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From a glittering party in Harlem to a dazzling parade in Tokyo, from a baba's small patch of soil to a cadre of children learning to love who they are or stand up for others, the very best of 2023's picture books invite readers into pages to meet the world head on.
This year's best in middle grade includes fierce folklore-inspired adventures, powerful explorations of identity, and tender ruminations on loss and grief. Tweens of all reading levels and interests will find a novel that speaks to them in this curated collection.
An engaging tale of morality, friendship, and identity that blends relatable tween angst with deliciously creepy Japanese folklore. Highly recommended for middle grade collections.
A monstrously thrilling, deeply emotional, and mythologically rich fantasy about seizing your own power.
PREMIUM
Hoppy Easter, Honey Bunny!
With minimal updates to the words of the well-known song and considerations with circulating the polyester tail, this is not recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
Big Kids No Everything
This lovely story is a charming investigation of the social-emotional elements that arise as young children are growing into their independence; a recommended book for families to enjoy together.
PREMIUM
The Shape of You
This thoughtful book incorporates early math concepts into a tale of the love and beauty that exist between a child and their caregiveres.
This isn’t an essential purchase, but may find a home with readers who appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
PREMIUM
Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear
This thoughtful picture book is a good choice for investigating the complex balance of friendship and independence.
PREMIUM
Afikotective
Jewish schools and libraries in search of unusual Passover stories might find a place for this one. Others can pass.
PREMIUM
Creeping Beauty
A fun read on the surface, but closer examination leaves gaping plot holes and a disconcerting romance.
PREMIUM
Soon, Your Hands
This heartwarming book is best suited to a lap read with a patient child and a loving caregiver.
A first purchase for middle school libraries, this underdog hero fantasy is recommended for fans of Tae Keller’s work and Roshani Chokshi’s “Aru Shah” series.
Recommended highly for all collections; readers will want to get their hands on the newest installment in this eternally popular series.
PREMIUM
Merry Christmas, Peter!
A gentle Christmas story with a classic cast of characters that readers will enjoy.
This is an important addition to library collections for young people, especially because it focuses on the challenging emotion of grief within an approachable context.
PREMIUM
Find Spot at Christmas
A surefire bet for Spot fans and those who enjoy a festive Christmas story.
PREMIUM
You Choose Christmas
Simple rhyming text, interactive questions, and busy full-page illustrations with a seek-and-find feel will keep readers engaged.
PREMIUM
Mascot
Highly recommended as a pick for classrooms to use in debate and conversations; a timely and important novel.
A unique take on a classic horror tale, this brutal ballet story is gruesome and satisfying. A first purchase for high school libraries.
This saccharine tale seems to be more of a marketing tool to sell sweet Christmas treats than a compelling story.
A typical Easter tale that, for all its sparkle, lacks imagination. Purchase only where “Uni the Unicorn” is exceedingly popular.
While Jewish schools and libraries might find a place for this uninspired offering, others can pass.
PREMIUM
Becoming a Queen
An inspiring story about a teen developing the confidence to push back against the rigid expectations surrounding gender expression.
These three titles are purrfect for beginning readers who enjoy all things feline.
PREMIUM
The Dos and Donuts of Love
Readers will root for Shireen not just to win the baking competition but also for her to grow and learn from her relationships and mistakes.
PREMIUM
Strange Unearthly Things
More of a reimagining than retelling, this falls tragically flat. Purchase only for collections where Creagh’s other titles are well loved.
An important book, highly recommended for high school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
Look No Further
An enjoyable, heartwarming read. Through their strategic use of art-based references and terms, the authors paint a beautifully descriptive and vibrant world inhabited by endearing and relatable characters that readers cannot help but cheer for.
A suspenseful and satisfying thriller with plenty of heart and humor.
PREMIUM
The Love Match
Cute romantic moments and Bengali culture save this novel. A good purchase for libraries where novels featuring Deshi characters and more romances are needed.
Sophisticated and imaginative, this unique, wordless picture book will captivate upper elementary readers.
PREMIUM
Rock Your Mocs
Recommended for cultural studies of the First Nations, especially for those interested in incorporating art, history, and modern life in an always respectful but dazzling display of mocs! A good choice for all picture book shelves.
PREMIUM
Penguin Huddle
Readers will enjoy the comedic failed attempts at separating the penguins and cheer when the huddle realizes that their bond is stronger than ever. Recommended.
Early elementary readers will treasure the delicate details of this book and tote it along for outdoor exploration. This cozy and whimsical primer on gnomes will delight readers of all ages.
While adding an element of fun, many libraries will question how a book with 144 flaps will survive multiple check-outs. Better for one-on-one sharing or story hours.
Add this to collections where the Buehners’s books are popular.
PREMIUM
Yappy Valentine’s Day!
Recommended as an additional purchase where holiday books are in demand.
PREMIUM
Holiday Jokes
Whether eliciting groans, smiles, or laughter, this book should keep children entertained for hours.
As many of the recipes and crafts may require adult supervision and help, this is an eye-catching, fun, and informative book for families to enjoy together during the holidays.
PREMIUM
The Little Christmas Tree
Intriguing artwork and a cheerful story combine in a sweet Christmas tale for very young children.
PREMIUM
V Is for Victorine
This sequel is a great recommendation for any fan of old Hollywood, historical fiction, and adventure.
Kashiwaba’s novel was originally published in serialized form in 2014, with an anime film adaptation in 2021 commemorating the 10th anniversary of the tragedy; this English translation will reach even more young fans of Japanese fantasy and found-family stories.
These eight picture books and board books will help the youngest readers get into the holiday spirit.
