A fun, diverse, and modern take with opportunity for classroom connections.
A solid story about a positive experience with a first haircut; this is a good choice for libraries needing books about people in the community for young readers.
An entertaining sci-fi romp with grounded, real-world tween struggles.
A welcome addition for collections seeking more representation of Muslim characters and an entertaining read for grade school students who enjoy realistic fiction with a dash of humor.
This joyful, culturally rich introduction to Lunar New Year is a fantastic addition to any collection.
Regardless of slight flaws, this is a welcome addition to the series.
A recommended, entertaining, and educational bilingual adaptation that will be a great resource for language learning.
A solid read that tackles the challenges of a tween realizing she’s bisexual, the pressures of growing up too fast, and discovering who your real friends are.
A community-oriented Valentine’s Day story to sweeten any library holiday collection.
A charming book that will be in high demand for Christian families wanting an Easter read-aloud.
As a beautiful introduction to the Oroqen people or a subtle look at the environment, this book would be a powerful choice for ecologically themed story hours.
A whimsical holiday read with standout artwork, recommended for most collections.
Add to collections where more secular Easter books are in demand.
A thoughtful, if uneven, resource for introducing a wider range of Jewish holidays to young audiences.
A wonderful choice for Spanish-language chapter book collections, this title will have readers wanting to dive into the other series entries.
This delightful introduction to colors, Mandarin Chinese, and Lunar New Year traditions is recommended for general purchase.
This title is highly recommended for school libraries, offering rich opportunities for discussions on heritage, history, and community.
A recommended purchase, great for fans of Janae Marks or Dusti Bowling.
Chang’s latest is a welcome addition to any middle school historical fiction collection and will surely attract readers drawn to impactful stories told through lyrical verse.
A recommended purchase, especially to add Islamic titles to picture book shelves.
This beloved and well-known series will be a delight to find in the children’s Spanish section. A solid staple for any Spanish-language collection: reassuring, vibrant, and informative.
An excellent and informative book to introduce toddlers to many of the Lunar New Year traditions.
An engaging rendition of this must-have YA response to Casey McQuiston’s popular Red, White & Royal Blue.
A heartfelt, fast-paced look at courage, connection, and discovery among the stars, purchase where sci-fi is popular.
Ultimately, the patience required to juggle multiple plotlines make this an additional selection for the middle grade magical realism audience.
A charming read-with-me experience in the tradition of many door-based, lift-the-flap board books.
Part vocabulary building and part philosophy lesson, this is great for sparking the imagination of readers to find out more about mysteries in this world.
A spot-on cautionary tale and a perfect addition to any library’s collection of folktales and myths. Recommended.
A nice addition for libraries wishing to expand their classic canon English literature collection.
A thought-provoking, if uneven, novel best suited for strong readers ready to grapple with layered themes; teachers may find it most effective as a guided read-aloud or small group discussion text rather than an independent reading choice.
This Father’s Day tale is a welcome and meaningful addition to any collection.
A lighthearted book for preschoolers who ask these kinds of questions and need Henkes’s kind of answers.
A strong addition to school and public library collections, this is ideal for young readers, especially those interested in learning about family traditions, Ramadan, or the joy of preparing special meals together.
This lighthearted middle grade mystery tackles a heavy subject—the power of friendship and family
A high-quality book that combines mystery and fun with math and learning. Highly recommended for the dual-language format and bilingual story time.
A solid purchase for upper elementary and middle school library collections where realistic reads and heartwarming magical stories are popular.
Purchase for browsable nonfiction collections, especially where there’s a gap on bilingual titles.
A simple story with lots of charm, this is a nice addition to any fall book collection.
Whether bug lovers or bug dodgers, they’ll be drawn into Lydia’s enthusiasm. Add this playful, fact-filled pick to the shelves.
This book is sure to be a hit beyond Valentine’s Day and is a great addition to early reader sections and for kids who love funny books.
A gentle book perfect for reading at bedtime, and for all board book collections.
Flett’s sentiments shine but never overwhelm in this simple message of love; it’s a first choice for any library’s picture book collection.
A lot of high jinks and not much reward.
A humorous and engaging read-aloud with wide appeal; a strong choice for storytime and preschool collections.
This is a terrific book to read aloud when some humor is needed, or classroom pizza parties are about to commence.
This warm family story will resonate with youngest children everywhere, regardless of a particular holiday or season. Highly recommended.
This nonfiction picture book has a place in every collection. This would also make a great curricular tie-in.
An enjoyable learn-to-read vowels set. Great for new readers at home or in the classroom.
This story reflects the inclusivity of the Lunar New Year and the love people have for one another as they celebrate a holiday that brings the community together.
A vibrant tale of island life, quick thinking, and community building, ripe for the classroom or group sharing.
An immersive must-listen that’s sure to delight.
Not an essential purchase, but a decent addition to library Easter collections for its depiction of imaginative play.
An exceptional, heartfelt Eid story that gently impresses upon readers that community is about both giving and receiving.
With limited quality titles centered on St. Patrick’s Day, this book is a charming and worthwhile addition to any holiday collection.
