ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Related
Thank goodness book mail is starting to appear again at the Minnesota branch of TLT!
A review of debut graphic novel Beetle & the Hollowbones
by Eliza Layne
While there is room to quibble with some suggested reading/interest levels, these moments are rare. This is a necessary purchase and an enjoyable read for those who recommend to or develop collections for a young adult audience.
PREMIUM
Emma
Subject matter and format limit library use. Will appeal to well-meaning adults excited to share a beloved favorite with the young reader in their life.
PREMIUM
Alicia Alonso Takes the Stage
With this powerful, hope-filled story of overcoming one’s obstacles, readers will close this book and feel inspired to leave a legacy of their own.
A quick, cute, and obvious elementary whodunit.
This well-researched primary source provides a close look at the daily lives of Japanese American children and their families who were forced out of their homes during World War II. An illuminating addition to all library shelves that challenges readers to think about how people can learn from history and its reverberations.
Recommended for upper elementary or middle school libraries that need to expand their World War II collection.
An excellent bridge between real-world technology applications of biotechnology and what students learn in their biology classrooms.
A focus on philosophy, critical thinking, positive social connections, and sexual ethics makes this guide unique and valuable in a saturated field.
It will likely be difficult to find an audience for this extensive guide, and some of the discussions of certain issues may be off-putting to readers. Suggested only as an additional purchase where self-help titles are in high demand.
An affecting poetry collection for all teens that deserves a spot in school and public libraries.
This detailed guide will help young runners take proper care of their bodies and minds so they can succeed in an empowering sport that encourages both individual achievement and team spirit. A welcome addition to school and public libraries.
A first-rate resource. Highly recommended for elementary and middle schools, particularly those with a STEM focus.
In the hands of a skilled social studies teacher, this informative book will help students unpack this foundational document that impacts all Americans. Recommended for school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
Story Magic
This would be a good introduction for readers who are reluctant to try the fantasy genre. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Adventures of a Dwergish Girl
Those who enjoy a good mystery with an unusual plot, strong characters, and smart language will find connections between this unbelievable story and the incredible adventures of real life.
Readers will not want to part with this story of resilience. A World War II refugee tale that spotlights dedicated hard work. A must-have for public, elementary, and middle school libraries.
PREMIUM
Rise of the Slugs
Funny stories are hard to find, so purchase both books in the series where humorous fiction is in demand.
PREMIUM
The Artifact Hunters
This fast-paced fantasy will appeal to fans of Carlos Hernandez’s “Sal and Gabi” series. A strongly recommended purchase where adventurous fantasy is popular.
PREMIUM
The Inkberg Enigma
Leaving readers with a satisfying open-ending, teasing at the potential for more stories to come, this tale will have readers searching for further clues on their own.
PREMIUM
Maurice and His Dictionary
Succinct and sincere; another accessible middle grade window into World War II.
PREMIUM
Race for the Dragon Heartstone
Purchase where the first book in the series is popular, or buy both if Tui T. Sutherland’s “Wings of Fire” series circulates briskly.
PREMIUM
Being Noah
A thoughtful book that is well-paced and includes enough realism to balance the mystical and spiritual content. A great book for introspection and discussion after reading.
A warm, thrilling Mexican American adventure. An essential purchase.
For readers who bloomed under Leza Lowitz’s Up From the Sea or Jasmine Warga’s Other Words for Home, this emotionally resonant survival tale is a must-have.
PREMIUM
Leif and the Fall
A clever and triumphant tale by the Grants (The Gift Inside the Box) showcasing how even discarded ideas can build a foundation for great things. Kids will love examining the mixed media and digital collage creations of Liddiard.
There is no normal when it comes to families, and most collections would benefit from having this on hand.
An energetic story, driven by merry phrasing, will introduce the playwright and some of his famous quotes to younger readers and encourage budding wordsmiths.
PREMIUM
The Joy in You
There are many stronger books about self-empowerment that could be added to a library collection before adding this one.
PREMIUM
Let’s Explore With Cor Cor
Though an additional purchase at best, the book includes details about the author’s blog, chronicling his journeys and experiences, presenting a sound opportunity to connect kids with the many definitions of “able.”
