Related
Highly recommended for high school students, this would make a great reading group book to discuss.
Come for the culinary competition, stay for the incisive take on social issues. Recommended for all libraries.
An engaging and insightful biography of an American hero
A highly readable biography about an inspiring man, this is a first pick for all libraries.
A breathtaking, bilingual offering that can be used with countless themed story times and read-alouds. Shelve alongside Carole Lindstrom’s My Powerful Hair.
This must-read graphic novel is the perfect choice for tween readers going through challenging times.
An emotionally resonant denouement; Ogle gives readers his hardest and most hopeful book yet.
A beautifully written and illustrated story of a man who wanted people to explore nothingness, which is a necessity in today’s busy world. A great read-aloud and a must-purchase for all library collections.Graphic Nonfiction
This imaginative retelling of the story of Huck’s red-headed sweetheart is a rollicking adventure full of rich characterizations that will be enjoyed by junior high and high school readers regardless of whether they have read the book that inspired it.
A novel long overdue. Highly recommended for teen collections, particularly for readers wanting stories centralizing Black characters and experiences.
A clever and charming early reader with a fun out-of-the-blue turn of events and just a few words per page, this is an ideal story for burgeoning readers and a welcome book for any collection.
This heartwarming story about found family and finding yourself is an immersive and refreshing shift from traditional science fiction.
Hank’s story will break readers’ hearts before putting them back together again. Highly recommended for all middle grade collections.
Highly recommended for readers looking for a unique take on the werewolf trope. Readers will root for the gentle and introspective protagonist.
A must-purchase for any and all tweens and teens who are ravenous for lighthearted, absorbing, and authentic coming-of-age, realistic graphic fiction.
This book features a diverse cast of characters for readers who like cooking, mysteries, and realistic fiction; it will circulate well in libraries where mysteries and friendship stories are popular.
A heartwarming story for Día de Muertos celebrations and displays.
Emphatically recommended. Readers will fall in love with Nayva and her family.
A rich, rhythmic ode celebrating Día de Muertos, this read-aloud is recommended for all school and public library holiday collections.
Celebrating families who are “wonderfully different” with gusto, this title will be appreciated by a wide spectrum of readers and their families seeking to live their lives to the fullest expression of their true selves.
Funny, real, and makes a delicious point without spelling it out; this book is a charmer.
This is a picture book to enter with an open heart and share widely. It invites everyone into a celebration of dance, life, and being true to oneself.
This unique addition to the shelves celebrates the American experience through the lens of a beloved kitchen table.
A story that shows an environment where the differently abled can thrive, where accessibility means everyone, and featuring an underrepresented group in picture books, this is a truly solid addition for all collections.
An eye-opening album to be read, cherished, used as a cornerstone for study, or shared across curricula.
A voluminous book centering the historical playwright, along with a group of people who saved him from outright oblivion, this is a sharply funny, delightful must-have for every library shelf.
A must-read. This one offers a joyful celebration of culture, tradition, and the spirit of these beloved holidays.
A festive tribute to music and home that will strike a chord with all readers, especially those who see their cultures represented in these pages. Purchase for all picture book shelves.
A biographical read about a young woman who beat many odds due to her love of music. Perfect for burgeoning musicians and aficionados, and certainly for the nonfiction shelves.
An impactful story about discovering how to declare yourself proudly and bring awareness to your community; this opens an important window into the modern-day life of Native American culture that has yet to be fully explored thoroughly in middle grade literature.
A powerful story about self-acceptance and showing up for life that should be put in the hands of all middle school readers.
An exceptional and must-have addition to Spanish-language collections.
A magical Spanish picture book that is a must have for school and public library collections.
The sensitive topic of climate change is wonderfully addressed through the eyes of a young polar bear who befriends children who come to its aid. A wonderful selection for Spanish-language picture book shelves.
A solid introduction to gardening told through story and extremely well-presented facts. Highly recommended.
For libraries without shelves about late bloomers, start here. A tremendous homage to self-esteem, individuality, thoughtfulness, surrender, and hope.
A tearjerking work that all will cherish as they remember loved ones who live near and far, this would also be an excellent choice for SEL collections.
Share the book by inverting it; the author’s note will settle children into a wicked and relevant history lesson. As lyrical as the light verse telling is, children need this context urgently to appreciate the beauty of the message.
Beautiful in its simplicity yet swirling with emotion, this book deserves a place in all libraries serving upper elementary and middle school readers. Hand to fans of Starfish by Lisa Fipps and Wave by Diana Farid.
A rich short story collection for any teen horror fan, especially those who are tired of the same old tropes.
An essential work on making friends, being brave, and dealing with the inherent emotional turmoil of growing up.
This delightful exploration of patterns works well as a read-aloud and complements early childhood lessons on patterns. A recommended first purchase.
A story about a delightfully vibrant party of musical harmony, one that could pair well with a hands-on introduction to the different musical instruments portrayed in the story in interactive or musical read-aloud sessions.
Funny and wildly unpredictable, this will be a read-aloud hit. Recommended for all picture book collections.
This graphic novel is an example of dynamo sequential storytelling and beginning readers will love this book.
