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These starred YA debuts released during the first three months of 2025 feature propulsive, thought-provoking plots from authors we’re sure to see more of in the future.
These books touch on book banning, romance, mental health, trans history, friendship breakups, folk-horror, time travel, historical fantasy, dance, climate change, and more.
Author Barb Rosenstock talks about ghosts and hauntings and all things American Spirits
It’s that time my friends, Sunrise on the Reaping releases tomorrow. This Hunger Games title is highly anticipated, as many fans have hoped for a prequel with a young Haymitch Abernathy for a long time. While we wait to see exactly how that book unfurls, here are some great recommendations for your library teens who […]
Vampires face an interesting dilemma in immortality. Their bodies, generally, remain the same while their minds change and while the world changes. Context matters. What does it mean to be queer in 1960 vs. 2010 vs. 2025?
Lifting up transgender voices in literature has always been important, but now it's more vital than ever. Share these 14 books by trans creators and/or about trans characters ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 and all year round.
PREMIUM
Notes on Infinity
Unless titles like John Carreyrou’s Bad Blood or scientific memoirs are hot commodities in your library, this is one to pass on.
A fantastical murder that will be a hit for both classic mystery lovers and true crime fans looking to explore new genres.
This is a browser’s delight, and readers who can’t get enough of space will gravitate to it.
A fun read recommended for collections with Taylor Swift fans who want to learn more about the folklore of their favorite artist.
PREMIUM
I Love Kindergarten!: Art
Sorely lacking in imagination, this collection of poems fails to understand the topic it purports to celebrate.
PREMIUM
The Best Daddy of All
The charming repetitive nature of the text and the loving illustrations will have young readers thoroughly enjoying the read-aloud experience, for Father’s Day or all year around.
PREMIUM
A Traitorous Heart
A pathway into a complicated, fascinating moment in history through a queer feminist perspective.
With sweeping action, high stakes, and a shocking love triangle, this book has something for everyone with promises of more to come in the duology conclusion. Highly recommended.
A treasure in versatility and a fine tool for librarians and teachers.
PREMIUM
The Afterdark
As an intense story featuring older teens and young adults, this will do best in collections for mature teens where contemporary fantasy is popular.
Purchase for high interest nonfiction shelves, for both browsing and reports.
While this book features little to no plot, it is a good emergent reader title. It’ll fly off the shelves with Spidey fans everywhere.
Middle graders will be hoping for more installments of this “Is It Real?” series. Purchase for all nonfiction shelves.
PREMIUM
Say a Little Prayer
A unique look at reconciling religious values and personal beliefs, a purchase where LGBTQIA+ books are in demand
Purchase this impressive STEM title for dino fans, curricular tie-ins, and all nonfiction shelves.
PREMIUM
The Search for Carmella
A fantastic addition to library collections with an inspiring heroine and a window into deep-sea exploration, this is perfect choice for story hours and STEM programs alike.
The whip-smart combination of intrigue and adventure along with thought–provoking reflection makes for a nail-biting, laugh-out loud, stop-and-think read. A must-have duology for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Voice of the Ocean
A definite purchase for libraries where tales of high sea adventures, pirates, and enemies-to-lovers thrive.
PREMIUM
Sorcery and Small Magics
Suggest this engaging, medium-stakes adventure to teens who are ready to mix tame romance with approachable high fantasy.
This feel-good, queer coming-of-age story will circulate well in libraries with diverse young fantasy and Dungeons & Dragons fans.
An excellent title for mature teens who appreciate a frank portrayal of tough topics.
PREMIUM
The Reunion
Skip this one to save room for something shorter or more applicable to today’s teens.
Starred reviews have a big problem. And it begins and ends with the 10 points in this list.
From magic to murder, these YA novels set at boarding schools are full of secrets and page-turning plots to keep readers guessing.
