Related
PREMIUM
Shred Girls: Ali’s Rocky Ride
This is a fun and action-packed story about being true to oneself, sports, family, and the importance of friendship. A recommended purchase for middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Part of Your Nightmare
This sinister tale will wrap its tentacles around avid mystery lovers with a moderate dose of chills.
PREMIUM
Huddle Up! Cuddle Up!
An interesting take on the sports theme, this playful romp, with a family genuinely delighting in one another’s company and celebrating their love of the game, will be popular in picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Raising Lumie
Despite the sometimes-jerky storyline, fans of dog fiction such as the “Dog’s Purpose” series will certainly appreciate this novel.
Sampson shows how Tina deals with discrimination from her peers and adults in a way that will be accessible for young readers. Would be useful as part of a curriculum on women’s rights or as a book report subject for a sports fan.
This quirky magical adventure is comparable to Cornelia Funke’s The Thief Lord, Eva Ibbotson’s Which Witch, and the works of Roald Dahl.
PREMIUM
The Voting Booth
Recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven romance with real-world resonance.
A lovely and fun addition to an early childhood collection or for early literacy experiences.
PREMIUM
Winter of the Wolf
Problematic depictions of cultural appropriation mean that this touching portrait of grief cannot be strongly recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
Geraldine and the Space Bees
An optional purchase; dedicated seekers of STEM-related picture books might tolerate this astronomy-entomology crossover, but will have to go elsewhere for clarity of purpose.
PREMIUM
Believe
Thoughtful tween readers who can’t get enough books about introspective, lonely tweens may figure things out before the denouement, but will appreciate Melanie’s emotional journey.
PREMIUM
Somewhere Only We Know
The overarching theme of crafting the life you want, while making space for the unexpected, shines brilliantly in this novel.
PREMIUM
Escape Room
Young teens who enjoy escape rooms may get a kick out of seeing this game turned into trap, but for those seeking deeper thrills, this light thriller will be less entertaining.
PREMIUM
If It Makes You Happy
This novel takes on the topic of love with an honesty that is refreshing.
PREMIUM
The Flash: Supergirl’s Sacrifice
Purchase where readers are fans of the Arrowverse, and of graphic novels involving DC heroes and villians.
PREMIUM
Runaway Pumpkins
An entertaining story with exciting surprises along the way, this is a strong addition to most collections.
PREMIUM
I Got the School Spirit
This cheerful and energetic story depicts a girl preparing for and embracing school spirit on her first day and will be a welcome addition for most collections.
PREMIUM
School is Coming
A good addition to any collection, this playful and sweet take on a universal event may help parents and caregivers prepare their little ones.
PREMIUM
Three Squeezes
A beautiful tale with some deep messages and potentially tear-inducing themes, this is a great additional selection to share among loved ones.
PREMIUM
Lady Miss Penny Goes To Lunch
A humorous look at good manners, this suggested general purchase provides cartoon art with pen and watercolor that captures expressions and the consequences of outrageous behavior from several perspectives during a chaotic restaurant visit.
PREMIUM
The Belonging Tree
With essential themes woven into a charming story, this is a recommended general purchase.
PREMIUM
Nothing in Common
This simultaneously hushed and fanciful version of two-loners-find-their-perfect-match offers an unusual combination of tone, content, and fancy.
Though violent at times, this fantasy novel will surely appeal to comic-book lovers and mystery-seekers alike, and would be an asset to any library.
Deeply informative, essential reading for fans of the popular comic books and novels.
PREMIUM
Elatsoe
Ellie’s family’s cultural beliefs and status as Indigenous people are presented well in the context of this supernatural fantasy. Recommended for fans of the genre.
PREMIUM
Catalyst
A fast-paced, engaging fantasy novel that cat lovers will adore and fans of the author will read vigorously. A solid purchase for fantasy lovers.
PREMIUM
Thirteens
Recommended for larger fiction collections committed to also purchasing the next book in the series.
PREMIUM
The Unadoptables
These resourceful orphans will quickly captivate readers who enjoy mysterious adventure stories. The concept of what makes a family is examined with surprising results. Recommended.
PREMIUM
The Stitchers
A truly creepy read, perfect for fans of “Goosebumps” and Stranger Things. Recommended purchase.
PREMIUM
Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero
An accessible story about a child facing loss and home instability. Isaiah is a likable character; readers will identify with his struggle to rise above his family’s housing issues to define himself. A great selection for school and public libraries.
A very solid purchase; hand to lovers of superheroes, coming-of-age tales, and magical adventures!
