The ArtivistNikkolas SmithMotivated by a sense of duty, a young boy utilizes his artistic talent to address the issues in his community and create change.Younger ReadersLexile AD540LATOS 3.6View book detailsALSC Notable Children's Books 2024
Books selected by ALSC for children from birth through age 14.
2024 ALSC Notable Children's BooksSee the original list
Selections102
Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
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Younger Readers
41 selections
The ArtivistNikkolas SmithMotivated by a sense of duty, a young boy utilizes his artistic talent to address the issues in his community and create change.Younger ReadersLexile AD540LATOS 3.6View book details
BeneathCori DoerrfeldWhile grieving a loss, a child and their grandfather go for a walk in nature and observe examples of things under the surface that cannot be seen.Younger ReadersView book details
Benita Y Las Criaturas NocturnasMariana LlanosSettling in for the night, Benita is visited by three monsters, whom she tames and turns into book lovers! (A Belpré Children’s Author Honor Book)Younger ReadersView book details
BigVashti HarrisonA young girl confronts the shifting meaning of being called “big” as she grows up, ultimately owning the adjectives that feel right and rejecting the hurtful ones. (The 2024 Caldecott Medal winner)Younger ReadersLexile 190LATOS 1.7View book details
CapeKevin JohnsonIn this story about processing the pain of grief, a young Black boy uses a cape to find courage.Younger ReadersLexile AD350LATOS 2.5View book details
Cicada SymphonySue FliessThis exuberantly illustrated book introduces the sounds and fascinating life cycle of the cicada.Younger ReadersView book details
Dim Sum PalaceX. FangA young girl dreams she visits the Dim Sum Palace, a magical place filled with delicious foods.Younger ReadersLexile AD500LATOS 3.3View book details
Elena RidesJuana MedinaElena the elephant learns to ride a bicycle in this rhyming tale of perseverance and gumption.Younger ReadersWord count 91View book details
EvergreenMatthew CordellEvergreen the squirrel faces her fears as she journeys through Buckthorn Forest to deliver soup to sick Granny Oak.Younger ReadersLexile AD580LATOS 3.8View book details
Fox Has a ProblemCorey R. TaborFox’s attempts to free his kite from a tree create increasing problems for him and his friends. Can they work together to find a solution? (The Geisel Award Book)Younger ReadersWord count 83View book details
Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur? By Helen Yoon. Illusthe authorA young child with an invisible dinosaur laments about the struggle of finding something lost.Younger ReadersWord count 143View book details
Henry, Like AlwaysJenn BaileyWhen Henry is thrown off balance by a change to his routine, he learns strategies to cope and participate. (A Geisel Honor Book)Younger ReadersLexile 381LATOS 2.7View book details
Hornbeam All InCynthia RylantWith the help of his friends, Hornbeam, the lovable moose, learns valuable life lessons in three short stories.Younger ReadersView book details
I’m Going to Build a SnowmanJashar AwanAwakening to discover freshly fallen snow, a child joyfully heads outside to build the best snowman ever.Younger ReadersView book details
If I Was a HorseSophie BlackallIn this book with detailed illustrations, a young child explores the possibilities of being a horse for a day!Younger ReadersWord count 109View book details
In BetweenApril Pulley Sayre with Jeff SayreWith crisp nature photography and gentle prose, this book highlights moving from one state of being to another.Younger ReadersView book details
In Every LifeMarla FrazeePrecious and diverse life experiences, big and small, are captured in luminous illustrations and spare, evocative text. (A Caldecott Honor Book)Younger ReadersLexile AD200LView book details
In the Night GardenCarin BergerIn this bedtime story a black cat explores the sights, smells, and sounds of a cottage garden at night.Younger ReadersWord count 181View book details
The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the AntarcticJennifer ThermesThe tale of Irish seaman, Tom Crean, who made three dangerous voyages to Antarctica where his strength and determination proved crucial to survival.Younger ReadersView book details
Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping SpiderJessica LananDetailed illustrations with various perspectives depict a day in the life of a backyard jumping spider which is able to jump five times their body length. (A Sibert Honor Book)Younger ReadersLexile AD560LATOS 5.5View book details
Later, When I’m BigBette WesteraWhile visiting an indoor waterpark, a child envisions future adventures as a series of increasingly daring scenes unfold through her fearless imagination, accompanied by vibrant illustrations and dynamic text. (A Batchelder Honor Book)Younger ReadersView book details
Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar: The Musical Story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Woman Who Invented Rock and RollCharnelle Pinkney BarlowCollage illustrations and easy-to-read text tell the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the inventor of Rock and Roll.Younger ReadersView book details
Maribel’s YearMichelle SterlingMaribel experiences a year in a new country away from her father and discovers that no matter how far apart they are, love will always bring them together.Younger ReadersView book details
Mi Papá Es Un Agrícola / My Father, the FarmworkerJ. Roman Pérez VarelaTold from a proud son’s perspective, this story conveys the dignity and humanity of the farmworker while illuminating the sacrifice and hardship one father bears for his family. (A Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)Younger ReadersView book details
Mr. SMonica ArnaldoThis hilarious “back to school” book will keep kids giggling as they try to figure out who their teacher is.Younger ReadersLexile AD540LATOS 3View book details
Nat the Cat Takes a NapJarrett LernerAll Nat the Cat wants is to take a nap, but is hilariously interrupted by the narrator of the story.Younger ReadersLexile AD210LATOS 1.8View book details
Nell Plants a TreeAnne WynterThe past and the present of a family are connected by the planting and growing of a tree.Younger ReadersView book details
Okra Stew: A Gullah Geechee Family CelebrationNatalie DaiseThis joyful picture book celebrates the Gullah Geechee culture and tradition as a father and son cook okra stew.Younger ReadersView book details
The Only Way to Make BreadCristina QuinteroReaders will see themselves in this delightful book that shows the many ways to make bread.Younger ReadersLexile AD630LATOS 4.1View book details
Our PoolLucy Ruth CumminsThis joyful picture book, filled with bright and colorful illustrations, brings summer alive at a community pool where everybody is welcome.Younger ReadersWord count 747View book details
Papa’s Magical Water-Jug ClockJesús TrejoJesús learns there’s no shortcuts to a full day’s work when he spends a day with his landscaper father. (A Belpré Illustrator Honor Book and Belpré Children’s Author Honor Book)Younger ReadersView book details
Peek-A-Boo Haiku: A Lift-The-Flap BookDanna SmithThis beautiful board book uses haikus to celebrate the changing seasons in nature.Younger ReadersView book details
A River of Dust: The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and the AmazonJilanne HoffmannLush illustrations and lyrical prose follow the journey of the nutrient rich dust that travels from the deserts of North Africa to the Rainforest basin of South America each year.Younger ReadersView book details
ScrollHui LiA young girl’s grandfather introduces her to ancient calligraphy in this celebratory story where the Chinese characters come to life.Younger ReadersLexile 348LATOS 2.5View book details
They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave ThemDan PaleyFactual details and bold illustrations introduce the teams that protect people and wildlife from fires.Younger ReadersLexile 840LATOS 5.4View book details
Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s BooksMichelle MarkelA picture book biography of Randolph Caldecott, who revolutionized children’s literature through illustration.Younger ReadersView book details
The Truth About DragonsJulie LeungA biracial boy learns to connect to his two cultures and embrace his grandmothers through dragon stories. (A Caldecott Honor Book)Younger ReadersView book details
TumbleAdriana Hernández BergstromThis nonfiction picture book combines simple text with vibrant art to show the journey of a lone tumbleweed as it rolls through the desert.Younger ReadersLexile 71LATOS 1.1View book details
What a Map Can DoGabrielle BalkanA raccoon narrator introduces maps of all kinds, from houses, cities, stars and even the human body, and teaches how to read and create them.Younger ReadersLexile AD540LATOS 3.6View book details
When You Can SwimJack WongPoetic text and inclusive illustrations celebrate swimming and the magic of spending time in the water.Younger ReadersView book details
Worm and Caterpillar Are FriendsKaz WindnessThis lushly illustrated graphic novel celebrates the friendship between two friends. But how will Worm react to Caterpillar’s metamorphosis? Humor and heartfelt conversations create a page-turning plot. (A Geisel Honor Book)Younger ReadersLexile 157LATOS 1.5View book detailsMiddle Readers
28 selections
Bea WolfZach WeinersmithThe epic poem Beowulf gets a kid friendly graphic novel retelling where children are the heroes fighting against the forces of adulthood.Middle ReadersLexile 841LATOS 5.4View book details
Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories From BIPOC AuthorsAida Salazar, Yamile Saied MendezPeriods are destigmatized in this short story compilation that shows a multitude of ways this rite of passage can be experienced and celebrated.Middle ReadersView book details
