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PREMIUM
Telephone of the Tree
A lovely book for children (and even adults) who may be grieving; this will grab readers’ hearts.
PREMIUM
From the Farm, to Our Table
A nice addition to younger children’s library shelves that will serve as a reminder that the food everyone eats comes from people who work hard to ensure they stay healthy.
PREMIUM
The Great Gatsby
Recommended for all collections. A great resource for developing and nurturing critical thinkers.
PREMIUM
Clovis Suspects a Sneak
Fall in love with Clovis all over again as he learns—and teaches readers
PREMIUM
Of Mice and Men
A dark look at a time and people in history that should be examined with a critical eye. Purchase for libraries serving teens.
This is not only a unique story with a strong message, but the spotlight on lesser-appreciated plants makes this book a must-buy.
PREMIUM
The Littlest Grito
This tasteful addressing of an underrepresented holiday warrants a recommended purchase.
While the intended age may not quite understand the funny nod meant by “all by my elf,” which is a recurring phrase in the text, this book is an overall solid addition to most libraries’ holiday board book collections.
PREMIUM
Persuasion
Purchase for English literature curriculum and where Regency-era fans are prevalent.
PREMIUM
Santa Mouse Finds a Furry Friend
The rhyme seems forced at times, but the happy ending and attractive illustrations will win over young readers.
A rhyming Christmas story celebrating family and faith that will appeal to Christians.
PREMIUM
Peppa and the Christmas Elf
A festive Christmas wish story that all lovers of Peppa Pig will enjoy.
PREMIUM
Bless Me, Ultima
A classic about family, religion, and growing up that has stood the test of time.
PREMIUM
Orris and Timble: The Beginning
A sweet read for young children who may not be quite ready for Charlotte’s Web.
PREMIUM
Fail-a-Bration
With a celebratory tone and inclusive message, librarians and teachers will be planning a lot of Fail-A-Brations for their young learners.
PREMIUM
Two Together
A great short and interactive picture book to engage preschoolers and older kids alike.
Hand to fans of Becky Albertalli’s novels and Casey McQuiston’s I Kissed Shara Wheeler, and any teens who can’t get enough of rom-coms with deep connections and a bit of angst.
A great book for a religious school library, church class, or any collection in need of more of this kind of title.
PREMIUM
Guava and Grudges
Teen romantics and foodies will clamor for this debut. A great read for those who enjoyed Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee, Eight Dates and Nights by Betsy Aldredge, and A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey.
PREMIUM
Animal Farm
An undereducated working class lured by propaganda, manipulation of power, and political corruption are themes that remain as important now as when this was published. A necessary addition to YA collections.
PREMIUM
Through the Looking-Glass
The kind and considerate Alice trusts her own judgment even as a fantastic dream turns her world upside down, endearing her as a heroine to children everywhere for over 150 years. A must for all collections.
PREMIUM
The Grapes of Wrath
Students will enjoy this harsh but beautiful story of a family in crisis bound together by their belief in their right to a better life.
PREMIUM
The Hobbit
A high fantasy tale that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Purchase for all collections.
PREMIUM
Siddhartha
A compelling adventure story and an insightful, practical exploration of ancient Indian philosophy, recommended for older teens.
PREMIUM
A Thousand Splendid Suns
A must read for those who enjoy nuanced stories set in Central Asia and sweeping dramas with unforgettable characters.
PREMIUM
Beloved
Scenes of rape and violence make this a difficult read, but it is a must particularly for those who are studying the physiological and historical effects of the Civil War.
PREMIUM
Tiana’s Perfect Plan
Purchase. This book is guaranteed to fly off the shelves among Disney princess aficionados everywhere.
PREMIUM
This Is How You Fall in Love
Give to addicts of rom-coms, especially those who wish there were more Desi characters in their favorite novels and movies.
PREMIUM
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Through humor and his brand of heroism, Kesey reveals the mistreatment and ostracism of the mentally ill who society would have preferred to remain forgotten. A must for all collections.
This lovely offering is recommended where bilingual SEL titles are needed.
This book is a reprint of a 2013 edition, with a new illustrator, and it is a suggested purchase for elementary science or language arts classrooms.
PREMIUM
Los zapaticos de rosa
An additional purchase where historical and culturally significant Spanish-language titles are needed.
This book could jump-start art projects, writing experiences, and more. The art is perfect
This debut shines brightly on shelves full of oncoming spooky season releases. Keep one eye on future novels by the author, and be sure to purchase this one.
PREMIUM
The Color Purple
A must-read for those who want a true and honest look at life during this period; this is a bold, brave, and rich literary account that humanizes the experiences of Black women. Purchase for all collections.
A rhyming read-aloud for little listeners, this wonderful Christmas tale will delight youngsters through the chaos of the bunnies and their adventures with Santa.
PREMIUM
The Handmaid’s Tale
A cautionary dystopian tale published almost 40 years ago that still resonates with readers.
These short story collections center diverse characters and stories in creepy, readable tales.
Here are SLJ's reviews of the books that made the longlist for the 2024 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, including six books with SLJ stars.
