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As we closed out 2025, many books rose to the top, including lots of manga and new offerings from middle grade favorites Gordon Korman and Sara Pennypacker.

These illustrated works, including a board book, early reader, and two picture books, are heartwarming picks that are sure to be hits beyond Valentine’s Day.

Lunar New Year is February 17. Here are some titles to share with young readers, including a new chapter book from Grace Lin.

These informational works for kids of all ages shine a light on the many contributions Black icons, such as Zora Neale Hurston, Serena Williams, and Malcolm X, and more, have made on American culture.

Blessings are all around in these gentle picture books that exalt sharing and gratitude in a manner accessible to children.

Since our July 2025 Stars So Far ­issue, SLJ has starred over 300 additional titles, reviewed in print and online from June through ­December. From board books and ­holiday titles to professional reading and manga, this list highlights must-have ­selections for every collection need.

Comic adaptations of well-known children’s books were all the rage in 2025. Here’s a roundup of our favorites, from Junie B. Jones to A Wizard of Earthsea.

A mix of board books, picture books, one graphic novel, and one middle grade novel make up this roundup of Christmas-focused titles for young readers.

One title is for young readers and the other is for middle grade, but both books share the importance of the cultural holiday that begins on December 26 and has been celebrated since 1966.

These three titles focus on intriguing, shocking, under-explored disappearances throughout history.

Elephants, mice, and dragons make their appearance in these fun and festive board books and picture books.

Graphic novels by and about Indigenous people are a growing and essential category. Share these during Native American Heritage Month and all year long.

The YA author shares how laughter through tears is a survival tactic employed by her protagonists—and Indigenous people—to get through difficult times.

These two titles explore the drama, the excitement, and the endless moving parts involved in the world of theater.

From a lushly-illustrated story of the wildflowers that inspired Emily Dickinson to vivid narratives of firefighters, researchers, and policy makers confronting climate change, these books show people engaging with the world as explorers, observers, and protectors.

These picture books that celebrate found families, friendship, and connection are great choices for holidays shelves.

The books that shine here, including the latest from Leslie Patricelli and Mo Willems, keep it simple, are all heart, and let babies be babies and preschoolers be preschoolers.

This month's notable titles include works from our fiction edition of the Series Made Simple supplement, featuring the latest entries from Kate DiCamillo and Axie Oh.

There can never be too many Halloween books! Check out these recently reviewed board books and picture books to round out Halloween displays and programs. 

The game is afoot! Give these chapter book and middle grade capers to fans of whodunits and thrillers.

There’s not a dull moment in these transitional books for the main characters and their siblings!

Baker & Taylor (B&T), the largest library wholesaler in the country, is shuttering. At a town hall on October 6, CEO Amandeep Kochar told staff that B&T would cease operations.

Because language is inextricably linked to culture, every original Spanish-language book published makes Latinx culture more accessible to young readers. And many publishers select titles with specific Latinx-related content to amplify that benefit. Read on for a diverse array of new titles to help round out and enrich the cultural relevance of your Spanish-language collection this fall.

Here’s a look at manga that feature short chapters, perfect for a quick, fun read—whether to dip in for just a few minutes or to get hooked and binge.

Whether it’s ballet or the tinikling, dancing is fun for humans and animals alike!

Young chefs and bakers will gobble up these cookbooks that run the gamut from spooky sweets and fake cakes to activism-inspired family recipes!

This roundup of active nonfiction features forays into nature, hands-on science experiments, and SEL guidebooks.

School Library Journal and NCTE continue to champion works that have long been taught in classrooms, including YA classics like Caroline B. Cooney's The Face on the Milk Carton and Robert Cormier's We All Fall Down.

Here’s a look at seven graphic novels for a range of ages, in which monster tales are reimagined as stories of empathy, identity, and the unknown.

This fantasy-themed TTRPG roundup features games perfect for library programming, where players can step into the boots, paws, or claws of adorable animals and outlandish creatures to work together and save the day.

That rocks are born, not made, will have children sitting up with delight for these two fact-filled but funny origin stories.

The first Sunday in August is designated as National Sisters Day, a time to celebrate the bond between and with sisters. These selections offer something for children of all ages and might just inspire a deeper appreciation for the sisters in their own lives.

Why should Christmas in July get all the summer holiday glory? This list of Halloween board books and picture books is perfect for those who want to get into the spooky spirit despite the summer heat.

