January starts strong with a new book from Gayle Forman, two graphic novels, and several audio titles spanning ages and genres.
Deeply affecting and beautifully written, this look at the lengths women will go to to protect and aid one another is a necessary and exceptional read.
These books—which share stories of real and fictional people and animals who have endured wildfires—can provide information and comfort to children and teens.
Science makes you think, but like art or literature, it can also make you laugh, dream, see and appreciate the world, or even just your own brain, in new, exciting ways.
The world's first (?) exclusive case cover reveal!
If there’s one takeaway I’d like all readers to get, it’s that they matter, just as they are, and they deserve to follow their dreams.
Author Shelly Page shares her thoughts about representation and her newest release, BREWED WITH LOVE
Author Karen Valby discusses her book, THE SWANS OF HARLEM
Being a late bloomer is not a sign of failure, but a testament to the unique growth that is allowed when we give ourselves the grace to bloom in our own time.
5 new middle grade novels to add to your 2025 TBR!
My hope is that my book adds to the canon of mythological stories so that more kids can find themselves reflected in the story, especially kids that might have grown used to feeling “othered.”
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A cute additional title in the Christian tradition.
Breathtaking and beautiful, this resonant Spanish-language book about the author’s experience with English as a child is a must-have for collections everywhere.
A silly, slim collection brought down by too many clunky spots. Not recommended.
While this graphic novel will appeal to fans of the first book, it doesn’t quite hold its own.
A lighthearted, amusing story of facing social challenges with lots of food for thought for older elementary and middle school readers.
Teens who enjoyed Lipsyte’s other books may enjoy this, but this is definitely a dropped ball from the normally great writer.
Not recommended for libraries. Keepsake pages at the end for recording a baby’s milestones make it better for gifting than library collections.
A fascinating and informative read that celebrates the courage and collaboration behind one of NASA’s most remarkable achievements, this will captivate readers of all interests and abilities.
An incredible tale for sci-fi fans. Purchase also for graphic novel readers and those who love to read about animals.
A recommended first purchase for all libraries serving tweens and teens.
Highly anticipated reading for fans of sports comics, vintage manga, or the successful anime series based on the book.
From mediocre verses about literary characters and politics to consistently shoddy rhymes, this poetry collection is an optional purchase. For updating children’s collections, stick with Chris Harris’s engaging poetry titles.
A perfect read for fans who love fast-paced unconventional stories with good triumphing over evil and a feel-good ending.
Arango’s fans will celebrate the opportunity to read another poignant story told in verse; it packs a punch, and is brimming with love and optimism. Recommend to fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Barbara O’Connor, and Kwame Alexander.
This compelling novel will leave readers hoping for a future sequel. Hand to readers of the “Rick Riordan Presents” series, and tell them this is even better.
A fun, engaging read that is appropriate for all ages but would especially fit in the early reader section of any library.
A strong title for holiday early chapter book collections. This is a great purchase for elementary school libraries where Subramaniam’s other books, such as My Name Is Long as a River, are popular.
A sweet purchase for libraries to boost Muslim picture book collections.
Truthfully, although I write about destroying giant, horrible monsters, I’ve never quite been able to vanquish the imposter beast. But I’ve learned how to work around it.
These books on topics ranging from using AI successfully to navigating book challenges are a good place for librarians to start as they look toward another year of positively influencing young readers.
On the last day of 2024, Colby Sharp and I got on a call to look back at the year in children’s literature. This episode of The Yarn podcast is always one of my favorites (and not just because I get a chance to talk about things like The Great British Baking Show). We talk […]
Once upon a time, a reader asked me that age old question: "Where do your ideas come from?" I leaned into the mic and with complete sincerity gave them the best answer I could: "Keanu Reeves."
2024 came to a close with these outstanding selections, which include several from our new Fiction Series Made Simple supplement.
Humans haven’t stepped onto the Moon since 1972. Now, more than 50 years later, American astronauts are planning to head back, this time to stay.
Are your young readers sad that the holiday season is over? Point them to these titles, featuring holidays celebrated throughout the year around the world.
Blending easy reader and early graphic novel formats, this enjoyable story captures the fun of family meals and invites readers to chime in with a “Nom. Nom. Nommm.”
Although light on story, the familiarity of the Dean team’s beloved feline character makes this a recommended purchase where those other early reader titles are popular.
This is a well-written book that will appeal to young readers who are beginning to show interest in their self-image; teachers may find that this story serves to increase reader vocabulary.
Filled with comical, appealing art and slapstick humor, this book is sure to find its audience.
A welcome new graphic novel series for early readers who enjoy comic adventures without superheroes. Recommended for libraries serving this age group.
Recommended for purchase to expand diverse offerings, but other early readers, such as the “Questioneers” series, will build a stronger collection.
A delightful addition to early chapter book collections, especially for young readers who enjoy humorous animal tales.
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
This must-have addition to the series continues the journey of an endearing protagonist who authentically illuminates a variety of coming-of-age lessons.
A realistic story about being yourself and feeling good about it, and a perfect title for bedtime.
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
Providing an important transition point from early readers to chapter books, this is recommended for purchase where many readers are making this leap.
