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I hope the proliferation of fantasy books grounded in African societies will create familiarity for readers and a new shorthand. I hope it will inspire readers to learn more about the real places and people that underpin the stories.
PREMIUM
Heroes of the Water Monster
An immersive and heartfelt story that tackles tough topics with grace.
PREMIUM
What Is Hope?
The perfect book to read with someone who is feeling discouraged, or to use with older students as a mentor text on metaphors.
Themes of autism, child abuse, and the impact of wildfires combine for a unique and memorable story that will appeal to middle grade readers open to a creative format and heavier themes.
PREMIUM
The Halloween Costume Ball
A simple, good-natured story to share with young readers for a sweet Halloween treat.
A quirky holiday story with appeal for early elementary-aged readers curious about legendary creatures.
PREMIUM
Be My Reindeer
Due to the soft antlers, this will be better with limited circulation or sharing at story hours.
PREMIUM
The Islands of Elsewhere
With well-developed characters, this will have readers rooting for a solution to Granddaddy’s problems, while savoring the slightly spooky, heart-thumping fairy tale.
Not ideal for library circulation. However, this fun, informative, and educational offering is perfect for story hours built around the holiday.
PREMIUM
Countdown for Nochebuena
With sweet imagery, this simple counting book that celebrates family, friends, and Christmas will appeal to children and adults.
PREMIUM
Bluey: 12 Days of Christmas
Great for any children’s collection, especially in sections dedicated to books based on television shows.
With an impressive array of options on brightly colored pages, this is as good a recipe collection as one is likely to find.
PREMIUM
A Book about Bupkes
There is much to appreciate about this book about nothing and everything.
There aren’t many offerings on this topic, and none as effective or beautiful. An excellent choice for all SEL collections.
Gorgeous writing paired with luminous art and combined with an impactful message make this work an essential purchase.
In tune with the charming Netflix romance streaming September 15, these novels deliver a destination romance, a bittersweet love story, and upbeat fun.
Audio adaptation of visually reliant, multilayered storytelling is not quite like transforming any other genre for the ears. These 19 audio titles adapted from graphic novels rise to the challenge.
Recommended for purchase for upper elementary and middle school collections only where WWII fiction is in very high demand.
This board book expresses the warmth of a much-needed hug with iconic animals from Carle’s well-known books.
A tale of community that deserves a place alongside Jacqueline Woodson’s The Day You Begin and Kerascoët’s I Walk with Vanessa.
PREMIUM
The Rescues Finding Home
Budding readers will devour this series opener and be eager for more. A highly recommended new addition to the beginning chapter book section.
PREMIUM
The Song of Us
This is a sad story, a hard story, an edgy story, but also a hopeful and important one that deserves a spot on the shelves of middle grade readers.
PREMIUM
Hattie’s War
Recommended for fans of historical fiction with particular interest in mental illness, trauma, and women’s history.
PREMIUM
The Spirit Glass
Chokshi’s tale weaves Filipino mythology and language throughout this spellbinding fantasy, creating a thoroughly original and heartfelt story of family, grief, and new beginnings.
PREMIUM
Camp Sylvania
Readers looking for a slightly spooky, fast-paced adventure with fully developed characters will delve into this one.
PREMIUM
La Mariachi
A powerful debut picture book that will inspire all girls to push against the obstacles that keep them from pursuing their passions.
PREMIUM
The Wrong Kind of Weird
A truly enjoyable romantic read, especially for libraries with a healthy collection of anime/manga for all its cultural references throughout.
A singular offering with many layers of storytelling, this is a must-have for all collections.
PREMIUM
Jeet and Fudge: Find Yoga
Representation of Sikh characters in children’s literature is sparse, making this series an important addition to the early reader category.
PREMIUM
How to Rock a Snow Day
Perfectly geared for beginning readers; short sentences, repeated short words, and sweet colorful illustrations complete this play day in the snow.
PREMIUM
Project Earth
This beginning reader offers a likable character with resilience in seeking small solutions to large problems as an superficial introduction to climate change. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Maxie Wiz and the Magic Charms
Appropriate, but not glittering. Recommend to Level 2 readers.
PREMIUM
Uni and the 100 Treasures
With the use of repeated words and three- to 10-word sentences, this book leads children into fun and excitement on each page.
PREMIUM
The Gold Bowl: An Acorn Book
This sparkly title is a recommended purchase for all little creators.
This book is a fabulous example of Rudine Sims Bishop’s mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors concept. A first purchase for all libraries, but especially those with Spanish speakers in their communities.
PREMIUM
Eclipse
For those who enjoy horror or mysteries this is a must-read. Recommended for most library collections.
PREMIUM
Dark Tide
Overall, a great read for reluctant readers who enjoy action, adventure, and books dealing with cryptids. Recommended for most library collections.
PREMIUM
The Real Unreal
An excellent hi-lo verse novel about a vital topic in today’s political landscape.
PREMIUM
Airlock
With a relatable and compelling sci-fi/dystopian narrative, this should be an easy pitch for middle or high school reluctant readers.
PREMIUM
Racing Hearts
A quick hi-lo love story for readers who know sports are for people of all sizes.
PREMIUM
Sea Cave
Striving readers who are fans of darker fiction or thriller-mysteries will enjoy this solid entry. For most library collections.
PREMIUM
Secret Me
Overall, the novel likely won’t appeal to most striving readers who are interested in LGBTQIA+ books due to poor execution. Recommended only for general library collections where bullying and school stories are in very short supply.
PREMIUM
Below the Surface
Reluctant readers interested in mystery, treasure hunting, and ghost stories will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where ghost stories and mysteries are popular.
