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I am essentially making comfy nests where other tired hearts can rest, books with arguably naive but stubborn resilience against tough odds, and books with kind power in them.
Whether a humble farming community, a home in the south of Korea, a synagogue filled with love and hope, or a neighborhood where more than small things are mended, the best picture books of 2024 celebrate how those working together are the models for humanity we want our children to witness.
Shifa Saltagi Safadi's novel in verse about an immigrant family, the 2016 Muslim ban, and a boy trying to balance school and family earned the prestigious prize.
Gripping fantastical journeys, family secrets, unbridled joy, and inconceivable loss: in these pages, tweens are facing it all. These 26 middle grade titles are exemplars across genre of the power of truth telling and embracing one's authentic self, even when it seems impossible.
A good guide to Easter fun and treats that readers new and old will enjoy.
Dahlin’s debut earns her place on library shelves with this fantastic piece of nail-biting suspense.
For libraries in need of books covering the subject of partition.
PREMIUM
My Salty Mary
This title is for fans of the authors’ collaborations; otherwise, for mermaids and queering the fairy tale, read Emma Donoghue’s Kissing the Witch or Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish, and for swashbuckling and funny, historically embedded lady pirates, go to L.A. Meyer’s “Bloody Jack” series or Briony Cameron’s The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye.
PREMIUM
Brandon and the Baby
Through demonstrations of preparation, routine, praise, and love, the title serves as a valuable supplement to manage emotions, attachment stages, bonding practices, and acceptance for children struggling with jealousy and aggression after the arrival of a younger sibling.
PREMIUM
Can You Find the Easter Bunny?
A multisensory title sure to make your youngest readers giggle. Purchase where other hide-and-seek style board books are popular.
PREMIUM
Rembrandt Chooses a Queen
An additional purchase for libraries that serve multi-faith populations or are looking to enhance their art or religion selections.
A highly recommended addition to any library, offering visual beauty and a meaningful narrative that will resonate with young readers and educators alike.
Tahir is an expert at swoonworthy heroes, fierce females, and slow burn romance. Accompanied by adventure, family and found family ties, and political intrigue, this multilayered, quick-paced story is a must purchase.
It cannot be overstated how important Brett’s story is for those who need to hear it, a possible lifeline for those in need of reassurance that their experiences aren’t as uncommon as they may think.
PREMIUM
Bridge Across the Sky
This historical novel in verse is superb, conveying the magnitude of disrespect, hatred, and racist practices Chinese immigrants had to endure.
One needn’t be familiar with Mulan to enjoy this gentle easy reader about Lunar New Year, which is recommended for larger libraries.
These coauthored narratives offer readers the opportunity to experience a novel from multiple perspectives, expanding worldbuilding, character development, and plot lines, proving that there are always two (or sometimes three or four) sides to every story.
The warm camaraderie of these sisters will put a smile on readers’ faces as both siblings work together for the common good. A great addition to the series and to library collections.
PREMIUM
Welcome to the Woofmore
The writing is strong and the dog hotel premise can easily be expanded for an audience in the ever-growing early chapter book genre.
An angst-fueled, twisted fairy tale wrapped tightly in dark academia, exploring the border between love and something more dangerous.
PREMIUM
A Vile Season
The main character’s arc from villain to antihero to lovestruck romantic makes this a worthwhile addition to YA collections.
Fans of King’s work and teens interested in music and social issues will be drawn to this work.
PREMIUM
Mummy & Me: A Monster’s Tale
Mother-child love is abundant in this non-frightening monster story that reveals a beginning self-awareness and a nod to empathy. This recommended story is sure to capture the attention of the most rambunctious child.
PREMIUM
The Easter Bunny Hop
A secular Easter-themed book perfect to read aloud to an active preschool group.
PREMIUM
The Beautiful Game
For middle grade readers who love complicated families, sports, and realistic fiction, this novel will be a strong fit.
PREMIUM
Rise of the Spider
An accessible introduction to social and political events in Germany during the time leading up to World War II.
PREMIUM
The Frindle Files
A celebration of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and community that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation to read Frindle.
Family members who collaborate talk about the dynamics (and ground rules) of their creative partnerships.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. In the latest installment, Wen-yi Lee shares about The Dark We Know.
PREMIUM
Robin’s Worlds
Families come in all sizes and shapes, warmly shown here; this book is recommended for libraries to add any shelves on ever-expanding inclusivity.
An excellent story about Indigenous culture, and how communities can support each other when things are tough. A strong choice for any elementary library.
PREMIUM
I Hear You, Mountains
For those needing a solid read-aloud for story times, consider this; despite some random elements, its message of love for nature is clear.
PREMIUM
The Long Way Around
A fast-paced adventure that forces three children to make decisions about survival and come to terms with some grown-up issues.
A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.
PREMIUM
Dead Girls Don’t Say Sorry
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
PREMIUM
Sixteen Minutes
A dreamy and mysterious tale about taking chances and traveling through time for the people you love, this is an excellent blend of a tense, high-stakes mystery and a relationship-driven, coming-of-age story.
Readers of the “Raybearer” series will welcome the return to familiar territory.
PREMIUM
Spells to Forget Us
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
PREMIUM
Poppy Song Bakes a Way
Buy the book and the series. Kids need access to this diverse classroom of students who face everyday crises with their supportive friends, and this gentle read shows the goodness in the world without being overly sappy.
PREMIUM
Hannah and the Wrong Note
Despite a promising start, this underdeveloped title is not recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
Ten Purim Bears: A Counting Book
This book fulfills its purpose but count on another title to find the joy of Purim.
While not an essential purchase, libraries where holiday titles are popular may want to get their paws on this adorable book.
