Author Alan Markham’s extensive credentials coalesce in his debut novel, Spy Sisters Versus Snake Ten-Fangs. The new middle grade series from Shadow Mountain Publishing follows three sisters, ages 6–13, as they take on the notorious Snake Ten-Fangs in a mission packed with high-stakes action, humor, and covert vocabulary and SEL lessons.

Lee & Low publisher and co-owner Jason Low says publishers must continue the commitment to diverse titles while also contributing to the larger fight for the freedom to read.

A former middle school dean of students has sued a Colorado district, its superintendent, and human resources director; Texas will have state mandated K–12 reading list; New Hampshire high school pulls The Perks of Being a Wallflower; and more.

A mix of board books, picture books, one graphic novel, and one middle grade novel make up this roundup of Christmas-focused titles for young readers.

 The 2025 Best Manga roundup features haunting sci-fi, slow-burn romance, and charming friendship tales for middle grade and YA readers.

We hope that SLJ’s Best Books of 2025, filled with adventurous and fantastical stories, silly and breathtaking picture books, true-crime mysteries and stirring romances, and universally consumed manga and graphic novels, will be the joy-making resource that you need to impact the next generation of readers (and their grown-ups).

This year’s Best Nonfiction for Middle and High School students features true crime, an inclusive puberty book, sports titles, and lots of STEM.