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A sensitive story infused with optimism and perseverance, this will encourage wholesome conversation with children of all socioeconomic backgrounds; it’s an essential purchase.
PREMIUM
Just the Right Cake
A solid purchase for collections wanting to augment their collections with books on divorce, change, family, and finding your story.
Most effective as a read-aloud, this dense history/myth doesn’t quite meet its stated goal of being a story about magic and growing up but does offer a whimsical and informative element to the folklore collections of upper elementary libraries.
PREMIUM
In the Palm of My Hand
An appreciation of nature is sure to follow any reader who ambles through this tale.
A vibrant #girldad story of patience, determination, and love makes this an easy purchase for all library collections.
PREMIUM
Grandad’s Pride
Though it does not quite live up to the promise of its predecessor, this book will prove meaningful to children and families with connections to the history and continuing tradition of Pride.
A first purchase for picture book collections, this title will be a hit at story hours and for and classroom read-alouds, as well as a treasure for book lovers of all ages.
PREMIUM
Whatever Comes Tomorrow
Perhaps now more than ever, this book is an antidote for the anxiety that many are currently experiencing as a result of the pandemic. A worthy title.
An exuberant follow-up to The Proudest Blue, this should join that one on the shelves.
PREMIUM
Beneath
Artistically and emotionally compelling, this book shows how consideration of others can lead to peace within ourselves. A book for a wide range of readers, brisk enough for the very young and affecting enough for older ones.
PREMIUM
Turtles of the Midnight Moon
This story will have wide appeal, reaching tweens interested in mysteries, the environment, and ocean life. While some elements may feel out of place, middle graders will still be charmed.
With its sensitive portrayal of loss, and its carefully researched depiction of a devastating time in American history, this lyrical novel is highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Under-the-Sea Seder
For a realistic under-the-sea Jewish holiday adventure, refer to Esther Susan Heller’s Menorah Under the Sea.
PREMIUM
Meet Ms. Marvel
The superheroes in this fun reader will delight and engage emerging readers.
A great book about teamwork, and a valuable addition to a library or classroom.
A recommended purchase for all early reader collections.
For young readers who love funny animal stories, as well as sweet stories about self-acceptance.
This title has the potential to appeal to young kids everywhere.
PREMIUM
Pinkfong: Everybody Dances!
Purchase for collections where shared early reading titles of television licensed material and Pinkfong, in particular, are in demand.
A wonderful addition to any early childhood or elementary school library, this is a perfect purchase for any collections where the “Judy Moody” or the “Stink” series circulate well.
The story helps children understand that best friends can have different interests, but it remains silent on the value of compromise.
PREMIUM
Henry, Like Always
This title features a boy on the spectrum who finds a way to meet change and manage it; it’s a great addition to any library’s early chapter book collection.
PREMIUM
Maxie Wiz and Her Dragon
A sweet bedtime story of friendship and magic for emerging readers.
PREMIUM
I Really Want to Make Lemonade!
The value of cooperation, teamwork, thoughtfulness, and sharing with friends are all important themes revealed in this entertaining and engaging story.
PREMIUM
Miracle
Perfect for middle school music nerds, especially those undergoing personal turmoil.
The nuanced depiction of disability, intergenerational conflict, and family trauma make this a must-have for all middle grade shelves.
PREMIUM
The Sister Split
This story of blended families with LGBTQIA+ themes will be popular with realistic fiction readers.
PREMIUM
Mirror to Mirror
This engaging verse novel opens doors to more conversations about mental health and deserves a place on every middle grade shelf.
PREMIUM
Come See the Fair
This story, intended for middle school readers, combines magic mixed with adventure and mystery and throws a little bit of historical fiction into it, would also attract high school and adult readers as well.
Based on a story published in the early 1900s, Smith’s retelling of this clever Yiddish folktale offers much food for thought and discussion.
Expertly written and beautifully engaging, readers will be transfixed with actual photographs and more than one explanation of this grim mystery. A first purchase for libraries.
PREMIUM
Outside Amelia’s Window
Inspirational and informative, this story is highly recommended for purchase for picture book collections.
Playful and serious, fraught and kind, these stories—and the accompanying illustrations
A valentine to reading, books, the love of books, and the rooms that house them, this charmer will find a home in every heart.
PREMIUM
Divine Rivals
More historical than fantasy, this is a rivals-to-lovers romance that requires a sequel to be satisfying. Consider purchasing for larger collections.
A quiet book that introduces so much in an elegant fashion; poetry that is also lovely natural science.
PREMIUM
Chaos & Flame
A fantasy story with an engaging premise, this will circulate well in libraries where other epic fantasy and enemies-to-lovers romances are popular.
PREMIUM
The Witch and the Vampire
Readers of paranormal romance or fairy-tale retellings will likely enjoy this quick read.
PREMIUM
Rainbow Shopping
A celebration of family, heritage, and home, this book is a worthy addition to any collection.
An excellent choice for fans of sophisticated horror that includes both paranormal and real-life terrors, such as Elana K. Arnold’s Red Hood.
PREMIUM
B My Name Is Boy
It’s not meant to be a serious world tour, but random, almost thoughtless choices make this a less-than-essential purchase.
This impactful novel provides an up-close look at bullying and its consequences, and is a must-have for upper middle grade and young adult Spanish-language collections.
PREMIUM
Girl Forgotten
This podcast-themed fusion of mystery and suspense that will arouse readers’ curiosity to the nail-biting end.
Fans of Wein’s earlier works, Keith O’Brien’s Fly Girls, and Steve Sheinkin’s Born to Fly will greatly enjoy this novel. Highly recommended for all libraries.
