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Teen Librarian Jennifer Rummel shares some of her favorite romance books
These five heartfelt titles feature characters whose identities fall under the trans umbrella.
Today I'm sharing five new middle grade books coming out this month. Check in every Friday for themed Take Five lists of middle grade books!
A fun, engaging rhyming stomp through the farmyard. Hand to fans of Jack Prelutsky or Shel Silverstein.
Highly recommended for manga collections looking to add more captivating stories with strong female leads.
Positive messaging, as well as some adorable illustrations, make this a great addition for teen libraries. Recommended for purchase where romance readers are looking for hopeful and encouraging narratives.
In a sea of fantasies that start with characters being reborn, this is a fresh perspective and a fun take. Purchase where fantasy adventures are popular, or for collections looking for more stories with female leads.
This title doesn’t break much new ground in the genre of school-aged idol romances, but it is sweet enough that romance fans may find appeal from the building relationship between the two leads.
PREMIUM
Rest in Peaches
Any collection serving teens who prefer their murder mysteries with a heaping side of campy humor should feature this priority purchase.
Famous or not, the star of the story shines in this must-have for all YA collections.
PREMIUM
The Temptation of Magic
A rewarding romantasy for those willing to brave the dense narrative.
PREMIUM
The Last Great Heir
A richly atmospheric fantasy with compelling themes of power and destiny, best suited for readers who enjoy immersive worldbuilding and introspective storytelling. Finn’s debut offers a strong foundation for what could become an exciting new fantasy series.
PREMIUM
On the Wings of la Noche
A haunting tale that mixes in supernatural and paranormal themes with what it means to love once more after losing a special someone.
PREMIUM
Ricochet
Not for the faint of heart, especially around a tragic time in history, but it will find its readers in fans of historical speculative fiction.
PREMIUM
Me and Other Bunnies
While the text is sparse, this small book will inspire much discussion about how we are connected and how within those connections, we are still individuals.
Huge fans of the series may delight in the holiday enchantment and a chance for a glimpse at the characters’ lives, but this novella is mostly fluff that the series could do without.
Perfect for rigid thinkers, this book will help children understand that play can be cooperative and imaginative rather than directive. Essential.
We create the place we live in, but it also creates us, and it’s impossible to tell where one influence starts and the other begins.
These 12 recent YA titles celebrate romantic Black love in many forms, in different periods of history, and in real and fantasy realms. They include humor, queer love, and paranormal/sci-fi encounters, expanding the much-needed diversity within the romance genre.
Most people can’t imagine a world without the worst of human nature because that would be the purview of a different species: a post-miserable humankind.
PREMIUM
The Lonely Goose
By introducing readers to themes of love and loss while fostering an appreciation for wildlife, this stunning book is sure to inspire curiosity and empathy.
PREMIUM
Diggers, Dozers, and Dumpers
What a joyful way to impart information, complete with a female-heavy group of workers, and make children rethink what they know about tools.
PREMIUM
Fierce Aunties!
A tale of feminine magic, power, and strength. A must-purchase and a wonderful read.
An exuberant love letter to all sorts of bellies and the people they belong to. Highly recommended for all collections.
There are many stories about standing up to an overbearing friend, but the fanciful twist on this one makes it stand apart. Recommended for most collections.
PREMIUM
Kenzie’s Little Tree
A heartfelt book that will resonate with families familiar with the struggles that come with chronic illness.
PREMIUM
Hey, Mary!
An affirming and nuanced graphic novel about a queer teen’s journey from fear to acceptance.
PREMIUM
You Belong Here
A page-turning story about high school drama, emotions, and mental and physical health that is sure to resonate with teenagers.
Considering this series’ fresh take on dystopian fiction with themes of mental health and eugenics, it is a must-have for library collections worthy of its place next to Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games.
PREMIUM
The Meadowbrook Murders
A cutthroat boarding school story recommended for purchase where murder mysteries are particularly popular.
A strong entry point into dark academia fantasy, recommended for all libraries serving YA readers.
PREMIUM
Brielle and Bear, Vol. 1
A fun, feel-good romance about a sports star falling for a book nerd. Recommended for libraries looking for entertaining romance graphic novels.
Recommended as a purchase for libraries seeking more stories with queer characters, or for those who want lighter sci-fi.
This unputdownable adventure is highly recommended for all collections and perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab’s “Shades of Magic” series.
PREMIUM
A Catalog of Burnt Objects
The amount of sexual innuendo, dangerous situations, and strong language make this work for older teens and adults, and otherwise not an essential purchase.
Fantasy lovers and art lovers alike will make this graphic version of the classic novel a highly sought-after addition to library shelves, though it should be in addition to the original, not in place of it.
PREMIUM
The Trial Period
Using the backdrop of a school musical, Morrow integrates a whole cast of characters with a variety of backgrounds to create wonderful scenes and dialogue that gets straight to the heart of teen issues and wanting to fit in; the sweetly written romance is lovely in how it surprises both protagonists.
