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PREMIUM
Hope at Sea: An Adventure Story
For collections in need of stories about independent girls or maritime adventures, this stirring seafaring tale will have even landlubbers wishing to set sail.
A realistic, emotionally charged portrait of a family divided and their fragile steps toward a shared future. Recommended for middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Dinosaurs on Kitty Island
Charming illustrations partner well with a simple story of playtime. Add this wherever the previous volume is popular.
A stunning work, providing a glimpse into the history of the Black experience before and after the slave trade; the poetic language and breathtaking artwork will have a lasting effect on readers.
A great addition for collections looking for stories about current political figures, as well as story time with a biography emphasis.
With so many children’s yoga books on the market, this is an additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Sorry for Your Loss
Despite the heavy topics this unique novel addresses, it features humor and warmth and characters young readers will care about.
PREMIUM
Lost and Found
A sweet story touched with humor that will encourage listeners to view their daily doings from an animal point of view.
PREMIUM
City of Thieves
Rich world-building, a complex main character, and plenty of suspense make this a solid purchase where action-packed fantasy is popular.
A must-read for fans of Smy’s Thornhill; a poignant and necessary purchase for all middle grade collections.
A smart story about control, rebellion, story itself, and the fearsome power of girls allowed to be themselves. A great book for girls who can't follow the rules and, better yet, don't want to.
The post Book Review: The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.
PREMIUM
Deer Santa
Entirely optional, especially in light of the annual deluge of other Christmas-themed books for little ones.
PREMIUM
The Three Latkes
The story is mildly amusing but the Chanukah aspect of the story seems to be nearly beside the point. Its impact does not outweigh the missteps. Pass on this one.
PREMIUM
Just Be Claus
It’s safe to pass on this well-intentioned but unsuccessful and unremarkable work.
PREMIUM
Krampus Confidential
An additional purchase for elementary libraries where this series and other paranormal/fantasy series are popular.
PREMIUM
Merry Christmas, Chip and Dale
This entry in the “My First Stories” series will help introduce a whole new generation to the Disney oeuvre; it is an optional purchase for holiday collections.
This is a must-purchase for any library that already has the series; it is a wonderful third installment. While this could be read as a standalone, readers might miss out on some background information that helps set up the engaging plot.
This lyrical title captures the vulnerability of a tween dealing with many challenges, both at school and home. A work of realistic fiction that has much to offer young readers experiencing anxiety and navigating similar middle school situations.
PREMIUM
The Smart Cookie
One for the shelves on cooking or self-esteem, this dishes up a nutritious message, liberally sprinkled with puns, metaphors, and double entendres.
Journalist Harlow’s debut picture book seeks to create a cheery story of self-acceptance, but it falls flat. Most libraries will find that this book does not enhance their collections.
PREMIUM
There’s a Dragon in My Stocking
Recommended as a second purchase, or where previous books in the series have been popular.
PREMIUM
One Christmas Mystery
Strictly for fans of the series, who will find exactly what they expect and little else.
PREMIUM
Santa’s Year
An additional purchase for libraries wishing to add to their look-and-find and holiday collections.
This light mystery is accessible to kids new to chapter books, and will entertain the undiscerning, but it doesn’t stand up to close scrutiny. Only for libraries in desperate need of Hanukkah chapter books. All others can pass.
PREMIUM
Be Strong
A timely message for audiences of all ages, and a strong purchase for all libraries.
PREMIUM
The Fox and the Forest Fire
A timely topic is approached effectively for a young audience. A recommended purchase, especially as natural disasters become an increasingly frequent occurrence.
PREMIUM
Tales of the Mushroom Folk
This is a charming book, perhaps more for adult collectors, although the soft, beautifully detailed illustrations could be paired with Beatrix Potter’s works to show a naturalistic approach in art that combines whimsy and truth.
PREMIUM
Beaver Doesn’t Open the Door
This additional purchase attempts a hopeful ending, but children may feel unsatisfied, and wish, in fiction at least, for a happier or more definite outcome.