Raw and honest, this ultimately empowering novel is an important book for readers of all ages. Adults may want to follow up or simultaneously read the book with younger readers to discuss the difficult issues addressed.
This must-have is an instant classic of historical fiction, focusing on a Deaf boy institutionalized during World War II. Written in eloquent free verse and sonnets, it’s an excellent poetry-teaching tool as well.
This warm tale is definitely one for the keeper shelves. Highly recommended for most middle grade sections.
PREMIUM
Harvey Holds His Own
With the winning combination of a relatable main character and an adorable dog, this book should find a home with readers seeking a warmhearted tale of growth and connection.
At once beautiful and painful, this timely story is highly recommended for middle grade readers.
PREMIUM
Rise of the Shadow
Middle grade fans of magical mysteries will enjoy this exciting and well-paced series debut.
PREMIUM
The Book of Fatal Errors
An excellent readalike for “The Spiderwick Chronicles” by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black; recommended for any young fantasy fans.
Despite its occasional storyline waffling, this middle grade fantasy is worthwhile. Memorable characters accompany strong messages of believing in yourself, working hard, and choosing who you love. A novel well worth the read. Recommended for fiction collections.
PREMIUM
Finders Creepers
The mixture of prose and graphic novel elements make this story accessible to reluctant readers. Some kids will be eager for the next book in the series, while others may be left wishing for a clear resolution.
PREMIUM
My Life in the Fish Tank
This book has value in describing the impact that a family member’s mental illness can have on their loved ones. For larger collections and fans of Tae Keller’s The Science of Breakable Things and Cindy Baldwin’s Where the Watermelons Grow.
PREMIUM
The Campaign
A highly readable, enjoyable, nonpartisan story meant to encourage civic activism amongst middle schoolers.
PREMIUM
The Forest of Stars
Fans of Kelly Barnhill and Neil Gaiman will love Kassner’s sometimes sinister, always magical carnival in this evocative fantasy about finding your place in the world.
PREMIUM
Stealing Mt. Rushmore
A family drama that attempts to navigate the complexities of politics, change, and disappointment, but unfortunately misses the mark with poor execution and character development.
A first choice for all collections. A unique take on sports and fame told from an unexpected perspective, and another incredible read delivered by Woodson.
An excellent addition to all teen collections with a relatable main character who will lead readers through this heated moment in time.
PREMIUM
Now That I’ve Found You
For fans of Mary H.K. Choi’s Permanent Record, Kasie West’s Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss, or Maurene Goo’s I Believe in a Thing Called Love.
This verse novel tells one cohesive story of a life lived. A highly enjoyable title recommended for reluctant readers and students intrigued by fame and stardom.
A great fantasy for middle school readers who need an age-appropriate challenge that won’t burn their eyes.
PREMIUM
The Bookweaver’s Daughter
Fans of medieval fantasy, action/adventure novels, and books with strong heroines will love this novel. Recommended for teen libraries.
PREMIUM
Horrid
Recommended for all libraries. Hand this to teens who binge-watched Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House.
PREMIUM
These Vengeful Hearts
Recommend this to fans of E. Lockhart’s The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks and Daisy Whitney’s The Mockingbirds.
PREMIUM
The Inheritance Games
Fun and fast-paced, fans of Karen M. McManus’s One of Us Is Lying and Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious will find a new home at Hawthorne House. Even reluctant readers will devour this book.
PREMIUM
Come On In
A recommended addition to any high school library and a great book to share with social studies teachers for use in the classroom.
PREMIUM
Everything I Thought I Knew
Readers looking for a good, cathartic cry will love Chloe’s journey from losing everything she thought she was, to finding the person she was meant to be.
PREMIUM
We Were Restless Things
A promising start that fizzles towards the middle. A secondary purchase for collections in need of magical realism.
PREMIUM
The Princess Will Save You
A strong choice for most collections. Fantasy and romance fans alike will gobble up this energetic story and a relatively chaste romance allows for a wide range of readers.
PREMIUM
The Peasant’s Dream
Unexpected revelations along the way give this fractured fairy tale a fresh shine.
PREMIUM
More Than Just a Pretty Face
This delightful debut will make a fine addition to any YA collection, and includes a much-needed historical and contemporary perspective of Western culture through a South Asian lens.
PREMIUM
The Challenger
A complex, well-blended mix of plot and characterization, perfect for fans of fantasy battle royale stories.
PREMIUM
All This Time
Fans of the authors’ Five Feet Apart and Sandy Hall’s Signs Point to Yes will likely be interested, but may find the novel unfulfilling and mediocre. An additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Scorched Earth
A gratifying conclusion to this epic tale of self-discovery; a great fit for young adult collections everywhere.
