Best Of

On the busy streets of an urban landscape, a little girl observes and collects colorful weeds and wildflowers from cracks in the pavement. As Dad chats on his cell, the girl lingers, secretly gifting pieces of her bouquet to those in need. On wordless, graphic novel–like panels, the mostly black-and-white cityscape slowly fills with soft washes of pastel as her not-so-random acts of kindness transform her world.

Originally from the Philippines and living in Louisiana, Apple sees the personal traits that set her apart as a deep source of shame. Convinced that her first-generation immigrant mother will never understand her, the girl yearns to play the guitar in order to forge a connection to her now-deceased Beatles-loving father. Kelly has created an authentic tween voice with Apple, whose hope, determination, and passion let her soar.

Bridge finds herself growing apart from her best friends, Sherm writes letters to a now-absent grandfather whom he desperately misses, and, unable to face a day at school, an unnamed girl roams the streets. Displaying an intuitive understanding of the fraught period between childhood and adolescence, Stead deftly blends multiple threads and perspectives to tell a quirky and tender coming-of-age story laced with themes of gender, identity, loss, and the complexity of friendship.

In this ode to “Harry Potter,” “The Chosen One” trope, and fanfiction, Rowell creates an amusing but layered world filled with relatable protagonists, hero quests, and unforgettable friendships. Simon Snow, first introduced in Fangirl (2013), is fated to change the world of magic but can’t seem to control his powers. When he realizes that he would rather kiss than kill his nemesis, the teen wizard is finally able to fulfill his destiny. Equal parts fantasy and realistic fiction, this genre-bending title, overflowing with joy and magic, tackles big questions, such as identity, love, class, and power.

Five toys wait on a windowsill, with hope, yearning, fear, and joy. Henkes’s spare text and subtly expressive illustrations offer the youngest pre-readers a literal window into the sometimes scary but always wonder-filled world beyond the quiet comforts of what is known and what is loved.

Daughter of a military man and a waitress, Ally has moved seven times in seven years—allowing her learning disability to go undiagnosed as her self-esteem plummets. She simply considers herself too dumb to learn and hides her inability to read by getting into trouble. In walks Mr. Daniels, a teacher who finally sees beyond her bristly bravado and offers her empowerment. A nuanced portrayal that hums with middle grade authenticity and brims with heart.

Unable to accept that her best friend Franny drowned, Suzy determines to find a rational, scientific explanation for this devastating loss. She sets her mind on the deadly Irukandji jellyfish and contacts a scientist on the other side of the world to help prove her theory. Through flashbacks, readers learn about the last few months of Suzy’s relationship with Franny and the overwhelming guilt she cannot face. A potent exploration of grief and resilience.

Three adorable animal friends convert a child’s bedtime routine into a fun pajama party. After lots of games and a little something good to eat, the friends wash and brush and snuggle together for stories, giving thanks and good-night kisses. The sweetly expressive and delightful pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork have the look and feel of classic picture books, to which McDonnell cleverly pays homage.

A misunderstanding leads a little girl to give her BFF the cold shoulder until what James actually said is revealed and feelings are mended. Authentically kid-centered dialogue and art perfectly capture the melodrama of elementary-age relationships with humor and respect.