This winning, humorous title will delight on its own and even more so when paired with its predecessor. A first purchase.
A simple notion carried out with intention, effectively evoking compassion in children across many grade levels.
A delightful, curious, and engaging collection; if there is only one poetry book to add this year, this is it.
Hand to fans of Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie, as well as those who love Yoon’s other stories. A first purchase for all libraries where little readers frolic.
This powerful graphic novel about a little-known battle in Salvadorian history needs to be on every graphic novel shelf.
This is a stunning collection of animals and their nests that will make an ideal addition to any nonfiction picture book collection.
A must-purchase, universally appealing story to build on diversity and social justice in early fiction collections. Neville’s debut is sure to be a hit with fans of the “Jada Jones,” “Jo Jo Makoons,” and “Yasmin” series.
A true triumph of the genre, with gripping pacing, authentic characters, and a balance of coming-of-age and survival. Older middle grade readers will be riveted by this heartfelt thriller; a must for all library collections.
Essential for any collection, especially those looking for picture books for older readers, this book is perfect for those interested in science, exploration, and the extreme frontiers of our world.Graphic Nonfiction
This factual and life-affirming book celebrates our ocean and reminds us to keep it healthy and wild.
A realistic fiction title worthy of any middle school and public library shelf.
Children will enjoy poring over the presented facts and the exquisite illustrations, and budding entomologists will adore this thought-out and well-designed book. Highly recommended.
An excellent read-aloud for all children, this book will be a welcome addition to any elementary school library.
This paean to school will warm the heart of anyone who has ever worked in a school setting and is the perfect gift for Teacher Appreciation Day.
A witty fantasy that celebrates ingenuity and subverts prophecy; a strong pick for readers who enjoy genre-bending adventures.
A beautiful reminder that America is shaped by many different stories and experiences, and that the goal is to continue expanding who is included in that “we.” Perfect for all libraries.
A lovely introduction to the challenges of the creative process, Monet, and the joys of having a young pet, this is highly recommended for all collections; it’s an outstanding example of the power of a wordless picture book.
This is highly recommended for purchase, and especially useful for units on the Civil Rights Movement and civic engagement.
A rallying cry for young people to demand environmental protection with detailed magical illustrations through which the message is powerfully embedded.
By inviting children to understand the teachings of animal brothers and sisters, this book works for units on nature, animals, and Indigenous culture, and is a compelling work for all collections.
A gentle, inspiring addition to classroom, library, and community collections, perfect for helping children reflect on their own stories and honor the stories of others.
A necessary purchase, this glorious collaboration between author and illustrator brings the world of jellyfish to unforgettable life.
Fans of Sharon M. Draper’s “Out of My Mind” series will love this new story. Highly recommended for all school and public libraries and K–12 children’s literature collections in academic libraries.
There isn’t a kid alive who won’t respond to this book; libraries should consider buying multiple copies.
As a balm to frenetic, quick-cut storytelling; as a soul-filling friendship tale; as the satisfying conclusion to a beautiful series
An excellent choice for elementary classrooms, young naturalists, homeschooling families, and any child fascinated by animals, ecosystems, or environmental stewardship, filled with sensory language, and captivating images.
This charming pictorial work will be devoured by budding ornithologists and nature lovers alike. Highly recommended for all nonfiction collections.
This charmer flawlessly ebbs and flows like ocean tides.
A comparison to His Dark Materials feels inevitable, particularly given Anya’s feisty character, and this is similarly a charming and often grittier-than-expected audiobook for fantasy fans.
A triumphant addition to an already excellent series, highly recommended for middle school collections and libraries.
A heartwarming tale that will thoroughly engage readers and leave them completely satisfied at the its conclusion.
An enjoyable picture book perfect for dog and cat lovers alike. Molk’s artwork alone could carry the story, but paired with the playful text, it becomes an irresistible read-aloud about friendship, surprises, and learning to make room for someone new.
