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Here are SLJ's reviews of the books that made the longlist for the 2024 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, including six books with SLJ stars.
This is a joyful but meaty take on the celestial beings that surround Earth. It delivers solid SEL as well: in an argument between good friends, sometimes all that’s needed is a little perspective.
Debut author Mepani pulls from her own childhood experiences to capture a single Saturday gathering full of family, friends, and joyful chaos. An important book for every growing library collection.
PREMIUM
The Last Tamale
A beautiful love letter to Latinx culture celebrating the importance of family culinary traditions.
This charming book will have children holding love in their hands; a must-have for any social-emotional collection.
PREMIUM
Boy Here, Boy There
This can be enjoyed with or without acknowledging the Neanderthal/Homo Sapien subtext, but either way it should be read aloud to make the most of the poetic text. A good choice for most libraries.
PREMIUM
The Little Green Swing
Make story hours that contrast this "Three Little Pigs" with other more traditional tellings, and watch Ruby, again, come in first, but with grace.
This delightful picture book allows Indigenous children to connect with and feel pride in the abundance of powwow participation, and gives all readers a great counting book full of cultural imagery.
PREMIUM
The Helping Sweater
A positive and uplifting book with a generous circular ending that young readers will love.
An odd interactive introduction to the concept of local resources and problem-solving but not entirely relatable for the intended audience.
A fun and imaginative story to read aloud with young children.
An uplifting story that celebrates the idea of “extraordinary,” which includes the story’s heroine, one’s friends, and Japan’s gift of cherry trees to the nation’s capital.
PREMIUM
The Dinosaur Next Door
A fun fantasy about finding one’s own place as well as respecting that in others.
PREMIUM
Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life
An easily digestible morsel of life advice, not too heavy on the moralistic sauce, but tweaked with a dash of cleverness.
PREMIUM
Dogs Love Books, Too
A gentle invitation to young readers to explore the joy and possibility of reading.
A moody book about adventure and one’s place in the world, this isn’t essential but will find receptive readers.
A plea for peace that younger readers will clearly hear, pointing no accusatory fingers, but shining with steady resolve to endure.
For the construction shelf, for story hours, for busy toddlers to pore over, this is one rescue that everyone will want in on.
The sensitive treatment and outstanding illustrations warrant a recommended purchase; this is a loving story with beautiful artwork for a broad audience on the importance of grandparents and memory.
PREMIUM
Fox Is Coming!
This is a pleasurable read-aloud for intergenerational pairings, as well as a book younger readers will want to reread often.
At around 200 pages, this standalone book doesn’t feel overwhelming and would be a good choice for reluctant readers and those who enjoy pop culture.
PREMIUM
Sweetest Darkness
The opening chapters are powerful enough to pull in reluctant readers, but later chapters require much more diligence. A secondary purchase for libraries in need of beefing up their horror/supernatural offerings.
PREMIUM
The Lies We Conjure
Despite some moments of heavy exposition, this blend of magical elements, family drama, and murder mystery wraps up neatly, providing a satisfying standalone read.
A priority purchase for fans of the first book and any collection with teens in search of their post–“Percy Jackson” obsession.
PREMIUM
The Ghost of You
This story is touching, heartbreaking, and poignant. A must for readers who enjoy complex emotional journeys.
PREMIUM
One Last Chance to Live
A moving portrayal of a teen confronting the world and himself. Recommended.
PREMIUM
This Fatal Kiss
This beautiful Slavic reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” will appeal to fans of fairy-tale retellings and queer romantasy adventures.
Equally heartbreaking and uplifting, this recommended book reminds readers that a forgotten past is irreplaceable, and the present is a gift.
PREMIUM
To the Bone
Hand this title to fans of Tracy Smith’s First Lady of Jamestown and Lauren Groff’s The Vaster Wilds. A general purchase for high school libraries.
PREMIUM
Signed Sealed Dead
Readers will find themselves drawn into the dark story of this small town. With only some violence and brief description of dead bodies, it would be acceptable for younger teen readers.
PREMIUM
They Thought They Buried Us
A modern take on horror for fans of Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Jordan Peele films that falls short due to a lack of clarity.
PREMIUM
Us in Ruins
A fun romantic adventure with a bit of magical realism. Great for fans of the film The Mummy and novels like Holly Rose’s Until the Stars Fall.
PREMIUM
Aisle Nine
This book will delight readers with its dark comedy, but also provides enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing. A perfect release for the upcoming spooky season.
PREMIUM
Old Wounds
Both a nuanced look at the complexities of being trans in our current landscape and a thoroughly enjoyable horror thriller, this book is sure to appeal to teens who love Jordan Peele films or Tiffany D. Jackson.
Hand this to any young student (and sci-fi fan) trying to find their place in their community.
A story that needs to be remembered, this works equally well as an introduction to Anne Frank as it does as a fictional supplement to readers already familiar with her diary. Adult support of readers’ questions and emotional responses to the book may be needed.
A heartfelt must-read story for any kid who has felt “othered” in their life, with the hope that they find support and community.
PREMIUM
The Chainbreakers
A fresh new fantasy for readers who enjoy feisty, brave protagonists doing what they feel is right with heart and humor.
A beautifully told novel in verse about family and community. Recommended for all middle grade collections.
Fans of mystery and the paranormal will enjoy Danica’s adventures; a debut that leaves readers wanting more.
PREMIUM
Let It Glow
Meyer and Levy bring warmth and depth to the classic separated-at-birth trope with this gentle story. Recommended for tween fiction collections.
