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A sweet read-aloud for younger readers to help them learn how the individual is part of a greater community; a standout for conveying complex concepts in an accessible format.
Expertly told in poetic fashion, this book will hook its readers from sentence one. Highly recommended for all who love fantasy, tragedy, history, and folklore.
A must-have for any middle grade collection with fantasy lovers, and those who enjoy the likes of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman, and Lemony Snicket.
This meditative experience is a necessary addition for celebrating the outdoors and providing another avenue for SEL for all ages.
A thoughtful coming-of-age exploration of a tween’s experience with big life changes and asexuality; recommended for all collections.
For readers ready to be plunked into the underbelly of the 20th century and then uplifted by one painter’s take on its myriad social issues and politics, this is a grand start; this book could be the linchpin for an upper-elementary or even middle school class on the rise of labor unions, factory reforms, and other important movements that have not yet disappeared.
An important story for all children to read, but especially recommended for students of the arts.
A thorough and compelling book about a food that everyone loves. Highly recommended.
A propulsive narrative, impressive back matter, impeccable research, and primary source material make this an eye-opening story that belongs in every nonfiction collection for young readers.
A glorious, too-brief glimpse of Ethiopia for elementary-age children, this will send them off to do further research on textiles and cultures.
This book, about perfectly normal children having a great time, is absolutely amazing.
Vivid illustrations paired with a relatable story equals a must-have for any library.
This book is a perfect addition to any children’s shelf, whether aimed at families, adoption, multicultural stories, or topics of love and acceptance.
Innocent camp high jinks, siblings who care deeply for each other, family loss, Latinx and Asian representation, and a sweet hopeful LGBTQIA+ love story
A heartfelt lament for what America could be but chooses not to, this is a must-purchase for high school libraries. Recommended for fans of Ibi Zoboi and Amber McBride.
With an adventurous treasure hunt, a perilous mystery, and a character-driven romance set in a unique historical moment, this is Ibañez’s best work yet. Make space in all YA collections.
This is a well-told and highly informative read. Highly recommended for young adult graphic novel and nonfiction collections.
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 straightforward yet encouraging discussion on the fight against racism with a uniquely global perspective.
A monstrously thrilling, deeply emotional, and mythologically rich fantasy about seizing your own power.
A stunning book that will delight readers of any age, filled with interesting facts about the turtles’ life cycles, their eating habits, and even a few myths.
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.
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.
It’s a book that will be enjoyed by many: the elementary schooler with an interest in history, architecture or engineering; the teacher trying to bring the past to life for their students; the librarian trying to sell a reluctant reader on nonfiction. Highly recommended for school libraries.
Great for educators or anyone looking to teach children essential life skills while sparking an interest in science. Heartwarming and informative, this is a stellar addition to any collection.
An important book, highly recommended for high school and public libraries.
Sophisticated and imaginative, this unique, wordless picture book will captivate upper elementary readers.
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.
A haunting dystopian amalgamation for the 21st century. Superlative, powerful, and timely.
An accessible and helpful text for tweens and young teens to read independently or with adults.
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
This is a captivating nonfiction title that will appeal to preschoolers as well as older readers thanks to its versatile presentation.
This is an accessible and thought-provoking title that connects readers to the world of a spider through engagement and education.
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.
For those who enjoy adventures such as The Nameless City or NewsPrints, this is another illuminating graphic novel that wraps its social issues around the lives of heart-capturing characters.
An enjoyable and easy-to-read coming-of-age story set in the past but relevant to the present.
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.
This is a well told and colorful rendering of the importance of art through film, and one young girl’s connection to her culture.
A beautiful and delicious story that celebrates family and traditions.
When a virtuoso abandons all the rules and creates something more, everyone sits up with attention, and children will too. Aesop on steroids in blasts of colored pencil? Now that’s a classic.
Where did that one frog go? That squabble aside, this is a funny book with a childlike cast, a rousing bonfire at the finale, and dragon-toasted marshmallows for everyone. Even if it’s all imaginary, it’s a delight.
Although not a happy or popular topic, the subject matter and time of year make this more than worthy of consideration. Readers and listeners alike will be heartened by the lesson of using memories from the past to envision dreams for the future.
This inventive collaboration between a beloved author and a Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator rises above the sea of retellings with its empowering themes and positive LGBTQIA+ representation.
Those with an interest in classic children’s literature or LGBTQIA+ history and culture should not miss this title.
This fine title will appeal especially to those nostalgic for Keats’s works. Public and school libraries should definitely consider.
An essential guide for K–3 educators wanting to incorporate Black history into classroom learning throughout the school year.
