Teachers and students are returning to school this fall amid a lot of uncertainty.

As the Trump administration aims to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, shutter dozens of federal programs, and cancel funding for many grants, K–12 leaders face an unsure future, with the possibility of fewer resources they can use for instruction.

While these developments are playing out in the background, teachers are still responsible for meeting high standards of learning for all children, regardless of their circumstances. And even if it’s not explicitly called “social and emotional learning,” addressing the social emotional needs of students is still critical to helping them succeed.

Integrating books into the formal curriculum, and making books available for independent reading and enrichment, continues to be fundamental in helping schools achieve their learning and literacy goals.

New releases for this year’s back-to-school season include a brand-new line of nonfiction books that aim to get kids raised on short-form media engaged in reading; a moving story of how a Mexican immigrant became a U.S. citizen; the inspiring tale of a dog who learned to walk on his hind legs after a debilitating accident; a useful guide to how students can learn critical social-emotional skills by playing the popular video game Minecraft; and a snarky, first person take on the Salem Witch Trials—or as one publisher called it, “America’s original true crime story.”

Here's a look at what’s on notable publishers’ Back to School lists this fall.

Capstone Publishing

Capstone is a leading educational publisher of K–5 children’s books, interactive ebooks, digital curriculum, and literacy programs for school libraries, classrooms, and at-home reading. A new Capstone brand, Brain Candy Books, aims to interest a generation of kids raised on video clips in reading using short, breezy, and highly engaging nonfiction content.

“We’re making books cool again,” says Beth Brezenoff, executive vice president and general manager for content at Capstone. “With Brain Candy Books, kids are reading without knowing they’re learning.”

Brain Candy Books are designed to be read from any point in the book, perfect for consumers of short-form media. The books are aimed at students in grades 3–5.

The Brain Candy brand is launching in August 2025 with 25 titles across five series: “Fact Frenzy,” which are full of fun facts about various high-interest topics; “Info Fanatic,” a series for kids who love lists; “Your Favorite Stars,” for kids who can’t get enough of today’s most popular celebrities, athletes, singers, and influencers; “Would You Rather?,” which hooks young readers with hilarious, gross, spooky, and totally weird choices; and “Everything Sports Almanac,” books filled with sports trivia and produced in conjunction with Sports Illustrated Kids.

Featuring Taylor Swift by Gena Chester, ISBN 9798875233258, is one of the titles from the “Your Favorite Stars” series. In this book, kids can browse bite-size facts, such as that Taylor Swift was the first artist to become a billionaire from her music alone. They can read about her family, her friends, and the inspiration behind her music. There are also quizzes and activities for young Swifties (fans).

An example from the “Fact Frenzy” series is Cat Fact Frenzy! by Nikki Potts, ISBN 9798875233364. In this book, kids learn that there are more than 35 breeds of wild cats—and that domesticated cats have been around for about 8,000 years. They learn fun facts about cats’ senses, how much they sleep, why most cats don’t like to get wet, and more.

The “Would You Rather?” series includes Would You Rather Eat Snot or Earwax? by Jose Cruz, ISBN 9798875232312. The book presents kids with cringey choices to make them think about the human body (would you rather have your hair or your nails grow forever?), nature (would you rather shoot guts out of your mouth like a sea cucumber or have bones that break through your feet like a hairy frog?), dirty jobs (would you rather work in a butcher shop with a broken air conditioner or a freezing morgue filled with dead bodies?), and more. Kids can play alone or with their friends and family.

The “Info Fanatic” series features Awe-Inspiring Lists About the Wonders of the World by Heather E. Schwartz, ISBN 9798875228285. The book includes lists about natural wonders, like beaches with different colored sand, the deadliest sports for tourists, and the quietest places on Earth; human-made wonders, like the largest and smallest structures ever built; and natural mysteries, like lost treasures, spooky spots, and unanswered questions—such as what happened to Amelia Earhart and whether King Arthur was real.

Sports Illustrated Kids All-Pro Soccer Almanac by Patrick Donnelly, ISBN 9798875232909, is an example from the “Everything Sports Almanac” series. Young soccer fans will appreciate learning about the top soccer leagues, standout plays, the greatest games in history, and more.

“We wanted to create books that just let kids be kids…books that encourage them to play, have fun, and ask each other weird questions,” Brezenoff says.