Just in time for Talk Like a Pirate Day, this book is a perfect addition to school and library curricula for elementary school–aged readers.
PREMIUM
Jabberwocky
For those who like their nonsense epic and just a bit gory, the large scale scenes of glowering creatures and a triumphant warrior give new life to the poem.
Young readers will be drawn in by the mystery, stay for the characters, and sigh contentedly when the story draws to a close.
PREMIUM
Whispering Pines
Like “Goosebumps,” but for an older audience, this book seems custom made for kids who like a good scare. A high appeal horror suitable for middle grade and tween readers. Recommended for most libraries.
This is a good book for bridging the gap between early chapter books and more advanced middle grade fiction. A secondary purchase for larger libraries or those with robust middle grade readers.
This collection of short spooky tales is accessible for more sensitive readers, but will still find fans with Hahn’s regulars and horror aficionados alike. A suggested purchase for most middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Spindlefish and Stars
Drawing on elements of Greek mythology, this is an engaging and inventive novel that middle grade readers will enjoy.
PREMIUM
Minsha’s Night on Ellis Island
Perfect for animal lovers and elementary students preparing to study this subject.
Recommended for limited purchase in public libraries. The book could also be used in classroom units to study the history of modern electronic music.
The text and illustrations combine grace and knowledge, offering a stunning nonfiction picture book that celebrates First Nations cultural traditions.
Enjoyable, light reading for browsers and fans of animal nonfiction. A good addition to classroom libraries.
Purchase this luscious, lyrical book for all nonfiction collections.
A lively addition to biography collections and an ideal starting point for further learning.
Young readers will require guidance to make connections with the quotes, numbers, and text. Though the book is not comprehensive, it is an engaging primer.
Gibbons makes migration accessible and endlessly fascinating. An excellent addition to collections featuring scientific studies of animal behavior and language arts investigations of how to clearly present information with enthusiasm.
An informative picture book profiling an influential woman in the labor rights movement. Recommended for most biography collections. Pair with Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel.
McDivitt and Faulkner offer a tribute to President Ford, spotlighting his experience, character, and values. A recommended addition to biography collections.
This glossy and overly simplified text has noble intentions but is a misleading introduction to democracy. Not recommended.
An additional purchase where STEM materials are in high demand.
A secondary purchase for classrooms and libraries looking to bulk up their basic weather sections. The book could be used to supplement a weather curriculum in preschool and elementary classrooms.
This serviceable guide to seabirds contains straightforward language and colorful illustrations. Recommended for most public and school libraries.
PREMIUM
And That’s the Tooth
Wildlife lovers will delight in this lively exploration of animal enamels.
PREMIUM
Each of Us a Desert
A cross between Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Tehlor Kay Mejia’s We Set the Dark on Fire, this haunting story will stay with readers just like the stories Xochitl has kept.
PREMIUM
Girl on Fire
An engaging title with an entertaining story and deft use of color and design. The clever premise will entice readers, who will eagerly anticipate future installments in this new series.
A refreshing and heartbreaking story that depicts both a real-life uprising against oppression and the innate desire to be free. Highly recommended for all libraries serving middle and high school students.
PREMIUM
Kind of a Big Deal
Hale’s play with genre, as well as Josie’s absurd internal journey, will appeal to fans of Libba Bray and Andrew Smith who enjoy a light and playful surrealist adventure.
PREMIUM
The Companion
Fans of suspense will enjoy this outing. Alender creates another tingly tale just right for escaping into this summer.
PREMIUM
Skywatchers
A unique and original tale that will appeal to a wide variety of teens. A must-have for all teen collections.
This book by author, TV writer, and playwright Corthron is a well-told, fast-paced story about a teenage girl coming of age, while coming to terms with her family’s legacy. A perfect addition to any library’s collection.
PREMIUM
Fable
There’s treachery on the high seas in this exciting tale of lost treasure, love, and survival. Recommended for all libraries.
A powerful and important addition to YA books on the topic of sexual assault. Recommended for high school and public libraries everywhere.
PREMIUM
Pretty Funny For a Girl
A good purchase for libraries that need coming-of-age books centering body-positivity.
