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An affirming, conversational picture book that models the ease with which our language can adapt to gender diversity and pronoun use. A recommended first purchase for all libraries.
A magical, philosophical tale rooted in Mexican lore that will hold readers from beginning to end with its verdant language and setting.
PREMIUM
When My Cousins Come to Town
A rite-of-passage story that honors and amplifies the importance of extended families.
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Stowaway
A page-turning space adventure that deals with complex issues. Middle graders who like “Star Wars,” Yoon Ha Lee’s Dragon Pearl, and Stuart Gibbs’s “Moon Base Alpha” series may also enjoy.
This is a humorous and accessible story for young readers, and it is especially well suited to families in the throes of work from home.
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The Children’s Moon
The well-told tale works on multiple levels, useful in units on the moon and mythology, but also for an SEL discussion on identity, ego, and sharing.
A suggested first purchase for libraries, this title is perfectly suited to younger readers or an interactive story time where everyone is encouraged to join in the fun.
Having the context of book one would help in making sense of this volume. Add to collections where the first book is popular, otherwise a secondary purchase.Middle GradeGraphic Novels
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The Shadow Prince
An exciting, magical series opener perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Kwame Mbalia’s Tristan Strong, and Jonathan Stroud’s “Bartimaeus” series.
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Sing Something True
This middle grade novel hits the themes of friendship and self-discovery. Readers will empathize with Cassidy as she struggles to be a good friend and sister while remaining true to herself.
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Little You: Gidagaashiinh
A first purchase for collections in need of more diverse language offerings.
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Poison for Breakfast
Steadfast fans of Lemony Snicket will surely be pleased with this new entry into his canon, but others may find it a bit too cerebral.
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How to Wear a Sari
A welcomed, playful addition to a small selection of picture books available on this traditional attire.
Haunting and frightening nature tales of foxes in the wild and in a city, perfect for fans of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox or Sara Pennypacker’s Pax; would be a wonderful text for practicing inference skills.
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The Barn
Introducing readers to poetry through the use of familiar shapes and farm animals, this is a rich addition to poetry units for elementary collections.
Meilan’s story should be on library shelves everywhere. Recommended as a general purchase.
This is a must-buy for middle grade collections; a chilling anthology of memorable scares that will leave even the biggest horror buffs sleeping with the light on.
PREMIUM
A Sprinkle of Sorcery
A recommended purchase for middle grade collections where sisterhood tales, fantasy, and high sea adventures are in high demand.
Like Alvin Schwartz’s “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” this title shows promise of being read and retold again and again by this generation’s thrill-seekers.
With a spare text, this book can be shared with preschoolers as a wonderful read-aloud, or for older readers to peruse alone.
PREMIUM
Old Pearl
With a note on how to approach injured animals and animal care referencing information from the Audubon Society and the Humane Society, this recommended general purchase recognizes the social emotional learning present in young readers’ growing awareness of animal needs in the wild and also the necessary time for all children to take in recovery for the loss of pets or loved ones.
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Miles from Motown
An additional historical fiction purchase that will resonate with readers facing change as Georgia builds resiliency.
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Sleepy Stories
A wholly relatable story for parents who must read “just one more,” and a solid first purchase for story hours.
A first purchase for picture book collections. Nuanced, affirming, and relatable, this book will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.Beginning ReadersArnold, Tedd. Fly Guy and Fly Girl: Friendly Frenzy. illus. by Tedd Arnold. 32p. (Fly Guy). Scholastic/Cartwheel. Oct. 2021. Tr $6.99. ISBN 9781338549256. K-Gr 3–Fly Guy and Fly Girl and their human friends are back for a new action-packed adventure. When Buzz and Liz meet Carlos at the park they look forward to making a new friend and having a new friend for their flies as well; Carlos has also brought his pet. A fun outing turns into a quest for survival as Carlos’s pet is a lizard named Annie with a taste for flies! The two fly friends have to use all their wits and skills to avoid becoming a snack for Annie. VERDICT Full of the humor and action that emerging readers have come to expect from this series, this is a solid purchase.–John Scott, formerly Friends Sch. of BaltimoreSpringer-Willms, Janelle. Sammy the Seasick Pirate. illus. by Damien Jones. 32p. Reycraft. May 2021. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781478870456. K-Gr 2–Sammy, a pink-skinned boy in a striped shirt and the titular hero of this book, plans to go into the family business and be a pirate captain like his father. But as readers know from the start, there may be a hitch. Springer-Willms drops a deadpan list of requirements into the text: Pirates must swim; they dig for gold; they swab the decks. On land, Sammy performs the job and is a model pirate-in-training. But on board, when the skies darken and the wind tosses the ship, “BLEEAHH!” is Sammy’s projectile response, as rainbow-colored bile streams from his mouth. Many members of the crew are drenched in repeat incidents, until Sammy decides to become a land pirate, gathering up the spoils of shipwrecks on their beach. A lengthy text makes this ideal for reading out loud to groups, and plenty of details in the pictures will give independent readers hours of enjoyment. Back matter provides food for thought; there was a pirate who lured ships to his shore with lanterns, perhaps inspiring this tale. VERDICT A clever book, it neatly tips the fierce reputation of pirates on its head.–Kimberly Olson Fakih, School Library Journal
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Erik vs. Everything
A great addition to any elementary and even middle school library with a lesson on determination, taking risks, and family values.
