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A beloved classic fairy tale with a new twist, this is frightfully fun and novel.
Friends are simply strangers we have yet to meet; the endearing beast and a message will encourage readers to learn and engage with new things other than react with dread. For all collections.
With rich language and a complex subject matter deftly touched on throughout, this is suitable for intermediate students; it’s no fairy tale, but a retelling that amplifies courage and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
A great narrative nonfiction purchase on a topic that is rarely discussed.
The animals glow in the illustrations, drawing readers into their magical world while reminding them that facing fears with good friends makes everything better. A recommended purchase
Emezi’s latest novel will help readers see beauty in the void. Fans of their work or Nnedi Okorafor’s “Nsibidi Script” series will doubtlessly gravitate to this one.
A testament to how folklore, craftsmanship, and visual elements can come together to create an unforgettable reading experience.
Highly recommended, especially for those who grew up in a less-than-magical world.
Completely charming and pithy, with laughs galore, this romance should be in all middle school and high school collections.
A mesmerizing ode to poetry, art, and love that stands the test of time, Selznick’s first title for young adults is recommended for all collections.
A stellar debut about ignorance and privilege and the abuse of it that resonates beyond the final page.
Recommended for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stranger Things, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games who relish conspiracy theories, weird phenomena, slow-burn romances, and tearful family reunions.
For avid YA romance readers or casual readers with an interest in LGBTQIA+ experiences, this book provides a heartwarming and relatable overview of a teenager’s life.
A tour de force trilogy for all collections. This final installment of the “Little Thieves” trilogy makes every page count as Vanja’s character arc comes to a close, grappling with forgiveness and restitution.
A book that gets readers in its clutches and refuses to let them go; many will want to consume it in one sitting.
An excellent resource for librarians, educators, and parents, this is recommended for school, public, and academic libraries.
A must-purchase text for recent and aspiring library science grads, career planning collections, and anyone exploring career changes in academic and public spheres.
A powerful and inspiring book that will resonate with young readers interested in sports, activism, and Indigenous culture.
A delightful and relatable read, this book is a must-have for libraries and a sure hit with young readers.
A resonant tale of a tween struggling to adapt to change; a must-buy for all middle grade collections.
The personal is profoundly political, and a specific experience feels universally meaningful in this fantastic graphic novel, highly recommended for all middle grade readers.
A must-buy for middle grade collections, especially where contemporary mysteries circulate well.
A fascinating, kid-friendly title on wildlife conservation that will captivate and empower elementary school readers.
A beautiful blend of text and drawings shows the cycle of life through dust. Reminiscent of Carole Lindstrom’s Water Protectors in its masterly marriage of narrative and illustration, this outstanding exploration of a natural phenomenon is a very strong first buy.
Celebrating the diversity of the human experience in language through well-illustrated examples, this title provides a plethora of opportunities for discussion as adults try to help young people navigate the human experience and celebrate their uniqueness.
This immersive, engaging, and deeply emotional portrait of an unconventional woman is a must-read for enthusiasts of women’s history, journalism, and LGBTQIA+ biographies.
This luminous work is more than a collective biography. It’s a reclamation of Indigenous stories, often manipulated, destroyed, and untold. A first purchase.
A stunning story of family history and heritage, identity, and the power of protest, this is highly recommended purchase for all collections.
A profoundly beautiful, strange, and introspective love story, at turns soothing and scalding. Recommended for every collection.
More than a novel, this is a journey into the heart of a boy searching for answers and a lost piece of himself, and a story that will linger with readers.
A must-buy for any collection, whether Junie is new to readers or an old friend. Park could not ask for a better representation of her classic.
A precious celebration of queer joy, resistance, and community; a deserved first selection for any well-rounded collection.
This heartfelt exploration of trauma, recovery, and the search for light in the darkest of times will resonate with middle school readers, offering a meaningful reflection on personal and societal healing. An excellent addition to middle grade verse novel collections.
Masterfully and beautifully written. Not to be missed, this is a first and important purchase for all libraries.
A creative and engaging look at Black history that will draw kids in to learn more. A must-purchase for all libraries.
A beautiful picture book about the love that connects families, even across distance and language barriers, this would be an excellent addition to children’s picture book collections.
Highly recommended for all middle and high school collections, as well as the parent/teacher shelves in public libraries.
This would make a fantastic read-aloud for classrooms and a great pick for book club discussions. A necessary purchase for upper elementary and middle school collections.
This is asurprisingly captivating introduction to particle physics that will serve as a helpful selection to libraries and classrooms.
This novel is truly a door to empathy, understanding, and self-reflection. Highly recommended as a great choice to any public or school library collection.
Spirituality and valuable STEM lessons in a genuinely sweet and funny package? Yes, please, to this essential purchase.
A celebratory, visually engaging book that highlights resilience and affirmation, this is perfect for libraries looking to inspire an uplifting sense of “can-do” in young readers.
With sweeping action, high stakes, and a shocking love triangle, this book has something for everyone with promises of more to come in the duology conclusion. Highly recommended.
A fantastical murder that will be a hit for both classic mystery lovers and true crime fans looking to explore new genres.
A treasure in versatility and a fine tool for librarians and teachers.
Purchase this impressive STEM title for dino fans, curricular tie-ins, and all nonfiction shelves.
This feel-good, queer coming-of-age story will circulate well in libraries with diverse young fantasy and Dungeons & Dragons fans.
