Abuela’s Super CapaAna SiqueiraWhen Luis’s Saturday playmate, his grandmother, falls ill, he continues their superhero antics with his younger sister. Abuela, now in a wheelchair, joins in. Animated colorful illustrations. Spanish glossary. Also available in Spanish.Under FiveView book detailsBank Street Best Children's Books of the Year 2024
The 2024 edition contains 685 selections published by Bank Street College of Education. The source organizes the selections into Under Five, Five to Nine, Nine to Twelve, Twelve to Fourteen, and Fourteen and Older. It belongs to Bank Street's annual bibliography of books reviewed by its Children's Book Committee.
The Best Children's Books of the Year [2024 edition]See the original list
Selections685
Published byBank Street College of Education
Sections5 sections
Browse sections5 sections
Under Five
164 selections
Abuela’s Super CapaAna SiqueiraWhen Luis’s Saturday playmate, his grandmother, falls ill, he continues their superhero antics with his younger sister. Abuela, now in a wheelchair, joins in. Animated colorful illustrations. Spanish glossary. Also available in Spanish.Under FiveView book details
All the Beating HeartsJulie FoglianoThis wise, soulful book celebrates our common humanity, evocatively capturing joy, sorrow, light, darkness, and the meaning of life itself. Illustrations evoke tenderness.Under FiveView book details
All’s Right with the WorldJennifer AdamsIn a Black family, children spend many precious moments with their mother throughout the day. Upbeat, lyrical text. Animated, colorful digital illustrations. Inspired by a poem by Robert Browning.Under FiveView book details
Baby BeAlison McGheeLots of hip dads, male caregivers, and a few moms cherish their babies. Lyrical, swinging text emphasizing music and dance. Active mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Baby, Sleepy BabyAtinukeCelestial elements—wind, clouds, stars, black sky—are called to care for beloved babies in diverse families. A cozy, warm bedtime read. Soft, mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Baking with Mi Abuelita (Step into Reading series)Julissa Mora, illustrated by Julissa MoraMaking a surprise birthday cake for Papi is such fun, especially when Grandma lets you help, Some Spanish text. Cheerful, colorful watercolor illustrations.Under FiveView book details
BananaZoey Abbott, illustrated by Zoey AbbottA girl’s relationship with her father is disrupted by his growing obsession with a mysterious banana. Cartoon- style illustrations in pencil and Risograph printing.Under FiveView book details
Barn in Winter: Safe and Warm on the FarmChambrae GriffithIt’s cold and snowy, but all the farm animals are happy and cozy in the barn. Sweet illustrations using warm and soothing colors.Under FiveView book details
Bear Is Never AloneMarc VeerkampPianist Bear needs a break, but the forest creatures keep demanding more music. Can gentle Zebra help out? Stark black, white, and red illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD460LATOS Book Level 3.1View book details
Bear with meKerascoët, illustrated by KerascoëtA toddler copes when they have to leave a well-loved stuffed bear home on the first day of school. Ink and watercolor illustrations convey the nearly wordless story splendidly.Under FiveView book details
A Bed of StarsJessica Love, illustrated by Jessica LoveTo alleviate his son's nighttime fears, a father takes him on a camping trip to connect him to a universe that he can trust. Scenic illustrations in soft colors.Under FiveView book details
BeneathCori DoerrfeldTo heal Finn's grief, Grandpa draws him outside for a walk. An ode to the magic of looking below the surface. Cozy digital artwork grounds the lofty themes.Under FiveView book details
BibiJo Weaver, illustrated by Jo WeaverBibi (Swahili for “grandmother”), the oldest flamingo in the flock, must guide her chicks across drought-stricken land to water. Can she survive the arduous trek? Atmospheric charcoal and digital illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Big Kids No EverythingWednesday KirwanKids say “no” in different situations as they are growing up and learning to be independent. Children interact with adults and animals in the amusing digital illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The Biggest MistakeCamilla Pintonato, illustrated by Camilla Pintonato, Debbie BiboA young lion goes to hilarious lengths to catch a clever gazelle. Can he do it? And what will happen when he does? Zany cartoon-style digital art.Under FiveView book details
Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep!Bill Martin Jr., Michael SampsonChime in and bounce along with a child and his toy car. Rhyming text can be sung to the tune of “This Old Man. ” Vibrant acrylic art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure NP0LATOS Book Level 0.1View book details
The Book from Far AwayBruce HandyA boy witnesses an alien landing, exchanges technology with a visitor, and forges a powerful connection. A wordless narrative with dynamic digital and mixed- media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The Brand-New, Never-Used, Perfect CrayonsLeanne Hatch, illustrated by Leanne HatchViolet is thrilled with her brand-new box of crayons. Then her younger sister draws a picture for her, ruining their perfect points. Digitally created color illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Brave Little BearSteve Small, illustrated by Steve SmallArlo finds it hard to be brave . . . until his sister gets lost on a snowy mountain trek. Expressive, painterly art.Under FiveWord Count 859View book details