Chinese Menu: The History Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite FoodsGrace LinA delectable collection of tales that detail the history and origins of foods found on an American Chinese restaurant menu.Middle ReadersLexile 1040LATOS 7.1View book details
Elf Dog and Owl HeadM.T. AndersonThis humorous and wondrous adventure of a boy and his magical dog is a timeless coming-of-age story marked by masterful world-building. (A Newbery Honor Book)Middle ReadersLexile 660LATOS 4.3View book details
The Eyes and the ImpossibleDave EggersThis artistically illustrated novel shares a hero’s journey of Johannes, a free dog, as he learns about friendship and living in the wider world. (The Newbery 2024 Medal winner)Middle ReadersLexile 790LATOS 5.3View book details
The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made ofKirsten W. LarsonParallel journeys of a luminous point in the sky and Cecelia Payne, the astrophysicist who reshaped our understanding of stars, are depicted in this awe-inspiring book with excellent back matter.Middle ReadersView book details
Good DifferentMeg Eden KuyattIn this novel-in-verse, Selah struggles to follow her self-made rules of being “normal” and learns it is okay to be different and advocate for her needs.Middle ReadersLexile 800LATOS 5.1View book details
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie OrmesTraci N. ToddThis tribute to Jackie Ormes, the first syndicated Black woman cartoonist in the United States, presents an exuberant child who grows into the successful creator of comic strips featuring Black characters who confront prejudice and fear. (A Sibert Honor Book)Middle ReadersLexile 701LATOS 4.5View book details
The House of the Lost on the CapeSachiko KashiwabaHelped by creatures from Japanese folklore, three generations of women create a found family in the wake of tragedy and defend their village from evil threats. (A Batchelder Honor Book)Middle ReadersView book details
How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling BeeCarole Boston WeatherfordDespite prejudice and discrimination, MacNolia Cox makes a name for herself in the world of competitive spelling.Middle ReadersView book details
How Old is a Whale? Animal Life Spans From the Mayfly to the Immortal JellyfishLily MurrayFrom mayfly to immortal jellyfish, this book explores the lifespans of animals, focusing on what each creature achieves during their time on Earth.Middle ReadersView book details
The International House of DerelictionJacqueline DaviesAs Alice fixes up an abandoned house she discovers ghostly inhabitants and makes it her mission to help them become happily settled in the afterlife.Middle ReadersLexile 870LATOS 5.6View book details
Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom FighterAida SalazarThis picture book biography tells the story of Jovita Valdovinos who, defying her father’s and society’s rules, joined the fight for religious freedom in Mexico’s Cristero Revolution. (A Caldecott Honor Book)Middle ReadersLexile 800LATOS 5.1View book details
Lasagna Means I Love YouKate O’ShaughnessyWhen her nan dies, Mo goes into foster care and discovers the power of food and found family through cooking and sharing recipes.Middle ReadersLexile 650LATOS 4.2View book details
LOL 101: A Kid’s Guide to Writing JokesDavid Roth, Rinee ShahHilarity ensues in this funny instructional guide to creating jokes. The comedian authors teach joke mechanics with laughable examples. Simple illustrations add to the joy!Middle ReadersView book details
Love is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights MovementSandra Neil WallaceThis picture book biography tells the story of Diane Nash and her work in the Civil Rights Movement, beginning in Nashville, Tennessee.Middle ReadersView book details
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of DreamsDaniel NayeriWith the hope of attaining his own freedom, a servant boy saves his master’s life multiple times as they travel the Silk Road. (A Newbery Honor Book)Middle ReadersLexile 841LATOS 5.4View book details
Mexikid: A Graphic MemoirPedro MartínIn this graphic novel memoir, Pedro embarks on a family road trip to Mexico in a Winnebago, and shares the complexities of belonging to two cultures. (A Newbery Honor Book, the Belpré Illustrator Award book and Belpré Author Award book)Middle ReadersLexile HL530LATOS 3.5View book details
Not an Easy WinChrystal D. GilesWhen Lawrence is expelled, his neighbor takes him to the local rec center where he learns to play chess, gains self-esteem, and builds friendships.Middle ReadersLexile 770LATOS 5View book details
Parachute KidsBetty C. TangWhen her parents return to Taiwan after a family vacation, Feng-Li and her siblings must remain in America and navigate everyday life without parental guidance until the family can be reunited.Middle ReadersLexile HL250LATOS 2.5View book details
Remember UsJacqueline WoodsonFor Sage, it was a Brooklyn summer of basketball, fire, and loss, but also a time for friendship and growth.Middle ReadersView book details