PREMIUM
A Smile
A quiet idea, amplified, that to be kind, all children need is a smile. Perhaps this is not an essential purchase, but the message is one that complements other SEL lessons.
PREMIUM
PJ Masks Save Lunchtime!
Collections whose patrons clamor for licensed and familiar characters will want to put their purchasing dollars elsewhere.
PREMIUM
On the Farm
A delightful introduction to the developmental milestone of cataloging and quantifying, these excursions are sure to be a hit both on and off the page.
Except for Geisert’s ardent fans and for children who like their fairy tales fractured into nonsense, this is an additional purchase.
A lighthearted inquest into the life of a student dragon. Recommended for most collections.
PREMIUM
Dancers from Around the World
The author summons the atmosphere in every city, turning the dancers’ first-person narrations into a flawed but effective global guide, if readers can look past the stereotypes.
So rich are both the art and the verses in uplifting imagery that it’s hard to imagine any young audience remaining unstirred by this call to be the change they want to see.
PREMIUM
Kylie the Magnificent
A strong choice for reluctant readers who are looking for an accessible, realistic read about friendship and working through differences.
PREMIUM
Pencilvania
This action-packed fantasy story confronts real-world feelings of grief, healing, power, and bravery.
Whimsical, quirky, and unpredictable enough to keep kids and adults alike on their toes, this is a winner for story times or one-on-one
Rick Riordan fans will find this story to be entertaining and engaging as the magical adventure unfolds.
This winning series opener is full of fun and facts, and is recommended for first purchase.
The delightful second in an excellent series of early reader chapter books. Children will love solving problems and chuckling alongside Starla Jean.
A great addition to libraries where memorable girls like “Ivy + Bean,” and “Judy Moody” are popular.
The book’s dedication, “For you, the child of an addict, I see you,” says it all. A first purchase.
PREMIUM
Stuck
A great addition to middle grade realistic fiction collections; hand this book to readers who have enjoyed Gary D. Schmidt’s Okay for Now or Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me.
PREMIUM
Willodeen
A sweet fantasy about standing up for what you believe in. Hand to all young environmentalists.
PREMIUM
Whispering Alaska
A descriptive, contemplative novel exploring environmentalism and grief against the backdrop of Alaska and COVID-19 that is unfortunately marred by stereotypes.
PREMIUM
Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen
For young people who struggle with reading or feeling different because of other academic issues, Maple is a welcome protagonist.
PREMIUM
Ace Takes Flight
Fun, fast-paced, and also exploring a refreshingly complex emotional understory, this book is recommended for all libraries serving middle graders.
PREMIUM
Crashing In Love
A heartwarming and remarkably poignant story of a girl navigating the sometimes painful process of growing up. A solid choice for middle grade readers.
PREMIUM
Miosotis Flores Never Forgets
Readers will find a connection with Miosotis and gain insight on how to proceed in difficult social situations. Recommended for realistic fiction collections.
PREMIUM
The League of Picky Eaters
A mostly successful blend of satirical humor within a solid story of friendship.
PREMIUM
Attack of the Killer Komodos
A thrilling, fast-paced adventure book where readers discover awe-inspiring science with interesting and diverse characters.
PREMIUM
The Problem with the Other Side
A romance that raises uncomfortable yet very necessary questions, this is an excellent book for discussion and purchase in young adult collections.
Fans of dystopian and realistic fiction will savor this engaging work, and the message will resonate with young activists seeking their own purpose. A standout must-read for teens and adults.
PREMIUM
That Dark Infinity
Purchase where the author’s previous works circulate well and dark fantasy has a following.
PREMIUM
Just Ash
An empowering, recommended story about Ash’s fight to define himself on his own terms.
PREMIUM
Needlework
This uplifting page-turner is highly recommended for readers looking for modern Christian fiction with lots of depth, or for fans of Jeff Zentner.
PREMIUM
Black Was the Ink
Despite some narrative issues, this is a unique and readable look at a historical period that is not often covered in teen literature.
