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This must-read will delight graphic novel fans and self-proclaimed word nerds. Readers will be eagerly anticipating the sequel the minute they finish.
Readers will readily connect with Javier and his friends, whose fears, friendships, and emotional struggles feel genuine and relatable. Recommended where verse novels are popular.
A solid addition to any upper elementary/middle grade graphic novel collection, particularly those looking provide more historical fiction offerings.
PREMIUM
The Endless Game
An enjoyable, approachable story about being the new kid that would be a good addition to any library.
A compassionate, thought-provoking story that encourages empathy and innovation. Highly recommended for middle school readers and educators.
Packed with punk rock and monster fights, this graphic novel’s fun vibes will be rocking right off middle grade shelves.
PREMIUM
Bad Badger: A Family Story
To be perfectly frank, this flock of odd ducks welcomes everyone. A quirky title recommended for fiction collections.
A strong choice for school and public libraries, this is a positive, engaging story for upper middle graders and a welcome addition to baseball fiction collections.
Readers will love learning with this trio. A recommended first purchase.
PREMIUM
Aurora and the Orc
A sweet and sour look at friendship and fantasy fun, suitable for middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Journey Through the Waterfall
With its warm message, appealing visuals, and relatable themes, the book is a strong choice for early chapter book readers who enjoy adventure with heart.–Jessica Calaway
This satisfying and accessible graphic novel could readily serve as a mentor text and is an excellent book club choice for middle school students.
PREMIUM
The Definitive Yokai Field Guide
A necessary guide for fans of Japanese folklore and the supernatural.
PREMIUM
My Sister, the Freak
A fun purchase for middle school collections where graphic novels and stories about sibling dynamics are well received; the alien invasion and humor make this a great readalike for other popular graphic novel series.
PREMIUM
Theft of the Ruby Lotus
From “ride or die” friendships to art heists to secret societies to adventure, DasGupta’s latest is sure to entertain middle graders with a variety of interests and literary tastes.
An adventurous beginning to a series that both feeds the current axolotl craze and touches on important topics, such as friendship, family, allegiances, and betrayals.
PREMIUM
The Library of Memories
A bold, creative story, strongly recommended for upper elementary and middle school collections where graphic novels are in demand.
PREMIUM
Berserkers
A beautiful high-stakes story of friendship; a must-read for fans of spelunking and good adventures.
Funny and insightful, with deep philosophical questions nestled comfortably within an accessible and thrilling narrative, this is must-have for all collections.
PREMIUM
Bigfoot and the Wild Boys
This enjoyable read will capture the imagination of children longing for an adventure even while stuck in one place and is recommended for all children’s collections.
PREMIUM
Just One Gift
An exceptional read-aloud or anchor text for upper elementary and middle grade readers, inviting sustained conversations about gratitude, ethical decision-making, and the moral significance of paying attention to others.
A scavenger hunt adventure that is loving and tenderhearted about “a village” using local resources to model being open to new experiences in bold, creative, and inventive ways.
A must purchase companion graphic novel with cover appeal and attractive social commentary.
PREMIUM
Rialto
A highly recommended addition to those serving middle, high school, or even adult readers.
A charmingly labyrinthine fantasy with broad appeal for those who enjoy clever narration and lightly chaotic quests; a strong addition to collections.
A required purchase for all middle school collections and a perfect pairing with Barbara Dee’s Maybe He Just Likes You.
PREMIUM
Ready, Cassette, Go!
A tale of growth and friendship as old as rock and roll, styled smartly for a new generation of readers.
PREMIUM
Opting Out
From the creator of Gender Queer comes a tween friendly gateway to the topics of gender identity and expression.
PREMIUM
Journey to Tomioka
A moving exploration of survival in the shadow of disaster, this will be at home on the shelf of any middle or high school.
A first purchase for libraries that own the companion novels and for middle grade readers interested in learning about the ongoing events in Ukraine.
PREMIUM
The Pancake Trap
A creative premise with a sweet emotional center that doesn’t quite overcome its pacing issues. A solid choice for fans of offbeat mysteries, though not a first-purchase priority.
