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An inspiring story and a powerful look at what is happening not just to Yuli but in real-life classrooms all around our country. A good addition to high school collections.
My upcoming novel, If Looks Could Kill, pits a modern yet mythical Medusa against the real-life, true-crime, name-unknown murderer we call Jack the Ripper.
In creating these Take Five posts, I'm seeing so many books I wish I had read, so the TBR tower grows!
A big thanks to the publisher for letting me dig into these 8 books.
Apologies to everyone in my life is going to be so sick of me asking if they've heard of Tambora and the climate shock that followed. Tambora might be my whole personality now.
Purchase this resonant and relevant work for all middle grade nonfiction, Spanish-language collections.
The book’s anecdotes and chapter-specific discussion questions could be particularly useful in a classroom or book group setting to allow the sharing of ideas from multiple perspectives.
A must-buy for any school library (and many public libraries) where patrons are actively using AI tools or considering AI-related careers. This book is equally valuable for librarians (and teachers) developing instruction on research methodologies, digital literacy, or copyright ethics.
History lovers and budding political enthusiasts will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at presidential history.
PREMIUM
Canada: We Are the Story
Complex, beautiful, and thought-provoking. The eternal presence and voices of the Old Ones will be a spiritual paean to some and a ghost story to others.
When an author bears witness to the experience of adolescence through a real, living, breathing, complicated, messy protagonist caught in a web of complicated, messy relationships, readers notice.
Join me in the Not-So-Way-Back Machine to catch up on a few May titles!
Chuseok is a Korean harvest festival on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. This year, it falls on October 6. Share these two books with little ones to teach them about Chuseok and celebrate the holiday.
In eighth grade, I was scared of the world finding out the truth about me. But I think, even scarier, was admitting that truth to myself.
An excellent addition to any collection for its beautiful illustrations and rich history lesson. An added bonus is that its lessons of inclusivity could be a real lifeline for any child navigating difficult times.
An unusual and inspiring variation on the archetypal hero’s journey in which personal courage, family loyalty, and the broader cultural context all play equally strong roles.
Emotive illustrations and honest language capture the story of a young girl’s journey. Highly recommended for all collections, this tale shines light on the enduring impact of colonization but also the transformative power of love and connection.
Recommended for all biography collections, this book would work beautifully in lockstep with any classroom unit on Where the Red Fern Grows.
Ades treats questions of identity with a light touch, which only gives the story more power. A necessary addition to the shelves.
Unique in its approach to the discussion of environmental conservation, this is a compelling, important addition to nonfiction collections for older elementary readers.
An exceptional choice for libraries that cherish the stories of unsung, exceptional American people.
This book is a fine choice for supplementing and supporting studies of plants, animals, and natural settings. It is also useful for examining how written text and illustrations can work successfully together to inform and surprise readers.
PREMIUM
This Is My Wonderful Face
A colorful book that celebrates potentially infinite diversity, this will be a story time hit for preschool and kindergarten audiences.
Recommended for general purchase for early reader collections.–Kristen Todd-Wurm
An ideal addition to collections where STEM titles fly off the shelves.
PREMIUM
A Place Called Galveston
A tender, accessible introduction to an underrepresented part of American immigration history. Recommended for collections where immigrant narratives are lacking.
A generous view of the phases of the moon, written with great care, pacing, and illumination.
A lovely homage to Matisse’s life and work, this is a positive addition to nonfiction biography collections for young readers, and it is especially well-suited to reading aloud.
Another excellent title from Fitzharris. Recommended for all middle schools.
Children, and adults, who enjoy baking, and decorating their creations will value this crafty book most.
Heiligman’s depth of research and absorbing, crisp writing makes for a page-turner about a fierce, complex, and influential dissident. Recommended for all libraries.
A thoughtful and visually rich collection that honors the depth of Persian mythology while making it approachable for a new generation of readers.
PREMIUM
How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler: The Story of American Artistry and Deception in World War II
Delving into a unique element of WWII, this book will be well received by students, teachers, and anyone interested in military strategy.
PREMIUM
Sole Survivor
Highly recommended, especially for older tweens drawn to true stories of grit, growth, and survival against the odds.
This engaging collected biography would be a wonderful addition to any library. The eye-catching cover and title may encourage reluctant readers of nonfiction to explore these mystifying women of magical history.
While shelving a title this size could pose some challenges, this is a beautiful book to return to again and again for the images, descriptions, and overview it offers.
Devastating, obscure history brought to light. Highly recommended for schools’ Native American units, research, and general reading.
This call to action for the middle grade set is chock full of information and concrete suggestions for kids to participate in the effort to combat climate change. Recommended for young environmental activists and foodies alike.
Despite some odd changes in point of view that might confuse readers, this is a compelling title that will appeal to younger readers without overwhelming them with morbid details or lengthy exposition. Recommended as an additional purchase where books about history, mystery, and criminal trials are popular.
A great introduction to the science of reproduction in a way that makes animal babies the star of the show.
A gorgeous, genre-blurring work of art and science. Ideal for classroom libraries, environmental studies, or anyone seeking to fall in love with the living world. Highly recommended
This is a meticulously wrought book and there is an audience for it, but it will require some direct marketing.
PREMIUM
Dolphins
A well-designed, fact-filled introduction to dolphins, enriched with images and text features that support literacy and science learning. Highly recommended as an update for animal nonfiction collections.
With tenuous alliances and ongoing negotiations ever-present in the news, this book cannot be added faster to any collection to help teens understand the background of the countries and the men who lead them.