Finding Spanish-language books for older readers continues to be a challenge, but we’ve curated this list that includes translations of Jason Reynolds and Raina Telgemeier’s popular titles and a Spanish-original YA about an undocumented teen.

This year, we awarded dozens of books a prestigious star—and among this distinguished group, several clear commonalities shine bright. From fresh approaches on topics like grief to specific recurrences, such as characters taking on another person’s identity, here are the key trends among 2025's starred books.

In these two titles, librarians will be inspired by reading about the good work of colleagues and motivated to help young readers through the use of bibliotherapy.

In this golden age of anime, these beginner-friendly films and series provide librarians with a strong starting point for introducing the format to new audiences.

From figure skating dreams to dungeon crawler adventures, these seven popular manga titles with recent anime adaptations offer something for every taste and age.

Children's and YA titles are vital resources in public health education.

These recent, incredible titles cover under-explored events, figures, regions, and even creative literary approaches that warrant a spotlight in the WWII literary canon.

Seven recent graphic novels that feature family stories of love, loss, and lineage.

From romance to fantasy to graphic novel to poetry—there’s a book for every teen’s summer reading pile in this roundup of diverse titles.

This list features two graphic novels about trying to find your place in the world, a tale centering a sweet friendship between a boy and his cat, a primer on Asian American history, and more.

For young listeners who need a reminder that kindness matters and resilience is powerful, share these audio titles to provide inspiration, comfort, and even temporary escape.

Sibling drama, superpowers, and lemon cupcakes. There’s something here for every transitional and emerging reader looking for the just-right book during the summer months.

Grab your towel, sunscreen, and snacks, and head out in the sunshine to enjoy some summertime stories. These 16 YA romances celebrate love and everything summer, from camp and vacation drama to days spent at jobs and on creative pursuits.

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.

Middle grade and YA authors tackle the unfathomable and the long reach of tragic events.

From a bilingual title about merengue dancing to a colorful volume on what you can find in the grocery store, these works are perfect for the smallest hands this summer break.

With these manga, choose the right format for the right story.

Cascarones are empty eggshells that are decorated, filled with confetti, and sealed. A Latinx Easter tradition involves breaking them over loved ones’ heads. Join in the fun with these two picture books.

From fish farts to how animal poop helps fight the climate crisis, these STEM books will inform and satisfy readers who enjoy supercool titles about the slimy and disgusting.

From a picture book about whales to middle grade books on rescuing red wolves and honeybees, these informational texts will encourage burgeoning environmentalists to take on a cause.

Books to help budding ornithologists explore the world of birds, along with aspects of SEL (social and emotional learning), from persistence to making friends.

From conservation and recycling to a simple appreciation of nature, these books provide a greater understanding of the world and our place in it.

As we mark five years since COVID-19 emerged in the United States and consider the lasting impacts of the global pandemic, this list of books for young readers of all ages features representations of anxiety, grief, coping techniques and, most of all, hope.

This video game roundup features Mario and Luigi, Astro Bot, and more to boost collections and keep players of all ages entertained.

These starred YA debuts released during the first three months of 2025 feature propulsive, thought-provoking plots from authors we’re sure to see more of in the future.

Lifting up transgender voices in literature has always been important, but now it's more vital than ever. Share these 14 books by trans creators and/or about trans characters ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 and all year round.

It’s romance! It’s fantasy! It’s romantasy: A fan favorite category for manga. Here are seven recent romantasy manga releases.

Two exemplary titles explore activism from distinct perspectives for young readers.

When educator Benjamin Ludwig missed one day of school, a group of fifth graders reorganized the books—not by genre, but with ROYGBIV.

In uncertain and scary times, these recent audiobooks for kids, tweens, and teens can inspire much-needed resilience and joy.

Following a devastating year of violence against children, our deepest hope is that these 40 outstanding international titles, and the words within them, can inspire bridges of understanding and peace. Download the full list here.

Our latest batch of board book reviews are quite the treasure chest for little lap-sitters and other pre-readers! From basic concepts and to understanding emotions, this collection celebrates inclusion and is perfect for sparking conversation and imagination.

From board books with kids and dogs sharing Valentine's wishes to YA novels about Valentine's dances and do-overs, these titles will warm young readers' hearts this holiday season.

Spotlighting the history of Jim Crow and civil rights struggles outside the South, along with recent books and teaching resources on the topic.

