★   ★   ★

ALEXANDER, Lori. Seeds of Discovery: How Barbara McClintock Used Corn and Curiosity to Solve a Science Mystery and Win a Nobel Prize. illus. by Rebecca Santo. Harper/Clarion. ISBN 9780063245990.
Gr 4 Up–With lyrical storytelling and clear explanations of genetics, Alexander introduces Barbara McClintock to young readers, from her adventurous childhood to her Nobel-winning discoveries. A richly illustrated mix of biography, science, and inspiration, this book celebrates persistence, creativity, and the power of questioning. An inspiring resource for young science enthusiasts.

BAUSUM, Ann. White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote the History. Roaring Brook. ISBN 9781250816573.
Gr 9 Up–Boldly outlining 20 historical lies maintained by American white supremacists to justify enslavement and Jim Crow oppression of Black people, Bausum sheds much-needed light on the myth of the “Lost Cause.” Period photos and illustrations, as well as ample sourcing, make for a weighty and necessary corrective.

CARNAGEY, Melissa Pintor. Growing into You! An Inclusive, Shame-Busting, Get-Real Guide to Your Changing Body and Mind. illus. by Brianna Gilmartin. Quirk. ISBN 9781683694311.
Gr 6 Up–A refreshing, interactive puberty guide for young people of all genders. Carnagey uses inclusive language and emphasizes bodily and emotional autonomy while broaching a wealth of topics around growing up, from periods and pronouns to self-care and friendship. Activity prompts, engaging graphics, and abundant back matter round out this invaluable library addition.

DOCKERY, Patricia Williams. Abolition and the African American Story. Crown. ISBN 9780593811368.
Gr 6 Up–Part of the “Race to the Truth” nonfiction series, this book covers a sweeping history that highlights well-researched names and stories, focusing on the Civil War, Black migration, and Reconstruction. Breadth of content includes photos, maps, sidebars, and expansive back matter.

FITZHARRIS, Lindsey. Dead Ends! Flukes, Flops & Failures That Sparked Medical Marvels. illus. by Adrian Teal. Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781547615025.
Gr 5 Up–Fitzharris delivers an impeccably researched and engaging narrative that invites readers to explore the rich history of medicine and its marvels. While scientific topics are often complex, Fitzharris excels at making them accessible to middle graders. A valuable contribution to a category rarely explored for this age group.

FLEMING, Candace. Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown. Random/Anne Schwartz. ISBN 9780593480069.
Gr 8 Up–A true crime masterpiece about the life of Jim Jones and the devastating end to the Peoples Temple cult. Fleming is adept at building tension, which will leave readers racing to the disturbing conclusion. Mass murder and other sensitive topics make this hard to read, but this chilling narrative is difficult to put down.

FRIEDMAN,Tova. The Daughter of Auschwitz: The Girl Who Lived to Tell Her Story. HarperCollins/Quill Tree. ISBN 9780063381544.
Gr 4 Up–A compelling and heartrending memoir of Friedman’s experiences as a Jewish child during the Holocaust. She hauntingly narrates her imprisonment and how she lived under the constant threat of death, sometimes surviving through sheer luck. An emotional and essential read.

GABEIRA, Maya. Beyond the Board: The Untold Story of the World’s Most Daring Big Wave Surfer. Abrams/Amulet. ISBN 9781419760020.
Gr 9 Up–The world’s top female big wave surfer recounts her unconventional adolescence in Rio de Janeiro, discovering surfing through a boyfriend, going pro at 17, and setting out on not just a career but a way of life. A compelling, reflective narrator, Gabeira inspires through her passion and powerful drive for excellence.

GADDY, Kristina R. A Most Perilous World: The True Story of the Young Abolitionists and Their Crusade Against Slavery. Dutton. ISBN 9780593855522.
Gr 8 Up–Uniquely focused on four children of four storied abolitionists, Gaddy’s interwoven biography tells the truth of abolition work in the United States, using a combination of primary documents and adept narration; it moves quickly with short chapters.