PREMIUM
A Neon Darkness
A first purchase for library collections. The story will leave readers thinking long after the last page is read.
This book will be Walter Dean Myers’s Monster for a new generation of teens. An important, powerful, and beautiful novel that should be an essential purchase for any library that serves teens.
PREMIUM
Aftershocks
Reichardt pens a captivating story that is sure to be a popular title in any young adult collection. For fans of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s Life As We Knew It, Ruta Sepetys’s Salt to the Sea, or Michael Northrop’s Trapped.
Marrying in-depth knowledge of comics and libraries, Phoenix has produced a practical, user-friendly read that’s essential book for school and public librarians.
PREMIUM
King of the Birds
Crows get their day in the sun, both as protagonist and subject. Give this to readers who enjoy animal friendships and learning a thing or two along the way.
PREMIUM
Donut Feed the Squirrels
Independent readers will devour this sweet and scrumptious heist story.
PREMIUM
Geeger the Robot Goes to School
The booming young chapter book market has space for more sci-fi and an eternal appetite for school stories; this series kickoff will satisfy many burgeoning readers.
PREMIUM
Stink and the Hairy Scary Spider
Hand this to fans of the “Stink” series or any spider-loving early reader. Recommended for purchase.
A fascinating, compact look at how a variety of creatures informed scientists’ knowledge of space travel’s potential impact on human bodies
While Dellis offers helpful hints and tips that even adults can use, the book’s design, format, and writing style could limit its audience.
An approachable resource that is especially useful for school projects or for those interested in politics. Recommended for purchase.
A worthwhile purchase for middle grade collections that will help readers recognize, understand, and eradicate stereotypes.
An important, comprehensive text that should be an integral part of all high school information literacy curricula.
PREMIUM
Hot Pot Night!
A delightful celebration of food and community in the vein of the European stone soup folktale, with a Taiwanese twist.
PREMIUM
I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree
Despite a disjointed path—from the sensory exploration to the meditation on wolves
Stilted sentences prevent the tellings from gaining momentum; the mission of teaching core values overwhelms any compelling content.
PREMIUM
Jabari Tries
Great storytelling and compelling content should win this book readers of all ages.
PREMIUM
Jacob’s Fantastic Flight
Lessons are delivered with a light hand in this thoroughly charming read for young children, combining the wonders of the world with just a touch of magic.
Chase writes the diverging, formative experiences of young Black girls beautifully. A necessary purchase for all collections.
Readers will fall in love with Lou Montgomery in this uplifting story, as she learns the power of music and the importance of family and friends.
PREMIUM
Hamish Takes the Train
For larger picture book collections, the lesson that adventures are always richer when friends are along for the ride never grows old.
A quiet young girl in a noisy world, Mary shows her loud, busy family that listening allows for more to be heard. With suitable tips on the practice of mindfulness, this title will be a welcome addition to every picture book collection.
Based on the Peabody Award–winning podcast, fans of James Dashner’s The Maze Runner and Stranger Things will clamor for more of Mars Patel.
PREMIUM
The Sisters of Straygarden Place
A strong opening and consistent sense of urgency makes this an ideal choice for reluctant readers interested in slightly spooky fantasy. Give to fans of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline, Kenneth Oppel’s The Nest, or The House in Poplar Wood by K.E. Ormsbee.
PREMIUM
Jayla Jumps In
Jayla’s relatable trials and tribulations will resonate with many middle grade readers. The catchy jumping chants across the generations may inspire a resurgence of Double Dutch among a new generation.
PREMIUM
Anya and the Nightingale
A fine, maybe even better, follow-up to the original. Recommended for juvenile fantasy collections.
PREMIUM
Séance Tea Party
A beautifully illustrated, bittersweet coming-of-age story for anyone grappling with the joy and sorrow of growing up, growing old, and moving on.
While the idea of Unmapped Kingdoms may require explanation, children will fall in love with the twins soon after meeting them. Recommended, especially for “Artemis Fowl” fans.
Readers will find it difficult to put down this imaginative book. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Nerviest Girl in the World
Readers who like historical fiction, nuanced heroines, and humor will enjoy this book. Recommended for libraries where funny historical fiction is popular.
articles
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
