Related
I was about to enter middle school, and I desperately yearned for a new obsession that could distract me from reality. I found it in the form of a cassette tape of the latest Backstreet Boys single, “All I Have to Give.”
This month's SLJ cover story is my piece on school shootings in middle grade and YA books.
PREMIUM
Into the Rapids
A heartfelt, feel-good story about the importance of emotional connections set against outdoor adventures.
PREMIUM
Leonard Builds a Haunted House
A fun, feel-good story about self-expression with a spooky twist, perfect all year around or the Halloween shelves, even though the holiday isn’t named.
A fascinating tour through the world of animal senses, this will be popular with animal lovers and collectors of weird-but-true nature facts.
PREMIUM
The Right Call
A great purchase for libraries who own other Greenwald titles or who are looking to expand their sports fiction collections.
PREMIUM
My Dad Thinks He’s a Scream
A fun holiday offering for established fans; be sure this title gets into the hands of budding comedians.
This thoroughly researched, beautifully rendered portrait of a complex and pivotal figure is recommended as an essential purchase.
PREMIUM
Baby Cousin’s Big Day
A sweet, culturally rich read with educational value, especially in early childhood settings, this is recommended for collections to broaden representation and invite family-centered conversations.
PREMIUM
Poems for Every Season
Best added to libraries currently serving Blyton readers or building large poetry collections.
PREMIUM
The Gingerbread Monster
A fresh, funny tale that’s sure to engage readers and bring a modern twist to collections.
Whether it’s the cozy setting, the playful humor, or the charming vampire-cat duo, this title is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
This well-written, all-star sports title engages fans from start to finish and deserves a place in school and public libraries.
Author Nova Ren Suma joins us to talk about her new book WAKE THE WILD CREATURES.
Author Erin Entrada Kelly joins us to talk about her new book At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Mina Ikemoto Ghosh shares about Hyo the Hellmaker in this latest installment.
Celebrate mothers not just for one day but all year long with these selections.
Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder Tell All About 'Creaky Acres,' Their New Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Creaky Acres is a story about a girl, a horse, and a whole new way of life. Brigid Alverson spoke to the creators about their graphic novel featuring Nora, a competitive rider, who finds her way on a delightfully weird farm, inhabited by an equally quirky crew of young equestrians.
Author Riley Redgate joins us to talk about her new book COME HOME TO MY HEART.
PREMIUM
Finding Her Feet
Challenging middle school dynamics and identity themes are accurately portrayed; striving readers will root for Lily as she navigates her way through a new social group and game. A needed and welcome addition for school and public libraries.
A heartwarming and entertaining read that celebrates the joys of summer, the magic of childhood, and the enduring bonds of friendship; a great addition to any children’s or school library.
A vital read that celebrates the power of true authenticity, this is a must-buy for middle school collections.
An adventure story that underlines themes of personal agency, this is recommended for fans of fantasy that includes strong human-animal connections.
Hand to fans of rich fantasies like those of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.
An additional purchase for libraries where fans of the series and game are requesting more time in this expansive universe.
A timely, affirming gift book ideal for Father’s Day shelves and family story times celebrating modern dads.
A relatable story highlighting social intelligence skills in a way that will feel real to young readers.
Purchase where fairy tale shojo manga and other supernatural romance stories are popular.
PREMIUM
Thirsty Ground
With this novel that explores themes of identity, duty, and destiny, YA readers are in for an adventure.
Like a sun-drenched memory, this book embodies the magic of girlhood fangirl summers, the sun warming your face, and your favorite pop song blasting as if the whole world is yours.
PREMIUM
GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis, Vol. 1
A good addition for libraries looking for intriguing monster stories and anywhere Urasawa’s works circulate well.
PREMIUM
The Rebel’s Guide to Pride
Fans of Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda and Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish will fall in love with Zeke and his story.
PREMIUM
Dead Rock, Vol. 1
Loaded with action and a zany cast, this is a definite purchase where Mashima’s other works circulate well.
A relevant story about the migration of butterflies and people, this book could be a great read aloud for a unit on butterflies, immigration, or making friends for elementary school readers.
PREMIUM
Sib Squad
Featuring a nostalgic comic art style and plenty of laughs, this graphic novel is a standout option for young readers, offering a relatable look at sibling dynamics.
Purchase where readers devour the “I Survived” series by Lauren Tarshis.
This compelling biography belongs in every library, enhancing instruction and research on women’s history, WWII, the Philippines, and Hansen’s disease.
This timely and timeless collection of nature poems is a perfect addition to any library or classroom.
A buggy adventure with high jinks and teamwork galore, recommended for middle grade fiction collections.
PREMIUM
The Village Beyond the Mist
A long-awaited translation that will appeal to fans of Spirited Away and those eclectic readers who have never encountered Miyazaki’s film; recommended for fans of tales ranging from The Secret Garden to “The Spiderwick Chronicles.”
PREMIUM
Erin and Yrso: Book 1
A highly entertaining first installment to a new series that will appeal to fans of Guardians of the Galaxy, this is a must-buy for graphic novel collections.
A delicious read from the first bite; Ellis has whipped up a true goody. This is a solid purchase for all libraries where tweens desire a relatable delight.
PREMIUM
Manga Classics: Treasure Island
While it may have limited use if the original classic is a required read, this adaptation is not likely to generate its own audience. Not recommended.