Today's summer list from Penguin Young Readers centers LGBTQIA+ stories/characters and race/racism
If you work with young people and books, you already know that graphic novels are insanely popular. In response, there has been a huge publishing boom resulting in graphic novels that are not just entertaining, but that also address serious social issues in a way that make readers sit up and take notice. Last summer, […]
Books featuring grief, a magic school, a treasure hunt, a robot, and a young adventurer!
Author Trang Thanh Tran joins us to talk about their new book THEY BLOOM AT NIGHT.
A wonderful early introduction to this holiday; a must-purchase for all libraries.
An important story to add to elementary school collections.
This joyful title will capture young readers and win the hearts of all ages. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.
PREMIUM
Sunrise Nights
A swoon-worthy teen romance and a great listen for fans of books by David Levithan, John Green, and Rainbow Rowell.
PREMIUM
Sleepover Night!
A feel-good story about sleepovers; good for children before their first sleepover, and a great addition to any primary section of a library.
PREMIUM
The Lemonade War Graphic Novel
This graphic novel adaptation lacks the necessary glow-up the narrative and illustrations needed to feel relevant. Not a necessary addition for most collections.
PREMIUM
Fart Boy and Reeky Dog
A must-have for any elementary library, this is perfect for fans of series like “Captain Underpants” and “Dog Man.” Readers will want to get ready for a wild ride
PREMIUM
Muybridge
Readers who enjoy biographical graphic novels may enjoy this story, but it is recommended only for very robust collections.
A gritty and nuanced glimpse into the underbelly of poverty, addiction, and gun violence.
PREMIUM
The Wild Dark
Recommended for readers who enjoy the romantasy genre, a good heist, and similar titles by Leigh Bardugo, Libba Bray, or Stephanie Garber.
PREMIUM
Till Death
This novel bridges the gap between YA and new adult fiction, offering a powerful read of representation through genre-defying means.
While certain story aspects feel familiar, this volume adeptly sets up the series narrative, while whetting readers’ appetites enough to look forward to more.
PREMIUM
Beasts of the Uncanny Wild
A vibrant fantasy about growing beyond mistakes, loyalty, and bravery that will appeal to readers who love tales of epic quests.
Even as we need to keep telling the painful truth of book bans, we also need to take extra care to celebrate and elevate the unique gifts that each book offers.
35 Engrossing New Titles From Tomie dePaola, Candace Fleming, and More | Starred Reviews, March 2025
This month's starred selections include nonfiction and reference books, along with the latest Legend of Zelda video game.
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu festival celebrating spring. Young readers will enjoy these colorful picture books about the holiday.
Science fiction is fun, curious, and adventurous. It bends the reality of our world and stretches our imaginations to explore all the “what ifs” floating within our universe.
The new Caldecott Medalist on The Yarn podcast!
These collections gather poems about nature, imagination, and creativity. Share them with young readers to open up a world of possibilities.
Author Jenna Voris joins us to talk about her new book, Say a Little Prayer.
An excellent addition for all early reader collections.
PREMIUM
Search for the Silver Shell
Fantasy writing for new-ish readers is growing increasingly robust, and this exciting series starter is proof.
This wonderful story about friendship and solving a mystery is sure to be a great addition to any elementary library section.
A light science fiction/fantasy story about getting along through cooperation. A good choice where stories about siblings are needed.
PREMIUM
Biscuit’s Puppy Sleepover
A must-have for preschool classrooms and to have on hand for families with young children.
A cut above the usual chapter book fare, this series is for clever kids who want a little substance and magic to their laughs.
Ariana is the kind, thoughtful friend every child would love to have. This delightful series is perfect for kids transitioning out of beginning readers.
PREMIUM
I Want It!
The relatable story and structured repetition of both vocabulary and plot elements makes this a solid choice for emerging readers.
PREMIUM
My Vesak: Day of Buddha
This engaging and educational title helps to fill an existing gap in children’s literature and will be a welcome addition to any picture book or holiday collection.
PREMIUM
A Festa for Luana
A rare representation of the Brazilian celebration Festa Junina, this tender story of identity and belonging will linger in the hearts of readers.