Wayne D. Kramer

Author Wayne D. Kramer broke into publishing with a young adult fantasy series called “Heroes of Time,” but it was his five daughters who encouraged him to write children’s picture books. In fact, he credits his daughters as the inspiration for his “Penny Pangolin” series of picture books for children ages 3–8, about a pangolin named Penny who loves sharing experiences with her friends.

Pangolins are scaly anteaters that are the most highly trafficked mammal in the world, especially valued in Africa and Asia for their meat and scales. “My girls had learned about pangolins, and they seemed like gentle and docile creatures while being important to the ecosystem,” Kramer says. “I thought If I could make my main character a pangolin, it would be cute and fun while also raising awareness of these critically endangered animals.”

Kramer released the first three Penny Pangolin stories in 2023. In October 2025, he’s relaunching these books with new covers and audiobook versions, along with three brand-new Penny Pangolin stories. Illustrated by Australian artist Jade Zivanovic, the books all feature important social emotional themes and lessons for young children.

In Penny Pangolin and the Missing Ant Cake, ISBN 9781955997065, Penny makes a lemon ant cake for dessert, but it’s stolen by her neighbor, Edith Aardvark. When Edith faces trouble, Penny must choose between doing what’s right and what she feels Edith deserves, learning about grace and forgiveness in the process.

Penny convinces her parents that she’s responsible enough to adopt an orphaned red panda in Penny Pangolin Wants a Pet, ISBN 9781955997126. Out of this simple act of compassion comes an unbreakable friendship.

Taking care of a sick friend and handling food sensitivities are the themes explored in Penny Pangolin and the Rock Soup, ISBN 9781955997096. When Penny samples food at a village festival, she unknowingly eats something that makes pangolins sick—and her friend comes to the rescue with a homemade remedy.

When Penny steps in to defend her friend Edith against a school bully, she quickly finds herself his new target in Penny Pangolin and the Baboon Bully, ISBN 9781955997201. Penny must walk the line of dealing with a bully without becoming one herself, learning about friendship, forgiveness, anger management, and how to see other points of view.

Managing screen time is the focus of Penny Pangolin and the Tablet Turmoil, ISBN 9781955997232. When Penny receives a tablet from her aunt Petunia, she soon sees how easy it is to keep her eyes glued to a screen all day. But when she loses the tablet, she realizes how much of the world around her she has been missing.

In Penny Pangolin and the Termite Trophy, ISBN 9781955997263, Penny and her friends enter a multi-sport tournament that includes some contests that pangolins aren’t well suited for. To make it through—and win—the animals must work together to compensate for their disadvantages, learning important lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship.

The audiobook versions are narrated by David McCormack, an Australian musician and actor best known as the voice of Bandit, the dad from the beloved animated children’s series Bluey. While the audiobook versions are sold separately, they’re also included as free downloads when schools and libraries buy the hardcover versions. “That’s a really good value,” Kramer notes.

In addition, the series’ website (https://pennypangolin.com) includes free teacher resources for each of the books.

Hachette Children’s Group

Hachette Children’s Group is the children’s publishing division of Hachette U.K. It produces about 300 children’s fiction, nonfiction, and picture books each year, 15 to 20 of which are sold in the U.S. market.

The Secret Lives of Stones: Fascinating Stories of Gemstones, Rocks, and Minerals by Hettie Judah, illustrated by Jennifer N.R. Smith, September 2025, ISBN 9781510231344, explores the geology, history, and folklore of 25 different types of stones, with each entry receiving a two-page spread. Young readers will learn how deep-blue lapis lazuli has been prized for thousands of years and was used to make a rare paint pigment by artists during the Renaissance, for instance—and they’ll discover how the magnetic properties of lodestone helped Chinese sailors navigate the oceans more than 2,000 years ago. The author is a renowned art critic and regular contributor to publications such as The Guardian.

A Tree Is a Time Machine by Rob Sears, illustrated by Tom Sears, September 2025, ISBN 9781510231641, is a book that takes elementary school–age students on a journey through history from the perspective of a 4,000-year-old yew tree that’s seen it all. “It’s quite different from anything we’ve published before,” says Publishing Director Leah James. The story encourages young readers to reflect on why we’re always in such a rush these days, how the actions of one generation can impact those that follow, and why it’s important to take care of the world around us.

Produced in partnership with the Agatha Christie estate, The Official Agatha Christie After School Detectives Club by Gareth Moore and Laura Jayne Ayres, illustrated by Katie Kear, October 2025, ISBN 9781510231948, features a group of kids who form their own mystery-solving club after discovering and devouring Christie’s novels. The book includes 50 whodunit-style puzzles that readers aged nine and up can solve along with the characters. “The Agatha Christie estate is very passionate about getting young readers interested in the world of Christie’s novels,” says Kate Newport, publisher for nonfiction and licensing.