PREMIUM
Eventide
An engaging historical novel with fantastical elements, this is a good fit for mid to large-sized collections, or where Southern settings circulate well.
PREMIUM
The Farm That Mac Built
Lots of word repetition and animal sound effects, combined with Urbanovic’s comically expressive cartoon illustrations, make this a rollicking read-aloud that will encourage young readers to join in on the silliness.
Very clear in its didacticism, this empowering book is an intended tool for caregivers and teachers wanting to explore social emotional learning with the very young.
PREMIUM
The Alphabet’s Alphabet
For use in preschools or alphabet-themed story times, this funny and creative ABC book will delight children and adults alike.
PREMIUM
All Welcome Here
A pleasant addition to first-day-of-school literature that focuses on the some of the upsides of school.
With loving details that radiate off the page, exquisite pacing, and a child’s perspective on the bad thing that is happening, this is recommended to share widely, and with anyone who has ever had to move.
PREMIUM
Cone Cat
Purchase where pet stories are popular, although the morals of adapting to change and making the best of a bad situation are sure to resonate with all young readers.
PREMIUM
Nicanor’s Gate
Whether as folktale, Talmudic retelling, or a preschool course in miracles, this book will find a home in many school and public collections.
PREMIUM
The Run
Readers will be compelled to find out more until the satisfying and hilarious end to this preschool work of metafiction.
This evocative pairing of story and art creates a tone poem and lesson, a lovely reflection on the seasons of life, and a gentle lead-in to discussion of death and renewal.
PREMIUM
The Code for Love and Heartbreak
A warm coming-of-age story recommended for readers who enjoy a good Austen-esque romp with more modern themes.
PREMIUM
Kind
This suggested first purchase presents an engaging collection of art with a simple message of hope for young readers: “If everyone is kind, we’ll make a better world.”
PREMIUM
The Very Last Leaf
A great choice for addressing social emotional development in the areas of anxiety and perfectionism, and as a bonus, scientific facts about Lanceleaf Cottonwoods are included.
A strong portrait of familial connection, this title captures the essence of unconditional love between parent and child, and is recommended for all picture book collections.
PREMIUM
The Day Saida Arrived
Filled with arresting and beautiful hand-painted illustrations done in acrylic paint and crayons, the images do a lovely job of showing Saida’s coming into her own, and renders a poignant message about being the newcomer.
PREMIUM
Where Happiness Begins
For those seekign titles that support social emotional learning, this is a gentle reminder of where happiness begins.
PREMIUM
Are You Eating Candy without Me?
This additional purchase is a lighthearted look at what parents might be doing when the kids are away
Recommended for purchase; Bickell and McGrath have created an endearing read-aloud that hits all the right notes, with clever rhyming text that invites audience participation.
PREMIUM
Alien Tomato
This welcome addition to picture book collections is likely to become a read-aloud favorite for preschool and lower elementary school audiences.
PREMIUM
The Last Loose Tooth
This is a fun and humorous take on tooth loss that is sure to be a relatable hit with those facing their own inevitable dental coming of age.
PREMIUM
She Wanted To Be Haunted
An utterly original take on themes of self-acceptance just in time for Halloween, this is a potential hit to have on every shelf.
PREMIUM
Grumpycorn
With an ending that celebrates the importance of teamwork, friendship, and the power of a well-timed apology, this sweet and simple story is sure to delight children.
PREMIUM
Shark Bait!
Readers who like realistic fiction, sharks, ocean science, and friendship stories will enjoy this pleasant title.
PREMIUM
All’s Happy That Ends Happy
Fans of the previous books in this series will again be delighted by this gentle, realistic depiction of two girls coping with big life changes while maintaining their friendship.
An engaging and high quality book for young students that will appeal to reluctant and advanced readers alike.
PREMIUM
Genie Meanie
Overall, a fun read that tackles adversity and bullying in a relatable way for young readers. Recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
Scarlet’s Tale
Recommended for large collections, and specifically to preschool classrooms introducing the topic of embracing differences.
PREMIUM
The Tiny Baker
The font is somewhat small for beginning readers, but this is a grand addition to any library, gently demonstrating how we find friends where we least expect to.
A promising series debut perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones and Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys. This book underscores the movement for more inclusive versions of traditional Western narratives, and will be a favorite of contemporary fantasy readers. Highly recommended.
Reminiscent of Moira Young’s “Dustlands” series, this novel by debut author Johnson is a must-purchase for all YA science fiction collections. Highly recommended.
This #OwnVoices genre and format mashup is fun and memorable, and should produce legions of new Faith superfans.
articles