Carefully researched, this nonfiction biography connects readers with an early freedom fighter in a way that effectively supports historical curricula featuring the American Revolution.
This touching picture book is one that can be shared with even very young children to bring the realities of life in a military family into the spotlight.
Succinct and accessible, this novel makes a perilous and uncertain moment in American history tangible for contemporary middle graders.
PREMIUM
America the Beautiful
This book elegantly captures the meaning behind “America the Beautiful” and makes the song accessible to a new generation.
Meaningful and celebratory, this is an empowering story to share with elementary-aged readers to remind them of the strength and importance of raising their voices in support of equity and justice.
Ideally suited as an introduction to women’s suffrage and the people who made it possible, this volume invites young readers to learn about history at their own pace.
Best for older elementary school-age readers, this work provides insight into the history behind popular American emblems and is a foundation for understanding some of the more well-known objects and people from history.
PREMIUM
USA ABC
This is a fun and nostalgic introduction to important American culture icons that young children and their caregivers can enjoy together.
Accessible and readable, this well-researched biography is a strong addition to history classrooms supporting contemporary middle grade learners.
This unique approach to the story of the American Revolutionary War will inspire thought-provoking and relatable discussions about the complexities of life that are not always visible; it is a positive addition to curricula on war, history, and inoculation science.
PREMIUM
Hello, World! USA
Though narrow in scope, this accessible nonfiction introduction to the birth of the US will help connect readers to some of its most defining elements.
Useful for both individuals and classrooms, this concise collection of well-researched facts is a browsable homage to the moments and people that molded present-day America.
Especially well-suited to being paired with recordings of Copland’s music, this accessible biography effectively connects young readers to the artist’s life and the ongoing relevance of his work into the present day.
This richly detailed encyclopedia transports readers across the US, supporting an appreciation for the flora and fauna of the country and enhancing STEM curricula.
PREMIUM
Little Ghost’s Summerween
A delightful follow-up for fans of the first book and for anyone who loves a dash of Halloween any time of year. A warm, funny exploration of identity and friendship that will resonate with children finding their place in the world.
PREMIUM
Juneteenth
A solid take on a noteworthy holiday for early readers, useful in a classroom setting.
For libraries in need of building their holiday collections, pick this one up. It will reach those who are looking for something fun and a little bit different, any time of year.
PREMIUM
Juneteenth: A Board Book
Children and families will enjoy seeing themselves depicted in this book. A worthy addition to most board book collections.
A successful cultural introduction and celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi that encourages readers to think about kindness, patience, and self-reflection, this is well-suited to family and classroom settings.
PREMIUM
Summer Solstice Wish
A celebration of summer warmth, tradition, and togetherness. Recommended, especially as a companion to Winter Solstice Wish.
PREMIUM
Tractor Zack on Sunshine Kibbutz
Imparting community-oriented values related to working together as a team and being resourceful, this is recommended for libraries serving young readers.
A must-have for all libraries, this book would lend itself well to all subject areas in elementary and middle school classrooms.
An excellent resource that lends a lively, humorous tone to a straightforward topic.
Highly recommended for its compelling content, global inquiry, and stunning illustrations.
This patriotic board book is recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
All the Water on Earth
An excellent choice for children with big questions about earth’s water, this is well-suited for read-aloud sharing as well as perusing.
The book’s subtitle tells the whole story: this is a “taste” of the story of chocolate, which may not be enough to satisfy.
PREMIUM
Beatrix and Her Friends
A captivating look at all the pets and people who inspired Beatrix Potter’s creative world, this is a great companion to Saving the Countryside by Linda Marshall and a good first buy.
A beautiful look at not only how bridges work but also how they connect people and change lives. Suitable for varying levels of interest, this is a solid purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
The Elephant and the Piano
This artistic rendition of an intriguing story will be good for fans of Kim Tomsic’s The Elephants Come Home.