Art School (in a book) by Russell Tovey and Robert Diament, illustrated by Rose Blake, October 2025, ISBN 9781510231429, introduces students ages nine and up to the world of contemporary art. The book features selected works from the most exciting artists of today, as well as some of the greatest works from the 20th century—including Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh, Georgia O'Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. Written by the voices behind the U.K. podcast “Talk Art,” the book includes insights into what inspires these artists and the meaning behind their work, as well as guidance on how students can develop their own creativity.

Alice Hemming is the best-selling author of more than 50 books for children, including the “Dark Unicorn” fantasy series for middle grade readers. A Walk in the Dark, October 2025, ISBN 9781510231481, is Hachette’s first nonfiction collaboration with Hemming. Illustrated by Elin Manon, this picture book takes children aged five and up on a nighttime journey through nature, as seen through the eyes of the animals who scavenge, hunt, and play during this time.

“We’re super excited to have this book on our nonfiction list,” James says. A Walk in the Dark also includes facts about nocturnal animals and tips on how humans can help them by reducing light pollution.

Gnome Road Publishing

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, independent children’s book publisher Gnome Road produces books that engage and inform kids, develop a love for reading, and bring laughter to the world. Its books help children learn important curricular and social-emotional skills, such as how to persevere or advocate for themselves, says Sandra Sutter, founder, publisher, and editor. Gnome Road also provides teacher’s guides and other free resources on its website to help educators use its books to spark classroom discussions.

In I Rock My Hair: Pretty and Protected by the CROWN Act, April 2025, ISBN 9781957655444, debut author/illustrator Angel Tate has crafted a story about a young Black girl who learns to appreciate how she looks and isn’t afraid to express herself. By the end, she is working to stop discrimination based on an individual’s hairstyle. The book’s back matter explains to kids what the CROWN Act is (Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) and how they can help get it passed into law in their state. “It’s an introduction to civics and how we can all make the world a better place for everyone,” Sutton says.

How to Hatch a Writer by Kari Ann Gonzalez, illustrated by Rachel Suzanne, September 2025, ISBN 9781957655536, is a follow-up to How to Hatch a Reader, which came out in 2023. In this new book, a young girl teaches her chickens how to write—while they try to stay one step ahead of Goldi-fox. Young readers ages 4–8 learn basic sentence structures as they follow the story. “It illustrates basic writing principles through humor,” Sutton notes.

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog by Kentee Pasek and Bonnie Kelso, illustrated by Bonnie Kelso, September 2025, ISBN 9781957655482, tells the true story of Dexter, a Brittany spaniel puppy that was hit by a car and lost the use of his front legs. Because he didn’t take to the wheelchair provided for him by Pasek, his owner, Dexter taught himself how to walk upright on his hind legs instead. He became an internet sensation and has been featured on late-night TV programs.

“Dexter’s story about perseverance and discovering his own way has inspired so many people,” Sutter says. “It’s a heartwarming story with an inclusive message that shows kids they can do what they set out to.” A Spanish-language version (ISBN 9781957655499) is also available.

Sequoia Kids Media

An imprint of Phoenix International Publications, Sequoia Kids Media brings perennial favorite series to schools and libraries, offering kids familiar characters and fun, and interactive experiences that promise high demand. Sequoia publishes about 150 new titles per year in print, digital, and audiobook formats.

“GEORGE the Flybot” is a series for students in grades 1–4 that Sequoia launched in 2024, about a tiny, fly-shaped robot who’s sent on special missions by his employer. The missions involve finding lost treasures and rare artifacts based on real historical events, and each book interweaves historical facts, animal facts, high-tech gadgetry, and humor with social-emotional themes of friendship, fitting in, and embracing one’s uniqueness. The books are written by Nessa Bellido Schwarz and illustrated by Jason Fruchter, and this fall Sequoia is releasing two new titles in the series.

In GEORGE the Flybot and the Missing Coins of Black Canyon, August 2025, ISBN 9798765411834, GEORGE is looking for some rare dimes that were lost in Colorado more than a hundred years ago. Two kindhearted honeybees offer to join the search. But when GEORGE learns it’s dangerous for honeybees to fly after dark, his mission turns into a race against the setting sun.

