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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.
PREMIUM
Ironspark
A different type of faerie tale that will be enjoyable for readers who are interested in medieval magic, but not a must-have for every collection.
PREMIUM
Making Friends with Alice Dyson
Fans of young adult contemporary romance will enjoy this book as they cheer for Alice to come out of her shell and embrace her senior year of high school.
PREMIUM
None Shall Sleep
An ambitious undertaking that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Not recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
Shine
Fans of Maurene Goo’s Somewhere Only We Know will enjoy a return to K-pop subject matter and appreciate Jung’s insider perspective on the music industry, while also enjoying a candid narrative style reminiscent of Meg Cabot with a touch of Mean Girls. A worthwhile addition.
A fast-paced adventure fantasy story infused with Latin American traditional elements. A must-have for any young adult collection.
PREMIUM
The Best Worst Poet Ever
For listening, looking, or reading aloud, this is a battle of verse worth joining.
PREMIUM
No Ordinary Jacket
Children and their favorite possessions are hard to part, and for good reasons! This heartfelt story is for every collection; readers will relate to the theme of growing up but not away.
An additional purchase—and for collections where the first book does well
PREMIUM
Silli’s Sheep
All readers will be charmed by the earnest Silli’s perseverance, in a tale that celebrates nonsense while skillfully keeping children in the know. Recommended for most collections.
PREMIUM
Will You Be My Friend?
Recommended for purchase, this is a loving portrayal of a young child’s growing independence and the absolute bliss of finding a new friend.
A necessary purchase, and co-written by a senior Aboriginal elder and the Yarra riverkeeper, this is one small step toward depicting a culture that is likely underrepresented in most collections.
PREMIUM
Bears and Boos
In what’s sure to be an unusual Halloween season, the simple pleasures and clamor of dressing up will be appreciated by preschoolers.
Unity and division are themes rich for exploration in this story of alphabet letters separated by fear and complacency. It will grow upon children and adults with each reading.
PREMIUM
Dinosong
Preschoolers will enjoy the simple language and bright colors of this dinosaur story, which is entertaining even as it fails to achieve the level of the author and illustrator’s earlier collaboration.
Young readers will find themselves in the pages of this great addition to public and school library collections.
PREMIUM
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away
Medina and Sánchez have created a winning emotional story about two best friends who will always be best friends, regardless of all kinds of upheaval.
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