Celebrating history shapers like John Lewis and Mae Jemison and lesser-known individuals with comparable impact, such as playwrights August Wilson and Lorraine Hansberry, and engineer Raye Montague, these 28 titles share the lives, struggles, and triumphs of notable Black Americans.

Some kids love narrative nonfiction; others, expository literature. Learn more about these two styles of books and browse a list of recent outstanding examples. 

These selections combine witty dialogue, incongruous situations, goofy characters, and silly plots to keep young readers entertained.

Seek-and-finds, stories about escape challenges, and other engaging titles. 

In their SLJ Summit session, librarians Julie Stivers and Julia Torres provided strategies and suggestions for helping students overcome reading trauma and creating truly inclusive libraries.

New planets, secret headquarters, extraterrestrial creatures, and other cosmic delights fill the pages of these works for elementary through high school readers. 

These coauthored narratives offer readers the opportunity to experience a novel from multiple perspectives, expanding worldbuilding, character development, and plot lines, proving that there are always two (or sometimes three or four) sides to every story.

Family members who collaborate talk about the dynamics (and ground rules) of their creative partnerships.

From puppy love to the latest collection from fan-favorite Junji Ito, these 10 new manga releases are bound to be a hit with readers of all ages.

Books and online resources about trees and forest conservation, including Indigenous-authored titles and narratives about marine forests.

Diverse books to encourage conversation during National Adoption Awareness Month.

These seven series about supernatural creatures are more humorous than scary and often emphasize acceptance.

10 entertaining books for young children about patience, impatience, apologies, and more. 

This roundup of 2024 books centering Native American stories offers something for every reader to enjoy this November and all year long.

In these recent releases, text and visuals complement each other to explain complicated concepts such as historical battles and biological cycles. 

These guides compassionately provide support, resources, and coaching for young people navigating death and loss.

Librarians responding to our 2024 Transitional Books Survey had a lot to say about their favorite series. Here's why "Fly Guy," "Mercy Watson," and others stand out to them. 

This great resource for readers of all ages who are interested in comics, graphic novels, and manga, has just added more picture books to its collection.

With Haitian communities under attack in Ohio and across the country, share these titles that feature Haitian American representation or are by Haitian American authors, including picture books by Tami Charles and YA novels by Ben Phillipe and Ibi Zoboi.

In time for Banned Books Week, NCTE and SLJ have partnered again to provide professional reviews of banned curriculum staples. We highlight 18 acclaimed works by celebrated authors, including Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

These seven works range from spin-offs of classic Japanese manga to completely original stories rendered with manga-style storytelling.

From picture book biographies to historical overviews and reference titles, this roundup spotlights informational texts centering Latinx heritage. Add these works to nonfiction displays from September 15 to October 15 (and every other month of the year).

This video game roundup features an assortment of sequels and remakes, perfect for catching gamers up on beloved, long-running series they may have missed or revisiting revamped favorites.

There's something for everyone in this roundup of active nonfiction. Some books teach readers how to go fishing, bird-watch, and get in touch with their mystic powers, while other offerings cover affirmations, puberty, and career readiness. 

Librarians pitch current favorites, from breathtaking escape stories to heartwarming yarns. 

Music and sound effects can elevate an audiobook, but an authentic narrator is what makes for a stellar listening experience, librarians and industry experts say. 

Empathetic rapport, masterful pacing, pitch-perfect accents—it's all in a day's work for the top-notch talents behind audiobooks including "Horrible Harry," The Hate U Give, No Kimchi for Me!, All American Boys, and others.

Physical books that play narration can increase students' reading confidence. Parents also like the format as an alternative to digital devices.

The acclaimed graphic novel romance, written by Yang and illustrated by Pham, features supernatural elements, family conflict, and celebrations of Asian culture.

Is the Mexican jumping bean really a bean? And how do animals and plants communicate? These Spanish-language books for elementary students explore sea animals, wildlife, and girls making their mark.

Creators are never so ambitious than when they want to get the facts into the hands of young readers. Here is our list of outstanding nonfiction books from the first part of 2024.

From multiplayer matches to couch co-op adventures, sometimes two (or more) heads are better than one. Here are six multiplayer video games to add to your collection for building community in the library and at home.

From miniature biographies of icons Selena and El Chavo to more adventures about Juana Martinez-Neal's beloved Alma, these board books will put smiles on little ones' faces.