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This month, a poetry collection by Margarita Engle, a new middle grade novel from Dan Gemeinhart, and a nonfiction title about the Erie Canal stand out, along with other great books.
A large percent of our disabled population is getting subpar care and the only way we’re ever truly going to see change is by speaking about and voting for health equity.
A sweet addition to winter board book collections. Children will love the cutouts with beautifully drawn illustrations peeking through, and caregivers will love another opportunity to cuddle with their little ones.
PREMIUM
If We Survive This
Not for the faint of heart, but fans of gory survival fiction will love this one.
For slightly older board book readers, a great addition to Christmas collections.
For fans of ghost stories that deliver on shivers but don’t overdo it on the scares.
PREMIUM
The School for Thieves
Brimming with adventures, daring missions, and fierce friendships, this fast-paced story will keep fans of Stephen Gibbs’s Spy School and other spy thrillers gripped and hungry for the next installment.
PREMIUM
And the Trees Stare Back
This tale of creepy disappearances in the last days of a despotic regime combines the elemental terror of a fairy tale with historical fact.
PREMIUM
The Other Side of Imani
A heartfelt and empowering coming-of-age story that will resonate with tweens navigating identity, ambition, and digital spaces.
PREMIUM
Yoli’s Favorite Things
A historical fiction novel that deftly tackles faith, family relationships, and daily life among social upheaval. Recommended for fiction collections.
With its playful tone, imaginative worldbuilding, and a message that resonates with both children and adults, this holiday story invites readers to wonder, to dream, and to believe, no matter how old they are.
The list of errors and sloppy presentation feels endless, making this a poor choice for any collection.
Although most of the projects may require adult assistance, this is a creative collection of DIY ideas that will appeal to kids looking for inexpensive, homemade ways to accessorize their Halloween costumes using common, upcycled materials.
PREMIUM
Santa and the Sled Dogs
A creative Christmas story concept encumbered by the uneven interplay of narrative and illustrations.
A cute and nostalgic addition to all Christmas picture book collections.
A strong addition to elementary and middle grade nonfiction collections, particularly for libraries serving families who travel or readers eager to explore the world.
PREMIUM
Little Angel’s Christmas Song
A secular successor to Charles Tazewell’s The Littlest Angel, this is an additional purchase.
Author Donna Galanti joins us to talk about her new book, LOON COVE SUMMER.
When we ban books or defund music programs, we don't just silence stories; we sever lifelines. We remove safe, creative pathways for young people to explore emotion, identity, and connection.
These eight forthcoming board books and picture books will be available long before December. Turn on some Christmas tunes, grab a Santa hat, and peruse these holly, jolly offerings.
A video and discussion! Erin discusses how she and Phil work together, how they have "the world's nicest fans", and why she can never show the corners of a room in an Amos book
Contributor Riley Jensen reviews The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala, coming September of this year.
A touching story, replete with cultural detail and built-in curricular extensions.
PREMIUM
Embarrassed Ferret
A wonderful addition to classroom and library shelves that will help teachers and children engage in conversations about compassion and helping one another out during inevitable moments of embarrassment. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Ai & Aiko and the Little Curve
Readers may enjoy Draw’s animations, and adults may admire his philanthropy, but those looking for the nuance and sensitivity in this picture book will be disappointed. An optional purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
We Match!
Though the subject matter will speak to devoted dog lovers, the execution is more for the young-at-heart than for the actually young.
PREMIUM
Best Buds
Spirited Spencer and his many plants will encourage other young readers to find friends and make connections in ways that feel right to them. Recommended.
PREMIUM
On Our Way with Mr. Jay
Essential for building universal respect for the school bus drivers who pour their hearts into the work they do each day, this book will find a place on most shelves.
PREMIUM
The Moving Book
An appealing family story, well-suited for both one-on-one and large-group read-alouds.
Younger audiences, as well as teachers and librarians on the lookout for quick indoor stretches that are fun and safe, will go bananas.
More filler than essential, unless collections are in dire need of funny poetry volumes for reluctant readers.
Not essential but a merry addition for libraries seeking more holiday board books with charm, color, and a playful twist.
PREMIUM
The Rise of Nicholas the Noble
This one may have a hard time finding its audience, but is a good purchase where Elf on the Shelf is popular.
A rich and visually layered book that encourages readers to see their voices as part of the American story.
PREMIUM
Trash Truck’s Christmas
A cheerful addition to holiday collections, offering familiar characters and a reminder of the joys of the season.
PREMIUM
Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom
This whimsical and affirming tale of self-discovery will strike a chord with readers learning to balance expectations with personal passions.