PREMIUM
Wild About Capybaras
This book will draw fans of capybaras and will serve as a great introduction to the graphic novel format.
An excellent title for anyone looking to expand their program repertoire and to provide popular, oft-requested gaming events at their libraries.
The updated assessment tools, streamlined organization, and expanded application examples make this edition a worthwhile upgrade, particularly for librarians seeking clearer evaluation and implementation guidance.
A concise, expert, and practical reference. Every school librarian, especially those seeking dependable, quick answers, should add this to their professional shelf. Highly recommended.
Highly recommended for librarians and teachers seeking to expand student opportunities, streamline library tasks, and foster leadership skills in elementary and older learners.
Recommended for all librarians seeking a path to integrate AI into lessons and library management.
A compelling professional development resource offering global perspectives and practical strategies for librarians committed to equity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and transformative learning. Recommended for school and district professional collections.
Recommended purchase for librarians who would like a concise review of modern children’s book selections.
This is a compelling and sweet must-read for all teen romantasy readers who want a cozy but adventure-packed story.
PREMIUM
Change of Plans
Anyone transitioning into adulthood or who enjoys realistic coming-of-age stories will want to pick this one up. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
This Must Be the Place
A recommended purchase. This book will appeal to fans of Julie Murphy and Casey McQuiston.
This hard-to-put-down mystery centering an ensemble cast is a solid choice for fans of the genre, especially for those who loved Karen McManus’s One of Us Is Lying or Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games.
PREMIUM
Finish Lines
This insightful view into how to deal with setbacks at all stages of life is a recommended purchase for collections serving teens.
A compelling story that is highly recommended for any high school library with romance readers.
PREMIUM
All We Hunger For
The premise is engaging, the themes are clear, and the blend of social commentary, competition, and romance makes this enjoyable, especially for those drawn to stories about defiance, disguise, and hope found in unexpected places.
PREMIUM
Like We Were in Paris
This lighthearted novel is suggested as a first purchase for expanding LGBTQIA+ young adult collections.
A truly stellar example of the best that horror can be, perfect for high schoolers who are not quite ready to engage with the works of Andrew Joseph White.
PREMIUM
Every Exquisite Thing
This modern twist on a classic paints beauty, fame, and ambition in haunting new shades.
PREMIUM
The River She Became
Young readers hoping to join the romantasy trend without high levels of spice will find much to savor.
PREMIUM
The Beckett Effect
A page-turning high school drama that is smart and entertaining. Highly recommended for high school libraries.
A Gothic ghost story haunted by colonial treatment of indigenous Hawaiians, this will stay with readers long after they have finished.
A powerful, unflinching exploration of Islamophobia, identity, and grief. An essential purchase for all collections.
A rollicking adventure that can serve for some readers as a bridge from comic books to novels.
A brilliant blend of dystopian and contemporary fantasy that will leave readers in complete awe by the end.
PREMIUM
Blue Beach
An engaging period piece with an easy-to-follow mystery and highly compelling characters, this is especially relevant for its realistic depictions of race and class in American society.
A lively, heartfelt fantasy anchored by humor and queer community; a strong addition to YA and upper middle grade collections. Fans of Lukens or authors like Mackenzi Lee and Aiden Thomas will not be disappointed.
PREMIUM
Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel
A recommended novel that will resonate particularly with eldest daughters of immigrant families.
PREMIUM
Checking You Out
For romance fans, a middling novel that hits all the right notes, even if it takes a few detours on the way. A wholesome romance for middle or high school libraries.
PREMIUM
Hear Ye Mortals
Recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction that explores themes of authoritarianism and social upheaval with an ensemble cast of characters.
PREMIUM
Such a Lucky Girl
Intense, timely, and punctuated with grisly moments of horror, this is a recommended purchase for mature teen readers.
PREMIUM
When Dealing with Dragons
A thrilling and romantic YA fantasy that successfully tackles themes of abuse, classism, and conservation; this is a strong addition to any collection serving fans of dragon-centric fantasy or high-stakes character-driven narratives along with their romance.
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