Search for a Giant Squid: Pick Your PathAmy Seto ForresterIn this hilariously illustrated choose your own adventure book, readers form a science research plan to find a living giant squid.Middle ReadersView book details
Something Like HomeAndrea Beatriz ArangoIn this novel-in-verse, Laura navigates her relationship with her aunt and the foster system, befriends a stray pup, and plots to reunite with her parents in rehab. (A Belpré Children’s Author Honor Book)Middle ReadersLexile 870LATOS 5.6View book details
Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech KindertransportCaren StelsonThe true story of 669 Czech and refugee children, who were part of the Kindertransport, and Nicholas Winton, the man who rescued them from the Holocaust.Middle ReadersLexile 530LATOS 3.5View book details
The Swifts: A Dictionary of ScoundrelsBeth LincolnIn this British country house mystery, Shenanigan Swift must solve a murder at a family reunion.Middle ReadersView book details
Things in the BasementBen HatkeIn this imaginative graphic novel, a lost sock prompts an amazing journey through a dream-like world in the basement.Middle ReadersLexile 261LATOS 2.1View book details
The Windeby Puzzle: History and StoryLois LowryThis blend of history and fiction reimagines the events that might have led to the mysterious Windeby mummy’s death.Middle ReadersView book details
The Worlds We Leave BehindA.F. HarroldAfter accidentally injuring a young girl, Hex meets a mysterious old woman who offers him a deal to alter the world, but his friend must deal with the consequences.Middle ReadersView book detailsOlder Readers
15 selections
AlebrijesDonna Barba HigueraLeandro and his sister are barely surviving in a dystopian city. When Leandro is exiled to the wilderness, he finds his courage to become a leader. (A Belpré Children’s Author Honor Book)Older ReadersView book details
Aniana Del Mar Jumps InJasminne MendezThis novel-in-verse tells the story of twelve-year-old Aniana, her struggle with Juvenile Arthritis, and dream to become a competitive swimmer against her mother’s wishes. (A Belpré Children’s Author Honor Book)Older ReadersView book details
BuzzingSamuel SattinIn this graphic novel, Isaac struggles to navigate his OCD and difficult family dynamics, until he finds community and relief from his intrusive thoughts through role playing games.Older ReadersWord count 12912View book details
Courage to Dream: Tales of Hope in the HolocaustNeal ShustermanFive short stories in graphic novel form are filled with magical realism and show young readers the horrors of the Holocaust, but also the hope and resilience of the Jewish people.Older ReadersView book details
Eagle DrumsNasuġraq Rainey HopsonIn this retelling of the First Messenger Feast, a young Inupiaq boy is captured and taken to the home of the Eagle People where he is taught cultural skills that ultimately unite his people. (A Newbery Honor Book)Older ReadersLexile 910LATOS 5.9View book details
A First Time for EverythingDan SantatIn this graphic novel memoir, Dan Santat recalls his life-changing trip to Europe as a middle schooler where he experienced events that helped him gain confidence and cope with bullying.Older ReadersWord count 13232View book details
HandsTorrey MaldonadoTwelve year old Trev takes up boxing to protect his family, but learns his greatest strength is his community.Older ReadersLexile HL430LATOS 3.1View book details
Houses With a Story: A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly Mansion, a Library of Lost Books, and 30 More Amazing Places to ExploreSeiji YosidaThe book introduces more than 30 delightfully detailed dwellings and their inhabitants through intricate architectural illustrations with sidebars and descriptions that introduce residents both human and supernatural, from the past, present, and future. (The Batchelder Award Book)Older ReadersView book details
Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi EuropeSteve SheinkinThe story of two Slovakian teenagers, one imprisoned in Auschwitz, the other in hiding, who struggle to survive and stop the Nazis’ “final solution” by exposing their atrocities.Older ReadersView book details
The Labors of Hercules BealGary D. SchmidtHercules Beal tackles a seemingly impossible school assignment connected to his mythical namesake and in the process works through the grief of his parents’ deaths.Older ReadersLexile 860LATOS 5.5View book details
The Lost YearKatherine MarshMatthew uncovers a deep family history of secrets, tracing back to the Holodomor in Ukraine, when he is forced to stay inside with his great-grandmother during the COVID-19 pandemic.Older ReadersView book details
The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global CelebrityNicholas DayThis fast-paced nonfiction thriller tells how the Mona Lisa was stolen, the investigation techniques used and ultimately how it was recovered. (The Sibert Medal Book)Older ReadersView book details
