Recommend to readers who are established fans of the survival genre.
While the premise is alluring, this might be best for a collection where crime and thrillers are in demand over a general purchase.
Instead of a story with characters readers can cheer for and believe in, this book relies on simplistic tropes and stereotypes.
With its simple, predictable text and bold illustrations, this book is great for teaching a Christian perspective on Christmas.
With less focus on Santa and more on people coming together for the holiday, this is a lovely read for libraries to add to their Christmas collections.
Most public libraries will want to add this title to their collection of materials for emergent readers.
Recommend to teens who enjoy A Little Princess and The Secret Garden but have their expectations kept to a medium.
Perfect for teens making the transition from middle grade to young adult books, although older readers are likely to desire more emotional complexity from both the romance and central plot.
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has launched its inaugural micro-grants program with a school library grant; author Stephen King testified about the negative impact the merger of Penguin Random House and S. & S. would have on writers, and it's time to vote for a library to get a makeover in this edition of News Bites.
Well-paced chapters and captivating characters will keep readers entertained and may also inspire some writing.
A recommended purchase for tween collections where swimming, mysteries, and summer romances are popular.
A fun new entry in the field of magical mysteries, this action-packed tale will keep readers engaged and leaves room for a sequel.
An atmospheric fantasy novel recommended for readers who appreciate paranormal romance and exploration of mental health themes.
The dual narratives of Ayesha and Mira provide readers with a contemplative juxtaposition recommended for high school teens.
Recommended for fans of romance and fantasy, and where the first book was popular.
Recommended for secondary collections where fantasy stories are popular.
A first purchase for all professionals serving older teens who seek to diversify their collection.
This impassioned ride toward the truth, based on a true story, will make readers think about the media bites they consume and white youth’s easy access to radicalization.
Fans of the romance genre will recognize tropes including hate-to-love, there’s only one bed, and more in this cozy and engrossing story about second chances and new beginnings.
This adventurous quest and its unlikely crew will provide an enjoyable escape for readers of all types of fantasy novels.
A satisfying conclusion to Lin’s duology, and teens will be clamoring for more.
A sparkling and powerful exploration of grief, gender roles, and escaping the strong grip of expectations, this is a must-purchase for all libraries serving teens.
An optional purchase: this book is obviously setting the stage for the series, introducing characters, conflict, and suspense with tidbits of more to come. When the next book comes out, hand both to students. The full series might hook readers of time travel and mystery and ultimately turn into true page-turners.
A must read for slasher fans, and sure to delight any readers looking for a thrill.
Put into the hands of readers looking for a dark fantasy with a hint of mysterious intrigue.
Reminiscent of Natasha Friend’s The Other F-Word and Robin Benway’s Far From the Tree. Highly recommended.
Realistic teen characters, hypnotic writing, and an honest portrayal of adolescence make this debut a perfect choice for fans of Sarah Zarr, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Phillippe Diederich.
If funds allow, this is a good addition to larger collections.
A clever and empathetic work of speculative fiction that examines the power and fragility of memory, recommended for general purchase. Cinematic writing, teen sleuthing, and a nostalgic setting make this book a great recommendation to fans of Stranger Things.
Details about Sally’s past and a chance to spend more time with beloved characters will appeal greatly to fans of the original movie but may not tempt others.
A perfectly matched pair deliver a rewarding happily ever after.
Almasy skillfully ensures each of Cypess’s characters gets distinctly heard in a rousing celebration of empowering sisterhood.
Buy this amusing title if the other books in the series are popular.
Overall, a good addition to early reader collections to appeal to young patrons and help them improve their reading skills.
Recommended purchase for young readers who enjoy sports stories.
This is an accessible story that will help young children transition tothe expectations of school, especially when they are feeling trepidation themselves.
With vivid illustrations and a positive message, this book is a good addition to share with children nervous about trying something new.
This charming story is an excellent addition to preschool and kindergarten classroom collections that focus on social-emotional learning.
An excellent choice for back to school and “new kid” picture book collections. This will resonate with many readers. Highly recommended.
An excellent purchase for school libraries and public libraries with a big homeschooling community; a title to promote to teachers at the beginning of the school year.
This would be a wonderful book to read aloud on the first day of kindergarten so classes could create their own kindness pledge and then share it with others.
A worthy addition to middle grade fiction collections, especially where books like Jason Reynold’s “Track” series is popular.
Readers will enjoy a first-rate mystery which as an added benefit subtly reinforces the practice of empathy. Highly recommended.
Highly recommended for middle school readers who enjoy dystopian adventures and science.
A good choice for libraries where readers are moving on from “Goosebumps” and are in search of something to bridge the gap to YA horror.
A meditative first purchase for middle grade collections.
A great choice for middle grade readers interested in climate change, social justice, and student activism.
This fantasy-horror-steampunk quest will please readers who love complex language, lush descriptions, and plots as twisty and deceptive as Celtic knots. Hand it to fans of the movie Labyrinth who are ready for a grittier, but equally labyrinthine matching of wits with the devious fae.
Give this book to younger fans of historical fiction and tentative fantasy who aren’t familiar with Shelley’s work and want an easy entry into this time period.
