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Short list this title for middle grade library collections and recommend to readers, reluctant or not, with an interest in pirates, history, bodies of water, or atypical family structures.
A real humdinger of a story told by master storyteller; this title will appeal to tweens seeking high-stakes, high-fun realistic fiction.
PREMIUM
Seabird
A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail.
Birdsall is so adept at magical realism that after finishing this book, readers will likely keep an eye out for fairylike creatures the next time they visit a museum or library. An essential purchase for all middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Steel & Spellfire
With a Regency-style setting, likable protagonists, romance, plot twists, and complex worldbuilding, this magical mystery story will appeal to readers who enjoy their historical romance laced with strong fantasy elements.
PREMIUM
Pretty Girl County
A funny, emotional glimpse into the unique Black social system of Prince George’s County; readers will be rooting for Sommer and Reya to achieve their dreams.
PREMIUM
Rosa by Any Other Name
A powerful coming-of-age story about passing, resistance, and self-discovery. Recommended for YA collections.
PREMIUM
Codebreaker
This book will appeal to tween and teen readers seeking an engrossing, adrenaline-packed mystery. Recommended for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Holly Jackson, and Kayvion Lewis.
PREMIUM
This Book Might Be About Zinnia
Full of heart, this book is recommended for libraries where Elizabeth Acevedo’s Clap When You Land is popular.
PREMIUM
Water in Her Veins
A potential town-wide conspiracy and links beyond the veil combine for a chilling mystery sure to keep readers eager to unearth the truth.
PREMIUM
Soul of Shadow
The first in a new YA romantasy series, this novel is perfect for readers of Holly Black, Lauren Roberts, and Stephanie Garber and mythology lovers who enjoy Rick Riordan and Joanne Harris.
PREMIUM
A Spell to Wake the Dead
Fantasy fans may want more explanation to the magic as it’s glossed over; the true reward in this novel is the mystery. Overall, this is a fun, spooky read that will keep readers hooked until the end.
PREMIUM
Soulmatch
A quick standalone read for teen fans of the “enemies to lovers” trope with some mystery and thriller set against the backdrop of dystopian science fiction.
Great for fans of F.T. Lukens and those who enjoy cozy fantasy and standalones.
These three titles feature tweens with parents navigating incarceration and detention in the United States.
PREMIUM
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
Readers who love fantasy and adventure will be drawn to Feather and the dangers of a menacing and destructive Forest and crave more details about the communities Feather encounters.
PREMIUM
Another
A robust horror title that deftly utilizes the uncanny valley while drawing on real-life recent events. Highly recommended for youth horror shelves.
PREMIUM
Mooncussers
A charming and original sequel that will take readers on a magical adventure in an alternate 19th century. Recommended for dark fantasy lovers and fans of the first installment.
PREMIUM
A Beautiful and Terrible Murder
Recommended; hand this book to strong readers who like a complex mystery entwined with Victorian culture set in the center of the Sherlock Holmes universe.
A comfort read for anyone who is drawn to romances set in the Regency and Victorian eras.
PREMIUM
Sky on Fire
Recommended for libraries with fans of Aetherbound or Johnston’s “Star Wars” novels, but its uneven pacing and lack of background context limits its wider appeal.
The winners of the 2025 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards are I Know How to Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely, illus. by Matt James; Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay; and Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown by Candace Fleming.
In these stories, tween and teen protagonists with a range of abilities face real and fantastical challenges, from time loops to dust storms to going viral. Share these titles with readers in time for Disability Pride Month in July, and all throughout the year.
A vivid world forms a backdrop to traditional Filipino tales and a positive realization of working for the greater good instead of self.
PREMIUM
The Blossoming Summer
Calmer than a typical WWII story, this is well suited for fans of cozy historical fiction, such as Anne of Green Gables.
PREMIUM
The Wish Switch
A fun read and an escape from the ordinary. A first purchase for libraries seeking a fusion of many genres in one story.
PREMIUM
Lone Wolf Goes to the Library
A funny, charming addition to early chapter book collections that’s sure to delight young readers.
Mata’s book will appeal to students entering a new school as well as to anyone who has felt like an outsider. It’s sure to be a hit.
This is an excellent book to teach young children about safety, sacrifice, putting service before self, and staying focused on a task until it is successfully completed.–Laura Ellis
PREMIUM
Sunny Wants to Play
An excellent look at what it feels like to be an only child, this is a good choice for any library’s picture book collection.
A beautifully told and illustrated story about resilience, identity, and the power of encouragement. A thoughtful addition to classrooms and libraries alike.
This book’s positive message, colorful illustrations, creative problem-solving activity, and culinary fun make it an enjoyable addition to a library’s holiday collection.
Comforting illustrations and an uplifting message, but it may be too sophisticated for the younger picture book crowd.
A Christmas-themed look into Indigenous culture tradition that encourages further exploration.
This is an enjoyable addition to story time collections, especially as a part of the Christmas holiday season.
PREMIUM
A Cowpoke’s Christmas
Heartwarming and thoughtful, this picture book is a charming addition to the canon of Christmas tales for young children.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Leon Egan shares about Lover Birds in this latest installment.
A great, immersive read that will leave readers anxious to see what happens next.
A fun choice for Spanish-language middle grade shelves, perfect for summertime reading.
