Despite the current Trump administration’s efforts to make the recognition of only two genders federal policy, publishers remain committed to inclusive representation of LGBTQIA+ characters and stories.
Teaching the next generation about STEAM skills and concepts is critical for our future. More than just a catchphrase, STEAM is an educational model that helps students develop the critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills they’ll need to navigate an increasingly complex future.
An intriguing offering that shines a light into a lesser-known aspect of the American abolitionist movement. Highly recommended.
A powerful testament to the strength and potential of individuals with Down syndrome, and an essential read for anyone seeking representation or to broaden their understanding of intellectual disabilities.
An inclusive must-buy for all upper elementar collections and for any institution serving an Indigenous community.
While slight in size and hampered by a couple of shortcomings, this collection offers genderqueer youth and allies a starting point in the discovery of historic community peers.
This enlightening title encourages curiosity about real-world scientific work and highlights the important bond between humans and animals; a strong purchase for juvenile nonfiction collections, particularly where there is interest in animals, environmental science, or conservation careers.
Long’s empathetic yet powerful writing beautifully portrays the awe-inspiring tenacity of the activists. Recommended for all libraries.
This nonfiction coming-of-age story is a perfect example of trying, failing, and rising again; it would be an excellent addition to sports collections and/or graphic novel sections.
An additional purchase for elementary library collections where cookbooks and unique cooking guides are popular.
The introduction of kawaii food designs and manga references helps acquaint young eaters with new flavors and dishes, while the chopstick games and crafts add to the fun of cooking while learning about Japanese culture. Douzo meshiagare!
This collection of recipes is a treasure; visually stunning, seasoned with quotes from famous female chefs, and a great addition to the “Rebel Girls” series.
Foodies and history buffs will enjoy this attractive cookbook filled with both recipes and facts about favorite foods and notable Black icons in history.
Perfect nostalgia fodder for parents who loved Friends, offering a way to bond with kids over cooking and pups.
Parents, caregivers, and teachers will enjoy a scrumptious trip down memory lane while showing younger generations the fun and joy of Pac-Man.
This book challenges teens to step out of their comfort zone with diverse spices, working with seafood, and tricky recipes, simplified but not condescending.
One of the best how-to books for young cooks, or for anyone who is learning. Every library should order at least one copy of this cookbook.
Younger tweens will be immersed in annual global celebrations and relish this cookbook’s vibrant graphic novel feel.
An attractive addition to collections serving youth prepared for a baking and decorating challenge
Creatively rendered fake-out cakes and cupcakes will delight bakers and eaters alike. Purchase is recommended for libraries that want to inspire creative bakers.
Purchase this Spanish edition of the wildly popular graphic novel for all middle grade and graphic novel collections.
A fast-paced and compelling sports choice for early reader collections.
For stories about helping friends, Joe Cepeda’s I Help or Suzy Capozzi’s I Am Helpful: A Positive Power Story offer stronger narratives. However, the unique illustrations in this title make it a worthwhile secondary purchase.
A winning title to help readers develop their visual literacy skills. Highly recommended.
This is a fine additional selection for libraries in need of materials on the rock cycle.
A gentle, thoughtful story that encourages children to slow down and appreciate the small moments of beauty in everyday life.
Cute-as-can-be axolotls engaging in sibling squabbles don’t save the text that forces rhymed endings.
A story of niche interest, but worthy for larger collections.
With some uncommon words and packed with ideas, this compelling and humorous book lends itself as a read-aloud for early grades and is a must for all libraries.
Straight to younger children from the choleric kernel, a tally of tried-and-true techniques for turning down the heat when the oil starts to boil.
A lovely picture book focusing on mothers and their love, and a sweet addition to all collections.
Featuring exceptional accounts and impactful illustrations of different forms of communication, this book is a true celebration of all people living with disabilities and an invaluable learning experience for children and their grown-ups. This is a first purchase for all collections.
This will find a home anywhere.
An insightful and inspiring biography that shines a well-deserved light on a little-known figure who quietly helped shape the magic of Disney.
A good biography that works as an additional purchase for libraries looking for STEM books.
Recommended for purchase for early reader collections.
Easily at home in nonfiction, picture book, and poetry collections, this would make a great choice for nature walks or as a precursor to research projects. Animal lovers will fully embrace this tale.
A charming bilingual picture book for general purchase.
A beautifully crafted book about the joys of sharing a special moment, this will inspire in children an appreciation of nature.
A great addition to any library’s biography section for younger readers.
A recommended purchase wherever animal books are extremely popular.
This simple picture book about the joy of being alone and the benefits of working together is a solid purchase for most collections.
A gentle way to explain sorrowful moments in life, this book should be in every collection.
This picture book, with its humorous protagonist and fun take on books and reading, is a fun addition to Spanish collections for children. It can be used as writing prompts or as part of the school curriculum.
A solid choice for libraries, especially those seeking more slice-of-life Latinx representation.
If it’s okay to center the father and leave the child on the sidelines, share this with young readers. This is a recommended and playful introduction to the sport.
A sweet and silly story that will help readers in the process of learning to use their inside voices, this is recommended for purchase for larger collections and where the series is popular.