A must-purchase for all middle grade graphic novel collections. With an expected follow-up planned for this coming fall, readers will surely be eager for more.
For fans of Judy Moody and Stink, this has fantastic crossover and great cover appeal. A must-purchase.
This lovely homage to the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and nature is a must-buy for all Spanish-language picture book biography collections.
Reminiscent of the Netflix television series Outer Banks, this is a mystery shrouded in history, wrapped up with a love story.
Highly recommended for purchase where fantasy and science fiction are in demand.
Librarians can’t go wrong putting any Reynolds novel on their shelves, and his latest is no exception. This story’s format and fast pace might catch the eye of reluctant readers looking for a quick yet intense and realistic story.
Though the main character has surrounded herself with death, this is a must-read work filled with life.
A thoughtful, character-driven fantasy with strong female leads and themes of courage and identity. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical settings with a modern sensibility.
A powerful autobiographical graphic novel that paints a poignant portrait of an immigrant family’s reckoning with heritage and history, this is recommended for all collections.
A healing balm to a hurting soul and a first purchase for all school libraries. Highly recommended.
Highly recommended for middle grade collections. A beautifully written, contemplative novel well suited for readers processing grief, change, or uncertainty.
Make space on the shelf for this tender and timely exploration of a family’s shared history and the lasting echoes of a parent’s love.
A rich triumph of historical fiction; recommended for all youth fiction collections.
A thrilling, heartrending close to a must-purchase fantasy duology built for lovers of shonen manga who crave a touch of romance.
A strongly written, spooky choice for any middle school library. An outstanding recommendation for readers who enjoy R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series or are drawn to the horror/fantasy genre.
This must-read for families with sensitive, imaginative children is a triumph.
A lovely book that will appeal to multiple readers; this will be hard to keep on the shelf.
This lovely story about gender stereotypes, with its fun scenes and solid messaging, is an excellent addition to any library’s picture book collection.
A solid book to talk about the life cycles of bears, kindness to others, using pictures to make predictions, making pancakes, and seasonal changes.
A first purchase for all libraries, this is a resource for celebrating spring but also for recognizing the beauty and brevity of all life.
Add this to all picture book collections, as it’s sure to be enjoyed by students and teachers alike.
An outstanding reminder that we are all emotional beings, and that for all their smaller bodies, children’s feelings are as big and intense as any adult’s.
A technology-forward, futuristic story that holds friendship and empathy at the center, highly recommended for hi-lo or general collections.
An excellent addition to YA collections. Hand to any fans of fairy tales.
Readers who enjoy fantasy, mystery, theatre, and a little bit of romance will love this twisty story.
Over and above offering helpful guidelines for fledgling authors, this introduction to Alcott and Little Women will prime yet another generation of readers and listeners to fall in love with a perennial classic.
A must-purchase for all elementary collections in need of a beautiful ode to Black hair that weaves poetry and history in a meaningful way to educate and empower.
An intense, educational, and visually striking addition to any school library. This is a must-have for fans of Tarshis’s “I Survived” books and anyone who enjoys high-stakes, gritty graphic novels.
An appealing picture-book introduction to the wide world of bread-baking, good for classroom units or story hours.
A strong addition from a neurodivergent author and illustrator that will resonate with many children and families.
A first purchase for all shelves.
This wonderful book would be a solid addition to any library as a reminder for all ages to appreciate the small things.
An excellent addition to any library’s poetry collection, and good for teaching about the gifts of the natural world.
This joyful collaboration will be equally enjoyed by children who already know about Hajj and by those who are learning of it for the first time.
This book would be an excellent addition to any library’s collection, especially those needing stories of dealing with a loss.
An essential purchase; Mooradian and Yim have created a powerful book to share with care. It opens space for conversations about resilience, identity, and remembrance, and it shows how storytelling helps us honor the past while finding beauty in survival.
Beautifully presented, written with deep admiration, recommended for elementary libraries, especially where baseball is popular.