PREMIUM
The Hotel Balzaar
Just as endearing as the first book, this follow-up is sure to leave readers eager for the next volume. Enthusiastically recommended for libraries everywhere.
PREMIUM
Monster Movie!
This funny, fast-paced celebration of horror movies will appeal to fans of “Goosebumps” and similar series.
PREMIUM
Reasons to Look at the Night Sky
This book will resonate with readers who are navigating the trials of adolescence and the difficulty of embracing the unknown, as well as those interested in space and mythology.
PREMIUM
Eyes on the Ice
A book sure to delight sports and historical fiction fans. Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school collections, and where sports and historical fiction are in high demand.
PREMIUM
Exit Nowhere
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, but make it horror; this title is sure to be a hit with middle grade readers.
A unique addition to a Christmas book collection that is sure to be enjoyed by older children who appreciate cheeky humor and a foil to more wholesome Santa classics.
An appealing picture book about a Jewish family gathering to share stories, cook traditional recipes, make new memories, and celebrate an ancient miracle.
PREMIUM
Kwanzaa
An overdue, modernized approach to Kwanzaa that informs young people about this holiday in easily understood text with relatable, engaging illustrations.
PREMIUM
Shabbat Shalom, Grover!
A useful purchase to have on hand to include or introduce Jewish holidays.
PREMIUM
Robot Shabbat
A fun sci-fi take on the tradition of Shabbat, sure to have youngsters joining in with the sound effects.
PREMIUM
Tamales For Christmas
This picture book about family food traditions around the holidays would be a welcome addition to any library.
PREMIUM
Happy Kwanzaa! (Sesame Street)
This relatable, familiar introduction to Kwanzaa is an optional addition to library shelves.
With its themes of friendship and problem-solving, and with the joy of Christmas, this book is a delightful addition to winter reading.
PREMIUM
Hanukkah Hippity-Hop
A clever and entertaining story that will brighten library shelves during the Hanukkah season.
PREMIUM
Some Like it Cold
A chill read for older teens looking for a snug winter romance. Also perfect for neurodivergent readers looking for representation in the romance genre.
With sweet, melodic rhymes and a beautiful blue background to fit the glorious Christmas colors, this book is a great addition to any children’s library.
A fantastic purchase for all libraries, sure to be widely circulated during the festive season.
Amid many holiday book options that retell the same stories, Stickler stands out as a fresh expression of Christmas spirit.
This sweeping embrace of winter and fall celebrations is a visually stunning addition to holiday book collections.
A wonderful addition to holiday collections and where Anna Membrino books are popular.
A heartwarming story celebrating Hanukkah that is both cheerful and informational.
A good read at any time, but even better during the Thanksgiving season.
This quick hit series of jokes coupled with bright, expressive illustrations culminates in a Christmas surprise that will leave younger readers giggling. Purchase where joke books targeted towards preschoolers are popular.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Indigenous literature and culture, and for those looking to expand their perspectives of the holiday season. It is an easy read-aloud and would be a wonderful addition to any library.
PREMIUM
The Crayons Give Thanks
An excellent addition to an established series expands the journey of the beloved characters children know and love.
Emphasizing hope, beauty, and unity, this quietly powerful story demonstrates that people honor traditions in unique ways, while all are recognizing comfort and love as symbolized by light.
A feel-good holiday story that will warm hearts for Christmases to come. Holiday collections will welcome this gift.
PREMIUM
Say Cheese
Order this fun friendship story for libraries where the previous installments circulate well.
A worthy addition for young graphic novel readers. Give to fans of series like “InvestiGators” and “Pizza and Taco.”
PREMIUM
A Day with Mousse
A pleasing picture book with a chapter book format that will be a nice addition to most collections.
PREMIUM
Chasing the Shy Town
This book is entertaining, full of adventure, and one that will hook readers from the first few chapters.
An exciting and engaging series of journeys set in the universe of a popular video game, this will appeal to new and existing fans of the franchise.
All of Steve’s silliness will initially draw readers in, while his need to stand out is so relatable that they will stay to see how his exceptional adventure ends.
Visually stunning and funny, this is recommended for all libraries serving children and has potential to be used in language arts classes beyond elementary as a prompt for writing projects.
This title will be enjoyed by readers who like a simple mystery and a lot of monsters.
This cute friendship story is a welcome addition to the graphic novel shelf for young elementary readers and is perfect for fans of the “Baby-Sitters Little Sister” series.
This one will certainly find traction amongst young readers familiar with other light-hearted comic duo series. A recommended purchase for most library graphic novel collections.
A book about the assassination of President Lincoln from a Jewish perspective. A good choice for libraries seeking seldom seen and necessary points of view about historical events.
PREMIUM
Leo’s First Vote!
A timely, if earnestly purposeful, overview of a basic civil right, aimed at younger audiences but with some savvy pointers for new Americans of any age.
PREMIUM
When Black Girls Dream Big
A commanding but friendly book about empowerment and self-confidence, and a first purchase.
PREMIUM
The Zoo Inside Me
A conversation starter, this picture book gives the very young a vocabulary for discussing feelings and would be a good addition to the SEL shelves.
This joins a long list of picture books addressing the “monster under my bed” topic, but the focus on the mother provides a realistic setting that may appeal to adults tasked with putting their kids to bed.
Jump into a new adventure learning Spanish and English vocabulary at with this all-ages resource.
PREMIUM
The Mightiest Bite
This is an interesting and humorous book with vivid colors and interesting pictures. A great choice for any library.
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