YA books with older characters appeal to teens looking ahead in life and adults drawn to themes of self-discovery and affirmation.
With protagonists who are 18 and older, more and more young adult books are examining early adulthood. These realistic, historical, fantasy, and thriller novels will appeal to teens, with characters navigating the messiness of life after adolescence.
A dynamic and thoughtful action story with a laudable but never preachy message about looking beyond prejudices and standing up to injustice. Fans of IDW’s “Goosebumps” graphic novels or of Scholastic’s older graphic novel adaptations of the series will enjoy this new offering.
Readers will root for Jo and Rus to rise above obstacles and succeed in this wholesome tale of friendship.
Both drinking and sober teens, and adults who care about them, will be rewarded for seeing this story through.
Characters shine in this story of unlikely friendships and familial love; a solid addition to any middle grade collection.
Readers who enjoyed Fireborne are sure to tear through this sequel. Highly recommended for middle and high school readers.
When it comes to picture book previews, Dylan at Mile High Reading is the king. I pay very close attention to picture books, but every time I open up one of Dylan’s posts, I spot something new and cool that I never saw coming. Want a fun way to spend the next hour? Head over […]
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Peppered throughout with illustrations, this easy chapter book provides an action-packed fantasy journey with an important message woven in.
Young readers will delight in the mystery of both stories.
Recommended for fans of hunting adventure stories or others looking for a plot-driven middle grade book with a modern rural setting. Not a first purchase.
This is a nicely written novel but it will likely not be a big circulator in school libraries.
A well-written conclusion that will not disappoint fans of the first book.
Give to fans of morally gray heroines who like their history served with a side of magic.
Infinity Son fans will be rewarded by this twisty tale of short, quick chapters with a diverse cast of conflicted heroes and villains worth rooting for.
Smith’s timely novel encourages empathy and understanding while spotlighting underrepresented history, and providing an example of how young people can take action. Highly recommended.
The title’s dedication to ocean protection, with tips and examples for readers to become better stewards of marine life, redeems an otherwise formulaic story. Purchase for students who devour Daisy Meadows’s “Rainbow Fairies” and other prolific series titles.
A compelling series with a plucky, determined protagonist who follows her passion. Perfect for young animal lovers.
With sensitivity and compassion, this father-daughter duo highlights consent, identity, and relationships. A useful addition to YA nonfiction collections.
This volume will inspire readers to conduct further investigation into the movements that excite them, and they might be spurred to stand up and make their voices heard.
The book’s concept is encouraging and playful, but it is not a text that most kids will seek out at a library. Purchase if additional funds are available to upgrade science experiment collections.
This wide-ranging look at Native American and First Nations female leaders will inspire further reading.
Recommended for any young adult conducting research on the topic of sleep deprivation or simply curious about how to get a better night’s sleep.
A strong, if not entirely comprehensive, introduction to disabilities.
Miller provides a peculiar narrative nonfiction work that may capture the interest of curious readers, but the extensive text is overly detailed.
A useful resource for kids and families who seek to have their own outdoor adventures, or for teachers and librarians who want to introduce features of informational text to kindergarten and primary grade students.
A book to be read over and over for its intriguing story, illustrations, and captions. Pair it with Jonathan Tweet’s Grandmother Fish for a clear introduction to the basics of evolution.
Purchase to help elementary readers understand the complexities of the climate crisis.
This appealing book provides essential information without being preachy or heavy-handed. A definite purchase for all libraries.
A relevant and timely addition to most biography collections.
The artwork and the poetic language are intriguing, but this book requires much more background information than most, if not all, children possess.
This book offers a pleasing layout, eye-catching pictures, and helpful diagrams. A fine addition for readers who are searching for quick facts about inventions and inventors.
An ambitious, gorgeous overview of bird adaptations.
This solid resource is useful for children who need a little humor to help absorb the science.
Through masterful storytelling and graceful illustrations, this impactful title embodies Maria Povika Martinez’s famous words: “The Great Spirit gave me [hands] that work...but not for myself, for all Tewa people.”
For collections that need books about bees, this title will fly off the shelf.
Highly recommended for libraries that need titles about the ongoing global fight against racism. Mandela’s journey makes for a powerful reminder of the ability to change.
This informative and striking butterfly book is a worthy addition to all collections.
A heartfelt volume emphasizing innocence in the face of continuing political violence, this #OwnVoices work is a must-purchase for poetry collections serving young patrons.
A quality addition to nonfiction collections for youth.
An important book to help normalize discussions about mental health, this is a welcome addition to most library collections.
Although the featured experiments and biographies are uneven, this attractive title will appeal to parents and caregivers who are looking for hands-on, nonscreen oriented activities for student enrichment.
A well-crafted and attractive text for animal fans, and a suitable introduction to the scientific concept of estivation.
A fun collection of factual poetry to add to shelves.
A sweet, thoughtful, and quick romp, perfect for readers wanting some laughs while also looking for answers to some of life’s biggest questions about love, death, self-worth, and, of course, money.