Explicit sexual references, binge drinking, and an off-campus drag show provide a realistic backdrop to college life as student reporter Laurel investigates criminal allegations against the head football coach. Enthusiastically recommended.
A wonderful introduction to the variety of weaving traditions, this title would be an ideal way to begin a unit on fiber arts in a classroom, or for readers to examine their own cultural backgrounds to explore their unique origins. Recommended.
This unique picture book’s celebration of Jamaican culture and community is a great addition to every library.
PREMIUM
Chaos Theory
An honest, if stark, examination of how teen relationships can grow and mature through intense trials. Perfect for high schoolers, or those extra-mature eighth graders.
PREMIUM
Wait for Me
This gentle story about the benefits of going at your own pace can be considered an additional purchase where intergenerational stories are in demand.
This intergenerational story will provide young people with an opportunity to share those special bonds they have with an older person and hopefully encourage them to reflect on the simple acts that connect one generation to the next.
PREMIUM
Brighter Than the Sun
The stream-of-consciousness narrative grabs the hearts of readers and is perfect for building empathy as a mirror, window, or sliding glass door. A strong purchase for YA collections.
PREMIUM
Linh’s Rooftop Garden
A solid addition to this series, and wonderful for most children’s gardening or botanical shelves.
Violence can be inherited but so can love and forgiveness. This vulnerable and magnetic tale of brotherhood belongs on every shelf.
Mix and match fun to induce giggles or riots, but this will have all onlookers interacting and learning new words.
PREMIUM
Lies We Sing to the Sea
As expected with a tragedy, love does not always ensure a happy ending, but readers will be invested in the story and characters regardless. Recommended for most teen collections, especially where Greek mythology-inspired fiction is popular.
A fabulous addition to any library collection catering to small children.
PREMIUM
Last Chance Dance
Wilson’s breezy narrative and the inventive Last Chance Dance premise make a winning combination in this romance where Leila learns how to trust again while figuring out how to define herself outside of her relationship status.
For the SEL shelves, here’s a feel-good book full of thoughtfulness and empathy about the small things we can each do to make the world a better place.
PREMIUM
Matilda Makes Matzah Balls
This amiable but unremarkable story would make a decent additional purchase for libraries in need of more Jewish representation. Others can pass.
PREMIUM
Looking for Sleep
A bedtime book that gets very loud before it gets quiet, but children will love to see the animals finally find sleep.
PREMIUM
Luis de Torres Sails to Freedom
An excellent introduction to a lesser-known holiday and historical event. Jewish schools and libraries will want to add it, and it is a worthwhile addition for public libraries as needed.
PREMIUM
When Sunlight Tiptoes
Accompanied by soft illustrations that match the morning mood, this is a wonderful way to begin a day with children and set them up to speak to their own beginnings.
PREMIUM
Pirate Passover
Pass on this uneven effort. The pirate aspect of the story is unnecessary to the plot, and while the Passover information is deployed effectively, it doesn’t make up for the weak scansion and trite rhymes.
PREMIUM
My Mommies Built a Treehouse
This sweet, rhyming STEAM story is a pleasing read. Recommended as an additional purchase.
Could it be a classic? Children will be shouting “Ducks!” and “No Ducks!” at story hours, but it’s all in a terrific cause.
PREMIUM
Maisy’s Recycling Truck
Recycling 101 from everyone’s favorite mouse! It’s a primer, and it’s never too early to teach children the importance of helping out.
An adorable story that encourages students to share what they do during the day and how much they love their family
PREMIUM
Dads Can Do It All!
Recommended for young children, because it highlights the importance of dads as role models and lets children know that they can be anything they set their minds to.
PREMIUM
Moms Can Do It All!
Recommended to highlight the importance of moms as role models, and the contributions they make in the community. This title can also inspire children to believe that they can be anything they want to be.
This will dance off the shelves by itself, but works for Black History Month, spring roundups, highlighting poems, or just a look at the lyrical.
PREMIUM
My Day with Dad
This bright and colorful story is highly relatable for young readers and is a recommended purchase for early reader collections.
This laugh-out-loud picture book should be a staple for all children’s libraries holiday sections.
PREMIUM
How to Catch a Daddysaurus
A great Father’s Day story for those who want to talk about their dads and how much they mean to them.
PREMIUM
Papa’s Home
Reminiscent of David McPhail’s work, but with contemporary sensibilities, this charming and generous book belongs in any collection serving younger readers and their parents.
A solid purchase for board book shelves.
With so many grace notes to spy in the bunnies’ days, preschoolers will want to gaze at this book with caregivers or alone.
PREMIUM
Daddy & Me, Side by Side
A recommended purchase for sharing one-on-one, with a generational continuity camping theme and as a gentle treatment for addressing loss of a grandparent.
PREMIUM
Little Chicks
So simple, so clean in design and message, but what an emotional wallop. Leave this one on a low shelf for preschoolers, too.
PREMIUM
Baby’s First Words: Easter
A great choice for libraries looking to increase their Easter board book offerings.
PREMIUM
Don’t Mix Up My Puppy!
With a smiling carrot, a happy bee, and other touches, this lighthearted game will lead to mix-ups and “Put it back!” and plenty of happy accidents. A keeper.
This has been done before, of course, but the illustrations are perfect for this age group.
PREMIUM
Just a Worm
A lovely first work, and a talent to watch, Boyd only needs a stronger story to balance the knock-out art.
PREMIUM
NerdCrush
While the plot outcome is predictable, the characters are likable enough to make this a book worth having in secondary school libraries.
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