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From inventors and engineers to scientists and artists, the individuals profiled in these captivating read-alouds will inspire young readers (and their grown-ups). Looking for more summer reading recommendations? SLJ is publishing lists all summer long—from family stories to mysteries to teen reads. Check back later this week for our top picks for Beginning Readers, Realistic Middle Grade, and Realistic Fiction.
In 2020’s children’s books we've met a wide variety of memorable characters, including kids (like Zoe, Efrén, and King), animals (such as Bob the dog and a mysterious tiger) and historical figures (including Charles Lindbergh and the "scoundrels" of a 1940’s French village). Now it’s time for June Suggestions on Heavy Medal: your chance to add your own recommendations of potential contenders for the 2021 Newbery Award.
A unique biography read-aloud title for younger kids. Recommended for elementary school libraries and classrooms.
Purchase where Olympic-themed sections need beefing up in preparation for Tokyo 2021.
This bright literary work is packed with well-researched and well-written biographical notes on Haring’s short life and the impact he made on the art world and public art. An ideal choice for primary school through high school libraries, especially ones geographically represented in the story (New York, Pennsylvania).
A wonderful addition to picture book collections in school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
When Darwin Sailed the Sea: Uncover How Darwin’s Revolutionary Ideas Helped Change the World
This biography includes rich information for research projects or readers curious about one of the greats of the scientific world. A wonderful addition to any biography section for young people.
PREMIUM
Ballet School
A detailed and practical title for those interested in learning about ballet or to engage young readers in movement during story time.
Action-packed yet heartfelt, short and sweet yet riveting, this one is not to be missed.
PREMIUM
Ghost Hunter’s Daughter
An easy sell as a ghost story or mystery read for middle graders, with extra creepy cover art as a bonus.
PREMIUM
Coop Knows the Scoop
An additional purchase for libraries with plenty of voracious, and patient, mystery readers.
PREMIUM
The Magical Bookshop
Not a required purchase, but a good read-alike for fans of Annie Barrows’s “Ivy and Bean” and Ann M. Martin’s “Missy Piggle Wiggle.”
PREMIUM
The Turnover
An enjoyable, suspenseful story about relationships that will appeal to middle grade readers, and especially those who have a passion for basketball.
PREMIUM
The Cat’s Paw
Despite some plot momentum flaws, this is a good choice to bolster middle grade mystery collections.
A lighthearted, realistic fiction book that uses humor to quench the social anxiety of middle school life.
A surefire recommendation all around, this title will be of particular interest to readers seeking excellent historical fiction, survival stories, family drama, or a good tearjerker. Librarians and teachers should be aware that a character suffers a protracted illness and then dies from pneumonia.
PREMIUM
Once Upon a Unicorn
A good choice for fantasy adventure fans and reluctant middle grade readers alike; purchase where lighthearted fantasies are popular.
PREMIUM
Paris on Repeat
A great read for military children, kids of divorce, or any middle grade reader who needs encouragement and a reminder that they are capable of more than they realize.
With its diverse, fully-realized cast of characters and inventive world-building, this complex adventure quest is a rare treat for fantasy lovers and those who believe in magic.
This is an amazing debut full of heart, authenticity, and courage. A recommended first purchase for libraries serving middle graders and teens.
PREMIUM
It’s Girls Like You, Mickey
Though Mickey is an entertaining character, the inconsistent voice and stream-of-consciousness passages may lose young readers’ engagement.
PREMIUM
Starting from Seneca Falls
A smart, relevant purchase for upper elementary and middle school library shelves.
This well-executed graphic novel strikes a balance between a focus on meaningful relationships and just plain fun; it’s a great choice for fans of both the “Cam Jansen” books and Raina Telgemeier.
PREMIUM
Curse of the Night Witch
A fast-paced island adventure with enough quirks to entice most young fantasy readers.
PREMIUM
The Magic Eraser
With short chapters and large print, reluctant young readers will likely speed through this middle grade novel.
PREMIUM
The Stepmom Shake-Up
The benefits of purchasing a title for a specific readership must be weighed against its whitewashed presentation of U.S. history that omits other realities, such as slave-ownership or the trauma for many at the construction of the Panama Canal.