GEORGE the Flybot and the Treasure of Cocos Island, August 2025, ISBN 9798765411841, is about a hunt for lost pirate gold in Costa Rica. Deep in the jungle, GEORGE learns some troubling facts about the island’s ecosystem and makes it his personal mission to help the animals who live there. But he might be in trouble with his boss, who has just learned about GEORGE’s past personal missions.

A new Sequoia series of five books, “Active Minds Explorers: This Is Why...” by Dana Peabody, August 2025, ISBN 9798765413272, teaches students ages 5–7 fun and strange facts about the human body, such as how water becomes urine, why some people snore, where tears come from, and what makes our sweat smell. “The gross factor creates high interest for this age group,” says Senior Marketing Manager Casey Griffin.

Released in January 2025, “Active Minds Awful Animal Facts” by Ellen Lawrence, ISBN 9798765411100, is a series of four books for slightly older students (ages 7–10) that explore how nature can be not just beautiful, but also downright disgusting. For instance, Blood, Slime, and Vomit: Animal Defenses dives into the gross natural defenses that some creatures have, like horned lizards that shoot blood from their eyes. The other books in the series touch on topics like the world’s largest shark, and weird animal habits—like how male hippos use their tail to flick their dung in all directions as a display of dominance.

MennoMedia

Herald Press is the trade book publishing arm of MennoMedia, which produces books, curriculum materials, and other resources for the Mennonite Church in the U.S. and Canada. Since 1908, Herald Press has published books that are Jesus-centered, justice-focused, and peace-seeking, says Publisher and Executive Director Amy Gingerich.

Herald Press publishes about 20 books per year. Although it hadn’t published any children’s books in nearly 20 years, the press has issued new children’s titles this year in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement and plans to continue publishing a handful of children’s books each year.

A Light to Share: Stories of Spreading Love and Changing the World by Natalie Frisk, illustrated by Maria Diaz Perera, April 2025, ISBN 9781513814476, includes inspirational profiles of a dozen people from the Anabaptist faith—some from history and others living today.

They include Edna Ruth Byler, who pioneered the global Fair Trade movement as a missionary in Puerto Rico in the 1940s; Kate Bowler, the New York Times best-selling author of Everything Happens for a Reason; and Drew G. I. Hart, a Black author, minister, and professor of theology who writes about anti-racism and felt called to the ministry when his brother was mistakenly arrested by the police.

Sparking Peace by Teresa Kim Pecinovsky and Hannah Rose Martin, illustrated by Gabhor Utomo, April 2025, ISBN 9781513813707, provides an age-appropriate entry point for talking to children ages 5–9 about gun violence. It tells the story of a young boy who attends a “guns to garden tools” event sponsored by the nonprofit organization RAWtools, during which he sees tools of violence being transformed into implements that are positive and life-affirming. Resources at the back of the book help parents and educators talk about gun violence and trauma with young children.

“We need ways to talk about gun violence in a respectful manner that doesn’t induce fear,” Gingerich says. This book offers a solution.

Books That Save Lives

Books That Save Lives is a new mission-driven publisher of books that serve vulnerable populations from Co-owner and Publisher Brenda Knight.

Knight founded Books That Save Lives as an imprint of Mango Publishing, and its first title, Mindfulness for Warriors, empowered veterans and emergency first responders to reduce stress and build emotional resilience. When Knight left Mango Publishing earlier this year, she retained the Books That Save Lives brand and a backlist of 120 titles, as well as a pipeline of 40 new titles through 2026.

About 15 percent of these titles are books for children. They include The Boy from Mexico Becomes a U.S. Citizen by Edward Dennis, September 2025, ISBN 9781684817597. This picture book for children ages 5–8 is the third in a series about a young man named Luz who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a teenager to have a better life. In this latest book, Luz tells the story of gaining U.S. citizenship and the emotions involved in this difficult process. The book’s back matter includes information on how to become a U.S. citizen.

At a time when U.S. immigrants are under attack, “we’re trying to show children that immigrants are people just like them,” Knight says. “We’re deeply proud we’re publishing this book.”

The first book in the series, The Boy from Mexico: An Immigration Story of Bravery and Determination, December 2022, ISBN 9781642509830, tells how Luz arrived in the U.S. The second book, The Boy from Mexico Becomes a Farmworker: Grown-Up Luz and His Friends Feed America, October 2024, ISBN 9781684815883, shows how immigrants play a key role in U.S. agriculture. The company plans to release all three titles as a box set next year.