Highly recommended for fans of Rick Riordan, or reluctant readers who enjoy Marvel’s Thor and Loki adventures.
This month's picks include a YA novel and an audiobook from Tiffany D. Jackson, a biography about Sally Ride, and more.
I can’t wait for readers to experience the characters’ journeys to debutante delirium in the fashion capital of the world. Everyone is cordially invited to attend!
My writing life has been an imperfect storm, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I promised myself when I began writing for teenagers in 2017, that I would tackle topics often silenced or totally ignored in households within my faith community specifically.
Whether it’s ballet or the tinikling, dancing is fun for humans and animals alike!
Maybe I DO have something I’m hoping kids will learn from my books after all: That even when the world feels like it’s falling down around them, they can still find laughter.
From Boffone and Herrera's overview of queer identity in YA literature to Struckmeyer's title on young adult library programming, these books will inspire librarians, both new and experienced, to take a fresh look at their programs and collections.
I hope you find something fun here to read in these final days of summer.
Because I love imagery, developing an image system for a verse novel is one of my favorite challenges.
The power of words can help save us---reading them, writing them, feeling them. They can help us find our way back to ourselves when it seems like everything was taken. A powerful look at trauma, bravery, and survival.
Sometimes we are not okay. Sometimes we crave respite from the onward march. Sometimes we need the relief of being seen. And that, I believe, is okay.
This tale has an unusual ecological theme that makes seed preservation not only an essential task, but sacred one. A must-have story for all libraries.
Great book on the science of stars, purchase wherever there is interest in space at the library.
The memory of a song helped inspire my latest nonfiction book, Many Voices, Building Erie, the Canal that Changed America.
Contributor Riley Jensen shares a list of 5 YA books coming out September 2025.
Author Ellen Forney joins us to talk about her new book, The Adventures of You!: How to Write, Draw, and Star in Your Own Comics.
PREMIUM
Spotlight on Cynthia Erivo
A strong addition to the series that will inspire young readers to embrace who they are.
With its lilting text and gorgeous artwork, this is the rare book that amplifies the ferocity and the necessity of fire in nature, employing the ecology of the sagebrush.
An excellent choice for social studies units dealing with geography, as well as integrated studies showing how art and social studies can work together to create meaning. This is a beautiful, fascinating, and uniquely told book.
PREMIUM
Spotlight on Ariana Grande
A highly accessible format and inspiring message make this a great pick for young most collections.
Abari’s accessible text sheds light on a group of women who did not receive enough recognition during their time; students will be inspired by the story of this brave and hard-working battalion. A first purchase.
Highly recommended especially for collections with fans of collected biographies such as Vashti Harrison’s “Leaders & Dreamers” series and Robin Stevenson “Kid Legends.”
With its manageable and impactful subject matter alongside engrossing illustrations, this is a valuable handbook for learning about the objects that surround readers every day
A strong purchase for cookbook collections
The fall books are arriving in droves these days, so while I'm trying to hang on to the last joys of summer vacation, I am thinking ahead to what I'll be reading in the upcoming months.
A recommended purchase for schools and libraries in need of current, high-interest nonfiction on important topics.
Readers will discover a wonderful role model and a perfect message: be true to yourself and do what you love. A touching and wonderful tribute to a real star, and a first purchase for all libraries.
For me, gardening is not only a way to neatly symbolize the writing journey—I feel that it’s also one of the best methods for gathering story ideas.
These four titles discuss women's equality in America, as well as women's suffrage worldwide. Hand them to young readers for Women's Equality Day and throughout the year.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen reviews April Henry's newest teen mystery/thriller, WHEN WE GO MISSING
I always needed the girl I tried to leave. Every word we write shapes a chance to see the world and ourselves in new ways.
This month brings starred titles in gaming books, professional reading, and more.
A great purchase for nonfiction resource collections serving upper-elementary and middle school readers.
PREMIUM
To the Stars: The Story of NASA
Recommended for middle school or high school collections where in-depth NASA or STEM materials are in demand.
PREMIUM
Edgar Allan Poe
An excellent purchase for elementary and middle school library collections where accessible and well-organized biographies written for younger students would be beneficial to the collection.
Contributor Riley Jensen shares some new YA coming out this August
PREMIUM
Amanda Gorman: Poet and Activist
A recommended purchase for libraries looking to include relevant, inspiring individuals to their biography collections for young readers.
A good introduction to landmarks for early elementary children.
Firmly rooted in Wyeth’s childhood this title will appeal to budding artists as Wyeth’s story is one that offers a path for those who find their passion for the world best expressed through art. Recommended.
PREMIUM
I Am Strong!
Ideal for read-alouds, and toddler and baby story times, this is recommended for purchase for libraries serving the youngest patrons.
PREMIUM
Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
A true story of overcoming challenges one step at a time, this is sure to be popular with those already familiar with Dexter.
PREMIUM
Maisy Loves Frogs
A welcoming and engaging choice for young nature enthusiasts, perfect for story time or one-on-one reading.
Recommended where rock climbing or national parks books are popular.
Not an essential purchase, this interesting subject lacks a consistent presentation throughout.
For students interested in ancient history, this could be used for sparking discussions about gender roles in various cultures.
Aspiring writers and editors will gobble this up; a strong purchase for middle grade biography shelves.
Covering the entirety of the Grimké sisters’ lives, this is a thought-provoking biography of two fierce yet humble abolitionists who deserve more attention than history has given them. Recommended for all libraries.
A recommended purchase that will require handselling to find the right reader.
A straightforward, inclusive primer on reproductive rights recommended for young adult collections.
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