This gentle yet entertaining audiobook will engage younger listeners and hold their interest throughout. Fans of Henn’s The Music in Me will not want to miss this.
Enhanced with audio narration that perfectly conveys the characters’ emotional arcs, Min’s (Beating Heart Baby) sophomore novel is a valuable addition to any young adult audio collection.
With its strong focus on the historical context of segregation and its comprehensive coverage of the sport’s indomitable heroes, this title is an excellent addition for upper-elementary and middle school collections, appealing strongly to both sports enthusiasts and readers seeking diverse historical perspectives.
This biography is an honest depiction of the cruelty in Canada’s First Nation residential schools from the perspective of a survivor. An important addition to every library’s juvenile biography section and classroom.
Fans of basketball and Griner will enjoy this memoir; the themes of racism, body image, and LGBTQIA+ rights will appeal to a larger audience.
Hand this to mature readers interested in gothic horror and who will be satisfied with an ending that doesn’t reveal all of its magical secrets.
A delightful and spooky read, especially for those who are into Wednesday on Netflix. This unputdownable book is highly recommended.
A must-have for teen libraries’ science fiction/dystopian fiction sections.
An excellent graphic novel that is fun while also presenting ethical issues teens will find highly engaging.
Humor, heart, diversity, and pride abound in this vibrant, affirming tale. Highly recommended.
An exciting and compassionate adventure featuring an unconventional yet inspiring heroine. A must have for YA graphic novel collections.
An essential purchase, particularly for teens who gravitate toward budding LGBTQIA+ romance books and where stories of underrepresented sports like figure skating are in demand.
A visual delight and excellent take on Houdini’s life through his love of books and learning. Sure to be popular with book and magic lovers alike plus those interested in unusual illustration styles. A must have for most libraries.
A fascinating and beautifully designed exploration of an under-examined topic. A must-have for all collections.
This is an excellent addition to any nonfiction picture book collection.
With its brief, thoughtfully chosen words, parts of this book could easily serve as an introduction to climate issues, environmental justice, and biodiversity for young children. The book can broaden and strengthen collections while gently introducing young children to what can happen when the Earth’s resources are misused.
A charming and informative look at life inside an egg that will work beautifully for read-alouds and is an essential addition to all collections.
This is a timely novel that is a must-buy for elementary schools as it gently yet effectively opens conversations about the critical topic of food insecurity for young readers.
An emotionally rich narrative of two girls facing tremendous stakes and learning how to trust themselves even in the chaos; a must-read.
Highly recommend purchasing this series as it continues to be a strong, exciting fantasy that features true Black girl magic and adventure that will appeal to many readers.
A highly recommended purchase that tells a rewarding story of characters who present a positive picture of diversity, inclusivity, and caring about their community.
As schools and libraries face book bans across the country, this is a compelling choice, a timely piece of literature, and an urgent call to action, exhibiting the fictionalized narrative of a real book ban in Chicago and showcasing the power of those defending the right to freedom of information.
A heavy book that is done with tact; with meaningful prose and incredible artwork, this is a recommended purchase for collections.
With themes of bullying, growing up, and belonging, Frank’s story will deeply resonate with kids who need reassurance that it’s okay to be different.
A powerful novel that breathes a fantasy world of dragons to life while balancing the dark realities of greedy rulers and society’s structural inequities; highly recommended for middle-grade collections.
An uplifting and heartwarming story about friendship and the way it can change lives for creatures great and small; sure to leave an impact long after the last page. Hand to fans of Katherine Applegate’s “One and Only” and Rosanne Parry’s “Voice of the Wilderness” series.
Pennypacker’s (Pax) work of historical fiction that seems all too real will intrigue reluctant readers from the first startling chapter. Highly recommended for juvenile fiction collections.
From the creators behind the “Zelda” manga series, this coming-of-age story will leave fantasy fans roaring for more.
Korman’s latest adventure is must-purchase for all middle-grade collections.
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