Another new children’s title from Books That Save Lives is Magic of RAIN: A Story Showing How Meditation Helps Children with Anxiety, Fear, and Feelings by Pinelopi Sioni, illustrated by Avital Yomdin, December 2025, ISBN 9781684817405. This picture book introduces the RAIN concept of mindfulness to young children ages 3–8. RAIN stands for Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture; this methodology was created by psychologist and meditation specialist Tara Brach.

The book’s author and illustrator are disciples of Brach. The author was inspired to write the book when she tried the RAIN method to help her daughter overcome anxiety about getting shots and found that it worked well. Magic of RAIN can help young children learn how to manage their emotions. The book’s back matter contains more information about the RAIN methodology and the science behind it.

Apples & Honey Press

Established in 2015, Apples & Honey Press is the children’s imprint of Behrman House Publishing, an independent, family-owned publisher of books on Jewish life and Judaism for more than 100 years. Apples & Honey Press publishes about 25 children’s trade titles per year, from board books through early chapter books.

“We publish socially important stories that center Jewish characters and experiences,” says Co-owner and Partner Vicki Weber. What sets the company apart is the breadth of its coverage of Jewish topics. “We go beyond Hanukkah and Passover in writing about holidays and beyond Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Albert Einstein in publishing biographies,” Weber notes.

For instance, Claudia Said Sí! The Story of Mexico’s First Woman President by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky, illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera, September 2025, ISBN 9781681157139, is a picture book about Claudia Sheinbaum, an energy and climate-change scientist who has served as Mexico’s first female president since 2024. Although Sheinbaum is not actively religious, she is of Jewish heritage. A Spanish-language version of the book, translated by Rafael Molina Pulgar (ISBN 9781681157221), is coming out simultaneously with the English-language version.

When people think about immigrants who came to the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century, they typically think of Ellis Island. But thousands of Jews escaped antisemitic Russia during that period by immigrating through the port city of Galveston, Texas. A Place Called Galveston by Andrea Shapiro, illustrated by Valerya Milovanova, November 2025, ISBN 9781681156545, is a nonfiction picture book that tells the story of these Jewish immigrants and how they settled throughout the Midwest, with maps in the book’s endpapers showing the routes they took to find their new home.

Both books are written for children ages 5–8, and both include back matter that provides additional context. The back matter for A Place Called Galveston, for example, includes a note from the author in which she shares her own family’s story of coming to America from Russia and further explores how Galveston became a popular port. The back matter for Claudia Said Sí! includes information about the work that earned Sheinbaum and her team the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, as well as the extent of the Jewish community in Mexico.

Mad Cave Studios

Founded in 2014 and based in Miami, Mad Cave Studios is an independent publisher of comic books and graphic novels for readers of all ages. The company is committed to publishing compelling, character-driven stories by a diverse cast of creators.

Mad Cave’s imprints include Maverick, which publishes young adult content; Papercutz, which publishes graphic novels for teens and middle grade readers; and Nakama Press, a new manga-focused imprint that aims to expand the boundaries of manga.

In response to requests from schools and libraries, Mad Cave has begun producing Spanish-language versions of many of its titles. “We need the same stories in both English and Spanish for bilingual classrooms and communities,” says Vice President of Marketing Allison Pond.

An example is Las nuevas aventuras de Encanto, Vol. 1: Es hora de brillar by Amparo Ortiz, illustrated by Andrea Greppi, June 2025, ISBN 9781545818503. This is a Spanish-language version of The New Adventures of Encanto, Vol. 1: Time to Shine, created in conjunction with the Disney Comics Group and released last year. Aimed at readers ages 8–12, it extends the world of Mirabel and her gifted family, the Madrigals, first introduced in the 2021 Disney movie Encanto, with four new stories.

Las nuevas aventuras de Turning Red, Vol. 1: Mejores amigas para siempre by the Disney Comics Group, July 2025, ISBN 9781545818534, is another example. It’s a Spanish-language version of The New Adventures of Turning Red, Vol. 1: Besties 4ever, which contains four original stories with the characters from the 2022 Disney Pixar movie Turning Red. That film featured a 13-year-old Chinese Canadian student named Meilin “Mei” Lee who turns into a giant red panda when she experiences strong emotions. “She’s torn between being the dutiful daughter her mother expects and the spirited teen she wants to be,” Pond says.

