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Undeniably one of the weirdest and best books I've read in my lifetime of reading.
If I had a dollar for every time I said something to the effect of "graphic novels are real books" or "reading graphic novels is reading" to someone disparaging them... well, I couldn't quit my job, but I would have a LOT of dollars.
One of Heartstopper’s central themes is that it’s rude, even dangerous, to speculate on someone’s else’s sexuality. But some fans aren’t getting the message.
This version of pillow fighting is a semi-professional fight club where anything goes as long as the pillow is the first point of contact. It’s more roller derby or WWE-style wrestling than a pillow fight in pajamas at a girls’ night sleepover.
The power of books, reading, and a good library help create brave spaces.
Starting with a book about The Nightmare Before Christmas and ending with a book based on the same popular Halloween movie, this list for children of all ages includes titles to joyfully delight the youngest readers and give older readers a thrill.
When we write, research, and even read about things that truly excite us, the job is suddenly fun. In fact, it’s no longer a job. It is a joy.
What I really loved about this book is that it shows a really good, healthy, positive relationship steeped in friendship, respect, and support.
Ah, October. Hoodie weather. Pretty leaves. Apple and pumpkin everything. Impending long, cold, dark winter. Needing to get out my Happy Light. Okay... maybe I should stop listing things fall brings. But it does bring a nice batch of new books!
PREMIUM
We Are Big Time
A focused and rewarding sports story that will leave readers cheering for the inspiring Peace Academy team, and a great recommendation for sports fans or new students worried about finding their place.
Gritty and gripping; give to fans of Courtney Summers and Mindy McGinnis immediately.
PREMIUM
Who We Are in Real Life
Hand to teens who like reading about role-playing games with a side of romance.
PREMIUM
Jill and the Killers
While the nostalgic teen detective storyline and unique subscription box premise holds promise, unsteady execution prevents this graphic novel from reaching its potential.
An introspective coming-of-age novel in verse that is a must-have for young adult collections.
PREMIUM
If Anything Happens to Me
Hand this to fans of Karen M. McManus or students looking for a thrill without the gore. Recommended as an additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Pizza for Birds
A strong follow-up to the first book and an absolutely delightful choice for story time or an elementary school classroom read-aloud.
This is a lovely depiction of a parent sharing their culture with their child in a way that will feel refreshingly new and happily familiar.
This is a buoyant look at inspiration from those who have come before, and it’s a good choice for libraries needing books about artists and inspiration.
While readers will find interesting tidbits, they will come away wishing for fewer words and more recipes.
Buy this one ASAP. This honest and compassionate dealing of a common occurrence in preschool and elementary school reminds kids to be kind to each other when accidents happen.
Until there is a more informative book about this unique celebration, this works in large collections.
PREMIUM
The Zebra’s Great Escape
A perfect recommendation for fans of animal adventure stories of all stripes in the mood for a thrill and a laugh.
This would be a good choice for picture book collections needing books about nature that have high-level vocabulary, even if they are coupled with adorable scenes that make the book read younger.
PREMIUM
Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival
This holiday story is perfect for fans of the series and for libraries looking to build their Lunar New Year collections.
PREMIUM
Christmas Cheer Is Everywhere
Not an essential purchase, but a charming interactive board book to bring Christmas cheer nonetheless.
PREMIUM
A Mouse Family Christmas
This story teaches a positive lesson about working together to complete a task and spread holiday cheer. A lovely choice for holiday shelves.
PREMIUM
Spooky, Scary Skeletons
This well-loved tune, now in book form, is a perfect addition to any Halloween collection.
Purchase to fill a hole in coverage of international celebrations and for readers who enjoy a good scare.
PREMIUM
Buster and the Christmas Parade
Race car and holiday fans will enjoy this befitting story for picture book collections.
A potentially popular addition to elementary library collections. Readers will likely enjoy Betty’s enthusiasm and excitement around the Christmas holiday.
An additional purchase for collections where Hanukkah stories are popular.