PREMIUM
Link + Hud: Sharks and Minnows
Part graphic novel, part prose, and all laughs, this celebration of imaginative high jinks is sure to get a giggle out of readers.
PREMIUM
Imposter
Reluctant readers, especially girls in middle and high school who are interested in STEM, will appreciate this tenacious heroine who believes in herself and doesn’t give up when faced with discrimination.
PREMIUM
When Devils Sing
A darkly atmospheric supernatural horror perfect for fans of Rory Power or Trang Thanh Tran.
PREMIUM
A Girl Walks into the Forest
A dark fairy tale about the exploited environment fighting back for fans of folktales and horror.
PREMIUM
Orris and Timble: Lost and Found
Children will be charmed by a gentle story of an unlikely friendship, seemingly lost yet ultimately saved through the timeless magic of rebuilding trust through the sharing of stories. Recommended purchase.
PREMIUM
The Dreams I’ll Dream Tonight
A great bedtime read-aloud that’s not essential to collections, but a winsome take on a childhood problem.
Contributor Riley Jensen shares some YA books that center main characters with disabilities for Disability Pride Month
This story of one of the most pivotal engineering accomplishments in U.S. history, told from diverse perspectives, is highly recommended for middle and high school collections.
This engaging biography contains detailed descriptions of setting and cultural context that convey a clear time line and sense of causation, as well as peeks into the artist’s intimate life.
An important and compelling work that belongs in all high school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
The Space Cat
Okorafor’s story blends the everyday life of a pampered cat with satisfying sci-fi action. Middle grade readers who enjoy stories from the pet’s point-of-view will be delighted to meet and get to know Periwinkle.
PREMIUM
Deepwater Creek
A fast-paced horror story that intertwines a monster adventure with emotional growth.
A solid addition to middle grade graphic novel collections, this engaging series expertly blends a compelling narrative with fascinating historical details about unexplained phenomena, sure to captivate with its colorful artwork and intriguing mysteries.
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.
PREMIUM
Say Something, Poupeh Babaee!
An emotionally compelling, insistently educative view of a challenging immigration experience.
A real humdinger of a story told by master storyteller; this title will appeal to tweens seeking high-stakes, high-fun realistic fiction.
PREMIUM
School Dance
This story of finding the courage to overcome stage fright is a solid addition to any middle school graphic novel collection, especially where the series is already popular.
PREMIUM
Seabird
A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail.
Confirmed sci-fi fans, comic readers, and those new to the genre or format will all find easy entry here, along with a satisfying payoff.
A delightful, interdimensional graphic adventure about found family, the need to belong, and dubious motivations.
Enhancing a classic and empowering readers to better understand complex imagery, this faithful and beautiful adaptation is a must purchase for all graphic novel collections.
A nice blend of the western Marvel-mania in a manga format that will charm both readers already in-the-know and appease those who are just getting their first tastes.
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
Dracula’s Brunch Club
A delightful addition to the middle grade-friendly collection of vampire titles.
PREMIUM
Schoolbot 9000
An exploration on humans vs. machines combines with a student navigating middle school life. Graphic novel fans will gobble this up and be eager for the next installment. Highly recommended.
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
To the Stars and Back, Vol. 1
This slice-of-life LGBTQIA+ romance is a secondary purchase where Webtoons or boys’ love manga is popular.
PREMIUM
Tall Water
A compelling, heartfelt story, and an excellent addition to most YA graphic novel collections.
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.
Stunning illustrations coupled with a thrilling plot make this a standout title that belongs in all YA graphic novel sections.
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.
Brimming with heart and humor, this poignant and thought-provoking graphic novel is perfect for fans of awkward romantic entanglements with fantastic twists.
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.
A beautifully written and compassionate story of healing set against the horror of a brutal generational ritual.
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.
More concept than direct instruction, this humorous art book takes readers on a journey of imagination and embracing imperfection.
PREMIUM
How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers): Remembering Slavery and How it Shaped America
While this book addresses an important topic and will have niche readers, the lack of establishing shared context for a younger audience and the uneven approach make this a secondary pick.
PREMIUM
Free Piano (Not Haunted)
A great addition to middle grade collections, this graphic novel balances supernatural humor with real-world emotional resonance.
PREMIUM
Worst Bot Ever: Meet Ballpoint
Readers of all ages with some knowledge of Transformers lore and a penchant for goofy jokes and fumbling heroes will have fun with this unique tale.
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
Kindred Dragons
A sweet way to introduce “Anne” books to newbies and a dragon fantasy for fans and potential converts.
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.
An engaging and well-executed adaptation that will revive interest in the original series.
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.
PREMIUM
Vehicles: Touch and Feel
An upbeat, hands-on choice for transportation lovers and early concept shelves.
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