A fun adventure tale with a lot of personality, this is a strong addition to middle grade graphic novel adventure collections.
PREMIUM
Kiki’s Delivery Service
A classic tale, this new translation is perfect for read-alouds and will find a welcome home in any library. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Act
Olive’s latest journey since Click and Camp is an eye-opening microcosm of the often bumpy democratic process.
This is an appealing title, and libraries looking for wordless or art picture books might enjoy this additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Maud and Grand-Maud
A lovely story of cross-generational ties, this may resonate more with adults than with children. Recommended for large collections.
PREMIUM
Tiger Wild
With an authentic depiction of common emotions and behaviors, the book has an uneven message, but delivers it with charm. An additional purchase.
PREMIUM
The Little Kitten
The understated use of Halloween imagery allows this sweet, simple story to stand on its own. Recommended for younger audiences and larger picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Love by Sophia
This book follows the same structure as the two previous titles in the series; it works on its own, but is significantly better in conjunction with the other titles.
This is a must for every library. By giving children the ability to articulate what’s happening to them, this engaging read-aloud will help children overcome their fears and confidently face all obstacles. How empowering!
PREMIUM
Playing Possum
An additional purchase for libraries needing to expand their social-emotional learning picture book collection.
PREMIUM
There’s Something About Sam
Some well-written, lightweight fun with a little deductive reasoning thrown in. Recommended for large collections.
This imaginative story is highly recommended for purchase. It promotes education about endangered species and includes an abundant message of hope.
PREMIUM
The Ninja Club Sleepover
These spunky characters are sure to warm every readers heart with their sincerity and bravery.
PREMIUM
The Ugly Doodles
Not quite a scary story, but not fully a book to inspire creativity. This is a secondary purchase for libraries.
PREMIUM
Izzy and Frank
A story of friendship, loss, change, and moving forward, with an an amusing seagull to boot. Good for storytime or individual reading.
PREMIUM
A Perfect Day
A timeless tale of embracing friendship among differing points of view. Great for storytime or one-on-one sharing, this humorous title will appeal to both young audiences and adults who can relate to seagull’s steadfast optimism under a constant barrage of griping.
This is a warm, gentle story about resilience and how the bonds of friendship can mend the heart.
PREMIUM
Danbi Leads the School Parade
A sweet and helpful book for children who are nervous about moving or starting a new school
Well worth reading for library staff at any level seeking to improve their gender-inclusive practices.
Recommended for anyone looking to diversify collections, learn more about novels in verse, or expand their use of poetry in the classroom or library.
Recommended for beginning librarians or those needing suggestions on incorporating social studies standards in library lessons.
PREMIUM
Throwaway Girls
While the book falls short on character and setting development, Contos writes with an urgency that will keep readers involved in Caroline’s journey and her efforts to remain true to herself.
PREMIUM
Cut Off
A genre-bending story that engages with themes of anxiety and trauma in imaginative ways. Recommended for readers who enjoy thrillers with elements of horror and romance.
PREMIUM
Savage Beard of She Dwarf
Fans of fast-paced fantasy adventure, strong-minded heroines, and dynamic flashy art will enjoy this story of humor and heart, unlikely companions, and belonging.
PREMIUM
It’s Your Funeral
A cheerful yet existentially complex series of stories for fans of The Good Place.
Hocking leaves readers eager to know more. Read-alikes include the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and Maggie Stiefvater. A recommended purchase for school libraries as well; there is no sex or drugs.
PREMIUM
Short Stuff
A short and appealing LGBTQ+ anthology in a still too-narrow field, this a worthwhile addition to most YA collections.
PREMIUM
Where We Go From Here
An authentic, deeply felt debut, this book is chock-full of poignant conversation starters for books clubs and collections serving older teens.
Combining sword-and-sorcery RPG elements with social justice themes, this is a must-have for all collections.
PREMIUM
Lizard in a Zoot Suit
A unique and effective lens through which fans of historical fiction can view the treatment of the “other” and race issues of the 1940s.
PREMIUM
The Damned
Where the first book circulates well, this sequel will keep readers engaged. But with main characters who spend most of their time delving into their own emotions and inner conflicts, this is more for fans of vampire love stories than those seeking action or mysteries.
