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A must-have for all libraries, this book would lend itself well to all subject areas in elementary and middle school classrooms.
An excellent resource that lends a lively, humorous tone to a straightforward topic.
Highly recommended for its compelling content, global inquiry, and stunning illustrations.
This patriotic board book is recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
All the Water on Earth
An excellent choice for children with big questions about earth’s water, this is well-suited for read-aloud sharing as well as perusing.
The book’s subtitle tells the whole story: this is a “taste” of the story of chocolate, which may not be enough to satisfy.
PREMIUM
Beatrix and Her Friends
A captivating look at all the pets and people who inspired Beatrix Potter’s creative world, this is a great companion to Saving the Countryside by Linda Marshall and a good first buy.
A beautiful look at not only how bridges work but also how they connect people and change lives. Suitable for varying levels of interest, this is a solid purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
The Elephant and the Piano
This artistic rendition of an intriguing story will be good for fans of Kim Tomsic’s The Elephants Come Home.
With its colorful cast of true characters, this well-researched book goes beyond most war histories, highlighting the unique contributions of double agents and the importance of intelligence in military operations.
A recommended purchase for music lovers, Women’s History Month displays, and collections supporting interest in artists, biographies, 1970s culture, and folk music.
This inventive book will engage young readers interested in Asian American history, activism, and social justice.
A solid introduction for students interested in learning more about the basic categories of disabilities, important facts about disabilities, and about disability activists.
PREMIUM
Lana Del Rey: A Vibrant Journey Through the Career and Influence of the Timeless Indie-Pop Icon
Biography sections with well-circulated titles on celebrities, singers, and athletes would benefit from adding this for the singer’s fans and for readers looking for books about mysterious music icons like Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.
PREMIUM
In the Garden: Lessons and Activities to Cultivate Children’s Connection to the Natural World
This would be a good resource for families who homeschool or as a supplement to classroom units on the subject.
Purchase for libraries with expanding DEI collections and where student poetry is popular or included in the curriculum.
A must-purchase for collections where true crime and nearly unbelievable historical tales are popular.
This great middle grade nonfiction teaches kids about the ecosystem of an fallen oak tree, and how creatures depend on dead trees and aid in decomposition. A must have for libraries.
A solid purchase for middle school and YA collections where adventurous, historical novels in verse with real-life male protagonists would be welcome.
This would make a satisfying complementary piece for a social sciences or humanities class and is worthwhile investment for a library.
A good addition to STEM/STEAM collections, especially where information on engineers is lacking.
Engaging and beautifully written and illustrated, this can be read as an adventure story or be used for STEM learning. Regardless, it will inspire readers to learn more about the Kraffts’s lifelong passion and is an outstanding addition to any collection.
PREMIUM
La joven que podía reparar cualquier cosa: Beatrice Shilling, ingeniera de la Segunda Guerra Mundial
A strong choice for Spanish-language collections where there is a need for nonfiction in Women’s History and STEM categories.
From Supreme Court justice to spies, magicians, and astronauts, these inspiring women have left an indelible mark on history.
An informative and appealing introduction to the Victorian era, ideal for readers who enjoy learning through a blend of facts and illustrations, despite the busy layout.
Children will enjoy poring over the presented facts and the exquisite illustrations, and budding entomologists will adore this thought-out and well-designed book. Highly recommended.
Useful information and a wide range of wilderness scenarios with helpful advice make this a first purchase for libraries.
A useful and thoughtful resource, offering a wide array of skills and ideas that encourage teens to explore, reflect, and prepare for life beyond graduation, even if they choose to take its advice with a bit of independence.
PREMIUM
Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters: 16 Incredible Ways That Scientists Are Changing the World
A fun and fascinating look at current topics in science that will appeal to a wide audience. A recommended purchase.
This uneven handbook covering common animals for children eager to explore is pretty but not a first purchase.
With some guidance and encouragement, this offers strong potential for sparking questions, discussion, and deeper classroom inquiry. Put this in the hands of science teachers.