PREMIUM
The Surprise Party Rules
Readers who like books dealing with civics, school stories, and characters who are trying to make a difference will enjoy this title. Recommended where such books are popular.
PREMIUM
The Art of Being a Vampire
A quick read with a gritty, urban horror setting and a moody but compelling narrator, this will appeal to a wide range of high schoolers.
PREMIUM
The Red Fruit
Appealing for a younger audience or for a parent or librarian seeking a simple read-aloud.
A hilarious holiday read that is creative and imaginative. This adventurous, heartfelt graphic novel will leave readers excited for the holiday season and rooting for the good guys.
Offering a glimpse of modern and traditional Japanese culture, this tale will charm a wide audience, including readers unfamiliar with and those enamored of its folklore, fiction, and manga.
PREMIUM
Tzimmes for Tzipporah
A wonderful addition to any collection of multicultural children’s literature.
A good choice for a Santa-centric and Christmas-specific collection.
For fans of the “How To Catch” series and libraries that need a lighthearted addition to their Christmas collection.
PREMIUM
Brown Sugar Baby Christmas Joy
Readers will feel as if they have been wrapped in a warm hug after reading.
PREMIUM
The Family Santa Almost Forgot
A new take on a Christmas classic that is sure to make a merry read-aloud.
PREMIUM
Our Italian Christmas Eve
An excellent addition to any elementary library, this would also pair well with a classroom lesson on holiday cultures around the world.
PREMIUM
Little Mole Gives Thanks
Recommended for general purchase for a picture book collection; it not only celebrates autumn harvest holidays, but touches on the themes of disappointment, inclusion, and friendship.
Richly illustrated with vibrant colors, this picture book is sure to please.
PREMIUM
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree
Add to collections of stories about preparing for Christmas, alongside Karma Wilson’s Bear Stays Up for Christmas, Anne Mortimer’s Christmas Mouse, and Tomie dePaola’s The Legend of the Poinsettia.
PREMIUM
Teeny Tiny Turkey
Recommended for general purchase to add to a holiday collection for young readers.
PREMIUM
Juniper’s Christmas
A delightful tale. Readers will enjoy the imaginative story filled with lush prose and a heartwarming ending.
Readers of the “Dogman” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series will embrace this story.
Children will love seeing an easily relatable Santa Claus and family. Pair this fun story with Billy Sharff’s When Santa Came to Stay.
PREMIUM
La Noche Before Three Kings Day
This title adds a vision of Latinx joy and festivity to collections.
This does not explain the holiday but will delight vehicle fans. Buy where the series is popular or more simple Hanukkah books are needed for the truck-loving set.
A loosely Christmas-themed caper with amicable animated heroes, unbound by logic or larger purpose.
PREMIUM
It’s Navidad, El Cucuy!
A kindhearted Christmas story highlighting the power of friendship.
PREMIUM
Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive
There’s nothing to fear about safely building some Christmas cheer with this title.
Appealing to primary readers across several grade ranges, especially if they are shark lovers.
In this well-crafted Christmas tale translated from German, traditional aspects blend seamlessly with a welcome message of goodwill and inclusion.
Altogether, a serviceable sequel and a cute Christmas story with a positive though muddled message.
PREMIUM
Finding My Elf
A sweet holiday romance, complete with elfish antics and rich descriptions of Christmas cookies.
Any library looking for Hanukkah books will want to add this unique international tale to their collection.
PREMIUM
A Wild, Wild Hanukkah
A pleasant addition for libraries in search of unusual Hanukkah stories.
PREMIUM
Latke’s First Hanukkah
Buy where Silberberg’s other titles are popular or Hanukkah board books are in high demand. Others can pass.
A beautiful book meant to be shared and inspire discussion. Purchase for all library shelves.
A wonderful holiday story that highlights the importance of belonging rather than bravado.
Another hilarious hit that will be a welcome addition to the lighter side of Christmas collections.
PREMIUM
Red & Green
A funny picture book for pre- and early readers. Pair with Ehlert’s Color Zoo, and with other books for low vision, such as Hervé Tullet’s Press Here.
PREMIUM
North Pole Village
Recommended for holiday collections in need of fresh new materials each year.
PREMIUM
You’re My Little Cutie Pie
Recommended for general purchase for a library that serves toddlers, as this is a short yet interactive tale about holiday traditions and family love.
PREMIUM
Dino-Hanukkah
While not outstanding, this will please fans of Wheeler’s other dinosaur books. Libraries will likely want to make space on their shelves for this additional offering.
PREMIUM
The Night Before Kwanzaa
This book will not inspire curiosity about Kwanzaa, nor does it have characters or a story that children will connect with.
PREMIUM
Kayla and Kugel’s Silly Sukkot
This mediocre offering would be an acceptable addition to Jewish schools and libraries who are in dire need of Sukkot books for preschoolers. All others can pass.
A picture book that weaves together culture, culinary traditions, and Biblical storytelling.
A fun addition to holiday literature that incorporates the importance of teamwork and diversity.
PREMIUM
The Mexican Dreidel
This lovely friendship story does an excellent job portraying a lesser-known Jewish community and their traditions. An excellent choice for libraries wanting to expand their Hanukkah collections.
This lovely marriage of a story of moving and Sukkot will be a welcome addition to the shelf in any library serving Jewish patrons or looking to expand their holiday collections.
PREMIUM
Everything I Know
Striving readers who like school stories, books dealing with autism, and making new friends will enjoy. Recommended for library collections where school tales and novels in verse are popular.
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