PardalitaJoana EstrelaTold through graphic illustrations, this poetic coming-of-age story explores Raquel’s blossoming crush on her classmate Pardalita and her growing self-awareness as she navigates a new peer community and her increasing independence. (A Batchelder Honor Book)Older ReadersView book details
Shipwrecked!: Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean FloorMartin W. SandlerThe excitement and mystique of sunken treasure and underwater archaeology are expertly captured in this exploration of shipwrecks and their excavations across the globe. (A Sibert Honor Book)Older ReadersLexile 1300LATOS 8.9View book details
Simon Sort of SaysErin BowIn this humorous novel, Simon copes with PTSD and trauma as he endeavors to reinvent himself in an offbeat, internet-free town that does not know the secret about his past. (A Newbery Honor Book)Older ReadersLexile 811LATOS 5.2View book detailsAll Ages
18 selections
An American StoryKwame AlexanderThis lyrically written book tells the story of slavery through the perspective of a teacher and their students. The text is complemented by powerful mixed-media art.All AgesView book details
Animals in PantsSuzy LevinsonA charming, illustrated collection of poems that feature animals wearing various styles of pants in hilarious ways.All AgesView book details
The Book of TurtlesSy MontgomeryThis fact-filled, gorgeously illustrated book celebrates the wonderful details about turtles around the world. (A Sibert Honor Book)All AgesLexile 870LATOS 5.6View book detailsBridgesMarc MajewskiThis introduction to types of bridges around the world has information that can be scaffolded for readers of different ages and reading abilities.All AgesView book details
Dear YesteryearKimberly Annece HendersonThis unique look at Black history features archival photographs alongside a poem and includes informational backmatter.All AgesView book details
Fungi GrowMaria GianferrariThis exuberant and lyrical book takes readers on a visual journey of mushroom discovery. From edible to poisonous and even medicinal, fungi grow all around!All AgesView book details
My Head Has a Bellyache: And More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-UpsChris HarrisFrom the dedication to the index, a roller coaster ride of laugh out loud poems paired with bright green illustrations create a joyous reading experience worth sharing again and again.All AgesView book details
My Powerful HairCarole LindstromThis celebration of heritage and resiliency showcases the power of hair and how it connects Indigenous culture across generations.All AgesLexile 530LATOS 3.5View book details
Once Upon a BookGrace Lin, Kate MessnerA girl finds herself swept up into the pages of a story in this vibrant tale about the power of books.All AgesLexile 440LATOS 3View book details
The Remarkable Rescue At Milkweed MeadowElaine DimopoulosWhen a young rabbit breaks the rules and befriends a baby robin, he learns doing the right thing is not always easy. Life in the meadow will never be the same.All AgesLexile 670LATOS 4.7View book details
RememberingXelena GonzálezA family gathers photos, toys and other items as they create an ofrenda for their beloved dog for Día de los Muertos. (A Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)All AgesView book details
The Skull: A Tyrolean FolktaleJon KlassenIn this reimagined Tyrolean folktale, a girl encounters a castle inhabited by a talking skull. The skull is afraid of something in the night. Can she save them both?All AgesView book details
The Story of Gumluck the WizardAdam RexHelvetica, a wise raven, narrates a week in the life of Gumluck, the friendly wizard, whose help is often sought yet rarely appreciated by the townspeople.All AgesLexile 610LATOS 3.5View book details
Stranded!: A Mostly True Story from IcelandÆVar þÓr BenediktssonA narrator recounts the story of his grandfather who got stuck on a volcanic island. Can you figure out which part is false?All AgesView book details
There Was a Party for LangstonJason ReynoldsInspired by a found photograph, lyrical prose and illustrations full of words pair to depict a joyous celebration of Langston Hughes. (A Caldecott Honor Book)All AgesLexile 640LATOS 4.1View book details
Two New YearsRichard HoA Jewish and Chinese family celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year. Extensive backmatter provides a deeper understanding of the two traditions.All AgesLexile 329LATOS 2.4View book details
Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor EcosystemMelissa StewartWhen a whale dies, it slowly and quietly sinks to the ocean floor, becoming a life sustaining gift for deep-sea creatures.All AgesLexile AD1060LATOS 7.3View book details
What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions about Moths and ButterfliesRachel IgnotofskyDiscover the fascinating world of butterflies and moths in this lushly illustrated exploration of some of the planet’s most well-loved flying insects.All AgesView book details