This exploration on identity, religion, and relationships highlights the courage it takes to leap, especially when it means being willing to fall.
PREMIUM
The Underwood Tapes
A time-bending, twisted tale that will intrigue readers needing reassurance in grief while unraveling a mystery.
PREMIUM
Under the Same Stars
A moving love letter to courage, connection, and the long fight against oppression.
PREMIUM
Unhallowed Halls
A mild introduction to dark academia that will leave seasoned readers wanting more.
This thoughtful collection rewards repeat readings, begs to be shared or read aloud, and will resonate with a wide audience of readers and educators.
A solid addition to any collection, providing a pairing of arts and STEM.
A visually stimulating counting book that engages young children both in small and large group settings.
Sure to be read and enjoyed again and again, this is a highly recommended addition for all library collections.
A recommended addition to library and classroom collections.
Add to collections in need of updates, but catalog it with the joke books rather than poetry to reach the right readers.
A handy tool for extending skill with poetry and word play. While it seems unlikely that most children able to both read and do the writing would be attracted to the cheerful animal stories, the clear and well designed writing and thinking exercises could build poetry interest and ability in the early grades.
An excellent introduction to our awesome planet for novice geographers and poets alike.
A beautifully designed addition to biography collections, spotlighting a singular female artist.
An excellent physics primer and inspiration for young engineers who enjoy creating their own machines to perform simple tasks.
Purchase several copies. Your dinosaur fans will hate returning this one.
The beautiful, smooth illustrations accompany this simple yet stunning story that encourages readers’ curiosity to find the beauty in the natural world.
This deeply felt coverage of the inflection points for so many communities is a must-have for all libraries.
A first purchase for all libraries desiring an interesting and beautiful story about this important prairie ecosystem contributor. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Whales in the City
A fascinating and accessible story about whales and the water they live in. Great for a read-aloud, especially for Earth Day.
An excellent choice for any nonfiction collection.
This is a highly approachable book on mathematics, recommended for all libraries.
Although adult assistance will be required for some recipes, this fun and eye-catching cookbook will be a tasty resource for STEAM programs.
A must-have for middle schools, high schools, and public libraries that support maker clubs and other youth-driven innovation groups.
Recommended for most collections, especially where personal accounts of neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ identities are in demand.
Budding scientists and animal lovers will keep this stellar title in full circulation as they learn the mysteries and history of octopuses, from their biology, habitats, habits, and threats to their future.
Hand this book to a favorite elementary or middle school art teacher.
A well-formulated biographical overview, highlighting talented athletes who don’t fall into molds easily. A general purchase.
An excellent book that truly combines empathy and compassion as well as wisdom and practical advice in a way that feels helpful as well as empowering.
A worthy title to add to a library’s early chapter book shelves, especially those featuring neurodiversity among young people.
New readers are about to start a long and wonderful friendship with this impeccable new series.
Elementary school readers and their teachers will delight in this laugh-out-loud narrative lesson on poetry writing, or even pick it up just for fun. A recommended purchase for school and public libraries.
A recommended purchase for libraries expanding their early reader sections.
This volume may encourage young readers to expand their knowledge of naming words while engaging in picture hunt visual acuity exercises.
A richly imagined story to help children find balance when they are afraid, this is highly recommended for all collections.
Silly, sweet, and achievable stories for beginning independent readers.
Readers who like realistic fiction, doing good, humor, and friendship stories will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where early chapter realistic fiction is popular.
Fun and irreverent mysteries with relatable humor fill this charmer that highlights the value of friendship and being yourself. Highly recommended.
A good addition to early reader graphic novel collections looking to add more books that feature stories about the power of friendship.
A gentle and wholesome title for growing early readers.
This book has everything: diverse characters, a funny and entertaining plot, and a stand-out, memorable main character. An essential purchase for all.
PREMIUM
Saved by the Smell
A fun, quirky read that will entertain young readers. The series promises more zany adventures, making this a solid choice for most collections.
PREMIUM
Right Back at You
Through authentic and likable characters, readers will learn much about the Holocaust and antisemitism, as well as the importance of leaning on friends and family for support.
PREMIUM
A Study in Secrets
A great choice for tweens who already enjoy or are looking to get into mysteries.
PREMIUM
Inside the Park
With broad appeal beyond baseball, this is a delightful coming-of-age story with humor, honesty, and heart.
A necessary mirror for middle grade Muslim readers, and a tremendous window into the customs of Ramadan for peers and educators to learn more about Islamic traditions.
Historical realism blends with thrilling sci-fi to deliver a story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. It’s a timely and excellent choice for readers in a world that continues to struggle with both war and identity.
PREMIUM
The Rehearsal Club
Readers who love mysteries, along with singing and dancing, will enjoy this clever story that opens an intriguing window into theater history.
PREMIUM
Botticelli’s Apprentice
This graphic novel is a must-have for libraries serving upper elementary and middle school readers, blending history, artistic passion, and a timeless message of determination.
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