As a harrowing survival story and informative science book about the Amazon, the book successfully demonstrates the interconnectedness of life and nature in a unique setting.
Many children are drawn to the creepy unknown, and with bats delivering just that, kids will come away with enough interest to keep learning. Recommended.
PREMIUM
El porqué de las estaciones
A great purchase for early elementary school collections and curriculum and for communities serving Spanish speakers.
Purchase for early elementary school collections and communities serving Spanish speakers and learners.
An excellent choice for elementary classrooms, young naturalists, homeschooling families, and any child fascinated by animals, ecosystems, or environmental stewardship, filled with sensory language, and captivating images.
This charming pictorial work will be devoured by budding ornithologists and nature lovers alike. Highly recommended for all nonfiction collections.
PREMIUM
Open: Every Seed Has Its Moment
This would be a good choice for libraries needing SEL books about change and growth, or natural science books about seeds and the needs of plants.
PREMIUM
Hammers, Drills, and Wrenches
This lively overview is straightforward and engaging and will encourage young readers to dream of what they can create.
An inspiring look at architectural, engineering, and community creativity in response to climate change.
An evocative and engaging book that turns deep-sea science into a thrilling exploration. This is an excellent, educational addition to any library and perfect for readers fascinated by the natural world’s greatest mysteries.
PREMIUM
The Shark Book
Whether Shark Week or not, this is a good choice for collections where shark books are popular.
PREMIUM
Because of a Bee
A worthwhile addition to collections where books about bees, gardens, and pollinators are popular, this is sure to spark curiosity about how even the smallest creatures make a big impact.
This is a stunning collection of animals and their nests that will make an ideal addition to any nonfiction picture book collection.
A unique globe-trotting scientific exploration sure to pique the interest of budding young mycologists and naturalists.
A beautiful reminder that America is shaped by many different stories and experiences, and that the goal is to continue expanding who is included in that “we.” Perfect for all libraries.
A necessary purchase, this glorious collaboration between author and illustrator brings the world of jellyfish to unforgettable life.
PREMIUM
Tay Naja Nitajtaketzki Achtu Tik Nawat: Mis Primeras Palabras en Nahuat/My First Words in Nahuat
A must-purchase for the elementary shelves, offering aspects of under-represented languages and cultures for well-rounded collections.
A delightful, curious, and engaging collection; if there is only one poetry book to add this year, this is it.
The evocative language, layered illustrations, and purposeful historical framing make this a meaningful addition to classroom libraries and a valuable anchor text for conversations about history, identity, and contribution.
A visually appealing and browsable offering that will be appropriate for many nonfiction collections.
PREMIUM
Watch Me Grow: Sunflowers
This strong nonfiction picture book is a first purchase for all children’s collections.
Not suitable for a science lesson, but the visual and sonic energy, plus the unusual format, may provide enough oomph for infant and preschool story hours.
PREMIUM
chi miigwech, big thank you
A crisp light text accompanied by compelling graphics, this book will entertain small children and prompt older readers learning about Indigenous culture and language to explore further.
Essential for any collection, especially those looking for picture books for older readers, this book is perfect for those interested in science, exploration, and the extreme frontiers of our world.Graphic Nonfiction
A must-purchase for elementary biography and music collections for the comprehensive look at the contributions of Black women to country music.
This lovely homage to the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and nature is a must-buy for all Spanish-language picture book biography collections.
A poetic dream come true of space flight, highly recommended for elementary school collections.
PREMIUM
G.O.A.T. College Football Teams
This short, engaging, and visually striking blend of historical trivia and modern stats is an interesting discussion starter and fun title to add to any elementary or middle school sports section.
This high-interest title is a slam dunk for reluctant readers who are basketball enthusiasts, highlighting a rivalry that has existed in the sport for years and will exist for many more to come.
A perfect balance between guidebook and a history lesson for kids, whether they have passports ready or just a library card.
PREMIUM
Prayer Is
This family-centered picture book is appropriate for all library collections seeking books with prayer themes.
A uniquely structured look at a famous figure in history and her impactful research that is sure to delight elementary readers.
