Trans fantasy novels are still a rare occurrence on YA shelves, and this novel will appeal to readers who prefer slower stories. A secondary purchase.
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.
This one may interest teens who enjoy thrillers, but the pacing detracts from the plot’s strengths.
The tight-knit friendships and thrilling action sequences are the true heroes of this duology opener. Blake subverts classic tropes to reward new and frequent fantasy readers. Recommended for general purchase.
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.
A secondary purchase where crime thrillers are popular.
Make space for this in your collection; Reid’s dark and lyrical writing will hold readers captive even after the story ends.
A recommended purchase where thrillers are popular; hand this to fans of Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Stephen King’s IT.
A quiet paranormal horror that, because of its slow pacing, would be a secondary purchase in libraries where these kinds of stories are popular.
This is a fast-paced, twisty read that will keep readers guessing until the very end. A great addition to YA collections; hand it to readers who enjoy the works of Karen M. McManus, Jessica Goodman, and Holly Jackson.
This mystery will grab the attention of readers from the start as it takes them along a trail of clues. An excellent addition to library collections for teens that will satisfy genre fans.
A great addition for all libraries looking for modern emergent reader books.
Recommended for purchase where the series and beginning chapter books are popular.
A great addition to any library and a wonderful way to pull in reluctant readers and kids just starting to figure out how to tell a story.
Though the depth of the text is limited, the large print and vibrant digital art will keep emerging readers’ attention.
Humming with sweetness and color, this is a lovely encouragement to new readers to make one’s life matter in small but important ways.
A helpful addition to libraries looking for introductory texts on science careers.
The title perfectly portrays the bonds of friendship and teamwork, making it a great addition to any library collection.
Readers will laugh out loud at JoJo’s antics and opinions as she embraces her community, heritage, and love for life. Give to fans of “Junie B. Jones.” Recommended for all libraries.
A good secondary purchase for libraries.
An excellent addition to early chapter book collections. This title has so much promise for readers who are learning Spanish, interested in soccer, or have a love of dogs.
A rom-com with a lot of heart and surprising depth, this is recommended for most collections.
Arnold’s wrenching tale of two sisters surviving the Holocaust in Romania is a must-read.
La Sala spins a devastatingly unsettling web with razor-sharp insight.
Budding scientists looking for a chapter book series that has both developed and interesting characters, and great STEM components, will enjoy Sejal and her adventures.
A great addition for a children’s library collection.
One in a small category of very beginning reader texts that manages to communicate an interesting plot in fewer than 20 unique words.
A kid-friendly early reader graphic novel that hits all the right notes. You Gotta Go purchase for early elementary shelves.
A book best to consider adding to a junior graphic novel shelves or early reader section of a library.
These chapter books will whet children’s appetite for reading many other Anne of Green Gables adaptations, or perhaps the unabridged original, in all its beautifully purple prose.
A solid follow-up and worthwhile purchase for those who enjoyed the first book and readers who like stories set in one day like Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton and others or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.
YA mystery is often hesitant to embrace actual murder, but Hoy-Kenny doesn’t pull any punches. A solid mystery with actual murders.
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.
An immersive and heartfelt story that tackles tough topics with grace.
The perfect book to read with someone who is feeling discouraged, or to use with older students as a mentor text on metaphors.
A fun addition for libraries in need of more holiday literature.
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.
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.
Due to the soft antlers, this will be better with limited circulation or sharing at story hours.
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.
With sweet imagery, this simple counting book that celebrates family, friends, and Christmas will appeal to children and adults.
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.
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.
Budding readers will devour this series opener and be eager for more. A highly recommended new addition to the beginning chapter book section.
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.
Recommended for fans of historical fiction with particular interest in mental illness, trauma, and women’s history.
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.
Readers looking for a slightly spooky, fast-paced adventure with fully developed characters will delve into this one.
A powerful debut picture book that will inspire all girls to push against the obstacles that keep them from pursuing their passions.
A truly enjoyable romantic read, especially for libraries with a healthy collection of anime/manga for all its cultural references throughout.
Recommended only for larger collections where readers seek out crime fiction.
Engle packs so much into just a few powerful sentences. An excellent choice.
A singular offering with many layers of storytelling, this is a must-have for all collections.
Representation of Sikh characters in children’s literature is sparse, making this series an important addition to the early reader category.
Perfectly geared for beginning readers; short sentences, repeated short words, and sweet colorful illustrations complete this play day in the snow.
A strong, charming first purchase for any library.
This beginning reader offers a likable character with resilience in seeking small solutions to large problems as an superficial introduction to climate change. Recommended.
Appropriate, but not glittering. Recommend to Level 2 readers.
With the use of repeated words and three- to 10-word sentences, this book leads children into fun and excitement on each page.
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.
For those who enjoy horror or mysteries this is a must-read. Recommended for most library collections.
Overall, a great read for reluctant readers who enjoy action, adventure, and books dealing with cryptids. Recommended for most library collections.
An excellent hi-lo verse novel about a vital topic in today’s political landscape.
With a relatable and compelling sci-fi/dystopian narrative, this should be an easy pitch for middle or high school reluctant readers.
A useful title for older emerging readers.
A quick hi-lo love story for readers who know sports are for people of all sizes.
Highly recommended for hi-lo readers who loved Heartstopper.
Striving readers who are fans of darker fiction or thriller-mysteries will enjoy this solid entry. For most library collections.
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.
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.
Teen stardom, the fashion world, tabloid headlines, a salacious crime
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.
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.
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.
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.
An excellent addition to a holiday collection.
Readers will laugh out loud. A must-have for the holiday shelves.
Readers will feel as if they have been wrapped in a warm hug after reading.
A new take on a Christmas classic that is sure to make a merry read-aloud.
An excellent addition to any elementary library, this would also pair well with a classroom lesson on holiday cultures around the world.
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.
An additional purchase where Berenstain Bears stories are popular.
Richly illustrated with vibrant colors, this picture book is sure to please.
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.
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