PREMIUM
What Jewish Looks Like
In a world where anti-Semitic violence has steadily risen since 2016, this book delivers a reminder that Jewish people are musicians, athletes, activists, religious leaders, and just like everyone else
Guaranteed to inspire young scientists and environmentalists eager to learn how the past can guide us to a sustainable future. Highly recommended for the middle school library and classroom.
A great resource for research projects and nature enthusiasts, recommended for middle grade science collections. Finally, some good news about the future of honey bees!
A worthy addition for collections looking to broaden coverage in their religions representation.
PREMIUM
The Diamond Explorer
A lovely fiction pick for readers who don’t often see themselves represented in fiction, those interested in learning more about Hmong spiritual beliefs, or seeking a fantasy genre not often explored for this age group.
For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.
PREMIUM
The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah
With important themes, and careful crafting, this is worth considering for most libraries.
For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.
PREMIUM
Hello, I’m a Sloth
Warm presentations of vulnerable species will appeal to young animal lovers in these read alouds.
PREMIUM
Hello, I’m a Quokka
Warm presentations of vulnerable species will appeal to young animal lovers in these read alouds.
PREMIUM
Hello, I’m a Pangolin
Warm presentations of vulnerable species will appeal to young animal lovers in these read alouds.
PREMIUM
Chomp! The Truth About Sharks
A delightful first buy, full of fun and interesting facts and photos that will appeal to shark fanatics and the merely curious.
With its unique blend of science, humor, and visual appeal, this is a must-read for anyone curious about the natural world.
Full of humor and heart, this is a must-buy for any school or public library. Hand to readers who love a good laugh but will also benefit from a quick lesson.
PREMIUM
Wildfire Rescue: A Branches Book
A good addition about natural disasters for chapter book collections.
PREMIUM
I Felt Myself Slipping
Highly recommended. In narrative construction and sequential art, this story of athleticism, the fragility of confidence, and teen friendship unfolds with the grace and power of the sport of gymnastics itself.
Charlotte was my student in a university fiction course during the pandemic. A couple years later, I was delighted to find out that my publisher had chosen Charlotte to illustrate my cover!
The National Book Award finalists have been announced!
Ruth Chan talks about her graphic novel memoir, UPROOTED
With a mother who grew up in Istanbul and a father who grew up in Montana, I spent much of my childhood traveling between those settings, figuring out how to exist in both, and grappling with questions of identity and belonging.
Celebrate the Jewish New Year by sharing these board and picture books.
Spooky month is here, and not only am I thrilled for the fall breezes and pumpkin decor, but I’m also excited for so many incredible YA releases that arrive this month. And there are so many. I cut this list down at least four times, and we’re still at 16 books! So here’s the 16books […]
A highly recommended addition to collections. This compelling novel leaves it up to Bella alone to admit she needs help and is an education—and a warning
PREMIUM
Zodiac Rising
This fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy will certainly leave readers begging for the next installment. Recommend it to fans of Cassandra Clare and Tracy Deonn.
PREMIUM
The Bitter End
A gripping, fantastically twisty mystery for fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson.
PREMIUM
For She Is Wrath
Hand to romantasy fans looking for an Arya Stark–esque heroine. This standalone is recommended for most collections.
In this exciting addition to YA shelves, Ali’s characters leap off the page. Highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
Stronger at the Seams
This must-read book for teens with chronic illness has universal themes for all readers about the importance of self-advocacy, family, and friendship.
PREMIUM
Red in Tooth and Claw
All the gritty violence of a Western melds with a dark mystery to great effect. A definite purchase for most collections.
A well-researched and excellent addition to STEM classes and library collections.
PREMIUM
The Wolfpack Way
The illustrations carry this book; readers will enjoy seeing recognizable characters who express their individuality, which may be enough to offset the unwieldy text.
With the stated shortcomings, this title will be of interest to collections where tales of animal heroics are popular.
This collection will draw Ito’s loyal fans and horror enthusiasts; an additional purchase for libraries where his other work is popular.