GRUSH, Loren with Rebecca Stefoff. The Six (Young Readers Edition): The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts. S. & S. ISBN 9781534497047.
Gr 6 Up–Six women decided to become astronauts and changed the landscape of NASA, but it was not without obstacles which Grush tackles head-on. Giving each astronaut their due and highlighting each individual’s goals before achieving this spotlight, the book offers readers an intimate understanding of just what it takes.

HAIDT, Jonathan & Catherine Price. The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World. illus. by Cynthia Yuan Cheng. Penguin/Rocky Pond. ISBN 9798217111909.
Gr 6 Up–A book of tips, tricks, and the science behind smartphone and device addiction that completely respects its audience. This brilliant volume is filled with hard truths that still ring with positivity, and the design and comic-style illustrations will keep readers’ interest while making a case for the importance of unplugging.

JARROW, Gail. White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups. Astra/Calkins Creek. ISBN 9781662681035.
Gr 7 Up–Jarrow’s latest covers nine presidents, from James Garfield to Joe Biden, who suffered medical issues during their time in office. Her well-researched narrative invites readers to think critically about fitness. History buffs and aspiring medical historians will savor this engrossing volume.

JENSON-ELLIOTT, Cindy. The Doomsday Detectives: How Walter and Luis Alvarez Solved the Mystery of Dinosaur Extinction. illus. by Theo Nicole Lorenz. Lee & Low/Tu Bks. ISBN 9781643791098.
Gr 4-8–A celebration of curiosity and collaboration, this book highlights the ongoing nature of scientific discovery, using rich illustrations and clear explanations to chronicle how a Cuban American father and son uncovered the cause of dinosaur extinction. The captivating storytelling will engage curious minds and dinosaur enthusiasts.

KELLY, Erin Entrada. At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom. Greenwillow. ISBN 9780063218901.
Gr 4-8–Learning about Joey Guerrero’s story is to learn about Filipino history and culture in addition to religious faith and leprosy. This slim volume brings a historical heroine to the forefront in ways only Kelly can provide, with enthralling emotional depth.

KENNEY, Karen Latchana. Fascinating Fungi: Nourishers, Killers, Connectors, and Healers. Lerner/Twenty-First Century. ISBN 9798765611173.
Gr 6 Up–In a dynamic layout packed with colorful photos and illustrations; clear, engaging writing; and informative sidebars, Kenney presents truly fascinating fungi in a range of contexts—historical, scientific, and cultural. The illuminating text is rounded out with back matter to satisfy every budding mycologist.

LAWLOR, Laurie. Many Voices: Building Erie, The Canal That Changed America. Holiday House. ISBN 9780823455638.
Gr 5 Up–A social history for young people that seeks to explain the complex interplay of political, technological, cultural, and economic forces that culminated in the creation of the Erie Canal. Told from diverse perspectives, this impeccably designed narrative is highly useful for STEM, early American history, and engineering shelves.

LEIREN-YOUNG, Mark. Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep. Orca. ISBN 9781459838956.
Gr 4-7–This visually stunning title is sure to captivate, covering everything readers would want to know about octopodes, from anatomy to different species, and even celebrity octopuses known for escaping their tanks. An excellent choice for research or entertainment.

LEVY, Debbie. A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools. Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781547612215.
Gr 4-7–Levy patiently unspools the tale of the spectacular 1925 Tennessee trial that challenged a law forbidding the teaching biological evolution. Along with sketches of the personalities and outlines of political currents, the narrative is illustrated with period photos, lithographs, extensive source notes, and a detailed timeline.

LOCKE, Katherine & Nicole Melleby, eds. Athlete Is Agender: True Stories of LGBTQ+ People in Sports. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano. ISBN 9780316572002.
Gr 4-6–Inclusive and compelling, this anthology gathers first-person accounts from queer, trans, and nonbinary athletes through essays, poems, and profiles. Blending memoir, history, and activism, these stories highlight resilience, representation, and the vital message that sports can be a safe home for everyone. This affirming collection is inspiring and empowering.