Hand this to anyone who loves tarot, astrology, and witchy things; enthusiasts of short story collections like Meet Cute or Hungry Hearts; and fans of Ashley Elston and Jenny Han.
A summery, social media–focused murder mystery with light gore, perfect for fans of the “#MurderTrending” series or the work of Karen M. McManus.
Add this to your YA collection and encourage history buffs looking for new fiction to take a chance on it.
A good buy where horror anthologies are popular. Hand this book to fans of “good for her” horror movies like The Witch and listeners of horror anthology podcasts such as Old Gods of Appalachia and The Magnus Archives.
Readers will be hooked from page one of Maddy’s intense journey that detonates on prom night.
Readers who have enjoyed other summer romances featuring unusual jobs, like Maurene Goo’s The Way You Make Me Feel, Jennifer Dugan’s Hot Dog Girl, and Morgan Matson’s The Unexpected Everything, will find this one to be similarly engaging.
Kutub’s debut occasionally turns bewildering with excessive narrative prongs, but Jain adroitly guides readers through.
The choosiest audiences might turn to the page to enjoy Oh’s girl-power adventure.
Kanazawa guarantees Cohen a magnificent audio debut.
Following the bestselling success of Pan’s The Astonishing Color of After debut, demand will be high for her sophomore effort. Libraries will want multiple formats.
Even as he brilliantly exposes society’s ills, “His Dark Materials”–mastermind Pullman effortlessly entertains; Glenister keeps readers thoroughly enchanted throughout.
Alcántara deftly, undeniably boosts Randall’s empowering adventure with empathy and energy.
With Rolek as aural sidekick, Chee triumphs again.
Soontornvat’s fans will surely appreciate access via multiple mediums; Siu assures listeners chills and thrills.
Impatient historical fantasy purists might want to choose the page.
Even when the narrative occasionally drags, Free advances with irresistible glee.
Annie Q sounds like a youthful, cultural (Chinese American) match for introducing bestselling author Zhao’s new series, but her often overenthusiastic delivery pushes reluctant hero Winnie and her cohorts into farcical realms.
Bowri warmly enhances Tamarind’s quest for answers and understanding.
While the majority of Starr’s performance provides fast-paced entertainment, certain choices fail; voicing twin sisters while seemingly holding her nose proves to be an especially clumsy misstep.
Salvatore knows how to tell an empowering story. Graves embellishes with indispensable sparkle.
Femi shrewdly enhances Falaye’s underlying exposé of colonialism, genocide, and eternal war.
Osorio is a powerhouse of diverse voices—good, bad, desperate, vile
Leigh energetically continues the delight of Cypess’s cleverly crafted, girl-power-driven second book (after Thornwood) of the “Sisters Ever After” series.
Fans of B.B. Alston’s missing-older-sibling “Supernatural Investigations” series will appreciate getting to know Theo
A wonderful start to a new series centering STEM and history; great for any children’s library collection.
Ideal for growing independent readers, this is highly recommended for fans of “Jada Jones” or Kara West’s “Mia Mayhem” series.
A delightful, relevant addition to a very strong series.
Ideal for growing independent readers, this is highly recommended for fans of “Jada Jones” or Kara West’s “Mia Mayhem” series.
The perfect pick for princess enthusiasts who are learning to read.
With so many quirks, this book may help children learn to read, but it won’t excite or dazzle. Best as a secondary purchase.
Recommended for school and public libraries.
An optional purchase for libraries considering an addition to their collection of animal friendship stories or expansion to their diverse representation.
A solid if not groundbreaking early reader title with plenty of slapstick humor.
Recommended for school and public libraries.
Recommended for school and public libraries.
Recommended for school and public libraries.
A quick and silly rodent-happy romp, this book provides a fun and funny opportunity for reading practice.
Engaging with its honesty, silliness, and inspirational message, this book celebrates the idea of a “purple school” to help students and teachers alike put the united value of learning and being yourself into perspective.
A fun, early graphic novel back-to-school pick for read-alouds or pleasure reading.
This is a necessary guide for helping everyone navigate these waters, and educators may wish to throw in some conversation about pronouns as well. A great first-day story for breaking the ice.
Young readers who enjoy low-stakes realistic fiction and friendship drama with just a touch of magic will appreciate this entry.
Fans of the series won’t be disappointed.
This gentle story will appeal to young fans of realistic fiction and animal stories.
A great choice for collections where mysteries are popular.
Fans of the first book will enjoy the mix of adventure, humor, and science fiction gadgetry in this action-packed sequel that leaves room for more stories from this world.
This warm-hearted, feel-good series continues to realistically explore one Korean American girl’s middle school experience in a relatable way.
Fans of the first book will jump at the opportunity to immerse themselves once again in the delights and surprises of this magical world, filled with equal parts wonder and suspense.
While the story feels finished, there is room for more tales featuring the many endearing characters.
Great for fans of Monster High and Hotel Transylvania.
Young fans of animal stories will love this hilarious romp that offers a fun spin on Greek mythology.
A pleasing combination of humor and peril, along with Ortu’s plentiful illustrations, make this a great starter fantasy series.
articles