PREMIUM
Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed
No prior knowledge of Diana Prince is necessary, making this a great option for those seeking an entry point into comics about Wonder Woman; it’s also a fine choice for fans of activist characters or coming-of-age graphic novels.
PREMIUM
Half Life
A miserable perfectionist grows into herself while discovering she’s only human, in a novel that is near-future enough to appeal to sci-fi fans as well as general audiences who like to ask, “What if?”
With characters to love, to hate, and to love to hate, plus a plot full of adventure skillfully woven with suspense, this is a must-purchase for all YA collections.
PREMIUM
All These Monsters
A sci-fi action dynamo with romantic overtones that screams for a sequel. Recommended.
Tragic, moving and genuine, this is a must for middle school and high school collections and should prove highly popular.
PREMIUM
Hush
Farrow presents a notable debut for the YA fantasy genre with vast potential for future titles.
PREMIUM
The Naughty Kitten
A pleasant story of princesses and pets that is likely to appeal to early readers who enjoy these topics. An additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Condor Comeback
This worthy addition to elementary and middle school nonfiction collections spotlights the plight of a misunderstood bird.
The topic doesn’t fall easily into categories and might require hand selling, but this captivating nonfiction read will appeal to anyone interested in the history of flight, inventions, or thrill sports.
This engaging self-help book is approachable and relatable and does not inundate readers with an abundance of medical and scientific terminology. A serviceable purchase for teen collections.
An enlightening addition to upper elementary and middle school collections for its in-depth look at the Constitution and the U.S. government.
A mixed bag of interesting, underrepresented historical figures and facts about the establishment of the American West. A good starting point for students curious about early Western frontier life.
A carefully curated collection of stories that feature powerful, fantastical women. Recommended for libraries where gaps in multicultural folklore may exist or for readers with a budding interest in global mythology and folklore.
This accessible title warrants shelf space. A solid jumping-off point for students working on reports about the suffragette movement.
A unique and enlightening story about a lesser-known historical moment and its effects on the field of psychology that would work well as a read-aloud or jumping-off point for a unit on animal and human intelligence and psychology.
An excellent addition to elementary school libraries.
PREMIUM
Ocean! Waves for All
An engaging introduction to the ocean that children will enjoy looking through more than once.
PREMIUM
The Big Book of Soccer
Mundial, a popular football magazine, provides an authoritative and light-hearted writing style that young readers will adore. Equally appealing for browsers and avid readers, this is a recommended purchase.
Although the ending is a bit abrupt, this story contains fascinating facts with charming illustrations
A cool science title for younger readers to learn about bird adaptation. Educators can use this text in the classroom; many STEAM lessons could be inspired by these funky adaptations.
While this book’s design is attractive and its premise is intriguing, there are other informational texts about inventions and innovation that better capture young readers’ interest. Best as an additional purchase.
A fine addition to picture book biography collections, with an inspirational message and strong cultural content.
PREMIUM
How To Find a Bird
This brief and visually captivating title will inspire readers to get outside and watch birds.
A thought-provoking, important message for these trying times.
Highly recommended. The sparkling and informative text and crisp, clear illustrations highlight a wide variety of birds while creating a sense of belonging for the plain kiwi and anyone else who might feel different.
An important picture book biography to add to school and public library collections.
This fun book shares activities for kids that can for the most part be done independently. Parents, caregivers, and teachers will appreciate the straightforward directions. A strong addition to any elementary collection.
This book is truly a visual and informational feast. While it is an excellent addition to science units on astronomy, it is also a useful mentor text for developing graphic literacy. Recommended for enjoyable reading, browsing, and discussing.
PREMIUM
Odin, Dog Hero of the Fires
Highly recommended for all children’s library collections, especially where dog books are in high demand and where wildfires are prevalent.
An excellent and fascinating choice for anyone with a developing interest in current and future robotics.
PREMIUM
Eels
A solid addition to the series, this latest field guide will win over fans. Recommended as a general purchase for school and public libraries.
This book is perfect for young readers who like their science with a smile.
An inclusive and upbeat collection ideal for classrooms and libraries.
A highly recommended and inspiring portrayal of dedication and perseverance for today’s generation of explorers.
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