A comprehensive overview of this celebration in language that is easy for emerging readers. Highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
The Juneteenth Alphabet
This book will serve as a basic but informative text for elementary students to gain exposure not only to Juneteenth but also to equality, diversity, and acceptance.
PREMIUM
Father’s Day, Here I Come!
A fun addition to the poetry section of early elementary libraries.
PREMIUM
A Card for My Mom
An excellent addition to diversify literature collections, highly recommended for libraries with high Indian student populations.
A supplementary purchase for collections needing more books about Juneteenth.
PREMIUM
It’s Summerween!
Spooky meets sandy in this unique counting board book, sure to enchant Halloween lovers during the summer months.
PREMIUM
Dino-Birthday
Combining birthdays and dinosaurs is a perfect match. This book is guaranteed to have high circulation
While not an essential purchase, this book is a valuable addition to Eid collections or for families experiencing big life changes.
PREMIUM
Tell Me About Juneteenth
. Highly recommended for purchase for any picture book or holiday collection.
A lovely picture book that shares a fun tradition many families enjoy during Easter, this bilingual picture book is perfect for children’s collections and a great holiday choice.
A significant and very sweet collection. Recommended where folklore and short stories are popular.
This beautifully crafted, culturally rich story celebrates diversity and will resonate with middle grade readers. Pavi’s journey encourages empathy and curiosity, making this an excellent addition to classroom and library collections.
As powerful and triumphant as the first book, this eye-opening read belongs on all shelves.
PREMIUM
Heidi: A Graphic Novel
A well-developed adventure with wide appeal for those looking for longer realistic stories. Strongly recommended for graphic novel collections.
This mecha book is a good choice for those seeking action-based stories or anyone looking for an entry to manga.
Brimming with luminous artwork, this coming-of-age graphic novel is a perfect pick for fans of Ghostbusters, Stranger Things, and other paranormal stories that feature unlikely heroes.
PREMIUM
Chess Club: The Winning Move
This is an uplifting addition to library collections for newly confident middle grade readers.
Recommended for its realistic depictions of mental illness, family struggles, and emotional growth, especially where writers like Jasmine Warga and others are popular.
PREMIUM
Daybreaker
For fans of Percy Jackson folklore, magic, secrets, and strong, underestimated heroines.
This thrilling adventure mystery will capture the spirit of play in every reader, making it a perfect addition to any library’s middle grade collection.
PREMIUM
Afia in the Land of Wonders
A reimagining of a classic of children’s literature, this will be particularly enjoyed by readers who are interested in myths and fairy tales from diverse cultures; recommended for middle school.
PREMIUM
Speak Up, Santiago!
An enjoyable story about learning Spanish and much more, this first installment in the “Hillside Valley” series is a perfect addition graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
Shred or Dead
Packed with absurdity and nods to skateboarding culture, this graphic novel holds appeal for fans of cartoons and might just entice those kids who frequent library parking lots with their boards.
PREMIUM
Don’t Cause Trouble
Perfectly capturing the experience of navigating middle school as the child of immigrants, this heartfelt and funny title is a must-have for all middle grade graphic novel collections.
With enchanting artwork and profound storytelling, this debut offers windows and mirrors into the grieving process, and will move readers to tears
PREMIUM
Summer of Rocks
A heartwarming story for fans of Reina Telgemeier’s Sisters and other realistic fiction, this is recommended for library collections where such titles are popular.
PREMIUM
Benny on the Case
A heartfelt character-driven mystery featuring a neurodivergent male protagonist that explores friendship, belonging, and family, this is a story perfect for fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder, Gayle Forman’s Not Nothing, and Gordon Korman’s Restart.
A timely coming-of-age tale that crafts important connections to current social and political issues while engaging readers.
PREMIUM
Rebellion 1776
A must-buy for historical fiction collections, especially where Anderson’s Chains and Fever 1793 are popular.
A stunningly illustrated and heartfelt tale of self-discovery and growth, and an excellent addition to any graphic novel collection.
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