This enjoyable blend of graphic novel, humor, game shows, and inventions is a great choice to introduce a STEM unit on engineering or animal adaptations.
A cherished character enjoys the heartfelt and uplifting closure he, and his fans, richly deserve. An essential purchase.
This stunning picture book biography is highly recommended.
Burns’s writing style invites readers in to a compelling narrative of wonder and discovery; this is a first purchase.
A wonderful, Spanish-language nonfiction text for elementary readers not only interested in the environment but also in the intricacies of the world of animals, plants, and insects.
An essential purchase; this standout work of illustrated poems encourages readers to consider wild creatures’ homes and compare their similar needs to our own.
A cozy step back into the past with a visual style reminiscent of Ezra Jack Keats, this book is sure to be a conversation-starter and a hit for story time.
While on the surface this appears to be a quiet and muted narrative, it can spark lengthy discussions about the importance of community, the beauty of fixing things rather than discarding them, and the path to healing after immeasurable loss.
A rollicking title that should be part of every school library and bilingual classroom.
This story is entertaining for every age and offers so many opportunities for engagement
Deeply recommended, especially for high school libraries where slice-of-life stories are popular.
A beautiful and sometimes haunting narrative that will appeal to readers of both realistic and fantasy fiction.
This moving novel carries a powerful message about the meaning of family and the importance of community. Highly recommended for all collections.
A fabulous read-aloud that offers many opportunities for choral reading and movement, this text will have everyone dancing and saying “One more!”
Originally published in Russian, this is a beautiful addition to nonfiction collections looking for books on the subject, and those seeking more translated works.
This gentle story is written in a Spanish that sounds like home with familiar themes and images of family, root countries, and a love that spans distances; children will wait in line to have a turn to share it with their families.
A book that deserves both its own anime adaptation and a spot on the shelves of any library with fantasy-loving teens.
Quintero’s words speak to bonds of care, while the glorious illustrations sing of bodies round and safe. In this must-purchase, there is bounty of feeling, respect for physicality, touch, and sensation, wrapped in a picture book pocket.
A fable wherein the courage of the lion was in the girl all along. Jackson imbues what could have been a tired concept with depth, breadth, and power. Great for reading aloud in a group or individual sharing and an excellent addition to all collections.
A well-researched account of an essential historical account of the U.S. labor movement. Highly recommended for middle school readers and beyond.
An evocative novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, history, and psychology, this is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking puzzle that explores the lasting impacts of war. Highly recommended for any collection but particularly for libraries where Alan Gratz or Elizabeth Wein books are popular.
An excellent addition to nonfiction collections for young readers.
A love letter to Muslim children at a time when it is needed most. A recommended first purchase for school and public libraries.
Providing necessary AANHPI representation, humor, and instant middle school appeal, this novel is a first purchase.
Not only a survey of various animals, this will resonate with little ones who see themselves reflected in the mongoose, needing an outlet for its energy before settling into the family burrow and falling fast asleep.
An important novel for every library to have. Readers will find they’re not alone in dealing with a loved one’s addiction, as an estimated one in eight children have a parent dealing with substance abuse.
It’s not a perfect summer at the beach, but Winnie’s feelings are perfectly real, and the resolution is satisfying and hopeful. Highly recommended.
A must-read graphic novel that will draw fans of Jerry Craft’s New Kid and Raina Telgemeier’s Smile. This book belongs on library shelves everywhere.
Give this story to children everywhere. A powerful story of finding your voice and using it to advocate for yourself.
Ripped from the headlines, Ahmed’s latest novel frames the fight against book banning as a hopeful endeavor in active civic engagement that a wide audience would benefit from reading.
Whether teens enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, or both, this is one to get into their hands.
A deeply satisfying standalone readers will race through and a rare Pacific Island–inspired fantasy that belongs in all YA collections.
With its imaginative storytelling and illustrations, Safer Places is perfect for new and seasoned readers of graphic novels and is a must-have addition to any library’s collection.
A manual for constructing a contented life, this book makes children look deeper and behave with deliberation. And when they do, Henkes says, they are lucky.
A beautiful story that should be sitting on the shelves of school counselors and child therapists everywhere.
A reassuring book for the very young that allows for ambition, curiosity, and homecoming in equal measure, and the knowledge that someone watchful is nearby, if needed. Lovely.
An exceptional addition to all collections.
Highly recommended. This outstanding work has offerings in both theory and practice and is an excellent resource for both LIS students and experienced librarians.
Highly recommended for professional or staff collections in academic, public, school, and all libraries.
A must for all educators. For new teachers, it provides aspirational direction to teach literacy; for veteran teachers, it will reawaken a passion for the art of teaching literacy.
Its edgy title may attract attention, but it’s the compelling narrative and enlightening content that will keep readers engaged from cover to cover. A recommended read for high school students and educators alike.
This book’s comprehensive approach and conversational style invite readers to learn about the election process for its top leader, from declaring candidacy to the first day on the job. Highly recommended for all juvenile nonfiction collections.
A lovely, highly informative tool for learning about how food is grown, the value in healthy eating, and how to respect the environment while also taking care of one’s body, this farm-to-table offering is highly recommended for school and public libraries.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