PREMIUM
Happy Birthday, Little One
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
PREMIUM
On Your Baptism Day
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
This thankful season, children can read all about dinosaurs, crayons, and even turkeys enjoying food, fun, and family.
PREMIUM
The Spark in Me
A great introduction to the wonderful world of science, this book can be used across many grade levels.
PREMIUM
Vietnamese Folktales for Children: Stories of Adventure and Wonder in Vietnamese and English
Recommended for communities with Vietnamese families and for building out collections of folktales from the world.
PREMIUM
Challah, Challah for You and Me
A quick yet joyous read, this is a sweet addition to libraries looking to expand any inclusive picture book section.
This combination of cheerful drawings and omniscient narrative, plus joyful dogs, will appeal to young readers. The book works for both story time or independent reading. A strong first buy.
Overall, this novel is a queer-friendly, heartwarming exploration of identity, communication, and acceptance, making it a must-read for young readers seeking an authentic and relatable story.
The novel is a must-read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling with emotional depth.
PREMIUM
The Library Mule of Cordoba
A good purchase to add to libraries that aim to support book discussion groups and classroom learning that coincides with true events, past and present.
PREMIUM
Thief of the Heights
The dramatic narrative asks thought-provoking questions about class and mobility under repressive systems. The murkiness of the art sometimes gets in the way of engaging with the story, but the text carries it through.
PREMIUM
Leap
A sweet, queer coming-of-age story about listening to one’s self and navigating the complex world of friendships and romance. Recommended for purchase.
Though not for the faint of heart, this touching, gripping, and heartbreaking historical graphic novel doesn’t shy away from the dark sides of the true events it’s based on, while still offering a ray of hope for the genuine good out there.
Fans of Shinkai’s previous works, such as your name or Weathering with You, will be at home here too. Purchase where epic adventure-fantasies are popular.
Featuring an entertaining, captivating narrative, this series opener is a pot of intrigue that is sure to boil over in ensuing volumes.
A standout graphic novel that belongs in every collection for artful storytelling, beautifully expressive imagery, and a heroine who is admirable and fully human.
PREMIUM
Tank Chair, Vol. 1
While far too violent for younger readers, this first volume ostentatiously highlights disability representation through outrageous fun action, laying the groundwork for a promising series where anything is possible.
PREMIUM
Heart-Shaped Lies
An additional purchase where thrillers involving social media are popular.
PREMIUM
Snow Drowned
This YA horror novel is perfect for fans of Kendare Blake, Rin Chupeco, and Madeleine Roux. The narrative is fast paced, with plot twists to keep readers intrigued and wanting more.
PREMIUM
Where the Library Hides
A singular historical romance destined for all YA collections. These characters will have a hold on readers long after the last page.
PREMIUM
Perfect Girl
An exhilarating thriller; fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson will devour it.
PREMIUM
A Queen’s Game
This wild, romantic gallop through a fascinating moment in history will delight both history buffs and readers looking for high society escapism.
PREMIUM
Fortune’s Kiss
An ardently macabre and unique horror-fantasy mashup with strong appeal for the rabid and eager fans of V.E. Schwab and Stephanie Garber who are ready to go darker.
PREMIUM
Streetlight People
Recommended for older readers, as characters partake in drinking parties and sexual relationships; a good choice for those seeking atmospheric magical realism.YA Graphic Novels
PREMIUM
Darkly
Creative and unique, this is a special treat for readers who wish Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games had been set in the world of Jumanji.
PREMIUM
Here Goes Nothing
A feisty queer retelling of a classic, perfect for a teach-along or lesson enhancement.
PREMIUM
Thanks for Listening
Gr 10 Up–Horan’s second contemporary queer YA novel is a fantastic and much-needed ace romance...
PREMIUM
If You Can Hear This
Recommended for collections where titles like Tom Ryan’s I Hope You’re Listening or Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder circulate well.
PREMIUM
Midnights With You
An emotionally gripping debut novel that shines with hope, even through its traumas and trials.
A timely and engaging read for all ages, sure to be popular with teens and adult readers of YA.
Highly recommended and appropriate for all YA collections, especially where diverse romance stories featuring women of color are popular.
PREMIUM
The Band in Our Basement
A lovely purchase, this warm bedtime story is laced with love of music and close family feelings.
PREMIUM
Milo the Knight
A sweet tale about overcoming fears that uniquely merges the insect and medieval worlds. Recommended for picture book collections.
A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library.
PREMIUM
Vanishing Act
Compelling as this is in concept, it misses the mark and is not recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
A Face Is a Poem
A thought-provoking and beautiful discussion about what makes up a face, but an optional purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
A Voice in the Storm
Highly recommended; this is a compassionate look at how to support a friend overwhelmed by emotions.
PREMIUM
Like This
This sweet and charming book shows children how to connect emotions and memories through simple, repetitive language and softly colored illustrations.
PREMIUM
The Sorry Seeds
A story with a clear message about owning up to one’s mistakes that is sure to inspire discussion.
PREMIUM
Chloe and the Fireflies
This hopeful work on a subject treated all too infrequently in picture books would be a sensitive and welcome addition to any library.
PREMIUM
Leo and the Pink Marker
A wonderful book that showcases what the imagination can do, and to shelve right next to Crockett Johnson’s original.
PREMIUM
Brown Girl, Brown Girl
This gorgeously illustrated poem celebrating and elevating brown girls is a solid choice for picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee
A stunning book, this may have difficulty finding the right audience; a limited first buy.
A lively look at opposites that is a useful teaching tool and an examination of the many animals in a busy forest. A recommended purchase.
PREMIUM
Four Fallen Eagles
In charming and expressive imagery, readers will find a journey that requires courage, reasoning, and newfound maturity. A worthwhile purchase.
A breathtaking trip through one boy’s imagination, this beautiful picture book is highly recommended for school and public libraries.
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