The whip-smart combination of intrigue and adventure along with thought–provoking reflection makes for a nail-biting, laugh-out loud, stop-and-think read. A must-have duology for all libraries.
An important story to add to elementary school collections.
This joyful title will capture young readers and win the hearts of all ages. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.
A gritty and nuanced glimpse into the underbelly of poverty, addiction, and gun violence.
For all collections, this is a fond twin memorial both to a dog and to a beloved writer and artist.
This is a first purchase for any library’s nonfiction collection.
Not so much a picture book biography as a soaring, enticing tribute to a strong and distinctive artist.
Gripping and wrenching. A must for all libraries.
An essential resource for high school libraries with a focus on gender studies or STEM.
With its emphasis on honesty and practical guidance, this book may empower young readers to navigate their choices with confidence.
This title fills a vital gap in the board book collection and is a must-have for all shelves.
This wonderful story about friendship and solving a mystery is sure to be a great addition to any elementary library section.
A cut above the usual chapter book fare, this series is for clever kids who want a little substance and magic to their laughs.
This beautifully crafted, culturally rich story celebrates diversity and will resonate with middle grade readers. Pavi’s journey encourages empathy and curiosity, making this an excellent addition to classroom and library collections.
As powerful and triumphant as the first book, this eye-opening read belongs on all shelves.
Brimming with luminous artwork, this coming-of-age graphic novel is a perfect pick for fans of Ghostbusters, Stranger Things, and other paranormal stories that feature unlikely heroes.
Recommended for its realistic depictions of mental illness, family struggles, and emotional growth, especially where writers like Jasmine Warga and others are popular.
This thrilling adventure mystery will capture the spirit of play in every reader, making it a perfect addition to any library’s middle grade collection.
With enchanting artwork and profound storytelling, this debut offers windows and mirrors into the grieving process, and will move readers to tears
A timely coming-of-age tale that crafts important connections to current social and political issues while engaging readers.
A stunningly illustrated and heartfelt tale of self-discovery and growth, and an excellent addition to any graphic novel collection.
An essential purchase to explore grief associated with the pandemic; give to fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Elisabet Velasquez.
A captivating graphic novel that shows readers from all communities that it’s possible to recognize and address mental health concerns while still respecting cultural values. Purchase for all YA collections, especially where the previous volumes are popular.
A strange and grisly tale of what we can survive to get closer to our truest selves, deeply infused with Vietnamese cultural concepts.
This harrowing story of survival and justice is a feast for horror enthusiasts and lays the groundwork for a sequel.
A dark dystopian novel for readers craving something more mature than The Hunger Games. Perfect for high school collections.
This coming-of-age story intertwined with women’s fight to vote creates a forceful story while chronicling parts of the suffrage movement often ignored. Strong general purchase.
A gut-wrenching and powerful kaleidoscope of a story; for fans of A.S. King, Ellen Hopkins, and Kathleen Glasgow.
With its perfect blend of chronic illness representation, mental health exploration, and romance, this is sure to appeal to fans of books like John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars or Shannon Takaoka’s Everything I Thought I Knew; it’s a standout addition to the genre.
Perfect for a bedtime story or as a companion to a unit on the moon, this book is a must-purchase.
Whether the focus is middle school writing classes, social studies, or elementary ELA, this book invites students to consider familiar literary themes in connection with new works.
Visually appealing for the intended audience, with a message centered on acceptance and repaying hurtful actions with kindness, this work is full of warmth and sensitivity toward its audience. Highly recommended.
Readers will relish the doggone humor and joyous artwork with a canine point-of-view.
With their third YA novel, Garza Villa has established themself as a leading writer of Latine stories, LGBTQIA+ stories, and romances
This very loose reimagining of A Christmas Carol is a beautifully written crossover novel for older teens and college students.
This light in the darkness is an inspiring call to action and an essential addition to all collections.
A gentle and heartfelt exploration of grief, this book is a must-have addition to any library shelf.
This stunning picture book deserves a spot in all collections serving young readers. Hand to young chefs and anyone with a sweet tooth.
This well-designed, empowering tale invites middle grade readers into the perspective of one autistic youth and will appeal to individuals, classrooms, and book clubs alike.
This gentle yet thought-provoking historical novel in verse is perfect for anyone who has wished to be somewhere or someone else.
A depiction of love and friendship at its best and truest, complete with insecurities, thorniness, and looking within. Pair this with another badger tale of friendship Amy Timberlake’s Skunk and Badger, or simply savor and hope for a second tale of the two unlikely friends in the future.
A perfect pairing for classes that teach I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings or other works by Angelou, this picture book will also be at home in a read-aloud or elementary setting. Recommended purchase for all libraries.
An excellent addition to the public library’s Spanish children’s collection, or the school library that offers Spanish immersion programs.
Richly detailed and deeply human, this title serves as both an inspiring tribute to its subjects and a thought-provoking examination of the ongoing journey toward gender equity in STEM.
A thrilling series from a modern horror master and an absolute must-read for sci-fi or dystopian fiction fans.
Egan masterfully weaves issues that are current and relevant to teens into a Jane Austen–esque framework. A must have for YA collections.
Perfect for young readers and mythology lovers alike, this graphic novel is a triumph, one that is a dazzling tribute to the past and a beacon for the future.
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