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These eight picture books, including Jonah Winter's The Burning of the Books and Gideon Sterer's The Dream, prove the power of the format, with or without words.
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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.
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.
A lively, educational celebration of mariachi instruments and a strong addition to bilingual board book collections.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Find the Sun
A whimsical morning lullaby, this SEL adventure will gently guide readers to find the sun amid their own fears.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 must-purchase, universally appealing story to build on diversity and social justice in early fiction collections. Neville’s debut is sure to be a hit with fans of the “Jada Jones,” “Jo Jo Makoons,” and “Yasmin” series.
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.
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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.
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The Healer and the Phoenix
Recommended for independent readers who enjoy fast-moving fantasies.
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Penelope Positano Sees It All
An energetic girl takes the starring role in a story that young readers will enjoy.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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Princess Pete
A solid choice for those needing books about gender identity for young readers.
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Girls of Dark Divine
This title will be savored by teens who enjoy dark fantasy steeped in atmosphere and foreboding.
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.
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The Toy Plane
A tender, imaginative exploration of grief and remembrance, with the bonus of spotlighting groundbreaking representation of Black female pilots.
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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.
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.
This charming story will engage new readers, and the colorful illustrations will help them navigate the story. It’s recommended for purchase.
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Midnight Mayhem
A warm tale about friendship and belonging that will circulate well where quirky realistic fiction is popular.
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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.
Recommended for readers who enjoy quick, plot-driven books featuring offbeat characters with superhuman powers.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Confessions of a Mango
A story about belonging and neurodivergence; put this into the hands of any shy tween.
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The Water You’re Swimming In
A perfect addition to middle grade realistic and sports fiction collections. Recommended for all libraries.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Corner Kick! A Branches Book
Fans of the “Ballpark Mysteries” and “MVP” series by David A. Kelly will enjoy this informative, accessible soccer story.
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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.
PREMIUM
Poppy’s Question
A must-purchase for elementary collections where short and simple age-relevant stories about gender are needed.
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.
For fans of Judy Moody and Stink, this has fantastic crossover and great cover appeal. A must-purchase.
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Pup vs. Squirrel
The story does an excellent job of demonstrating acceptance and inclusion, showing that differences do not separate
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Rock Paper Incisors
Its whimsical nature, playful sarcasm, and light adventure make this chapter book especially appealing to young readers who enjoy animal stories with personality and warmth.
Readers will be singing along to this beautifully illustrated, bilingual board book about colors and familial love. A great addition to every library’s concept books collection and story times.
This simple bilingual board book about a cat and bird friendship is a lovely addition to bilingual board bookshelves.
PREMIUM
Gracias a Mr. Terupt
Spanish-language readers adapting to new school settings or pacing themselves across different academic pursuits will find this compact novel a treat that wraps up with a happy and comforting ending.
A good choice for libraries seeking a fresh, vocabulary-rich approach to animal terminology and a strong introduction to new Spanish and English words.
This beautifully illustrated, bilingual board book is a fun tale about unlikely friends is a great addition to every collection.
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Burn the Water
Ample action and violence, along with the love story, keep the narrative moving, but for a stronger choice of dystopian literature in a similar vein, point students to Paolo Bacigalupi’s “Ship Breaker” series.
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All That Chandni Knows
While it addresses the tough topic of parental infidelity, the book’s themes of growing up and navigating relationships with loved ones are universal and relatable to middle grade readers.
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If We Never End
For fans of Gayle Forman’s If I Stay, this contemporary romance with a touch of fantasy will be a hit.
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When I Was Death
Fans of atmospheric stories such as Krystal Sutherland’s House of Hollow or Adalyn Grace’s Belladonna who aren’t deterred by ambiguity may enjoy this novel. Consider it a secondary purchase.
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Love Rolls In
Elementary library collections that see a large demand for “The Puppy Place” series by Ellen Miles and similar titles will want to add this title immediately.
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Meet Me Under the Lights
A sweet, somewhat choppy, small-town romance. A secondary purchase to help expand romance collections where needed.
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Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp
This Cajun-soaked yarn about ghosts, family, and reconnecting with one’s roots will captivate readers; strongly recommended for fiction collections.
Reminiscent of the Netflix television series Outer Banks, this is a mystery shrouded in history, wrapped up with a love story.
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We’re a Bad Idea, Right?
May circulate well where readers love rom-coms and the fake-dating trope.
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The Night King’s Court
Bonnin offers a complex, character-driven fantasy that explores grief, memory, and the weight of legacy. Its unique magic system and multiethnic protagonist make it a great addition to YA fantasy collections.
Highly recommended for purchase where fantasy and science fiction are in demand.
Librarians can’t go wrong putting any Reynolds novel on their shelves, and his latest is no exception. This story’s format and fast pace might catch the eye of reluctant readers looking for a quick yet intense and realistic story.
PREMIUM
Fractured Signals
For fans of the Skibidi Toilet universe and books like Scott Cawthon’s Five Nights at Freddy’s.
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