Families come in all sizes and shapes, warmly shown here; this book is recommended for libraries to add any shelves on ever-expanding inclusivity.
A fast-paced adventure that forces three children to make decisions about survival and come to terms with some grown-up issues.
An excellent story about Indigenous culture, and how communities can support each other when things are tough. A strong choice for any elementary library.
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
A must-read for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans.
A dreamy and mysterious tale about taking chances and traveling through time for the people you love, this is an excellent blend of a tense, high-stakes mystery and a relationship-driven, coming-of-age story.
An ideal holiday book for all, and essential Lunar New Year reading.
Readers of the “Raybearer” series will welcome the return to familiar territory.
For those needing a solid read-aloud for story times, consider this; despite some random elements, its message of love for nature is clear.
An excellent resource for those seeking an interactive story hour.
A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
Buy the book and the series. Kids need access to this diverse classroom of students who face everyday crises with their supportive friends, and this gentle read shows the goodness in the world without being overly sappy.
This book fulfills its purpose but count on another title to find the joy of Purim.
Bound to be a story time hit.
While not an essential purchase, libraries where holiday titles are popular may want to get their paws on this adorable book.
Despite a promising start, this underdeveloped title is not recommended for purchase.
A book that begs to be read in one sitting.
This thankful season, children can read all about dinosaurs, crayons, and even turkeys enjoying food, fun, and family.
A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library.
A feisty queer retelling of a classic, perfect for a teach-along or lesson enhancement.
A quick and riveting mystery with fantastic representation.
Gr 10 Up–Horan’s second contemporary queer YA novel is a fantastic and much-needed ace romance...
Recommended for collections where titles like Tom Ryan’s I Hope You’re Listening or Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder circulate well.
An emotionally gripping debut novel that shines with hope, even through its traumas and trials.
A timely and engaging read for all ages, sure to be popular with teens and adult readers of YA.
Highly recommended and appropriate for all YA collections, especially where diverse romance stories featuring women of color are popular.
A basketball tome for die-hard fans of sports fiction.
A lovely purchase, this warm bedtime story is laced with love of music and close family feelings.
A sweet tale about overcoming fears that uniquely merges the insect and medieval worlds. Recommended for picture book collections.
Compelling as this is in concept, it misses the mark and is not recommended for purchase.
A thought-provoking and beautiful discussion about what makes up a face, but an optional purchase for most libraries.
Highly recommended; this is a compassionate look at how to support a friend overwhelmed by emotions.
This sweet and charming book shows children how to connect emotions and memories through simple, repetitive language and softly colored illustrations.
A story with a clear message about owning up to one’s mistakes that is sure to inspire discussion.
This hopeful work on a subject treated all too infrequently in picture books would be a sensitive and welcome addition to any library.
A wonderful book that showcases what the imagination can do, and to shelve right next to Crockett Johnson’s original.
This gorgeously illustrated poem celebrating and elevating brown girls is a solid choice for picture book collections.
A stunning book, this may have difficulty finding the right audience; a limited first buy.
A lively look at opposites that is a useful teaching tool and an examination of the many animals in a busy forest. A recommended purchase.
In charming and expressive imagery, readers will find a journey that requires courage, reasoning, and newfound maturity. A worthwhile purchase.
A breathtaking trip through one boy’s imagination, this beautiful picture book is highly recommended for school and public libraries.
A gentle reminder that everyone possesses the golden commodity of time when it comes to showing courtesy, compassion, and care for others.
This tribute to roti is a solid purchase.
A twist on the animal-in-the-library story that is both perfect nonsense and informative.
A great introduction to the wonderful world of science, this book can be used across many grade levels.
Recommended for communities with Vietnamese families and for building out collections of folktales from the world.
A quick yet joyous read, this is a sweet addition to libraries looking to expand any inclusive picture book section.
This combination of cheerful drawings and omniscient narrative, plus joyful dogs, will appeal to young readers. The book works for both story time or independent reading. A strong first buy.
An excellent option for a food-themed shared reading.
A strong entry in the family and friends graphic novel genre. Give this to fans of Raina Telgemeier, Shannon Hale, Varian Johnson, and Nathan Fairbairn.
A lighthearted read for any child nervous about the start of school.
Fans of “Hilda and Twig” will love this fantastic new outing, which also works perfectly as a standalone or an introduction for those new to the series.
Recommended for purchase where the series is popular.
A cute social-emotional read for kiddos. Pair with Doreen Cronin’s “Chicken Squad” series for more lively fun.
An additional purchase where science-based novels are needed.
