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If we as adults (and authors) can’t give our kids a world that makes any sense, the least we can do is let them play in one.
Kid lit authors attending ALA Annual are ready to support and work with embattled librarians as they manage attacks on their work. SLJ spoke with Samira Ahmed, Jas Hammonds, Angela Joy, and Eliot Schrefer about the importance of spending time with librarians at the conference discussing books, censorship, and supporting young readers.
PREMIUM
Claro de luna
An engaging novel for younger teens that centers around a relatable heroine and a fascinating history.
PREMIUM
Another Dimension of Us
An ambitious and convoluted adventure that misses the mark; not recommended for purchase.
An authentic journey for adoptees who are not allowed to feel sad but thrust into a stance of gratitude for a life they were given and for all readers who, after a loss, are reconstructing their identities.
A silly celebration of play, imagination, and devoted fathers that would enhance a Father’s Day program or display. Recommended for first purchase.
PREMIUM
I Am a Rainbow!
While the story is far from unique, this book ably retells it, while showcasing a lot of diversity.
PREMIUM
The Minus-One Club
A raw coming-of-age story that illustrates the multi-faceted nature of grief and growing up.
PREMIUM
Un hijo
A ruminative novel that might be difficult for some adolescents to follow. Experienced readers of Spanish might find this more accessible.
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we offer this list of nonfiction and fiction titles to commemorate the lives of the thousands of people of Japanese descent who were impacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, which forcibly relocated them into concentration camps.
A timely and necessary addition to any elementary or middle school library, especially as LGBTQIA+ children are seeking examples of loving communities who fully embrace every part of them.
PREMIUM
Felice and the Wailing Woman
Recommended for readers who enjoy a fast-paced fantasy with folkloric roots. This is a good addition to any juvenile fiction collection, especially for those seeking shorter, less magic-heavy, books in the fantasy genre.
Books on kindness and sharing are important in all libraries; those searching for books on holidays and traditions will find this a worthy addition.
PREMIUM
Clash of Fate and Fury
Despite tying up loose ends, the book may leave readers unsatisfied. Not recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
The Headmaster’s List
With relatable teen protagonists and a satisfying conclusion, this is an essential purchase for teen collections.
PREMIUM
La supercapa de Abuela
A fun and bright addition to Spanish picture book collections that will remind readers the importance of play and using their imagination even during difficult times. Purchase for intergenerational picture book shelves.
PREMIUM
El pato y sus zapatos
This board book is just the right amount of cute to make it a good purchase for bilingual board book collections.
PREMIUM
Cool. Awkward. Black
All told, the collection is strong for several reasons and a necessary purchase for teen anthologies in the library.
These outstanding works by 12 authors encompass historical fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, picture books, and more.
PREMIUM
The Mermaid Princesses
With stunning artwork accompanied by universal themes, this is recommended for purchase for most collections.
Elementary classrooms and libraries will benefit by including this book, sure to be loved by primary students.
PREMIUM
Being a Cat: A Tail of Curiosity
An easy purchase and surefire hit that will especially resonate with young cat fans.
PREMIUM
Percy’s Perfect Friend
This is the ideal classroom or library read-aloud for the beginning of the school year to coincide with learning all the rules and being a good friend.
Fascinating and thought-provoking, this title deserves a spot next to Becker’s other masterpieces of visual storytelling. Thoughtful and highly engaging.
PREMIUM
When You Were New
A quietly joyful look at the passing of time, noted in small moments, that teaches mindfulness as well as the bonds of familial love.
PREMIUM
The Storytellers Rule
Positive message and great read-aloud potential with advice that will resonate with both writing-phobic kids and their adults. Recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
What Happened to You?
A rare perspective that removes pity, dissolves differences or impediments, and welcomes everyone into the game unquestioningly.
PREMIUM
I Am the Walrus
From time travel to aliens to shapeshifting to an apocalypse, this work proves there may be such a thing as too much science fiction in one book.
PREMIUM
Fish and Worm
For transitional readers, a great “first” graphic novel offering tidy etiquette lessons and brimming with wit.
An amiable story perfect to elicit smiles from burgeoning readers.
PREMIUM
Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy
Broad appeal and an engaging emotional journey make this an excellent addition to any early reader collection. Recommended for first purchase.
The connection of Misty’s story with Clare’s is a bit of a stretch, but the short sentences and large font are excellent for beginning readers.
PREMIUM
Reggie, Kid Penguin
A rib-tickling title that will give the younger elementary set a character to call their own from the graphic novel shelves. Recommended.
With the explosion in popularity of little libraries, this book with bright illustrations and simple text would make an excellent addition to any well-rounded collection.
Common sight words, short sentences, and minimal words on each page make this a good choice for beginning readers.
PREMIUM
The Mystery of the Painted Fan
A strong chapter book about family, love, and gender expression that is recommended for all libraries.
A seamlessly written, action-packed story that’s also a sensitive, introspective character study. Fans who’ve been waiting for more of adorable couple Nico and Will won’t be disappointed.
Hand to tweens who enjoy magical realism and quest stories. Ziggy’s experiences with anxiety and loss will likely resonate with many.
Recommended for larger collections and where longer Disney books fly off the shelves.
PREMIUM
In the Tunnel
This companion novel to Brother’s Keeper is recommended for readers of historical fiction
A page-turning examination of power, sex, and murder as characters revisit their pasts with a new perspective.
PREMIUM
The London Séance Society
Mature teens will enjoy the mystery and learn plenty about the occult and time period.
A gripping addition to the reimagined fairy-tale genre; give this to fans of Melissa Bashardoust’s Girls Made of Snow and Glass, Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorn and Roses” series, and Margaret Owen’s Little Thieves.