PREMIUM
Last Quarter, Vol. 1
This supernatural mystery comes with moments of intensity, but nonetheless makes for an interesting read.
This is a quality guide on manga iconography, and due to its niche nature, it is recommended mainly for systems that serve large populations, or those that prioritize the arts.
Though it has elements of garden variety romance, this manga tosses some surprises into the mix, making it a more interesting option for readers to check out.
PREMIUM
Pupposites Attract, Vol. 1
While this manga won’t be for everybody, its art and subject matter are unquestionably delightful; a light title that will keep readers smiling.
PREMIUM
Fool Night, Vol. 1
Readers of The Summer Hikaru Died will appreciate this delve into a well-crafted body horror story.
PREMIUM
Haikyu!! (3-in-1 Edition)
This 3-in-1 edition is a great investment for libraries looking to save a little bit of shelf space while offering a perennial favorite that will resonate with readers for years to come.
PREMIUM
Neopets: The Omelette Faerie
This would feel right at home as an in-game comic, but outside of its fans, it may not stand as well.
PREMIUM
Second to None
Despite issues, this is a fine addition to libraries looking to expand their middle grade collections; fans of Gordon Korman and Max Brailler will enjoy DJ’s high jinks.
PREMIUM
The Witching Wind
Although the plot sometimes gets tangled in metaphor, this is a warm and lyrical story about the ways that connections between loved ones can stretch across distance and time.
A terrific book that uses horror to discuss the importance of family, remembrance, and the matrix of support needed to thrive in this world and beyond.
A first purchase for middle school libraries, especially where fresh approaches to sports fiction are in high demand.
PREMIUM
The Night Mother
This gothic graphic novel will appeal to young readers who want to branch out from the popular tropes of middle grade stories.
PREMIUM
Tinker Bell and the Lost City
A must for fans of Tinker Bell and for libraries seeking classic fantasies with refreshingly modern twists.
PREMIUM
Leon: Worst Friends Forever
This graphic novel is great for fans of adventure and can be read as a stand-alone title.
PREMIUM
Noodle & Bao
Timely and engaging, the book’s adorable characters and heartwarming approach to a serious issue will have broad appeal.
An anthology that beams with heart and hope, especially for young Black girls. Recommended for all middle grade collections.
This hilarious look into life as a kid in the summer of 1975 is a must-have for any and all middle grade libraries.
From break of dawn to day’s end, the journey of the sun as captured in lyrical text and stunning illustrations is a joy to behold. Highly recommended for all collections to encourage curiosity about life on Earth and the connections all living beings share.
PREMIUM
So Cold!
A vital book for cold days or warm ones, this is a STEM celebration of the amazing opportunities below-zero temperatures can provide for eager explorers.
PREMIUM
When Dogs Work
Covering a wide spectrum of the roles dogs play in our world, this board book will engage young readers and help them develop an appreciation for the amazing canines in our world.
This cotton candy confection of a big horse and a little girl will have broad appeal. Strong first buy.
PREMIUM
The Duel: A Story About Peace
This beautiful book about the healing of distance and reflection is recommended for all libraries where picture books circulate.
PREMIUM
Hay un lugar
A straightforward and helpful tool for discussions about expressing big feelings and different ways to receive support. Recommended.
A delightful message-in-rhyme makes for a fun read-aloud for anyone who’s ever wondered if they have what it takes to accomplish a goal.
PREMIUM
When Love Is More Than Words
This is a sweet book about love being shown in all the ways that matter and would be enjoyed by parents and children reading together or in story-hour settings.
The focus on two children experiencing trauma provides an opening for young people to process and discuss their own shared experiences in a story that is clear and honest without being didactic.
PREMIUM
Chooch Helped
This recommended story reminds readers how they could lead by example for those who are curious and want to also be included in the joys of life, be it miniscule chores or creating art.
PREMIUM
All the Books
A charming introduction to libraries but a missed opportunity for deeper explorations.
An engaging and culturally thoughtful picture book for libraries, especially for a family story time focusing on mirror-and-window encounters with heritage families.
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