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I Can Help
Lessons about kindness, regret, and making amends are all here without being the least bit didactic. An excellent conversation starter for any adults who work with groups of children.
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Spy School at Sea
Another solid title in the series. Recommended purchase for all libraries where plucky kid sleuths and the “Spy School” is popular.
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The Cookie Maker of Mavin Road
This multifaceted story of community connection is a thought-provoking addition to libraries for young readers.
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Turkey Goes to School
This iteration of the series doesn’t live up to the charm of the first amusing title, and has a confusing message of rejection and ostracism.
This book is a must-have in every collection for its variety of topics and its celebration of Black boyhood in all its forms.
An age-appropriate, scary tale of sisters and the terrifying doll that haunts them. This is the perfect read for people who love the chill of terror running down their backs.
Through a combination of traditional picture-book stylings, Stein’s iconic illustrations, and additional hand drawings and speech bubbles, this story has a dynamic that elementary school-age readers will love.
A captivating celebration of all the sweet (and bittersweet) feelings that come with growing up.
PREMIUM
Moth & Butterfly: Ta Da!
This basic, colorful introduction to metamorphosis and friendship for the youngest of preschoolers is a recommended purchase.
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Ghost Girl
This is a chilling story that will delight upper elementary readers who enjoy truly creepy books.
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Indiana Bones
This supernatural adventure series features a strong, whipsmart heroine and her talking canine; recommended for fans of archaeology and treasure-based romps.
PREMIUM
The Renegade Reporters
Additional purchase if a teacher or librarian will use it in a discussion of relevant topics.
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Just Be Jelly
Though this is an optional purchase, it has a breezy drollery about finding inner peace and going with the flow
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Twinkle Twinkle Little Kid
This entertaining friendship tale is a solid choice for a mixed-age read-aloud.
Kalman strings together elegant yet simple vignettes into an ebullient and sophisticated family album, and the result will resonate with readers young and old.
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What Happens While You Sleep
Although a valiant attempt to explain some aspects of the brain to children, this title is not recommended.
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The Runaway Pea
Recommended for classrooms and story times, this delightful read-aloud is sure to be gobbled up by delighted young readers.
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Elvis and the World As It Stands
An animal adventure with family at its heart, this short read makes for a good purchase for elementary libraries where animal stories, particularly about cats and shelter animals, are popular.
PREMIUM
Baby, Sleepy Baby
With a shimmering radiance and gentle tone, this title will be welcome in every children’s collection.
An imaginative read-aloud recommended for teachers wanting to connect literacy and math and for public libraries looking to upgrade their collection of girl-empowering STEAM books.
This powerful story rooted in Southeast Asian mythology should be on all shelves for teens and tweens to find. Fantasy readers will love Pahua and look forward to her adventures.
With a food glossary included, this is a take-along book for restaurant dining, or a book to start children discussing their own food memories and festivities. And please, bring snacks.
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What Lives in the Woods
A suggested purchase for upper elementary and middle school libraries with students interested in scary stories, and a natural step-up for those reading “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Currie provides a genuinely creepy tale that begins with literary jump-scares and evolves into a decades-old historical mystery.
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Fast Pitch
Purchase this title where Stone’s work, sports stories, and light mysteries are popular.
The rituals of bedtime, as encompassing and timeless as the bonds between generations, elevate a simple tale and make it an essential purchase for every collection.
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Where’s Bunny?
A loving path to sleepytime, and ideal for board book collections that see wide circulation.
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Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps
A general purchase for most libraries, this is a lyrical message in support of family relationships, resisting peer pressure, and following one’s inner call to art.
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Radar Girls
A great addition to historical fiction collections for teens and adults and recommended for anyone looking for a woman’s POV during World War II.
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Nick
A book that libraries with and readers of The Great Gatsby will want to have in their collection.