A strongly written plot, a complementary setting, and strong characters make this a compelling read.
This lighthearted page-turner is recommended for all young adult collections.
Readers will root for these characters who are desperately attempting to forge much-needed bonds in this retro-tech drama that gets so much of the Nineties right that it hurts.
Readers who love Karen M. McManus will enjoy this fast-paced, dramatic story.
This emotional look at belonging and identity will make readers consider what it means to be home. Perfect for fans of Erika L. Sánchez and Mitali Perkins.
Younger teens will likely enjoy Katie’s shenanigans.
A readable faerie court fantasy that centers the love triangle over the action quest. Readers will see similarities to Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses and Kiera Cass’s The Selection.
A devastating and beautiful read that clearly shows the complexities of addiction, fear, love, and friendship.
Aspiring artists and fans of Walden’s other books will enjoy this intimate peek into the creative trajectory of a brilliant author and illustrator.
An engaging thriller, recommended for YA collections.
This story, with its slow start but a satisfactory payoff, will find an audience in teens with a sense of wanderlust and an itch for adventure.
An excellent read for a sleepover and a reminder to high school students to take life easy and to not let others define you.
A secondary purchase for public and school libraries with a healthy budget and sophisticated older teen readers who like to read across genres.
An unforgettable and tragic story, with many entry points for deep discussions.
This engaging novel will hook readers immediately. Recommended for all collections serving teens.
A great pick for video game nerds and fans of Brittney Morris’s Slay.
Although there are many unanswered questions, this engaging debut packs authentic dialogue, strong personalities, and fabulous destinations into a heartwarming tale of family drama and personal growth.
While not much here is fresh or surprising, the novel leans into the rom-com tropes fans know and love. Purchase this enjoyable read for collections where teen romances are popular.
Light on romance and heavy on longing, this action-adventure is a recommended purchase where fantasy is popular.
For fans of Ben Philippe’s Charming as a Verb or Nicola Yoon’s The Sun Is Also a Star, Quinn’s story is for readers seeking more than just a simple romance.
A great next-read for fans of Jenny Han, Sandhya Menon, and Syed M. Masood. Recommended purchase.
A solid sequel that ties up loose ends, but can’t stand on its own. Purchase only where the first was popular.
A moving, realistic portrayal of mental illness and grief. Recommended for high school libraries.
A fabulous first purchase that celebrates the awesome power of love, kindness, and being true to oneself.
Fans of Northrop’s earlier edition will adore this clever and funny sequel. Recommended for juvenile collections; a strong gateway read to get kids interested in both comics and the DC universe.
A complex journey that may conjure connections to Jerry Spinelli’s Milkweed and John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Jacob is a character readers ought to meet.
A good choice for readers seeking a new twist on an old classic; purchase where fractured fairytales are popular.
Jones’ novel isn’t perfect, but its shortcomings are mild enough that this quirky title is still a good fit for medium to large collections.
This title is a great read for upper elementary children. With occasional, whimsical illustrations, it will keep even the most reluctant readers entertained.
A movingly empathetic tale for readers about prejudice, and the pressure to fit in with scrutinizing societies.
With appended facts about pediatric mental health and support contacts, Cora’s story, as told in her own words, will elicit empathy and resonate with those who experience anxiety and similar mental health conditions. Recommended.
Fast pacing and one dangerous situation after another build an exciting genre introduction for fans of sci-fi VR games. Purchase where the first book is popular
Books about gaining independence at summer camp are a crowded field, but there is plenty of room for this sweet, fresh take.
Filled to the brim with comfort and love, this book is a welcome addition to most picture book collections, especially where bilingual books are in demand.
This enjoyable, wordless story is a delightfully accessible tale for readers of all ages.
An easy first purchase, where lowbrow humor meets screwball comedy, this sweet and silly read-aloud is perfect for story times.
For collections where Little Chick’s other adventures have won hearts.
Odd messaging aside, this will tickle children’s funny bones as they take on an impossible thought
Nina ultimately discovers that everyone has different talents—from dancing to gardening
A compelling series with a plucky, determined protagonist who follows her passion. Perfect for young animal lovers.
Professional materials on mindfulness and social emotional needs are more important than ever, making Stephens’s volume an ideal choice for most collections.
Practical and user-friendly, with lesson ideas that are ready to implement.
This title spotlights the story of an innovative Cherokee aerospace engineer, whose life sets an inspiring example for all children. Pair it with the picture book version of Margot Lee Shetterly’s Hidden Figures.
This mystery might take some hand-selling by librarians but would be a good fit for teens who feel misunderstood and yearn to be heard.
Full of puns, memes, and Disney references, this novel kicks off a trilogy with the perfect balance of history and paranormal and is, in short, pure fun. Recommended for YA collections.
This well-written novel could circulate in romance collections.
An eerie extension of the Riverdale story line, recommended for collections where Archieverse series remain popular.
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