This fast-paced book with relatable characters will appeal to readers and parents alike, especially those interested in food, cooking, and family-run businesses. Highly recommended for collections.
The perfect realistic read for readers pursuing family, friendship, and hope.
This book’s historical significance and poignant narrative offers a realistic, empathetic understanding of the impact of war. A compelling addition to libraries.
A pleasant second installment with plenty of action and scares.
A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the historic land rush; a must-buy for all libraries.
Nuanced characters and brisk pacing add interest to a novel focusing on historical events that are now current events and rarely written about in middle grade fiction.
A charming multiple-perspective novel featuring character growth and the power of community; a great addition to larger libraries.
An affecting story of persistent trauma that leaves the door open for eventual healing.
A great read for all fans of mysteries, puzzles, true love, and friendship.
Overall, this novel is a queer-friendly, heartwarming exploration of identity, communication, and acceptance, making it a must-read for young readers seeking an authentic and relatable story.
The novel is a must-read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling with emotional depth.
A good purchase to add to libraries that aim to support book discussion groups and classroom learning that coincides with true events, past and present.
The dramatic narrative asks thought-provoking questions about class and mobility under repressive systems. The murkiness of the art sometimes gets in the way of engaging with the story, but the text carries it through.
A sweet, queer coming-of-age story about listening to one’s self and navigating the complex world of friendships and romance. Recommended for purchase.
Though not for the faint of heart, this touching, gripping, and heartbreaking historical graphic novel doesn’t shy away from the dark sides of the true events it’s based on, while still offering a ray of hope for the genuine good out there.
Fans of Shinkai’s previous works, such as your name or Weathering with You, will be at home here too. Purchase where epic adventure-fantasies are popular.
Featuring an entertaining, captivating narrative, this series opener is a pot of intrigue that is sure to boil over in ensuing volumes.
A standout graphic novel that belongs in every collection for artful storytelling, beautifully expressive imagery, and a heroine who is admirable and fully human.
While far too violent for younger readers, this first volume ostentatiously highlights disability representation through outrageous fun action, laying the groundwork for a promising series where anything is possible.
An additional purchase where thrillers involving social media are popular.
This YA horror novel is perfect for fans of Kendare Blake, Rin Chupeco, and Madeleine Roux. The narrative is fast paced, with plot twists to keep readers intrigued and wanting more.
A singular historical romance destined for all YA collections. These characters will have a hold on readers long after the last page.
An exhilarating thriller; fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson will devour it.
This wild, romantic gallop through a fascinating moment in history will delight both history buffs and readers looking for high society escapism.
An ardently macabre and unique horror-fantasy mashup with strong appeal for the rabid and eager fans of V.E. Schwab and Stephanie Garber who are ready to go darker.
Recommended for older readers, as characters partake in drinking parties and sexual relationships; a good choice for those seeking atmospheric magical realism.YA Graphic Novels
Creative and unique, this is a special treat for readers who wish Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games had been set in the world of Jumanji.
10 entertaining books for young children about patience, impatience, apologies, and more.
This roundup of 2024 books centering Native American stories offers something for every reader to enjoy this November and all year long.
A genuine celebration of family, friends, and the immigrant experience, recommended for all collections.
Collections seeking inspiring titles of family and personal devotion will benefit.
An ideal time-filler for young detectives.
Add this to holiday collections. Young elementary readers who are in the mood for a Christmas story will love this title.
This series continues to serve as a window to Nigerian culture while it follows the conventions of both traditional storytelling and modern children’s fiction.
With its emotionally resonant look at one aspect of immigrant family dynamics, this title is a solid purchase for picture book collections.
Recommended for fans of the new film.
A marvelous modern family story. Readers who enjoy novels of animals and resilience like L.M. Elliott’s Bea and the New Deal Horse will inhale Lynch’s latest.
Animal lovers who are edging into longer chapter books will appreciate the story and Sam’s funny view of humans, or “naked-monkey-things.” An excellent addition to the shelves of school and public libraries.
As we gear up to a presidential election, these titles can help young readers to better understand the past, present, and future of the voting process.
A great choice for libraries needing stories on the topic of Groundhog’s Day.
A highly recommended resource for fostering meaningful discussions in classrooms and libraries around history, perseverance, and the power of learning.
Whether children like this book is entirely dependent on their patience or interest in gross. It’s an additional purchase for libraries.
Inspired by daughter Hope, Kotb’s book is pleasant if predictable.
Perfect for STEM courses, this book introduces parallel universes in the most delicious way possible.
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