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.
A sweet and sour look at friendship and fantasy fun, suitable for middle grade collections.
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.
A necessary guide for fans of Japanese folklore and the supernatural.
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.
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.
A bold, creative story, strongly recommended for upper elementary and middle school collections where graphic novels are in demand.
A recommended purchase for middle grade collections.
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.
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.
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.
A funny and poignant graphic memoir, this is a must-buy for every library.
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.
A tale of growth and friendship as old as rock and roll, styled smartly for a new generation of readers.
From the creator of Gender Queer comes a tween friendly gateway to the topics of gender identity and expression.
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.
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.
Succinct and accessible, this novel makes a perilous and uncertain moment in American history tangible for contemporary middle graders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A celebration of summer warmth, tradition, and togetherness. Recommended, especially as a companion to Winter Solstice Wish.
Imparting community-oriented values related to working together as a team and being resourceful, this is recommended for libraries serving young readers.
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.
A must have for teen libraries where fantastical fiction is enjoyed.
This is a compelling and sweet must-read for all teen romantasy readers who want a cozy but adventure-packed story.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Slow, solemn, and philosophically rich
Easy-flowing rhymes plus construction equipment, vibrant illustrations, and strong female representation in nontraditional roles culminate in a standout title.
A gentle, engaging story about friendship and resilience that highlights the connection between one kind of dinosaur and birds is an excellent choice for developing fluency and confidence.
Best suited as an additional purchase, particularly for collections building interest ahead of an upcoming World Cup.
This title will be useful in environmental units and will be especially helpful for classes prior to visiting parks or nature preserves
A relatable, reassuring pick for families navigating screen-time struggles, with humor, honesty, and an inviting reminder of the pleasures beyond the glowing rectangle.
With an emphasis on play and the joys of the game, this book is another sweet addition to the series.
With many stronger and clearer titles addressing individuality and self-worth—such as Kelly DiPucchio’s Gaston and Grace Byer’s I Am Enough
The humor and gross factor will have readers clamoring for this fact-filled picture book.
A worthwhile purchase, this is a creative tale suitable for classroom use or in read-alouds.
A truly outstanding, readable A truly outstanding, readable resource for both young scientists and educators.–Lonna Pierce
A gentle, cozy pick for bedtime, and a welcome addition to collections seeking global picture book favorites.
A wonderful book to introduce multigenerational family units, cultural norms, and caregiving.
The relative simplicity of the story (once the key elements have been established) and characters is more likely to appeal to younger teens than Taylor’s “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” series, but it will be savored by listeners longing to be transported to the faerie realm.
This lovely audiobook will delight readers of adventure and fairy tales. Fans of DiCamillo’s other Norendy audiobooks, including The Hotel Balzaar and The Puppets of Spelhorst, will be enchanted.
A great pick for fans of drama, grim humor, and showbiz flair, this audiobook will especially resonate with tweens and teens who live for the spotlight.
This audiobook offers a character-driven story elevated by a strong narrative performance, making it a solid purchase where speculative sci-fi thrillers are popular.
An additional purchase only where more vampire fiction is needed.
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.
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.
Readers of sci-fi fantasy books will love this inventive new addition.
This modern twist on a classic paints beauty, fame, and ambition in haunting new shades.
Young readers hoping to join the romantasy trend without high levels of spice will find much to savor.
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.
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.
A recommended novel that will resonate particularly with eldest daughters of immigrant families.
A solid addition to YA thriller collections.
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.
Recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction that explores themes of authoritarianism and social upheaval with an ensemble cast of characters.
Intense, timely, and punctuated with grisly moments of horror, this is a recommended purchase for mature teen readers.
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.
A must-have for YA romance collections and especially for fans of Boyce.
For readers who love mythology, tearjerkers, and impossible romances.
A realistically messy and nuanced tale of first love.
Highly recommended for libraries serving teens who enjoy their fantasy, magic, and romance in small doses.
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