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Our third round of Mock Newbery suggestions is now open. Share up to five titles that you feel might belong in a discussion of the best books of 2025.
I’ve created a Literary Gomoku for the AAPI Book Challenge by adapting a traditional game board. Your goal is to read five books in a row – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally or you could choose to complete the five corners.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Creaky Acres from Kokila and Pencil and Eraser Lost and Frown from G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.
I always imagined GAMERS as a celebration of video games and how they can connect people, and I hope this book appeals to those who grew up playing them as much as those who are still growing up.
A celebration of birding, making new friends, and the power of self-love make these picture books excellent choices for summer reading and all year round.
Celebrate mothers not just for one day but all year long with these selections.
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Jamie Smart is the British author and illustrator of the bestselling children’s comic series “Bunny vs Monkey.” Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island is the first title in his new graphic novel series for kids ages 5–8. Smart talks about the creation of this delightful new series.
Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder Tell All About 'Creaky Acres,' Their New Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Creaky Acres is a story about a girl, a horse, and a whole new way of life. Brigid Alverson spoke to the creators about their graphic novel featuring Nora, a competitive rider, who finds her way on a delightfully weird farm, inhabited by an equally quirky crew of young equestrians.
This book? It’s a wonder. A joy. A small pinpoint of light in the darkness that is 2025. If you are in need of something that takes your faith in humanity and gives it a jolt to the gills, that would be this title.
Author Mk Smith Despres takes us behind the scenes of their poetic picture book THERE'S THAT SUN AGAIN.
Moving on can be hard, whether it's changing schools or embracing the afterlife. In Eric Colossal's new graphic novel, a group of pre-teens must save their haunted small town from its plague of ghosts.
Author Riley Redgate joins us to talk about her new book COME HOME TO MY HEART.
Award-winning author illustrators Julie Flett and Sophie Blackall sat down for a chat on the occasion of Children’s Book Week 2025. Flett created this year’s poster on the theme: “An Ocean of Stories,” and Blackall did the honors in 2024, illustrating “No Rules. Just Read.”
These nonfiction titles feature Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander politicians, restaurateurs, Nobel Peace Prize recipients, and more.
Full of righteous rage and a strong drive for justice and inclusivity, Maeve's story is an inspiring look at activism.
This biography is a good addition to a secondary school’s biography collection. Readers who enjoy stories of bravery, espionage, and strong female figures will find Hall’s story both thrilling and inspiring.
A must-read for anyone looking to understand the future of advocacy in a rapidly changing world.
PREMIUM
Epic Athletes: Caitlin Clark
An engaging and well-crafted tribute to a talented athlete, offering an inspiring read for sports enthusiasts, Clark fans, and aspiring athletes alike.
Graphic memoirs are a fantastic way to capture the sense of an era and experience, and Huang does so masterfully, bringing 1990s China to life.
This book puts a relatable face on climate resistance in Appalachia for YAs.
A general purchase for an art curriculum tie-in.
A solid, heartwarming addition to early chapter book collections.
A well-crafted graphic novel about facing one’s fears, recommended for early reader or graphic novel sections.
This new standout early reader series is highly recommended for general purchase.
This rhyming tale of an unusual character in a wacky situation will appeal to fans of Dr. Seuss.
PREMIUM
Sports Are Fun!
This wonderful early reader about a variety of sports is a great addition to any preschool or elementary library collection.
PREMIUM
Lissa Loves Bugs
The perfect chapter book for young lovers of science or fantasy, especially bug enthusiasts who enjoy a hint of suspense in their stories as well. Strong female characters will also inspire readers of all ages.
PREMIUM
Pete the Cat’s Mars Mission
A recommended purchase for libraries where Pete the Cat is popular and early readers circulate widely.
Sure to be a hit with vehicle lovers, this engaging title for early chapter book readers cleverly uses a bulldozer child protagonist to address social fears about new situations and friendships. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
I’m a Preschool Kid!
