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With its captivating illustrations and simple language with word repetition, this book would be an exceptional read-aloud for classrooms or storytime, or for an adult reading one-on-one with a child. A must-have for all libraries serving children.
An informative romp in an unexpected playground!
This book somberly and beautifully depicts what life was like for the Franks and others who fell inside the Nazi sphere of influence during World War II. A truly valuable resource.
Amara’s search for her roots is tender and empowering. An essential purchase for all middle grade libraries
A perfect title for school and public libraries seeking realistic books about friendship
Mills has created a gentle, understated story about grief and loss through a paranormal lens. This is a necessary book that is sure to have readers. Highly recommended
With this spot-on glimpse into the emotional landscape of tweens, Wang joins the ranks of middle grade masters Shannon Hale, Raina Telgemeier, and Cece Bell
A first purchase where books such as Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon are popular
Do not escape purchasing at least one copy for public and school libraries to round out a collective biography section. This can be used for a read-aloud or a history revealed display
An excellent biography that belongs in every young adult library. Readers will find Rustin’s story captivating; his story could encourage young people to fight for change
The maps, colorful illustrations, and accessible text present a comprehensive history of Manhattan as an island and a good introduction to the study of urban growth for students of all ages. Very valuable to students in the New York City metropolitan area, but also highly informative for all readers
A must. Fans of Smile and Sisters will adore this new story starring Raina and her family, but newcomers to Telgemeier’s work will also love Guts
A heartwarming picture book of familial love and security. A great selection for dog lovers and new siblings everywhere
This book will encourage children to work hard at whatever they wish to achieve and to never give up, both on the court and beyond. Highly recommended.
A lovely book for anyone looking for intergenerational stories for one-on-one or group sharing
A lovely story about change and belonging that provides much-needed representation. A first purchase for all libraries
Showcasing at-a-glimpse activities of an array of animals, this book offers small stories to pore over as well as bigger ideas to ponder, including the influence of viewpoint, the relationship between wildlife and habitat, the impact of environmental issues, and the vagaries of time
A first purchase for back-to-school shelves that will reassure both students and caregivers
Deftly balancing genuine concerns with humor and buoyant reassurance, this irresistible offering starring a fan favorite is sure to become a first-day-of-school classic
This is a young readers’ version of Johnson’s Ink & Paint, an oversize, wonderful tribute to the women of Disney animation. Like the Disney universe itself, this pared-down version of the original is magical. A finely written and illustrated inspiration
A beautifully crafted story that touches on a lesser-known historical topic. Together, the words and pictures convey musicality without a single note of harmoniku, Flory’s instrument of choice, having to be played. This work is a must-purchase for library collections
Bilingual text and eye-catching illustrations join a treasure of additional resources to create this significant text. Highly recommended for nonfiction collections for young readers, and perfect for use alongside titles such as Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh
Fans of folklore-inspired fantasy and Laini Taylor’s Strange the Dreamer will relish in this masterful tale. From start to finish, this magical debut is not to be missed
Powerful plotting, masterful character development, and a unique narrative device set this work apart. Make room on the shelf next to Code Name Verity and The Book Thief
There’s something for everyone in this joyful, tender book. Fans of Rowell and Hicks will gobble up this graphic novel like it’s Frito pie, and after just one nibble, newcomers will do the same
Full of keen observations about love, family, and race with a winning narrator, this is a must-purchase (multiple copies!) for any teen-serving library
This contemporary romance has relatable characters on journeys of self-discovery and healing. A must-buy for all YA collections
A modern, funny, and satisfyingly fresh take on the origin of a superhero revolutionary
This graphic novel examines how hairstyles affect the lives of Black women and girls, and how perception of black hair often shapes the way African American women and girls see their own beauty. Ideal for most public and school libraries.
A dreamy and whimsical picture book that will capture preschoolers’ attention and that may be used in a participatory storytime with a topic about the seasons and the months of the year. Perfect for public libraries and preschool classrooms.
This delightful book combines poetry and whimsical artwork to tell Ochoa’s story, the world’s first Latina in space, and the hard work and perseverance that got her all the way to the stars. A must purchase for all elementary science and biography collections.
A must-have for young readers with any type of behavior difficulty and their caregivers.
With its impeccably developed characters and hard-hitting narrative, this is an essential purchase for teen and new adult collections.
This charming and poignant queer romance set against a Civil War–era backdrop will resonate with readers
With lively poems that use basketball as a metaphor for life, this mix of free verse, hip-hop, and powerful artwork will resonate with fans of the original book and inspire a new audience of nascent players, artists, and poets
Give this to any fantasy and adventure fan ready for a fast and fun read, a great read-a-like for Tamora Pierce’s “Tortall” series
The book’s core message--“Where there’s room for some, we make room for all. Friends can be allies no matter how small!”--offers a memorable refrain caregivers and educators will be eager to integrate into daily mantras. Highly recommended
A strong first purchase for any library and a must-have for libraries seeking additions for space exploration collections
This inclusive and respectful guide should be part of all curricula about family, gender, and sexuality. Short, accessible, and important
A standout title in the crowded field of Apollo 11 celebrations. Highly recommended
Dunbar-Ortiz’s narrative history is clear, and the adapters give readers ample evidence and perspective to help them to engage with the text. A highly informative book for libraries serving high school students
Readers will get a very human glimpse into the lives of two immigrants while also learning more about the larger picture of immigration in the United States. A must for all young adult nonfiction shelves
While the chapters are a little lengthy for the intended audience, Johnson’s story is easy to follow and hard to put down. Highly recommended for purchase in any school library
This beautiful story reassures young readers of their place in the world and encourages them to remain full of wonder and curiosity as they grow. A first purchase
A book to be savored rather than devoured, this memoir will resonate with teens, especially fans of Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home and Mason Deaver’s I Wish You All the Best. It’s also a great resource for those who identify as nonbinary or asexual as well as for those who know someone who identifies that way and wish to better understand
Offering valuable reading lists, this beautifully organized work should become a go-to resource for parents, students of young adult literature, teachers, and librarians
Hand to fans of Courtney Stevens’s Dress Codes for Small Towns or John Corey Whaley’s Where Things Come Back. A first selection
A riveting and important read that couldn’t be more well timed to our society’s struggles with its own monsters
This evocative memoir shares stories of the nation’s past, draws heartbreaking parallels to the present, and serves as a cautionary tale for the future. For all readers old enough to understand the importance of our collective history.