This translated award-winning picture book with stunning illustrations has a place in every library’s Spanish-language picture book collection.
Beautiful in both text and artwork, this incredible title by a powerhouse team belongs on all nonfiction shelves.
A relatable story with wide appeal about bravery and emotional honesty.
A strong choice for bilingual picture book collections.
This will be a big hit with toddlers at story hours and early elementary readers emerging into literacy.
A must for Spanish-language picture book biography shelves. This valuable addition will inspire Latinx children to follow their dreams and appreciate their communities.
While the illustrations are intriguing and raise many questions, it is also easy to get derailed among the unusual characters and their goals. Forthcoming books in the series should reveal more.
An excellent addition to beginning reader collections.
A thoughtful book to share for story times and discussions about speaking up, intended for all children who need a sweet—pun-laden
This essential picture book about the life of an important political activist is sure to be a great addition to picture book collections.
An ode to the magic of the desert and the wonders of exploration and imagination, this Spanish-language picture book is an excellent addition to children’s collections.
Despite a busy design, this is a good purchase for libraries serving Spanish-speaking communities and where STEM books are needed or in high demand.
This sweet celebration of diverse families is a general purchase for Spanish-language picture book shelves.
A winning, emotionally insightful story of FOMO in the early years and snug sibling togetherness.
With lessons of encouragement and persistence, this tale is a warm and welcome addition to social-emotional health collections.
A strong choice for migrant teens looking for books that mirror their own experiences and a good addition to Spanish-language fiction shelves for older readers.
This is a fun title that parents and children can read and enjoy together. A general purchase for picture book shelves.
This trip is a great purchase for picture book collections, bilingual or not.
A perfect read-aloud for children, especially in cases where teaching resilience and acceptance are needed.
Fun and clever, Nothing Ever Happens is a charming addition to collections, especially those intended for young children.
Children will love the antics of the rhino and parents will recognize and relate to the perils and pitfalls of travel; this makes for a serviceable cautionary lesson on travel.
The abuelitos are a loving couple who warmly welcome their family to a celebration of love and connection; the counting and addition of well-chosen and highly supported Spanish is a bonus. Highly recommended.
Too embedded in Marvel lore for newcomers, yet too slight for older fans. Purchase where there is a strong demand for these characters.
A must-purchase for all libraries as it reflects the best that modern biographies for young readers have to offer.
A visually stellar, engaging book of quirky facts and creatures, this will draw in readers across grade levels and is a first purchase for all libraries.
Building an understanding of winter vocabulary, this is an excellent addition to any collection.
Shelve this excellent book with Corinna Luyken’s The Book of Mistakes and share with those who struggle with anxiety and perfectionism.
An uplifting tale of family doing hard work together to make the life they envision.
More questions about death are raised than answered. Recommended only as a secondary purchase.
A heartfelt tribute to a master musician whose life has lessons for all of us.
A new iteration of a popular chapter book theme.
A worthy addition to early reader collections.
A gorgeously illustrated celebration that is a must-purchase.
A visually engaging story with playful elements, but the confusing message and weak plot make it a lower priority for library collections.
This celebration of creativity and resilience is a first purchase for school and public libraries.
The good heart at this story’s center may not move most readers beyond the clumsy text.
A good purchase for libraries serving Spanish-speaking communities and where diverse and neurodivergent books are needed or in high demand.
This is a serviceable overview of a complex topic; perhaps pair with Susan Hughes’s Lights Day and Night or David A. Adler’s Light Waves for its excellent STEM focus.
A good purchase for libraries serving Spanish-speaking communities, especially those serving Puerto Rican communities.
A wonderful way to discuss behavior and personality traits with younger readers, this informative Spanish title is an excellent addition to school and public libraries.
An inspirational picture book that encourages young readers to leave a bright path behind them, this title is an excellent addition to Spanish picture book collections.
A must have addition to the growing selection of early reader graphic novels. Give to fans of Sergio Ruzzier’s “Fox & Chick” series.
A heartfelt picture book celebrating Day of the Dead, this special title also reminds readers that every moment of life is special. Purchase for all picture book shelves.
A solid choice for libraries needing books on Indigenous populations or looking for an introduction to Native belief systems.
This inspiring story of Christina Figueres should appeal to young environmentalists and civic-minded kids and belongs on the climate change shelves.
Part of the “Our Universe” series of books that inform and entertain readers, this compelling title is a great choice for budding astronomers and science enthusiasts.
In a season with a lot of rock books, this is a must-purchase for nonfiction collections as rockhounds will delight in finding out how rocks are born.
With a bit of suspense, this is a fun picture book about working hard and following your dreams, sure to spark contemplation about teamwork and good sportsmanship.
This series is a strong choice for early elementary graphic novel collections. Perfect for those who enjoy stories where kids make mistakes and problem solve solutions.
An enjoyably silly title that would be a welcome addition to a library’s beginning chapter books collection; a recommended purchase.
This will allow for excellent discourse about worrying and about the quiet joys that can be found in friendship and in the world.
Inspiring and uplifting, this is a particularly excellent selection for multicultural families to enjoy together and works in library collections as well.
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