Digital Lizards of Doom, Vol. 4: Fat Cat Rogers by Gabriel Valentin, illustrated by Rachel Allen Everett and Irlander Romero, July 2025, ISBN 9781545818305, continues this popular fantasy adventure series of graphic novels for middle grade students about an eclectic cast of characters trapped inside a video game world. Working with the San Diego Unified School District, Valentin has developed a curriculum for using the “Digital Lizards of Doom” series as a teaching tool. The first state-approved curriculum designed around a graphic novel series, it focuses on social emotional health, language arts, and creative problem-solving.

“As students begin a new school year, it’s essential to provide books that resonate with their experiences and reinforce important life lessons,” Valentin says.

The Little Press

The Little Press is an independent children’s publisher based in New Jersey. It was founded in 2016 to help authors self-publish, and it became a traditional book publisher in 2020. The company’s motto is “New talent. New voices. Unlimited possibilities.”

“We’ve grown significantly in the last five years, from one or two new releases per year to 10 next year,” says Founder and Publisher Michele McAvoy. Many of its books communicate important social emotional lessons using a healthy dose of humor. As McAvoy explains: “Kids learn best when they’re being entertained.”

For instance, Birthday Bash by Blair Northen Williamson, illustrated by Taylor Woolley, September 2025, ISBN 9781956378337, teaches kids ages 4–8 how to handle big emotions. Kiko is a mouse who’s determined to host the perfect birthday party aboard his houseboat. But when a bug lands on the cupcakes, Kiko is so frustrated that he ends up punching numerous holes in his boat in an attempt to swat the bug.

“What I love about this story is that it’s so fun and over the top,” McAvoy says. “He even shoots a cannon at the bug at one point. It’s about learning to control your emotions, packaged in a fun, cartoonish story.”

Good Luck, Puck!: A Winter Sports Adventure by Donna Marx, illustrated by Daniel Sulzberg, December 2025, ISBN 9781956378375, is a timely book that features numerous winter sports ahead of the February 2026 Olympic Games in Italy.

In one story, when an ice hockey puck is tired of all the players getting credit for scoring goals instead of him, he sets out to try other sports, such as bobsledding, snowboarding, and skating. But he learns he’s not well suited for these other pursuits—and besides, he misses his hockey teammates. “He realizes in the end that it’s not about getting credit, it’s about being part of a team,” McAvoy notes.

One More Story

One More Story (www.onemorestory.com) is a curated online library containing digital versions of select children’s picture books, set to original music and read aloud to children.

Cofounded by kindergarten teacher Rona Troth and her brother, Carl Teitelbaum, a former Sesame Street producer, the site has a simple premise: Bring a library of literature into every classroom or home and empower children to explore books independently, before they’re fully literate readers. Pre-readers can have stories read to them with words highlighted and synced to the narration, while early readers can read the books on their own and get audio help with any word they don’t understand.

“Children who are read to early and often are better readers, writers, and communicators,” Teitelbaum says. “Unfortunately, teachers and parents have limited time to read to children. With One More Story, children can have books read aloud to them on demand—and the site also helps them learn to read independently.”

One More Story’s digital collection includes nearly a hundred titles from a dozen different publishers. Chosen for their interesting stories and characters, captivating illustrations, and creative use of language, the books include classics like Stellaluna by Janell Cannon; biographies like Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie: A Story about Edna Lewis by Robbin Gourley, which teaches children about an African American chef who championed farm-to-table eating long before the natural-food movement gained popularity; and silly stories like The Day Louis Got Eaten by John Fardell.

Teitelbaum says the books in One More Story’s collection contain more than 7,000 words altogether. “We chose books that will interest children throughout their journey as readers,” he adds.

Each book includes original music and sound effects composed by Robby Merkin, the former music director for Sesame Street. Narration is supplied by more than 30 professional actors. This variety of voices is very helpful to English Language Learner (ELL) students, Teitelbaum says.

When schools and libraries subscribe to the site, their students and patrons receive simultaneous, unlimited access to all the titles in the collection. There are two types of subscriptions: “in network,” in which the site’s content can be accessed by any device on a school’s or library’s network, and “universal access,” in which the content can be accessed from any location, including at home. One More Story launched in 2005 and is currently used in more than 600 elementary schools nationwide.

Interlink Publishing

Founded in 1987 and based in Northampton, Massachusetts, Interlink publishes books that have an international perspective. Its mission is to build bridges between people from different cultures. “We think this is more important now than ever,” says co-owner and Marketing Director Hannah Moushabeck.

Interlink publishes nearly 100 books per year, about 15 of which are children’s books under the company’s Crocodile Books imprint.

Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden by Jenan Matari, illustrated by Aya Ghanameh, September 2025, ISBN 9781623716110, is a picture book for children ages 5–8 about a young Palestinian girl who helps her jiddo (grandfather) tend his garden. In the process, she learns how her family was forced to leave their homeland many years ago. But her jiddo shows her how tending a garden can connect them to their heritage—and to each other.

Written and illustrated by creators of Palestinian descent, the book explores themes of displacement, belonging, and an enduring connection to one’s homeland. “So many educators are struggling to find a way to talk about what’s happening in Palestine today,” Moushabeck says. “This book can help spark those conversations in a sensitive, age-appropriate way.”

Higher Ground: A Graphic Novel by Tull Suwannakit, September 2025, ISBN 9781623715854, is Interlink’s first graphic novel for children. It’s a dystopian, coming-of-age story for middle grade readers about two children who are stranded on a rooftop with their grandmother after a great flood swallows their city. With nothing but their small garden and a handful of supplies, they must learn how to survive.

The book serves as a warning for future generations, urging readers to protect the environment before it’s too late. But it’s also a poignant, inspiring tale of courage and resilience that shows how life can be beautiful even in the darkest of times.

Arcadia Publishing

Founded in 1993, Arcadia is known primarily for publishing books that explore the history and folklore of local communities throughout the U.S. The company publishes 500 new titles per year across six imprints, including two focused exclusively on children’s books.

“An important goal of our children’s imprints is to make regional history fun and exciting for kids,” says Publishing Director Nancy Ellwood. “We’re bringing great local stories with a national appeal to students.”

One way Arcadia does this is by illuminating unusual or fascinating phenomena that would appeal to young readers and linking these to the local history where the events have taken place. A good example is Jaws of the New York Beaches by Patricia Heyer, March 2025, ISBN 9781467197922, which tells the stories of actual shark attacks in the waters around Long Island and New York City. The book is a middle grade adaptation of the author’s adult history book Shark Attacks of New York.

The Canteen: Sacrifice and Community during World War II by Eric Groce, October 2025, ISBN 9781467197076, tells the inspirational story of how the residents of North Platte, NE, came together to provide food, support, and morale to young soldiers passing through their town on the way to serving in World War II. Starting on Christmas Day 1941, when transport trains stopped in North Platte to refill their water tanks, local families transformed the depot into a canteen with home-cooked meals, desserts, coffee, handwritten postcards, and more.

“These were 18-year-old boys from all walks of life,” Ellwood says. “They were exhausted and scared, but the community gave them one last taste of home before they went off to war. And though they were segregated on the train, once they got on that platform, there were no racial barriers.”

Regional history isn’t Arcadia’s only interest. Many of its books for children have important social-emotional tie-ins, such as the “Alycat” series of picture books from Arcadia imprint Pelican Publishing. Written by former Louisiana educator Alysson Foti Bourque and illustrated by Chiara Civati, the books focus on a school-age feline named Alycat and her friends.

The latest entry in the series is Alycat and the Copycat, March 2025, ISBN 9781455628094. Amid a school science fair, Alycat is angry and frustrated that a classmate is copying everything she does—including her idea for a science project. In addition to important social emotional lessons, the book features key STEM information—including instructions for making a glitter-filled volcano.

Sounds True

Founded in 1985, Sounds True is a multimedia publishing company focused on supporting readers’ emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being. The company publishes about 25 books per year, and its list includes about 50 children’s books.

“I’ve been here for 17 years now. Every year, I say it’s never been more important for people to learn skills such as resilience, self-care, and self-acceptance,” advises Publisher Jaime Schwalb. “The benefit of learning these skills as a child is that you grow up with a commitment to knowing yourself more deeply and with the tools to handle complex emotions like anxiety, fear, and grief.”

Author, academic, and family therapist Richard C. Schwartz is known for developing the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model for overcoming trauma. In No Bad Parts! by Richard Schwartz and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Kate Fedos, September 2025, ISBN 9781649631718, Schwartz introduces IFS thinking to children ages 4–8 and their caregivers.

This picture book follows a young boy through his day as he learns to accept his feelings and comes to understand his different emotional sides. “IFS teaches that our core self is made up of different parts, and like a family, these parts don’t always agree,” Schwalb says. The book serves as not only a good introduction to feelings and behaviors, but also as a way for kids to talk about what they’re experiencing.