PREMIUM
Music of the Mountains
A narrative steeped in tradition and family with a modern plot, this book will be a welcome addition to picture book collections.
While the back matter provides a good deal of information, there are more engaging options that blend historical information and cultural celebration seamlessly into the narrative.
PREMIUM
The 31st Consort, Vol. 1
An enchanting start to the series; purchase for readers of other lighthearted romance series like “Romantic Killer” or “The Fiancee Chosen by the Ring.”
PREMIUM
Tamaki & Amane
This book subtly reminds readers that while our time together may be fleeting, meaningful connections, in all their many forms, endure.
PREMIUM
Barnacle Bay
Perfect for fans of the visual style and humor of Ben Clanton’s “Narwhal and Jelly,” and also a useful introduction to marine habitats and sea life for classroom units and individual interest.
A well-done work that will empower young environmental activists and give them (and any speechwriter) an impactful handbook.
This biography is a good addition to a secondary school’s biography collection. Readers who enjoy stories of bravery, espionage, and strong female figures will find Hall’s story both thrilling and inspiring.
A must-read for anyone looking to understand the future of advocacy in a rapidly changing world.
PREMIUM
Epic Athletes: Caitlin Clark
An engaging and well-crafted tribute to a talented athlete, offering an inspiring read for sports enthusiasts, Clark fans, and aspiring athletes alike.
A general purchase for an art curriculum tie-in.
A solid, heartwarming addition to early chapter book collections.
A well-crafted graphic novel about facing one’s fears, recommended for early reader or graphic novel sections.
This new standout early reader series is highly recommended for general purchase.
This rhyming tale of an unusual character in a wacky situation will appeal to fans of Dr. Seuss.
PREMIUM
Sports Are Fun!
This wonderful early reader about a variety of sports is a great addition to any preschool or elementary library collection.
PREMIUM
Lissa Loves Bugs
The perfect chapter book for young lovers of science or fantasy, especially bug enthusiasts who enjoy a hint of suspense in their stories as well. Strong female characters will also inspire readers of all ages.
PREMIUM
Pete the Cat’s Mars Mission
A recommended purchase for libraries where Pete the Cat is popular and early readers circulate widely.
Sure to be a hit with vehicle lovers, this engaging title for early chapter book readers cleverly uses a bulldozer child protagonist to address social fears about new situations and friendships. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
I’m a Preschool Kid!
An accessible introduction to preschool, helping young children as they prepare to transition to a new environment.
A simple, yet impactful, story about big feelings and how kids can effectively manage them.
PREMIUM
First Day Around the World
A delightful celebration of global connection through the lens of education.
PREMIUM
Yeti Is Not Ready for School
Sensitive and only slightly spooky, this book makes Yeti’s first day of school amusing and relatable.
PREMIUM
My Teacher Is a Dinosaur!
Dinosaurs are perennially popular, making this a sound addition to picture book collections.
PREMIUM
I’m Your School Bus
Libraries, especially those with fans of buses and vehicles, looking to increase their board book collections will find this title worth the purchase. Otherwise, an additional purchase.
Perfect for the younger crowd to get them excited about going to school, or for a back-to-school storytime.
Purchase where back-to-school collections need bulking up.
PREMIUM
Alpaca Goes Back-A to School
Recommended for school and public libraries: going back to school is an event that most children will encounter at one point or another.
PREMIUM
Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!
Grumpy Monkey retains his usual humor while slipping in a little new knowledge in this book that may become a favorite reread.
PREMIUM
On the First Day of Preschool
A great addition to any library collection. Children will enjoy seeing themselves in activities they have done in their school.
PREMIUM
Preschool Is Cool!
For public libraries or early childhood programs looking for works that eases nerves and makes school look like a place to learn and grow.
Young children will relate to Tiny and his first day of school jitters, while being reassured that school is a place to make mistakes and grow.
PREMIUM
Fish Don’t Go to School
Children will enjoy reading about Henry’s first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends.
An excellent purchase for upper elementary and middle schools for its short, humorous take on murder mysteries.
Purchase where more books on processing grief are needed.
PREMIUM
The League of Littles
A lively new graphic novel series recommended for elementary libraries where spy stories are widely circulated.
PREMIUM
The Visitors
A poignant, recommended story for fans of character-driven fiction with a touch of supernatural thrill.
PREMIUM
Seeker Society
While it doesn’t break new ground, this is an enjoyable and magical tale for readers with a taste for adventure.
PREMIUM
Going Overboard
A charming, timely novel about growth and change; recommended for most middle school collections.
PREMIUM
Reel Life
A thoughtful drama with richly drawn characters, and a meaningful exercise in empathy for young readers.
PREMIUM
Way Off Track
With an excellent, fun, and unique voice, this graphic novel introduces a new trickster and is a great option for those looking for a quick read and some laughs.
PREMIUM
Love, Canter, Action
This debut is an absolute delight to read; it’s perfect for readers who never outgrew horse stories.
PREMIUM
Come Home to My Heart
A realistic portrait of the plight of homeless queer youth across the United States as well as a beautiful story of first love, this novel is great for high schoolers or fans of a wholesome, romantic tearjerker.
With a new-era Pretty Little Liars vibe, this cautionary thriller is the perfect drama for Karen M. McManus and Rory Power fans.
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.
