stories have a diverse range of characters and experiences, so all tween readers can find something to enjoy.
As we find ourselves at the midway point of June, amidst the celebrations of Pride Month, it's an opportune time to reflect on the rich tapestry of narratives within the LGBTQIA+ community with 15 noteworthy graphic novels that can help us celebrate Pride this month, and year-round.
Choose instead Aiden Thomas’s The Sunbearer Trials or Lani Forbes’s The Seventh Sun.
An awesome book about samosas and so much more; a great addition to any collection.
The steady, pleasing pace of plot and illustrations will complement most collections; its delicate message lands hard and is heartfelt.
Highly recommended for all public school librarians, teachers, and school administrators.
This would be a welcome addition to high school libraries.
Inspired by Mo’s move from Hong Kong to the United States at the age of 10, this remarkable story about finding comfort in a new home by bringing along familiar traditions is a must-purchase for picture book collections and will resonate with any child who has struggled to fit in.
A must-read, this novel is full of charming dialogue, romantic-tension scenes, and heart-melting moments.
Although designed for young readers, this will appeal to older audiences and is a stellar first purchase for all libraries.
A clever and charming story of perspective, belonging, and finding oneself, this is a highly recommended for purchase.
A wordless picture book with so much to say, this is one for all children, and all collections.
A captivating picture book that captures the feeling of loneliness and the need for friendship, ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
This gentle title is an excellent choice for early readers and would be an engaging read-aloud for younger children. Fans of series like Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm’s “Babymouse” and Dav Pilkey’s “Cat Kid Comic Club” will enjoy this title.
Collections needing “silly” can file this one on the shelves, but it’s an additional purchase.
An essential purchase for middle/junior high school and teen collections. This may not be a high-circulation item, but it will be a lifeline for astute poetry lovers.
Despite cluttered formatting, this book provides excellent resources for employing a variety of engaging reading strategies that have wide applicability across K-8 contexts. Purchase for libraries with a focus on reading, explicit instruction, or a new curriculum.
An insight worth taking to heart
This lovely, dynamic picture book would be an excellent choice for libraries needing stories about the path of learning, step by step, the small joys along the way, and sharing in that joy with others.
A first purchase for libraries seeking adventurous science fiction mingled with facts about the universe.
Hand this novel to fans of David Levithan and Elizabeth Acevedo.
A sweet and serene seasonal story that will find a home in any collection.
This title can be skipped in favor of more engaging queer romance and more balanced representation of mental health journeys.
An exciting fantasy tale of magic, friendship, and self-discovery, with poignant themes of colonization and cultural oppression that will captivate high school readers. Fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen and Marissa Meyer’s Cinder will be enthralled by this adventure of rebellion and the quest for freedom.
With its enchanting atmosphere, captivating plot, and unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for any fantasy fan.
Li’s YA debut is a hopeful coming-of-age story with a cozy New England setting.
Fans of Greek mythology will appreciate the nods to some memorable characters and stories.
There is nothing pedestrian about this fantastic supernatural thriller. A modern classic with ties to the monsters that came before.
A strong addition to the shelves and an accessible title to add to nature lessons or even story hours about mindfulness, with its emphasis on simplicity and an appreciation of nature.
A lively and essential addition to every folklore collection.
Imagination fills the sails of this rousing, unusually inclusive, yarn.
They don’t have all the answers. They make mistakes. There’s no sugar-coating their pain or flaws here. And there shouldn’t have to be. Give me all the unlikeable girls.
The authors talk wrestling, Orange Julius, kayfabe, identity, grief, and more.
A cover reveal for the upcoming picture book by John Schu and Holly Hatam
New readers can feed their minds as they read these books about feeding their bellies.
The book’s unique style comes at the expense of storytelling clarity, making this book a difficult recommendation for young readers, but a valuable historical record.
Highly recommended for high school students, this would make a great reading group book to discuss.
A worthy addition to a collection frequented by nature lovers, and a book that takes an unusual and welcome approach to the seasons.
Come for the culinary competition, stay for the incisive take on social issues. Recommended for all libraries.
An engaging novel in verse that touches on serious issues but is uplifting and hopeful. Recommended for middle and high school libraries.
This delightfully chilling romp with a brave and clever orphan is a Halloween tale with heart, that would be a splendid read-aloud at Halloween.
Suspense stories are in high demand with teens and this one won’t disappoint. Readers will be left with their jaws hanging open when all is revealed.
A love affair among poetry, Iranian culture, and teenage angst is happily fused in Akhbari’s debut.
A winning series continues targeting young readers who need help processing emotions, making this an essential purchase.
An empowering and inspiring story that encourages young readers to pursue their passions and make their voices heard.
Best for audiences already introduced to the Tiny Chef.
A well-written, thoughtful, and sympathetic deep dive into understanding and surviving an abusive parent.
A first purchase and excellent choice for dog story times.
Queer teens and allies will appreciate a book with a trans protagonist and enjoy the read, even with the major plot holes.
Creepiness abounds, but not enough for readers to fully set sail aboard this ship.
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