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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The first of an intended series, this is a fresh new friendship story with a classic feel, and is recommended for larger collections.
Based in one family’s culture, the themes of families helping each other and coping with change are universal and timeless. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
My Day with Gong Gong
Featuring a winsome pair, this is a wonderful, sympathetic story, and the bonus is a small glossary of Cantonese words. Pair with Sylvia Liu’s A Morning with Grandpa.
When Heather rejoices as her family finally meets her Wonder Rock friend, readers will be right there with her. A wondrous tale, this is recommended for picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Louis
Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing, this is a laugh-out-loud spin on a would-be runaway’s best-laid plans.
PREMIUM
Quill Soup: A Stone Soup Story
This is a lovely tale about rushing to judgement and generosity; an excellent addition to any folktale collection.
This French import addresses the fears of the unknown in the night with a perfect resolution, plus a little whimsy thrown in for good measure. The gloom of night, impressively captured, make this ideal for one-on-one sharing.
Good for story time or art class, Hofmeyr’s French-inspired text doesn’t skimp on verbiage in this tale of a cat who makes good in Paris with her combination of confidence and disdain. Iconic illustrations add to the Parisian atmosphere.
A series that just keeps improving, with an adorable couple taking center stage. A must purchase.
PREMIUM
Sion’s Misfortune
Despite the caveats about design, this is nevertheless a worthwhile addition to folktale collections.
PREMIUM
Swift Fox All Along
This is a straightforward tale of a girl finding her way into a culture that is her heritage, yet new to her. As such, it works effectively. This may suit libraries in need of more modern Native picture books with child appeal.
PREMIUM
The Bookstore Cat
After the first read, this title can take on a life of its own. A nice addition to the canon of alphabet books, and recommended for larger collections.
PREMIUM
This Is the Path the Wolf Took
Delightful digital artwork by award-winning illustrator Ellis aids greatly in setting a playful tone. An optional purchase for most collections, but for fans of fractured fairy tales, this one may do the trick.
PREMIUM
Time for Bed’s Story
For a story hour about out-of-the-box thinking, this is a novel, cheerful way to get children to view things from a different perspective.
PREMIUM
While We Can’t Hug
The timeliness of this sweet, understated story cannot be overstated. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Time to Roar
Cole and Gibson have woven a tale that is not just about protecting nature, but also about working with others so that every voice is heard. A solid tale.
The first book in what promises to be a hot new series, this is a highly recommended purchase for most collections.
PREMIUM
You Were Never Here
This is a first-purchase mystery full of red herrings, ominous settings, and characters who will touch your heart.
PREMIUM
A Golden Fury
A solid fantasy to flesh out the world of alchemy that most readers know only from “Harry Potter.”
PREMIUM
Illegal: A Disappeared Novel
A strong showing for fans of crime and suspense, and recommended where the first title does well.
PREMIUM
You Know I’m No Good
An instant winner, reminiscent of the classic Speak, with a caustically funny and searching teen protagonist who’s in denial following her rape at the age of 14.
PREMIUM
Dear Justyce
This novel is perfect for public and school libraries who are looking to offer a nuanced perspective on the juvenile justice system.
PREMIUM
The Secret Runners
Hardcore science fiction and dystopian fans may be disappointed by how much of the story is rooted in the pre-apocalyptic world and the mean girl storyline. An additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Heiress Apparently
A worthy addition to all libraries, especially those seeking nuanced books with Asian American protagonists.
Fans of LaCour’s previous work will clamor to get their hands on this one. A first purchase for all collections.
A great addition that explores an often misrepresented portion of readers.
A standout that will circulate well in any high school library. Strongly recommended for fans of mysteries and dramatic thrillers akin to Natasha Preston’s The Cellar.
PREMIUM
How To Break an Evil Curse
Bright and with plenty of dimension, this novel will appeal to fans of Alex Flinn’s Cloaked and would serve as a solid addition to any young adult fantasy collection.
PREMIUM
Cloud Hopper
Fans of Elizabeth Wein’s Code Name Verity and Walter Dean Myers’s We Were Heroes will love this book.
PREMIUM
The Assignment
An important look at a critical moment in history through a modern lens showcasing the power of student activism. A good choice for fans of Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give and Nic Stone’s Dear Martin.
PREMIUM
Star Daughter
Thakrar’s lyrical prose and imaginative story transport readers to a world tucked away in the limitless sky, a place of shining golden palaces and starsong.
PREMIUM
Into the Real
Every book indeed has its reader(s) and teens who are contemplating the constructs of their identity will appreciate Quinn’s company.
PREMIUM
My Heart Underwater
Built on character and relationships, Fantauzzo’s young adult debut is not to be missed.
PREMIUM
Smash It!
Recommend to readers looking for realistic stories with romance, with a little teen angst and identity-searching thrown in.
PREMIUM
Junk Boy
This novel-in-verse has an engaging male POV, and would be a good read-alike for those who enjoyed Jason Reynolds’s Long Way Down. The message of breaking through barriers to reach out for help and being an empathetic friend are important themes for teens to understand, and makes this a definite buy for YA collections.
PREMIUM
The Truth Project
A story about family and identity that will appeal to readers who like novels in verse, or books about artistic teens.
PREMIUM
Night Shine
Recommended for all fantasy lovers, and perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Holly Black, and Tomi Adeyemi.
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