An excellent purchase recommended to any library seeking to embolden readers of a new kind of revolutionary leader.
This is good at rehabilitating sharks’ negative public image, but a little light on overall content. Easily digestible for lower elementary students.
This nonfiction picture book is a positive addition to library collections with its inclusion of information about LGBTQIA+ history for young readers.
Aspiring archeologists and adventurers alike in all libraries will benefit from the inspiration Maria Reiche offers in being dedicated to new discoveries.
An excellent starting place for educators and young environmentalists alike, this is highly recommended for classrooms and libraries.
With an unending stream of puns, rhymes, and corny dad jokes with some interesting science mixed in, this is sure to appeal to reluctant readers or kids who are attracted to the grosser aspects of life.
This collection will fill a gap in helping all teens navigate their futures in an ableist world.
Hand this book to budding environmentalists or anyone interested in learning more about the plastic problem. A recommended purchase for updating nonfiction collections.
A good choice to middle and high school biography shelves.
An important addition to any collection, perfect for fans of Tarshis’s “I Survived” series who are ready to move on to more complex books.
This title does a splendid job of opening ancient worlds to younger readers; it’s a useful addition to nonfiction collections in schools and public libraries.
This engaging history relates the story of the first significant battle in America’s ongoing “culture wars” and is highly recommended for junior high and high school collections.
A compelling blend of folklore and adventure that will appeal to fans of B. B. Alston's Amari and the Night Brothers and Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, this is a beautiful, inclusive work that’s also a terrific story; highly recommended for middle grade collections.
This ambitious multigenre novel provides enough twists to keep readers engaged and wondering how all the distinct elements will come together in resolution.
A colorful and engaging graphic novel about a young girl who uncovers a nefarious plot and finds the courage to fight.
Perfect for readers who love trains and adventure. A valuable addition with an entertaining story line and enjoyable artwork.
Blending fiction with racing history, this satisfying story is a sound addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.
A must-purchase for exploration of advocacy for kiddos with sensitive souls, and a great choice for group reading. Pair this with The Lonely Book by Meg Grehan.
This wolf tale presents a diversity of ideologies and perspectives, all of which are sure to help readers reflect on where and how they fit into the world. Highly recommended.
Recommended for middle grade collections where verse novels are popular.
To remember is to honor the past, and Currie’s Gothic problem-solving horror combines the best of local history with community action. Highly recommended for middle grade shelves.
A story of personal growth and teamwork; hand this to middle school kids who are looking for a STEM adventure.
A resonant novel about sports and sibling relationships in the face of grief; recommended for realistic fiction collections.
An excellent purchase for middle grade collections looking for unique historical fiction perspectives and sports fiction.
A general purchase, likely for larger collections.
This first book in a new series is distinct and enjoyable for its worldbuilding, and is for fans of magic academy tales and mystery.
A fun, refreshing, and occasionally dark story recommended for fans of Harry Potter.
With captivating characters and a thoughtful exploration of dyscalculia, this book is a wonderful addition to any library and perfect for fans of Shannon Hale’s and LeUyen Pham’s Real Friends and Raina Telgemeier’s Smile.
This captivating story about stormy friendships and life at sea is a must-have for middle grade graphic novel collections.
Without more emphasis on the characters’ personal struggles and less on fantastical elements, this title does not fully deliver a rich emotional experience. Still, fans of cerebral adventures and time-traveling twists will find much to enjoy.
This socially conscious fantasy should appeal to fans of Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Christina Soontornvat’s A Wish in the Dark.
A very different kind of fairy tale that revolves around a paper craft and with salient lessons on cooperation and community.
A fresh and poetic offering for wind and weather-themed story times. Recommended for all picture book collections.
This fits the bill for an earth-themed chapter in this series. Purchase where circulation warrants and paperback formats are appropriate.
Truly, the sea is dear in this immensely gorgeous tale of oceanic depth, perfect for reading aloud to preschoolers and early elementary children.
An essential purchase for most libraries that celebrates global diversity and the joy of dance.
Best for cozy story hours, small classroom settings, or home reading, this unique picture book celebrates the power that friendship has to open up the world in more ways than one.
Within the confines of a regular day, the author-illustrator brilliantly conveys the joy and beauty found in an autumn morning, making every small moment relatable and wonderful. A solid purchase for libraries.
Young eco-activists looking for an ambitious but doable local project will find both useful informational guidelines and inspiration here, despite the fictional wrappings.
A delightful gift book and thoughtful addition to Mother’s Day collections, and a treasure for sharing with little ones.
The art seems to be a tip of the hat to Jon Klassen’s enigmatic work in the humor, the controlled palette, and the incredible story line. Teachers and kids will love this whole package.
What an unusual, subtle addition to a familiar conflict; this will be a good fit for collections that support social-emotional learning in early elementary students.
A thoughtfully crafted story and unique depiction of a biracial child; the details of one child’s developing self-image and self-concept will resonate for readers.
This piece of literature beautifully represents the Ganga river and serves to educate readers on the Hindu beliefs and practices surrounding the river.
A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others.
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