A memorable and unique graphic novel about finding yourself and taking charge of your fears; a first purchase for most library collections.
This is a book that offers great representation and inspires readers to accept everyone just the way they are. A timely story that breaks down many stereotypes and negative feelings about hijabs. A perfect selection to reinforce religious freedoms and self-expression.
This book encourages kids to practice self-acceptance and embrace all kinds of play in a lighthearted and cheerful way.
This engaging memoir is an uplifting ode to Gharib’s bicultural background, her immigrant parents, and her road to self-acceptance. An essential purchase.
Unflinching in its portrayals of racism yet ultimately hopeful and heartfelt, this narrative places voices frequently left out of historical fiction center stage. Recommended for any collection
Part mystery, part elegy, part coming of age, this novel is a perfect convergence of authentic voice and an emphasis on inner dialogue around equity, purpose, and reclaiming one’s lost cultural identity
Fans of Rainbow Rowell and John Green who also like a bit of fantasy will fall in love with Billy and Lydia. A great purchase for all contemporary young adult collections
A lovely and informative picture book featuring over 20 kinds of animal families and their homes in nature. A must for nonfiction collections everywhere
Drawing guides have never been so appealing. A must
Essential reading for librarians seeking to develop YA collections with care and purpose in order to promote social awareness and change
Fans of Lauren Tarshis’s “I Survived” series who are ready to move on to lengthier selections will gravitate toward this title. A must-have for all upper elementary/middle grade libraries
This moving and timely debut novel tells an enlightening, empowering, and ultimately hopeful story about how compassion and a willingness to speak out can change the world
This charismatic and essential read-aloud will fill a hole that has been too long ignored in library and storytime collections
A much-needed and appealing addition to the picture book canon; both emotionally and visually satisfying
Ideal for space or science-inclined readers, this book includes brief information about outstanding scientist Jemison and a short list of facts about meteors and comets enclosed in an embrace of family relationships and a child’s joy in the world around her. A suggested first purchase for all libraries
A beautiful book not to be rushed through, but to be enjoyed morsel by tasty morsel
An overall successful adaptation of an important work, rich with content relevant to all disciplines and beyond
A first purchase for all libraries, this #OwnVoices hybrid chapter book/graphic novel is the perfect mixture of funny and emotionally resonant.
For readers who want an escapist fantasy with a light touch. Hand this title to fans of whimsical or unpredictable adventures such as Neil Gaiman’s Fortunately, the Milk or Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time
Comical in its counting and brief explanations of worm activity, this book is a simply irresistible read-aloud for early readers, perfect for storytime or classroom
This timely, realistic story filled with lots of heart yet devoid of a pat ending is sure to capture readers’ interests and spark contemplative conversations around global issues and activism. A must-have for teen and new adult collections.
This gem of an easy reader is as cheerful and engaging as its protagonist. A must-buy for any library serving newly independent readers
This impressive and eloquent tale is recommended for all picture book collections.
Readers will need a sweet tea to calm their nerves after this emotional adventure. First purchase for all collections.
An intelligent glimpse at how a friendship between unlikely candidates might be possible. A stellar addition for all collections.
Recommended for public and school collections. This vibrant book will work well as a read-aloud in a group setting and as a springboard/introduction for creative-thinking and creative-art sessions.
Recommended purchase for a variety of collections looking for contemporary voices that mirror real-life landscapes.
A stellar addition for most collections, especially where I Am Pan! circulates well.
Well-researched and expertly paced, this compelling title deserves a place in all teen collections.
A beautifully done wordless story about a field trip to the moon with a sweet and funny alien encounter; what's not to like? A must-have for most libraries.
Mesmerizing. For fans of Frank Herbert's Dune and Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows.
A wonderful slice-of-life tale about family support, black hair, and embracing individuality. Highly recommended for picture book collections.
Pair with Rollins's music to introduce children to this legendary musician and to the rhythmic exuberance of jazz.–Melissa Williams, Berwick Academy, ME
This is a must-have for all libraries because of the authentic and multidimensional characters and the satisfying mystery. It is an excellent audio choice for students who enjoy creepy tales.
An excellent recommendation for those who enjoyed Lev Grossman's The Magicians and Lauren Oliver's Replica.
Fans of Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes and Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone should get excited for their next obsession.
The idyllic city neighborhood is a joy to visit with its bakery, newsstand, park, and the warm camaraderie among the folks who live there. A book that begs to be pored over and shared.
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