Mysteries, hauntings, the occult—more than tests and textbooks await these teens at boarding school.
Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond and Wayward Creatures by Dayna Lorentz, the 2023 Orbis Pictus and Charlotte Huck Award winners, will be honored at the NCTE annual conference.
PREMIUM
Lei and the Fire Goddess
This story belongs in the hands of middle grade readers who love adventure fiction and mythological elements, as well as those who wish to find an example of rediscovering pride in one’s culture and identity.
Great for classroom discussion; hand this collection to a budding environmentalist looking for realistic stories with heart.
PREMIUM
The Memory Eater
A must-read study of memory and emotion, filled with complex characters in an eerie setting.
A haunting dystopian amalgamation for the 21st century. Superlative, powerful, and timely.
PREMIUM
The Borrow a Boyfriend Club
Recommended for all libraries serving teens; this is one boyfriend they’ll want to borrow again and again.
PREMIUM
Eight Dates and Nights
A welcome addition to a library holiday collection. YA readers who are looking for a quick, light romance will enjoy this holiday read, with its refreshing Hanukkah theme.
This book will be popular for fans of the brand and other unicorn aficionados. Purchase for collections with room for more character books.
If you’re missing a board book covering the Christian version of the Christmas story in your holiday collection, this one will do serviceably, although perhaps not memorably.
PREMIUM
We’re Going on a Present Hunt
Highly recommended. Young children will enjoy reading and listening to this book.
PREMIUM
The Hospital Book
Filled with information presented in a colorful and engaging way, this is a perfectly serviceable book.
PREMIUM
5-Minute Nature Stories
This has read-aloud potential but may require hand-selling to circulate.
PREMIUM
Homegrown
This neighborhood is as snug as they come, inviting young and old to a homey moment in time that, notably, leaves out phones and other screens and emphasizes simpler joys.
A book for the SEL shelves or to add to a collection about war, upheaval, and moving, this work will echo with readers, or perhaps haunt them
PREMIUM
’80s Baby
An additional purchase, this will have approximately one reading per curious adult before it gets dusty on the shelves.
Readers will eagerly follow Shaindy’s story and root for her to make decisions aligned with her values.
An outstanding novel that hits its mark, demonstrating that young teens grapple with a gamut of emotions and situations yet are resilient enough to work through them and achieve success. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour
The lessons taught by the historical figures incorporated into this fiction title will impact readers and bring fresh air to the genre. Alice’s tale will resonate with contemporary tweens.
PREMIUM
Elle Campbell Wins Their Weekend
Elle’s story illuminates the inner life of a nonbinary middle schooler, and it’s a fun, friend-filled adventure. Recommended purchase for upper elementary and early middle school collections.
PREMIUM
How Not to Be a Vampire Slayer
Consider for large collections and readers just starting to dip their fangs into dark(ish) fantasy.
PREMIUM
Ruptured
Librarians with readers craving angsty, realistic fiction without having to commit to a full prose novel would be well-served to add this title to their collection.
This well-researched adventure book will be out just in time for the winter. Children who enjoy animal adventure stories will love this book!
A worthy purchase for sports fans and any reader interested in friendship stories.
An enjoyable and easy-to-read coming-of-age story set in the past but relevant to the present.
PREMIUM
And Don’t Look Back
A perfectly paced mystery for teens who love thrills, wild secrets, and a clever, queer, take-charge heroine.
PREMIUM
Gallows Hill
Recommended for larger collections, and for fans of Stephanie Hemphill’s Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials and Adriana Mather’s How to Hang a Witch.
Heavy on a classical interpretation of science fiction as well as clearly explained history that is rarely highlighted in Western media, this is a first pick for any library searching for a refreshing take on either genre.
PREMIUM
Thieves’ Gambit
A recommended purchase for any high school library, this is a compelling choice for readers seeking a fast-paced escapade filled with intrigue and daring thefts and those who enjoyed Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games or Brittney Morris’s The Jump.
Recommend this book and series far and wide. Students who like steampunk, fashion, girl power, historical fiction, and light mystery will enjoy these well-written novels.
PREMIUM
The Forest Grimm
Purdue pulls from many original fairy tales to create this twisty yet enchanting romantasy. It will appeal to fans of the TV show Once Upon a Time and Meagan Spooner’s Hunted.
PREMIUM
No One Left But You
While the mystery’s resolution is a bit lackluster, Max’s captivating journey is one that teen patrons shouldn’t miss. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
All That Shines
A riches-to-rags story that celebrates the way people shine beneath the artifice of money.
PREMIUM
Your Lonely Nights Are Over
A highly recommended first purchase for teen collections looking to expand their thriller/fiction and LGBTQIA+ titles.
PREMIUM
Our Divine Mischief
Offer this book to readers who enjoy their fantasy mixed with a folklore twist, romance, and, of course, dogs.
Many readers will be drawn to this apocalyptic, debut horror tale.
PREMIUM
Find Him Where You Left Him Dead
An excellent read, and one that is unique in the young adult section.
PREMIUM
The Forest Demands Its Due
The action and suspense are a good fit for fans of both horror and dark academia, though veterans of the genre may find parts of the story uninspiring. A solid choice for larger collections.
A lyrical story of greed, generational curses, forgiveness, and self-acceptance, this folkloric tale is a must-read.
PREMIUM
At the End of the World
Fans of Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End will find much to relate to in this emotional exploration of the end of the world.
PREMIUM
Laolao’s Dumplings
Strong colors and precise lines abound across the pages of this story about family and community support, inspired by a food that fills the heart.
PREMIUM
Love Grows
Kids are going to ask for plants to tend to after this book; pair it in the classroom with real plants and more straightforward nonfiction guides.
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