Reviews+

A creepy YA focusing on Edgar Allan Poe's descendant, a nonfiction title honoring Black basketball players, and board book and audiobook offerings appear on the first starred list of 2026.

Since our July 2025 Stars So Far ­issue, SLJ has starred over 300 additional titles, reviewed in print and online from June through ­December. From board books and ­holiday titles to professional reading and manga, this list highlights must-have ­selections for every collection need.

With the latest offerings from Kate DiCamillo, Atinuke, and Cynthia Rylant, humor abounds in these transitional books.

This list features new outings from Katherine Applegate, Jeanne Birdsall, Ann Brashares, Rebecca Stead, and Jason Reynolds and Tiffany D. Jackson’s middle grade debut. 

These stellar works range from high-octane thrillers and charming rom-coms to stirring historical novels and sweeping romantasies.

From a queer retelling of Anne Green Gables to the latest Dogman, these graphic novels belong in every collection.

STEM titles cover lunar phases, turtles, and carbon atoms. Picture book biographies celebrate artists, such as Matisse and Yo-Yo Ma, and current changemakers, such as Ketanji Brown Jackson and Lionel Messi.

The latest history books from Ann Bausum, Gail Jarrow, and Kate Messner will astonish. Empowering offerings about incredible women will inspire. And high-interest cookbooks will entice young foodies.