I was out of town a few weekends ago—literally across the country—when I heard someone call out to me, "Josephine's sister!" Yes, even though we are both adults, this is still one of my defining characteristics to some. 

Thankfully, I've grown not to mind it too much. My sister is one of my best friends and maybe the only person who truly understands most of the pieces of who I am. But since I moved away from home at 18, my family was not always nearby. I came to know and love new sisters in my found families who continue to nourish me daily.

The first Sunday in August is designated as National Sisters Day, a time to celebrate the bond between sisters and with sisters. I'd like to invite readers to share a good memory you have with your sister(s), whether blood or chosen, in the comments below. And to celebrate sisterhood, this selection of titles is perfect to share with young readers, offering something for children of all ages—and perhaps even inspiring a deeper appreciation for the sisters in their own lives.

Board Books

Sisters Are Sisters Forever by Brooke Jorden. ­illus. by Sejung Kim. Familius. ISBN 9781641708678. 
PreS–A heartfelt ode to sisters, this title captures the joys and challenges of sibling relationships with authenticity and warmth. Featuring diverse sets of sisters, the story highlights their shared moments. VERDICT A valuable addition for libraries seeking more inclusive and relatable titles about sibling connections.

Picture Books

Sister Day by Jyoti Rajan Gopal. illus. by Fanny Liem. Farrar. ISBN 9780374390129. 
PreS-Gr 2–“Dawn breaks/ new day/ hearts light/ sisters play.” It’s that simple, that sweet, and that complicated when two loving sisters, presenting as South Asian but in a household that could be Anywhere, U.S.A., race through their home and out the door after the smaller sister finds a fairy doll. VERDICT A celebration of sisterhood, of play, and problem-solving, all at once. A perfect purchase.

Finding Forgiveness by Rebecca Gardyn Levington. illus. by Diana Mayo. Farrar. ISBN 9780374392024.
K-Gr 4–A luminous and emotionally resonant book that explores the complexities of making amends through the story of two young sisters who have quarreled. VERDICT A tender, beautifully crafted story about conflict, emotional insight, and Jewish holiday traditions. Highly recommended for family reading, classroom discussions, and all library collections.

Dreaming of a Quinceañera by Yamile Saied Méndez. illus. by Christine Almeda. Scholastic/Orchard. ISBN 9781338894950. 
Gr 1-3–Ellie is excited for her big sister Isabella’s quinceañera and wants to help her have an awesome ceremony. When Isabella asks Ellie to light one of the 15 candles, Ellie realizes how important their relationship really is to Isabella and helps her have the best quinceañera ever. VERDICT An excellent story about siblings and quinceañeras that entertains while providing a good description of the traditions and ceremonies that make up a quinceañera.

 Sari Sisters by Anitha Rao-Robinson. illus. by Anoosha Syed. Viking. ISBN 9780593526354. 
PreS-Gr 2–Kayra and her younger sister Ruhi are very close, but on this day, Kayra’s time to wear a sari (a traditional dress of the South Asian subcontinent) has arrived as she celebrates her coming-of-age. VERDICT An engaging and culturally thoughtful picture book for libraries, especially for a family story time focusing on mirror-and-window encounters with heritage families.

Transitional Books

 Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow by Kari Allen. illus. by Tatjana Mai-Wyss. Kind World. ISBN 9781638940272. 
Gr 1-3–In this fifth book in the early reader series, sisters Maddie and Mabel are anticipating snow. The girls are so excited to wake up one morning to their eagerly awaited snow, and their wintry day is split into four vignettes that show the power of cooperation. VERDICT 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.

 Stella & Marigold by Annie Barrows. illus. by Sophie Blackall. Chronicle. ISBN 9781797219707. 
Gr 1-3–An opening flashback introduces Stella at age three, waiting in her family’s “half-house” (the lower half of a duplex) for her parents to return from the hospital with newborn Marigold. The sisters’ bond is immediate, with Stella whispering promises to tell Marigold “all the secret things I know...forever and ever.” VERDICT This very witty, very tender ode to sisterhood is a first purchase.

 Zoomi and Zoe and the Sibling Situation by Corey Ann Haydu. illus. by Anne Appert. Quirk. ISBN 9781683694601. 
Gr 1-3–In this series sequel, readers reunite with purple fuzzy monster Zoomi and her human friend Zoe as they experience big life changes. Zoomi has a new baby sister, and now Zoe’s going to be a big sister, too! Zoomi and Zoe want to be the best big sisters ever, so “Zoomi & Zoe’s School For Babies” is now open! The goal: teach these babies how to be just like their big sisters. VERDICT A solid, heartwarming addition to early chapter book collections.

The Luna Sisters: Battle for the Moon Blossom by Dan Yaccarino. illus. by author. Holiday House. ISBN 9780823456376. 
PreS-Gr 2–Lucy and Nera are moon-dwelling Luna sisters who do not get along. Artistic Lucy lives on the bright side of their huge house, while inventor Nera lives on the dark side. One day, the sisters spot the same unusual blossom and both claim ownership. Bickering soon leads to all-out battles with the sisters trying to outdo each other with grand inventions. VERDICT A light science fiction/fantasy story about getting along through cooperation. A good choice where stories about siblings are needed.

Middle Grade

The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Quill Tree. ISBN 9780063266599.
Gr 5-8–Ada looks after her younger sister Safi while assisting her ailing father in his shop. Safi’s magic is developing quickly, and Ada knows that serving as an apprentice is the best way for Safi to learn how to manage her powers. When the sisters see a traveling magic show, the performers offer Safi an apprenticeship. While Ada is happy for Safi, she misses her terribly and is concerned when Safi does not reply to her letters. VERDICT While a bit sad throughout, this graphic novel builds toward a high note thanks to a cast of goodhearted characters and will be a hit with young fantasy readers.

YA

Soul Machine by Jordana Globerman. illus. by author. Annick. ISBN 9781773219585. 
Gr 7 Up–Sisters Chloe and Lacey struggle to continue the family business of weaving souls from a material called breth, but the shipments have stopped. When Chloe goes in search of a new source, she discovers the ubiquitous presence of MCorp and unearths the synthetic souls MCorp sells. She also discovers secrets from her family’s past. Chloe will have to choose between consumer-driven city life or loyalty to her sister and their values. VERDICT An intriguing book with multiple themes for readers to explore along Chloe’s quest, this is an excellent choice for discussion groups and equally appealing for general graphic novel fans.

 The Grove by Brooks Whitney Phillips. Viking. ISBN 9780593202128. 
Gr 9 Up–Pip, 15, and Sissy, 17, are as close as they can be as sisters and best friends. The sisters are excited when a traveling carnival comes to town, where Sissy meets a slick carnival worker who lures her away from Pip and subsequently changes their lives forever. VERDICT A must-have for all collections.

American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad that Haunted a Nation by Barb Rosenstock. Astra/Calkins Creek. ISBN 9781635928051. 
Gr 7 Up–A detailed and engaging account of the Fox sisters, who started the 19th-century Spiritualist movement. In 1847, in rural upstate New York, the Fox family was plagued by mysterious, nighttime rapping sounds. People speculated it was the spirit of a man killed on the property. Soon enough, Maggie, 14, and Kate, 11, were interpreting the strange sounds and communicating with the dead. VERDICT A great choice for teens who enjoy ghost stories and those interested in con artists or history. Recommended for all libraries.