PREMIUM
Small Town Monsters
With a potential movie reboot of the original in the works, this might serve as a taste of The Exorcist condensed into a bite-size morsel.
PREMIUM
Alma Presses Play
This beautifully written, emotionally charged look at growing up and moving through life’s changes is a great addition to upper middle grade collections looking for detailed and nuanced coming-of-age stories.
This literary romance will woo hearts and minds alike. A must-purchase for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Skin of the Sea
Give this book to everyone, but especially fans of mythological and well-crafted fantasy.
PREMIUM
Names In a Jar
A secondary purchase. This would be a good filler for libraries that can’t keep World War II historical fiction on the shelf. It’s a great pick for reluctant readers and those who enjoy historical fiction and World War II stories.
PREMIUM
Sway with Me
A great purchase for libraries, especially those serving Desi communities and collections where there are gaps in representation.
PREMIUM
Major Detours: A Choices Novel
Perfect for older teens who enjoy stories of adventure, mystery, and those that involve solving puzzles, riddles, and codes.
PREMIUM
Under the Iron Bridge
This well-written, easily understandable portrayal of some events of the Holocaust will be an asset to middle and high school libraries and history teachers.
Gripping and soulful, this dynamic debut novel-in-verse is a must for every collection.
PREMIUM
I’m Sorry
This book that playfully demonstrates how to apologize and forgive is a good title for SEL collections.
A sentimental purchase for Willie’s fans rather than children. Purchase where Willie reigns supreme.
PREMIUM
Moon Pops
Perfect for a bedtime story on a hot summer night, this entertaining tale offers much to be discovered on multiple readings; a strong title to share widely at story hours.
PREMIUM
Beautifully Me
This title is more for collections seeking strong depictions of a modern Bangladeshi family than it is a realistic look at body image.–
These tales beg to be read and discussed; the many and varied recipes will be fun for classroom use or for families to share.
A welcome reminder for readers in all kinds of neighborhoods. Highly recommended.–
An eccentric tumble down an unexpectedly accessible bio of two fans who made their passion into a way of life, and just the kind of adventure that many children will find inspiring.
PREMIUM
Soul Food Sunday
A book that invites readers into an extended family’s moment in time, this welcoming title should be on any shelf addressing family life, celebrations, and food.–
Logic-defying retorts aside, this essential addition is a snug and hilarious version of quality time and the worthiness of a good argument.
Laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and a surefire hit for story time. Bob Shea fans will rejoice.–
PREMIUM
Sour Cakes
By accepting big, negative emotions without condemning them or dismissing them, this book is great for launching discussions about when and how to express moods and feelings.–
PREMIUM
Something Good
With the current emphasis on SEL, this book would be an excellent starting point for many conversations.
PREMIUM
Wild
A whimsical book about understanding and appreciating the natural tendencies of outdoor cats, for every collection on pets.
Libraries that still have the 1973 edition of this title, long out of print, will appreciate this perky new version; it’s a great story, prescient in its time, about the power of imagination as a tool or fuel for reaching for the stars.
PREMIUM
The Deepest Dig
While ardent dinosaur fans might get a laugh out of this book, there are better options.
PREMIUM
Playing with Lanterns
This work will foster discussions of unique traditions and is a good addition to holiday collections.
Wrapped in the heavy, honest tensions between color and emotion, Seeger emboldens children to connect with the young fox’s story and feel the raw consequence of humans’ indifferent influence on the environment.
PREMIUM
Windy Days
An enchanting STEM title that will ignite the investigative scientist in young children.
As in Sun, Flower, Lion, Henkes continues to whittle away all but the essentials in his life lessons for preschoolers, and the result is accessible and resonant.
A heartfelt story full of love for family and traditions, highly recommended for picture book collections for children.
PREMIUM
How to Have a Birthday
For the holiday shelves, and a lovely addition to larger collections.–
Laden and Castrillón have paired to create a lush, visually stunning ode to the beauty of nature. This book is a recommended first purchase for school and public libraries, particularly where If I Had a Little Dream and Yellow Kayak circulate well.
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