PREMIUM
¡Hola, Tobi!
This joy-filled, Spanish-language picture book is a strong addition to collections for children.
For better or worse, this depiction simplifies a complex issue and will be of value as an addition to collections.
PREMIUM
The Very Fine Clock
A text-heavy but airy story for the patient child or the adult enthusiast and a must for the Gorey shelves; not essential except as a quite charming eccentricity.
An emotional take on a ghost story, with heartwarming illustrations and an ending to bring a tear to the eye.
PREMIUM
Finding Forgiveness
A tender, beautifully crafted story about conflict, emotional insight, and Jewish holiday traditions. Highly recommended for family reading, classroom discussions, and all library collections.
A delightful picture book of Hanukkah poems that showcases Judaism and Hanukkah in an authentic way; a great addition for those who are looking to build up their holiday collections.
Recommended as a fresh addition to public and school libraries to introduce the concept of a bruja. The story is lively and is likely to capture the interest of children and adults.
PREMIUM
Rabbit Rabbit
While there will be readers who identify with Bee and Alice’s struggles, some of the topics addressed may be more mature than the intended tween audience.
PREMIUM
Home, Home
Perfect for libraries wishing to add a beautiful cross-cultural story to their collection, and for every child who has ever felt different.
PREMIUM
Dreaming of a Quinceañera
An excellent story about siblings and quinceañeras that entertains while providing a good description of the traditions and ceremonies that make up a quinceañera.
PREMIUM
12 Little Elves Save Christmas
A perfect way to introduce children to diverse Christmas traditions and cultures.
PREMIUM
Owl’s Fall Feast Fiasco
A warm title for young readers about honest and effective communication, friendship, and the understanding that differences are worth celebrating.
This is a wonderful addition to any library and would be well suited for children of all ages.
PREMIUM
Illuminary
This fantastical novel of misfits on a Quest literally and figuratively will entice readers in middle school and beyond. The cliff-hanger ending will have readers anticipating the sequel.
PREMIUM
Of Earthly Delights
This gothic romance, while occasionally repetitive, offers an atmospheric and emotionally charged narrative. Mature readers may particularly appreciate the sharp, eerie imagery woven throughout.
PREMIUM
Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite
This strong choice can be used across multiple grades as a read-aloud or as part of a math lesson involving kites and competition.
In these books that take place in part during the first semester of college, characters learn more about themselves during this time of transition—and maybe fall in love along the way.
A perfect read for libraries in need of historical fantasy adventure fiction, especially for those interested in hierarchy of the ancient Chinese palace orders and power struggles.
PREMIUM
Never Thought I’d End Up Here
A comfort read for those struggling with connection and an easy purchase for libraries where romance fans of “he falls first” prevail.
Anything Gonzales writes should be an automatic purchase for librarians, including this story that bursts with hope and love rising above people intent on destroying it.
PREMIUM
We Can Never Leave
Purchase for fans of edgy supernatural thrillers who appreciate morally gray characters and ambiguity.
A masterful middle-grade mystery that challenges, entertains, and lingers long after the final page. This one deserves a spot on every school and library shelf.
PREMIUM
Giant
Readers who like Lewis’s works, historical fiction, and character-driven novels will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where historical fiction is popular.
PREMIUM
Displaced
Ideal for a classroom global issues study, this story of Kimathi and his friends serves as a reminder that kids are the same everywhere, but many have comforts and advantages others do not. Recommended.
PREMIUM
The Freedom Seeker
This timely book about migration and asylum complements Kelly Yang’s Front Desk and Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising.
This book draws needed attention to Wells’s remarkable life and leadership in the early civil rights movement, but its reliance on speculation and lack of documentation make it better classified as historical fiction than biography.
PREMIUM
Lilac and the Switchback
Accessible verse and a relatable protagonist highlight a winning tale of family, friendship, and change. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Rewilding
A realistic portrayal of a tween doing her best to hold her fractured family together; a poignant must-have for all middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Smoke & Mirrors
A fast-paced, multilayered mystery that will encourage readers to question preconceived notions and search for the truth in their own lives.
A delightful story about friendship, acceptance, and kindness, perfect for introducing young readers to the rich traditions of Chuseok.
Not a mandatory purchase, but give this one a go to boost Halloween sections. This rhyming romp is sure to get everyone excited for spooky season.
PREMIUM
It’s Time for Halloween
Bright, interactive, and developmentally on target, this seasonal board book is an engaging choice for Halloween displays and lapsits alike.
A beautiful and reflective read, perfect for celebrating Día de Muertos or simply savoring life’s precious moments. Purchase to enrich holiday collections.
A warm and empowering story about finding one’s voice while celebrating the love of family. Highly recommended.
This read will charm trick-or-treaters and caregivers, and is a solid addition to holiday collections.
PREMIUM
Peppa Pig and the Wedding Day
A heartwarming story about love, friendship, and the joy of celebrating special moments.
A good resource to learn more about Día de Muertos, recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
Bob the Vampire Snail
Slightly confusing at times, this unlikely vampire tale is excellent Halloween fun.
An informative read that introduces young readers to the richness of Jewish traditions and celebrations.
An affirming, sweet board book for families who celebrate Chuseok.
A must-buy. Young readers love exploring their independence, and this delightful story might just inspire a few more to embrace their unique selves
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