PREMIUM
Nice Girls
The inclusion of high school flashbacks, along with the experiences of college-age characters, are likely to appeal to older teens who enjoy thrillers. A page-turning, multifaceted mystery with emotional depth and a thrilling conclusion.
PREMIUM
The People We Keep
Recommend this to teens who enjoy long coming-of-age stories. It could be a stepping-stone to Jane Eyre.
An impressive, special, haunting novel. Teens interested in literary fiction will be engrossed.
PREMIUM
She Who Became the Sun
An exciting and thought-provoking epic will have readers breathless and waiting for the next installment.
This is a book for lovers of books, especially fiction. It might also be perfect for those who think they don’t love books.
A bilingual story sure to resonate with ELL students and instill empathy in their classmates.
PREMIUM
The Kids of Cattywampus Street
A secondary purchase for larger library collections where droll, curious fiction is in demand.
Readers won’t be able to put this Arctic adventure down; a must-buy for public and school libraries.
A must-have for collections serving young readers that will thrive as both a read-aloud or independent reading selection.
PREMIUM
Principal Tate Is Running Late!
Though not a book for kids hoping to learn what school is like, libraries with larger collections are sure to find some happy readers.
PREMIUM
Beach Toys vs. School Supplies
This book is loads of fun in the “x versus y” genre and a great selection for back-to-school displays.
PREMIUM
Little Bat in Night School
Warm and engaging illustrations and a charming main character make this a winning and comforting title for a new school year audience.
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What Comes After
Give this heart-wrenching gem to fans of John Green, Jay Asher, Jennifer Niven, and Jeff Zentner.
PREMIUM
Boogie Bass, Sign Language Star
A welcome entry in the series that would be an excellent addition to the school library or an SEL unit.
PREMIUM
The New Kid Has Fleas
This title adeptly opens up several types of much-needed conversations, making it useful not only at the start of the year but whenever a new student is going to join the class.
Despite a few holes, this is likely to attract the youngest of the school set.
A charming tale of an endearing little truck on a mission. Perfect for story times.
PREMIUM
Say It Out Loud
Varnes’s got a knack for capturing the middle school experience and readers in this age group will see themselves reflected in the cast of characters and situations that make up the story. The book could also serve as a springboard for topics such as bullying (cyber and physical) and even plagiarism.
PREMIUM
If the Shoe Fits
With a lot more depth than a typical love story, from fashion references to art and questions about fate, this novel can be added to the shelves of high school and public libraries with fans of Murphy’s Dumplin’, reality TV, or fashion.
Perfect for fans of Sophia Thakur’s Somebody Give This Heart a Pen, Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You, and the film Moonlight, Moniz’s debut will not disappoint.
This epistolary narrative about a brother and sister escaping their abusive family will grab readers from the first page and does not let go. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
A Wilder Magic
A highly readable look at family, home, and the importance of being true to oneself. For general purchase in school and public libraries.
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The Gilded Girl
While the characters are drawn a bit thin, this title will be enjoyed by students enamored with magic. Recommended for fans of A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
PREMIUM
Pangolina
Children will respond strongly to this heartfelt appeal on behalf of a unique and rapidly disappearing wild creature.
A good choice for collections where historical fiction is popular.
Although collections will have trouble keeping this intact, it’s sure to delight puzzle-lovers and gumshoes alike.
PREMIUM
Sounds Like School Spirit
An amiable, caring look at those early days, sure to help newbies make the transition.
A generous and engaging title that is highly recommended for class read-alouds and all picture book collections.
An excellent purchase for any collection where longer, complex picture books that lead to discussion and laughter are appreciated.
PREMIUM
Flash Fire
Purchase where the first volume was popular, and recommend to teens who enjoy queer romance, laugh-out-loud sex comedy, and superhero tropes.
This slow-paced novel reads like a popular telenovela and is good choice for teen collections.
PREMIUM
Hollow Chest
An addition for libraries with readers who enjoy World War II fiction, magical realism, and stories that tug at the heartstrings about strong family bonds.
A recommended purchase; this title can be enjoyed as a standalone, keeping young readers happily caught up in Nate the Great’s and Sludge’s latest adventure.
This eco-adventure lacks character development and solid writing, but its mix of action and mystery has wide appeal for readers.
An excellent choice for fans of realistic fiction and readers interested in nature.
PREMIUM
Iggy Is the Hero of Everything
Readers who like Megan McDonald’s “Stink” series will enjoy this book. A great addition to libraries where humorous realistic fiction is popular.
PREMIUM
The Great Godden
A secondary purchase for libraries where novels like Katie Cotugno’s 99 Days are popular.
A contemporary novel in verse that deftly handles weighty issues and provides readers a story they can connect with during a pandemic, with a dose of hope for the future.
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