MESSNER, Kate. History Smashers: Ancient Egypt. Random. ISBN 9780593902332.
Gr 4-7–This humorous, and fact-packed exploration of one of history’s most fascinating civilizations is lively, informative, and visually rich. Readers journey through centuries of dynasties, pyramid-building, and pharaoh intrigue, supported by lively illustrations. The inclusion of modern discussions on artifact ownership adds depth, ensuring readers learn while being thoroughly entertained.

MILLER, Sarah. Hick: The Trailblazing Journalist Who Captured Eleanor Roosevelt’s Heart. Random House Studio. ISBN 9780593649091.
Gr 9 Up–Lorena “Hick” Hickok’s journey from a difficult Midwestern childhood to becoming one of America’s most respected journalists is chronicled in this moving portrait of ambition and forbidden love. Hick’s career and secret relationship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt are revealed through historical detail, heartfelt storytelling, and an exploration of validity in the face of societal constraint.

PÉREZ, Ashley Hope. Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers’ Rights. Holiday House. ISBN 9780823458301.
Gr 8 Up–Fifteen YA authors and illustrators, through fiction, memoir, poetry, and art, unite to confront the growing crisis of challenged and banned books. Part manifesto, part guidebook, this timely anthology celebrates the transformative power of stories and examines what is lost when books are banned.

ROBINSON, James. Whale Eyes. illus. by Brian Rea. Penguin Workshop. ISBN 9780593523957.
Gr 5 Up–Robinson’s enlightened memoir seamlessly integrates his life story with his experience living with strabismus with alternating exotropia, a disability of the eyes. He parlays his keen storytelling skills as a documentarian into an always accessible text, mixing humor, information, and visuals.

SANTANA, Raymond. Pushing Hope: An Illustrated Memoir of Survival. illus. by Keith Henry Brown. Astra/Calkins Creek. ISBN 9781662681400.
Gr 9 Up–Santana’s powerful and lyrical memoir presents his heartbreaking experience as one of the unjustly convicted Central Park Five, who were imprisoned for over 13 years for the alleged rape of a white woman. This stirring, highly illustrated work has bright, glossy pages filled with spare language, bold fonts, and Brown’s incredible graffiti-style art that will draw in aspiring activists and artists.

THOMPSON, Ben. Putin vs. Zelensky: The Russo-Ukrainian War: Why It’s Happening and How It All Got Started. Roaring Brook. ISBN 9781250339560.
Gr 8 Up–Delivering a clear and accessible account of one of today’s most significant global conflicts, this narrative traces the lives and motivations of Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. Well-researched and conversational, the story explores how history, politics, and identity shaped the 2022 invasion. History comes alive with vivid storytelling and historical insight.

TOGETHXR. Play It Forward: How Women Are Changing Sports to Change the World. Chronicle. ISBN 9781797232171.
Gr 9 Up–Twenty-five stories woven together to showcase women in sports make for a collective win as a collective biography. The book elevates the role of women’s contributions by effortlessly covering examples of their perseverance, strength, and ability to overcome systemic obstacles.

YELLOWHORN, Eldon & Kathy Lowinger. Ours to Tell: Reclaiming Indigenous Stories. Annick. ISBN 9781773219530.
Gr 7 Up–Through art, history, and tradition, this anthology spotlights 16 Indigenous storytellers and activists who share their experiences, creativity, and resilience. Featuring those from the Maya to the Inupiaq, the book reveals how storytelling empowers and preserves culture. Challenging colonist narratives and illuminating achievement, trauma, and triumph make this book an essential resource on Indigenous life.

YONG, Ed. An Immense World (Young Readers Edition): How Animals Sense Earth’s Amazing Secrets. adapt. by Annamarie Anderson. illus. by Rebecca Mills. Random/Bright Matter. ISBN 9780593810880.
Gr 4-8–Spectacularly adapted for young readers from its adult predecessor, Anderson takes Yong’s content and captures that book’s sense of awe and inspiration about the natural world with eye-catching visuals and a supportive, immersive text. The magic is alive within the pages of a book about animals’ senses.