While the topics are heavy and the text is a little dense for a traditional graphic novel, this would be a perfect fit as a nonfiction graphic and is a fantastic first purchase.
Prince’s devoted investigation of frogs and toads offers effortless education for readers of all ages and levels of interest, poised to make an Anura aficionado of every reader.
Eye-opening information in a simple style; if the format reads young, the epiphanies are for preschool through upper elementary-aged children.
An excellent book for elementary readers that will surprise them as they turn each page, and a must for the nonfiction shelves.
This narrative biography about one of the creators of the COVID-19 vaccine will be an excellent addition to collections needing modern biographies.
This gem of a book is perfect for anyone wishing to learn more about India; it should find a place on the shelves of most libraries and classrooms.
This page-turning second book in a rousing fantasy series that’s both an action-packed adventure and psychological study of young people persevering despite tremendous odds.
Twin delivers a set of stories perfect for graphic novel collections and horror readers. An excellent first purchase.
With its lovable protagonist, strong artwork, and unique exploits at its heart, Akane-banashi is not only a must for any budding manga collection, but for any reader simply looking for a magnificent reading experience.
A great use of the format, concept, and matching skills to busy hands and curious minds. Perfection.
A delightful and humorous first purchase for early reader collections.
With this novel, Brown reveals himself as an author to watch in the YA queer romance scene. Recommended first purchase for all collections.
Arresting watercolor compositions dotted with shining starlight spill across the pages of this original story about a night’s misfortune for a star-walking farmer and his donkey that will leave readers to wonder about the legends of the constellations.
The happiest little book, this one will have everyone giggling at story hours and please, bring lunch.
A touching, beautifully illustrated picture book which affirms the enduring value of reading, and is highly recommended, not just as a seasonal title, but all year around.
A mature and moving story replete with both tenderness and cruelty. Highly recommended as a picture book for older elementary students and all those with an interest in illustration.
A necessary and vital purchase for all collections that serve elementary school communities.
A comprehensive examination of policing, race, and social issues in the United States with suggestions on ways to move forward, this is a supremely thoughtful read and excellent first purchase.
Thermes excels in providing a large scale overview of America’s history rooted in the experiences of many, rather than few. A first purchase and a remarkable undertaking.
A tough, heartrending ghost story that will seep into readers’ bones and never let them go.
A must-have purchase for students who enjoy Alan Gratz’s historical fiction and Neal Bascomb’s narrative nonfiction.
Bowles adeptly crafts a complex, multi-format, and genre-bending novel for teens.
An incredible examination of extremism and the agonizing fight for societal change.
A biography-like picture book that invites children to feel, sense, and respond to textual clues.
A unique book with the message that the scars of generational trauma are deep and lasting, but the cycle can be broken with creative outlets, strong family ties, and determination. A must-read companion to Leslie Connor’s Waiting for Normal.
Well-written scary novels are few and far between for this age group. All libraries serving middle grades should have this on the shelf.
Gorgeous text and resplendent illustrations present a nuanced picture book biography for all shelves.
Swartz’s latest is realistic fiction at its best. A solid story with a strong positive message about friendship, trust, and tenacity that will fit nicely into all collections.
Highly recommended, this humorous and cozy book is an excellent addition to any collection.
A demonstration of individual responsibility, this loving and conscientious story deserves a home in all library collections.
Highly recommended for picture book collections, this fun-filled rumpus will delight young children and leave everyone in a glow.
A masterful integration of storytelling, an introduction to a complex language, and cross-cultural understanding make this an excellent addition to any elementary library.
Well-researched and entertaining, readers will thoroughly enjoy this stellar title.
A superior volume of well-researched facts and figures; a must-have for young bird nerds.
Exquisitely crafted text and illustrations convey an emotionally resonant tale of resilient family bonds and the lasting joy of stories.
A book that enchants, educates, and inspires; this timeless tale has the qualities of a classic in the making. Highly recommended for readers of all ages.
A funny, thought-provoking book that opens the door to discussion about book banning with younger children.
An outstanding biography of an important artist whose work challenges us to change the way we look at other human beings. This will guide deep discussions on borders and the plight of so many people around the world.
A great introduction to Capoeira and the persistence of Bimba to move this street performance into the mainstream. This masterpiece of illustration and narrative will appeal to readers across categories of martial arts, dance, and more.
A ruthless and standout series opener to a dark, adrenaline-fueled duology. Highly recommended for all collections.
A swoon-worthy LGBTQIA+ romance with a lot of heart, this one is a first purchase for all library collections.
A compelling story as the James women struggle to deal with their own secrets, and in the process, reveal some the darkest ones in town. A first purchase.
Make space for this in your collection; Reid’s dark and lyrical writing will hold readers captive even after the story ends.
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