An accessible introduction to preschool, helping young children as they prepare to transition to a new environment.
A simple, yet impactful, story about big feelings and how kids can effectively manage them.
PREMIUM
First Day Around the World
A delightful celebration of global connection through the lens of education.
PREMIUM
Yeti Is Not Ready for School
Sensitive and only slightly spooky, this book makes Yeti’s first day of school amusing and relatable.
PREMIUM
My Teacher Is a Dinosaur!
Dinosaurs are perennially popular, making this a sound addition to picture book collections.
PREMIUM
I’m Your School Bus
Libraries, especially those with fans of buses and vehicles, looking to increase their board book collections will find this title worth the purchase. Otherwise, an additional purchase.
Perfect for the younger crowd to get them excited about going to school, or for a back-to-school storytime.
Purchase where back-to-school collections need bulking up.
PREMIUM
Alpaca Goes Back-A to School
Recommended for school and public libraries: going back to school is an event that most children will encounter at one point or another.
PREMIUM
Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!
Grumpy Monkey retains his usual humor while slipping in a little new knowledge in this book that may become a favorite reread.
PREMIUM
On the First Day of Preschool
A great addition to any library collection. Children will enjoy seeing themselves in activities they have done in their school.
PREMIUM
Preschool Is Cool!
For public libraries or early childhood programs looking for works that eases nerves and makes school look like a place to learn and grow.
Young children will relate to Tiny and his first day of school jitters, while being reassured that school is a place to make mistakes and grow.
PREMIUM
Fish Don’t Go to School
Children will enjoy reading about Henry’s first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends.
An excellent purchase for upper elementary and middle schools for its short, humorous take on murder mysteries.
Purchase where more books on processing grief are needed.
PREMIUM
The League of Littles
A lively new graphic novel series recommended for elementary libraries where spy stories are widely circulated.
PREMIUM
The Visitors
A poignant, recommended story for fans of character-driven fiction with a touch of supernatural thrill.
PREMIUM
Seeker Society
While it doesn’t break new ground, this is an enjoyable and magical tale for readers with a taste for adventure.
PREMIUM
Going Overboard
A charming, timely novel about growth and change; recommended for most middle school collections.
PREMIUM
Reel Life
A thoughtful drama with richly drawn characters, and a meaningful exercise in empathy for young readers.
PREMIUM
Way Off Track
With an excellent, fun, and unique voice, this graphic novel introduces a new trickster and is a great option for those looking for a quick read and some laughs.
PREMIUM
Love, Canter, Action
This debut is an absolute delight to read; it’s perfect for readers who never outgrew horse stories.
PREMIUM
Come Home to My Heart
A realistic portrait of the plight of homeless queer youth across the United States as well as a beautiful story of first love, this novel is great for high schoolers or fans of a wholesome, romantic tearjerker.
With a new-era Pretty Little Liars vibe, this cautionary thriller is the perfect drama for Karen M. McManus and Rory Power fans.
PREMIUM
We Could Be Magic
A charming story that is recommended for libraries that are looking for sweet, fun romances.
PREMIUM
Death in the Cards
Recommended for libraries where Karen M. McManus and Maureen Johnson books are popular.
PREMIUM
Titan of the Stars
A mash-up of sci-fi and horror tropes fervently coalesce into a satisfying and fresh option for teens.
PREMIUM
That Devil, Ambition
Small doses of gore and horror heighten the stakes of this magical survival story. Recommended for general purchase.
PREMIUM
When We Go Missing
Recommended where Henry’s books and blends of coming-of-age and mystery are popular.
A thought-provoking, uncomfortable thriller that readers won’t be able to forget. Highly recommended.
A must-have flirtation-via-tropes tale with all the swooning and joy readers want in a love story.
PREMIUM
Out of Step, into You
This sport-centered story featuring Black characters will appeal to teens looking for a feel-good queer romance, particularly in a genre of sports that is rarely represented.