An additional purchase to expand holiday diversity in collections.
Lyrical and lovely. Recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
The Last Pomegranate
This wintry tale will lead readers to develop an understanding of multicultural holiday traditions as well as to learn the practice of everyday philanthropy.
PREMIUM
One Foggy Christmas Eve
A solid buy for holiday collections, but the Christmas vibes are subtle enough that this wondrous story also has year-round appeal.
PREMIUM
Felix Powell, Boy Dog
This charming, lightly magical tale is a wonderful addition to all libraries serving young readers.
A story that young readers will enjoy, this will be a welcome addition to holiday collections.
PREMIUM
Martee Dares to Dance
A suggested purchase for collections seeking more books that will empower young readers.
A charming movable book that promises to delight readers of all ages, making it a must-have addition to any holiday collection.
PREMIUM
Reasons to Look at the Night Sky
This book will resonate with readers who are navigating the trials of adolescence and the difficulty of embracing the unknown, as well as those interested in space and mythology.
PREMIUM
Eyes on the Ice
A book sure to delight sports and historical fiction fans. Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school collections, and where sports and historical fiction are in high demand.
PREMIUM
Exit Nowhere
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, but make it horror; this title is sure to be a hit with middle grade readers.
A unique addition to a Christmas book collection that is sure to be enjoyed by older children who appreciate cheeky humor and a foil to more wholesome Santa classics.
An appealing picture book about a Jewish family gathering to share stories, cook traditional recipes, make new memories, and celebrate an ancient miracle.
PREMIUM
Kwanzaa
An overdue, modernized approach to Kwanzaa that informs young people about this holiday in easily understood text with relatable, engaging illustrations.
PREMIUM
Shabbat Shalom, Grover!
A useful purchase to have on hand to include or introduce Jewish holidays.
PREMIUM
Robot Shabbat
A fun sci-fi take on the tradition of Shabbat, sure to have youngsters joining in with the sound effects.
PREMIUM
Tamales For Christmas
This picture book about family food traditions around the holidays would be a welcome addition to any library.
PREMIUM
Happy Kwanzaa! (Sesame Street)
This relatable, familiar introduction to Kwanzaa is an optional addition to library shelves.
With its themes of friendship and problem-solving, and with the joy of Christmas, this book is a delightful addition to winter reading.
PREMIUM
Hanukkah Hippity-Hop
A clever and entertaining story that will brighten library shelves during the Hanukkah season.
PREMIUM
Some Like it Cold
A chill read for older teens looking for a snug winter romance. Also perfect for neurodivergent readers looking for representation in the romance genre.
With sweet, melodic rhymes and a beautiful blue background to fit the glorious Christmas colors, this book is a great addition to any children’s library.
A fantastic purchase for all libraries, sure to be widely circulated during the festive season.
Amid many holiday book options that retell the same stories, Stickler stands out as a fresh expression of Christmas spirit.
This sweeping embrace of winter and fall celebrations is a visually stunning addition to holiday book collections.
A wonderful addition to holiday collections and where Anna Membrino books are popular.
A heartwarming story celebrating Hanukkah that is both cheerful and informational.
A good read at any time, but even better during the Thanksgiving season.
This quick hit series of jokes coupled with bright, expressive illustrations culminates in a Christmas surprise that will leave younger readers giggling. Purchase where joke books targeted towards preschoolers are popular.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Indigenous literature and culture, and for those looking to expand their perspectives of the holiday season. It is an easy read-aloud and would be a wonderful addition to any library.
PREMIUM
The Crayons Give Thanks
An excellent addition to an established series expands the journey of the beloved characters children know and love.
Emphasizing hope, beauty, and unity, this quietly powerful story demonstrates that people honor traditions in unique ways, while all are recognizing comfort and love as symbolized by light.
A feel-good holiday story that will warm hearts for Christmases to come. Holiday collections will welcome this gift.
This is a joyful but meaty take on the celestial beings that surround Earth. It delivers solid SEL as well: in an argument between good friends, sometimes all that’s needed is a little perspective.
Debut author Mepani pulls from her own childhood experiences to capture a single Saturday gathering full of family, friends, and joyful chaos. An important book for every growing library collection.
PREMIUM
The Last Tamale
A beautiful love letter to Latinx culture celebrating the importance of family culinary traditions.
This charming book will have children holding love in their hands; a must-have for any social-emotional collection.
PREMIUM
Boy Here, Boy There
This can be enjoyed with or without acknowledging the Neanderthal/Homo Sapien subtext, but either way it should be read aloud to make the most of the poetic text. A good choice for most libraries.
PREMIUM
The Little Green Swing
Make story hours that contrast this "Three Little Pigs" with other more traditional tellings, and watch Ruby, again, come in first, but with grace.
This delightful picture book allows Indigenous children to connect with and feel pride in the abundance of powwow participation, and gives all readers a great counting book full of cultural imagery.
PREMIUM
The Helping Sweater
A positive and uplifting book with a generous circular ending that young readers will love.
An odd interactive introduction to the concept of local resources and problem-solving but not entirely relatable for the intended audience.
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