Judith Orloff, M.D., specializes in helping empaths and highly sensitive individuals navigate the world successfully. In The Highly Sensitive Rabbit by Judith Orloff and Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Katy Tanis, October 2025, ISBN 9781649632876, Dr. Orloff provides easy-to-learn coping and communication skills to empower sensitive children through a beautifully written and illustrated story.

“The world can feel incredibly insensitive when you’re an empath,” Schwalb says. “But having empathy is a gift. Instead of seeing it as a weakness, we want to help children to see it as a strength.”

The Rosen Publishing Group

Established in 1950 as a family business, Rosen Publishing serves educators and students from prekindergarten through 12th grade with more than 1,000 new releases each year, across five publishing houses and more than a dozen imprints. The company’s goal has always been to inform, support, and inspire students worldwide, says Vice President of Sales Jim Marshall.

The Unofficial Guide to Minecraft® Social Skills by Jill Keppeler, July 2025, ISBN 9781499453461, is a six-book series from Rosen imprint PowerKids Press that explores how the gaming world of Minecraft can help students learn skills such as leadership, teamwork, goal setting, problem solving, conflict resolution, and responsible behavior. Aimed at readers in grades 2–5 and aligned with CASEL standards, the books “use the popularity of Minecraft to teach students about important social and emotional skills,” Marshall says. The books can be purchased individually or as a complete set.

From Rosen company Enslow Publishing comes Magical Museums by Ben Hubbard, July 2025, ISBN 9781978546202, a six-book series that teaches kids in grades 3–5 about science and history in a fun, engaging way. The premise of each book is that a group of children get into an elevator at a museum, but the elevator is a time machine that takes them back through time—so when they emerge, they’re experiencing real history. The books cover events such as Leonardo da Vinci’s development of the first flying machine, the invention of fireworks in China, and more. Each book concludes with a short quiz to test students’ reading comprehension. The books can be bought individually or as a set.

Youth mental health is a serious issue today, and Mental Health Matters, July 2025, ISBN 9781499479850, is a six-book series from Rosen’s Young Adult imprint that helps teens navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, OCD, and substance abuse. Through expert advice, informative charts, and in-depth sidebars, readers in grades 7–12 will find understanding, encouragement, and actionable tools to manage their own mental health or help a close friend or family member. “All the books are written by authors who have the condition in question,” Marshall notes, “so they bring a powerful, first-person perspective of what it’s like to live with each disorder.” As with the other Rosen series, the books are available either individually or as a set.

Workman Kids

A division of Hachette Book Group, Workman Kids publishes about 60 new trade books and educational resources per year. The company is perhaps best known for its Brain Quest brand of curriculum materials, and in June 2025, Workman introduced the first Brain Quest resources for phonics instruction.

The Brain Quest Phonics Workbook series includes hands-on activities that teach and reinforce essential phonics skills and concepts. Written and vetted by a team of literacy experts, these books are designed to be used in the classroom, with pull-out pages that can be photocopied for students. There are four books in the series, aimed at pre-K (ISBN 9781523527830), kindergarten (ISBN 9781523527847), first grade (ISBN 9781523527908), and second grade (ISBN 9781523527854).

Scientists Like Me: Stories, Advice, and Inspiration from 25 Trailblazers with Experiments to Try at Home by JaNay Brown-Wood with the Kamin Science Center, illustrated by Kristen Uroda, August 2025, ISBN 9781523516780, is intended to spark an interest in science among kids ages 8-12. From doctors, physicists, and mathematicians to AI experts and marine biologists, the book profiles a diverse collection of historic and contemporary scientists, including those from underrepresented groups.

Author JaNay Brown-Wood teamed up with the Kamin Science Center (formerly the Carnegie Science Center) to research the book, and she also includes hands-on activities for students—such as one activity that simulates what it’s like for astronauts in space to collaborate with their colleagues on Earth. “One thing that sets this book apart is that it includes information about how students can get into these fields if they’re interested,” says Marketing Manager Laura Lutz.

Did You Hear What Happened in Salem? The Witch Trials of 1692 by Katie Kennedy, illustrated by Nick Thornborrow, September 2025, ISBN 9781523530045, is the first book in a new narrative nonfiction series for middle graders. Written in a snarky tone by a surprising first-person narrator—a historical figure who played a major role in events—this book provides a fun and fresh take on what Lutz calls “the original true-crime story in America.”

Author Katie Kennedy teaches history at Marshalltown Community College in Iowa. “I think this book will break her out as a leader in nonfiction for young readers,” Lutz says. “It’s impeccably researched.” An accompanying educator’s guide includes ideas for using the book in classrooms.

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