A strong introduction to a variety of flowers and the basics of identifying them, especially useful for collections where flower informational books for young readers are limited.
A thoroughly accessible and enjoyable introduction to a blues legend; highly recommended for elementary school collections.
Beautifully presented and thoughtfully researched, this biography of an important woman of science is informational and inspirational, and it is especially well-suited to elementary school-aged readers with an interest in science.
A lively entry for biography sections, this is a vibrant addition to the collection of often-overlooked books about fashion and its messaging.
PREMIUM
The Dream and the Hope: The Historic Rise of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Nation’s Highest Court
More than a biography, this work situates Ketanji Brown Jackson’s success within the larger narrative of American Black history, offering both inspiration and insight.
A fantastic, inclusive resource for school libraries on traditional football.
This enlightening look into Tubman’s rescue of her brothers from slavery is a good addition to most collections.
A uniquely accessible creative writing guide and a must-buy for librarians who partner with ELA teachers.
PREMIUM
Zimmy: The Human Fish
A vivid, fast-moving biography with visual appeal; recommended for collections seeking engaging introductions to lesser-known historical athletes and performers.
At the 2026 Youth Media Awards, author Candace Fleming became the first person to receive the Children’s Literature Legacy Award and the Margaret A. Edwards Award in the same year. In addition, her book Death in the Jungle won the Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults.
Offering a valuable contribution to diaspora studies, ethnic studies, and feminist cultural theory, Sethi’s book is an additional purchase for professional libraries where works by Carolyn Huynh and Prachi Gupta are popular.
Nafousi offers an uplifting, approachable, and comprehensive guide for kids to learn how to navigate tough emotions and reframe their mindsets.
PREMIUM
The Dynamic DC Origin Story: The Evolution of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the DC Universe
Hand this helpful book to young superhero fans or to newcomers who have just seen the latest DC movie and are eager to learn more.
While this one-time use beginner’s guide is geared for a younger age than most, libraries might get more value out of more comprehensive Minecraft books.
An informative read for those who enjoy treasure hunts, adventures, and history.
An excellent picture book biography that amplifies one of the unsung heroes of science.
PREMIUM
How It Works: The Universe
Perfect for budding space explorers, this captivating title will pull readers in like the gravity from a black hole.
Conveying Sarria’s enduring message and honoring the struggle for civil rights, this book is a worthy addition to biography collections.
A great book to fill in collection gaps about first aid; will be particularly useful in classrooms and group settings.
Over and above offering helpful guidelines for fledgling authors, this introduction to Alcott and Little Women will prime yet another generation of readers and listeners to fall in love with a perennial classic.
A nonfiction/fiction mashup that will make a good addition to any library’s picture book collection, particularly those needing titles about wildlife conservation.
A must-purchase for all elementary collections in need of a beautiful ode to Black hair that weaves poetry and history in a meaningful way to educate and empower.
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.
STEM titles cover lunar phases, turtles, and carbon atoms. Picture book biographies celebrate artists, such as Matisse and Yo-Yo Ma, and current changemakers, such as Ketanji Brown Jackson and Lionel Messi.
The latest history books from Ann Bausum, Gail Jarrow, and Kate Messner will astonish. Empowering offerings about incredible women will inspire. And high-interest cookbooks will entice young foodies.
PREMIUM
The Tiniest Giant
A lovely choice for potential nature lovers everywhere, and their caretakers.
PREMIUM
Make Tracks: Great Outdoors
A lovely choice for outdoorsy families and curious young explorers.
PREMIUM
Dirt’s Journey
A strong nonfiction choice for children who love learning every detail about the world around them, and helpful for parents getting lots of questions.
A unique and valuable addition that belongs on shelves everywhere; Jewish or not, children need to know about its meaning.
PREMIUM
Babies at the Zoo
A supplemental purchase for collections in need of additional animal titles.
With its strong focus on the historical context of segregation and its comprehensive coverage of the sport’s indomitable heroes, this title is an excellent addition for upper-elementary and middle school collections, appealing strongly to both sports enthusiasts and readers seeking diverse historical perspectives.
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