PREMIUM
Black Candle Women
Generations of women must confront their fears, resolve their issues, and rebuild their relationships. Good general purchase.
Mature teens who can’t get enough of Leigh Bardugo and V.E. Schwab will devour this fast-paced fantasy adventure and will eagerly await the next installments.
PREMIUM
Lying in the Deep
A fun, twisty thriller with a diverse cast and a dash of romance, this book is perfect for readers who love Urban’s first two thrillers, as well as fans of Jessica Goodman and Karen M. McManus.
PREMIUM
The Lake House
Recommended. Horror/thrillers are always in high demand in the library, and good ones are hard to find. The throwback cover and the description alone will be enough to get this one circulating.
An exciting addition to any high school mystery or historical fiction collection.
PREMIUM
Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success
A scrumptious debut that fans of Nina Moreno’s books will want to savor.
PREMIUM
Viva Lola Espinoza
This debut novel is cute and warm; it will keep readers flipping through the pages and swooning over the romantic moments, as well as interested in the well-written and engaging story.
PREMIUM
An Improbable Season
This must-read for Regency fans combines the true friendship of Lisa Kleypas’s “The Wallflower” series, the emotional thrills of Bridgerton, and just the right number of first kisses.
Perry’s dreams, desires, culture, traditions, and actions create a compelling narrative about one teen’s attempt to undo some of the injustices her community and people have faced. Strong first buy.
PREMIUM
If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come
Recommended; this beautifully written story is one to share (with care).
Librarian Spidey senses are tingling; this is a must for your shelves.
PREMIUM
Magic Has No Borders
As short story collections go, this strong selection featuring South Asian characters is joyous and original. Add it to the shelf.
PREMIUM
A Hunger of Thorns
Full of vivid and poetic prose, this girl-power fantasy will win fans among lovers of magic in the natural world. Recommended for junior high and high school collections.
The cover includes the quote that “magic is for everyone” and this short story collection lives up to it with trans characters at the forefront. A strong purchase for YA shelves.
This falls short in totality. Preferred reading goes to nonfiction about Marie Curie rather than this collection loosely inspired by her life.
Owen writes at the top of her game, with this installment even stronger than Little Thieves. This series is a must-have for library collections.
PREMIUM
Pieces of Me
A powerful story that sheds light on a serious mental condition. Recommended for mature teens.
PREMIUM
Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute
A not-to-be-missed, lighthearted romantic comedy with great representation.
Mills’s book captures that awkward beauty of adolescence in this feel-good read that will have readers reaching for a ball of yarn. An excellent choice for YA readers, knitting enthusiasts, or anyone who just enjoys a good slice-of-life read.
PREMIUM
The Rules of Us
There are better messy coming out books, like Leah Johnson's You Should See Me in a Crown or Brandy Colbert's Little & Lion. A secondary purchase.
PREMIUM
Cake Vs. Pie
Clever wordplay and detailed illustrations keep this animated tale moving along at a fast pace to delight readers with a scrumptious tale of friendship.
PREMIUM
When a Friend Needs a Friend
There are many SEL books available that share a similar story in a more accessible way; pair this with Cori Doerrfeld's The Rabbit Listened or Trudy Ludwig's The Invisible Boy.
When sharing, read Paul’s glorious author’s note first to establish that this tale from memory offers so many lessons and so much beauty in very few pages.
PREMIUM
The Stars
A useful title for units on prejudice, or an exploration of differences and commonalities; educators can bridge what otherwise may make be cryptic to the usual picture book audience.
Whether read aloud in classrooms or shared at home, this is an enjoyable and helpful tool to promote kindergarten readiness in young children.
This expertly designed picture book is a love letter to the Earth’s future, and it is a joy to read aloud to young children.
Mysteries for young readers are few and far between and this one is fun and entertaining; it will elicit laughter and plenty of discussion.
A must-have for all picture book collections, paired with an even more soothing title afterward.
PREMIUM
When You Can Swim
While this is not a plot-driven story, it would be excellent for early classroom discussions about theme and figurative language.
PREMIUM
Boy Dad
A picture book that depicts beautiful fathers in a nuanced way that is great for sharing one-on-one or in the classroom.
PREMIUM
Lucy Tries Baseball
Emphasizing inclusion and playing for fun, this title will be a hit with preschool and primary grade readers.
Essential for most collections, and with its wildlife-centric art, it’s also a perfect read-aloud for Earth Day.
PREMIUM
Bear with me
This sweet story is a lovely choice for all collections serving young readers and their families. Recommended.
PREMIUM
A Smart, Smart School
This lovely picture book companion to A Fine, Fine School welcomes readers to an incredible elementary school that appreciates creativity and those who make an impact on students’ lives.
Although the message is simple, it’s solid, and the collaborators give it appeal for all ages needing an inspiring story of strength, confidence, and perseverance.
PREMIUM
We Are a Song
An uplifting celebration of diversity and family, sure to be welcome in many collections.
PREMIUM
My Wish for the World
A lovely book; these messages will make children aware that simple acts can make a big difference for everyone.
PREMIUM
Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries: A Story with a Calming Mantra and Mindful Prompts
Best suited for purchase where the author or this series is popular or where titles on mindfulness are needed.
Funny, heartwarming, and accessible, this is a charming book that will encourage and entertain fledgling readers as they improve their independent reading skills.
PREMIUM
Oslo Learns to Swim
Recommended for general purchase, as it will have broad appeal to the preschool and the beginning reader population.
PREMIUM
Talia’s Codebook for Mathletes
A delightful novel sure to be a hit with readers wishing to become mathematicians or even scientists. With a narrative infused with colorful illustrations, codes, jokes, and observations, this is a fantastic start to a new series.
PREMIUM
The Ruby Code
Video game fans will love this book. Recommended for juvenile sci-fi collections.
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