PREMIUM
Just Another Meet Cute
Tweens and teens will gravitate towards this book, especially fans of Sarah Dessen, Katherine Center, and Ann Liang. It’s a good purchase for classroom and school libraries.
PREMIUM
Love, Misha
An emotionally realistic, situationally fantastic, and vibrantly illustrated graphic novel about a non-binary teen struggling to connect with their estranged mom.
PREMIUM
This Could Be Forever
Whether readers personally resonate with Deja’s or Raja’s experiences or are just interested in YA romance, LaDelle’s book provides a beautifully sweet reading experience.
Despite some faults, this book is a strong choice for nonfiction shelves and as a curricular tie-in due to the significance of the subject’s contribution to science and world history.
An interesting and well-structured guide for young readers looking to build wealth and break free from financial limitations, though future editions may need periodic updates to keep up with evolving financial trends and political policies.
A must-purchase not just for sports fans but any reader looking for hope and stories of belonging.
This is an awesome addition to all collections. People are always looking for community helpers books, and the bonus here is the school setting.
PREMIUM
I Love Kindergarten! Numbers
An academically solid, aesthetically underwhelming volume of math-themed poetry.
PREMIUM
Trusty Bus
A comforting tale about a necessary and sometimes overlooked companion in a successful school day. This story will resonate with beginning school populations and lovers of things with wheels.
This is a peppy first day of school story to knock game-day jitters out of the park.
PREMIUM
The Bizarre Bazaar: Mirror Town
A cool, well-conceived graphic novel that captures the essential appeal of vintage anthology sci-fi shows like The Twilight Zone. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
On Guard!
With plenty of ups and downs, this middle school sports story will appeal to fans of friendship-themed narratives.
PREMIUM
Supa Nova
A wonderful STEM-themed addition for all tween shelves. Readers will love Nova and look forward to sequels.
PREMIUM
Return to Sender
A fantastical middle grade story with a touch of ethics; would be a good fit in collections favoring adventure and fantasy.
PREMIUM
The Burning Season
The adventure starts fast in this wilderness survival verse novel that will circulate in libraries with students who enjoy Dusti Bowling’s The Canyon’s Edge, and Gary Paulsen’s “Brian’s Saga” series.
A powerful novel about an often-forgotten region and era that highlights the power of education through shared communication to create bonds.
This luminous, heartfelt debut reminds readers the sky is never the limit and will inspire any middle school student who reads it.
PREMIUM
Graciela in the Abyss
An excellent fit for readers of fantasy and ghost stories, Graciela will make readers feel near the sea, hearing old stories passed around a campfire.
PREMIUM
Dad Rock Dragon Quest
A fast-paced book that will engage readers in what feels like the first in a series of adventures for Zadie and her family of Gamewardens.
PREMIUM
Vesuvius
A fun, unique historical romance for fans of Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End and Roman mythology. Consider for general purchase.
PREMIUM
It’s You Every Time
The “what if” plot of a fantasy romance serves a deeper purpose here as two teens grieve the death of loved ones.
PREMIUM
A Forgery of Fate
Hand to readers who like the ache of slow-burn romance and the whimsy of fairy tales. Highly recommended for all collections.
Highly recommended for libraries diversifying their YA romance collections with more stories that focus on managing identity, disability, and mental health anxieties in positive ways. A sure delight for fans of authors like Tashie Bhuiyan and Farah Heron.
PREMIUM
Everyone Sux But You
An honest exploration of first love and the strength it takes to leave an abusive relationship.
PREMIUM
His Face Is the Sun
Betrayal, murder, magic, and a monster combine within a desert setting for an ancient Egyptian-inspired Game of Thrones feel.
PREMIUM
Fitting Indian
An intense but important work of art that spotlights how community understanding can disentangle the stigma of mental health.
Though it can occasionally push the envelope with its content, this first volume is a fun, new take on murder mysteries that will keep readers guessing, even when they think they’ve got it all figured out.
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