This year’s Best Nonfiction for Middle and High School students features true crime, an inclusive puberty book, sports titles, and lots of STEM.
The 2025 Best Manga roundup features haunting sci-fi, slow-burn romance, and charming friendship tales for middle grade and YA readers.
The 2025 Best Manga roundup features haunting sci-fi, slow-burn romance, and charming friendship tales for middle grade and YA readers.
From sensory-filled illustrations to relentlessly funny characters, the 2025 Best Picture Books make for excellent read-alouds, heartfelt one-on-ones, and heartrending reads.
These Best Transitional Books of 2025 for beginning, emerging, and newly independent readers include relatable friendship tales, challenges overcome, and everyday slice-of-life stories that are pitch-perfect for the age group.
The Best Middle Grade titles of 2025 feature action-packed fantasies, resonant realistic fiction, and heart-pounding horror stories for tweens.
The 2025 YA Best Books list has a choice for every teen—long-anticipated companion novels, adorable rom-coms, and genre-bending romanstasy.
Vibrant anthologies, powerful celebrations of groundbreaking figures, and volumes filled with concrete poems and traditional rhymes make their appearance on our Best Poetry list.
From poo and tentacles to contemplative picture book biographies, this year’s picks for the Best Nonfiction for Elementary readers are filled with facts, information, and wonder.
A book that would fit in with older collections but will feel out of place when stacked against other new and trending young adult novels.
Sure to spark conversation for any age. Recommended for public and school picture book collections.
A humorous and engaging romance. Recommended.
A delightful story certain to win over listeners at story hours or in classroom units about food and what it means.
A heartfelt reminder that care, imagination, and memory are powerful forms of protection worth celebrating in every classroom.
Children will love the surprise ending and the expressive characters in this silly hibernation story.
Both romance and science fiction readers will keep this book circulating.
A high-interest, interactive adventure book for readers who prefer to engage with alternative novel formats.
A fresh, fantastical debut steeped in mythology and beautiful storytelling; a recommended first purchase for public and school libraries.
This offers an engaging message for readers who want to follow their dreams and is a solid choice for fans of Jitterbug and Goth Moth.
While it has an intriguing premise, problems with worldbuilding and character development often made this book difficult to read. An additional purchase where fantasy series involving magic are popular.
A great introduction to Holi for young readers, who may find its simplistic telling more accessible than a nonfiction book.
A modern take on a classic that will keep high school readers intrigued.
While the pandemic theme may interest some readers, there are plenty of better quality teen novels featuring werewolves.
Reminiscent of the dark whimsy and romance of Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, but for a younger audience, Montoya’s playful prose and lush world makes this a spellbinding experience.
An excellent choice for readers of vampire myths and folklore looking for a creative and new take that centers Black Caribbean teen girls.
This beautiful novel will inspire readers who love poetry and historical feminist fiction; a triumph to add to any collection.
An additional purchase where academic or science-themed fantasies circulate well.
There are many books with more early reader–appropriate text and less problematic storylines and illustrations. Not recommended for purchase.
An essential tool for parents and teachers alike which will foster meaningful conversations with little ones experiencing big feelings.
Whether they are returning home or going somewhere new for the holiday break, the promise of a magical Christmas romance awaits these teens.
For fans of books like Tiffany D. Jackson’s Allegedly or E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, teens that like to wrestle with ethical questions while piecing together the parts of a twisty thriller will enjoy this.
A highly recommended and relevant addition to any YA collection, especially in a high school setting, due to its engaging romance and exploration of contemporary issues.
Stories about diverse teens dealing with all types of difficulties while having full, rich lives and romance are still rare finds. This, and all of Stoeve’s novels, will fill that empty space on shelves perfectly.
Hand this exciting fantasy sequel to readers who enjoyed its predecessor and fans of anything magical and mysterious.
Children will understand the joy of arguing, as well as its downside, in a book that needs both group-sharing and one-on-one deep dives.
Teens will easily devour this page-turner. Give it to fans of Mindy McGinnis, April Henry, and Sarah Beth Durst’s The Lake House.
For big groups or just two reading, this book leaves one with the lingering feeling that this is a work to be shared and reshared.
A chilling premise and strong character work weighed down by repetitive execution, this is a general purchase.
An authentic coming-of-age story that encourages empathy, accountability, and confidence. Highly recommended for middle grade collections.
A fun read with a time-traveling twist for fans of Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
Add to picture book collections to expand on Jewish culture and history through the prism of a warm, intergenerational afternoon.
While this passion-filled romance and intriguing mystery falls short in immersing readers into magical world, its blend of romance, magic, and secrets will likely captivate those who enjoy character-driven YA fantasy with an element of forbidden love.
An outstanding addition to collections of animals and ecosystems.
Though overburdened with side plots and additional characters, this witchy LGBTQIA+ fantasy romance will appeal to fans of F.T. Lukens and Aiden Thomas. Recommended as an additional purchase.
Purchase for older fantasy readers who enjoy stories with a good scare.
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