BrindleFoxJohn Sandford, illustrated by John SandfordAn unlikely connection forms between a surly fox with a tree growing from his back and a cheeky heron playing in the branches. Bright, energetic oil paintings.Under FiveView book details
Bunny & TreeBalint ZsakoHand-painted scenes tell the heartwarming, wordless story of a rabbit separated from its friends, and the shape-shifting tree that becomes a loyal companion. The drama unfolds in nine acts.Under FiveView book details
CapeKevin JohnsonCloaked in a cape given to him by his dad, a young brown-skinned boy finds strength and resilience on the day of his father's funeral. Immersive digital art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD350LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
The Concrete GardenBob Graham, illustrated by Bob GrahamTo celebrate the arrival of spring, a diverse group of neighborhood kids get together and create a colorful chalk garden outside their building. Exuberant watercolor and ink illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 444View book details
Daddy & Me, SideSide by Pierce FreelonOn a camping trip, a brown-skinned father and son’s experiences hiking, fishing, and meditating in nature evoke memories of the boy’s beloved grandfather. Lush, emotive illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Dear StrayKirsten HubbardDiary entries reveal how a young girl and her adopted stray kitten learn to connect and trust each other. Animated, digitally assembled watercolor and ink illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD750LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
A Delicious StoryBarney SaltzbergLittle Mouse wants a story, but Big Mouse has eaten it. Cartoon-style illustrations on white background follow sparse conversational text, leading to a surprise ending.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD450LATOS Book Level 3.1View book details
The Digger and the ButterflyJoseph Kuefler, illustrated by Joseph KueflerTrucks discover a caterpillar in their work area and slow down to feed it. Digger then patiently supports his new friend's metamorphosis. Colorful artwork.Under FiveView book details
Dim Sum, Here We Come!Maple Lam, illustrated by Maple LamA young girl loves going to the dim sum restaurant every Sunday, eating and sharing lots of delicious dishes with her extended family. Bright watercolor and color pencil illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 470LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
DisagreementNani Brunini, illustrated by Nani BruniniA dispute between two people builds to a mighty neighborhood quarrel, but a lone person shows a way toward possible reconciliation and collaboration. Wordless. Sweeping mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Do You Remember?Sydney SmithIn a series of snapshot memories, a boy and his mother in their new home recall the peace and turmoil of their lives. Warm, hazy paintings.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 261LATOS Book Level 2.1View book details
DorisLo Cole, illustrated by Lo ColeA performing show horse leaves the safety of home to explore the world beyond and discovers a kindred spirit. Expressive watercolor and digital illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD770LATOS Book Level 4.9View book details
Elbert in the AirMonica WesolowskaElbert can float, but as everyone else tries to keep him on the ground, his mother unfalteringly encourages him to be himself. Digitally created vintage-style art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD590LATOS Book Level 3.8View book details
Elena RidesJuana MedinaWith encouragement from a bird friend, an elephant, frustrated by many attempts to ride a two-wheeler, finally succeeds. Simple rhymed couplets. Bold digital illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 91View book details
Finding PapaAngela Pham KransYears after Mai’s father leaves Vietnam for a better life in America, she and her mother make the dangerous journey to join him. Muted pastel illustrations. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
Fix and StitchBarbara NassSquirrel tries to prepare for the coming winter, but he is constantly interrupted by friends who need help. Will he be ready in time? Expressive color illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 510LATOS Book Level 3.4View book details
Forever Our HomeTonya SimpsonEnter the prairie with this gentle lullaby honoring the land and First Nations people of North America. Vibrant acrylic art with close-ups of wildlife and expansive landscape imagery. Also available in Plains Cree and English.Under FiveView book details
Full Moon PupsLiz Garton ScanlonA litter of wolves born under a full moon learn the ways of the world in their first month of life. Glowing mixed- media art. Engaging back matter. Giraffe Is Too Tall for This Book written and illustrated by DK Ryland (Page Street Kids/Page Street Publishing, $18.99) 978-1-64567-985-1 Can you help the cramped animals fit in this interactive topsy-turvy book? Fun for everyone! Bright cartoon- style digital art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD630LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
Gray Fox in the MoonlightIsaac Peterson, illustrated by Isaac PetersonA mother fox explores the sights and sounds of the forest at night before returning to her sleeping kits. Pensive, minimalist text and cool, two-toned illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Gustav Is Missing!: A Tale of Friendship and BraveryAndrea ZuillLittle Cap, a mushroom, expands his comfort zone for the sake of his true friend, a slug named Gustav. Engaging ink and Photoshop illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD430LATOS Book Level 2.9View book details
Hamza Attends a JanazaShabana HussainWhen a friend and neighbor passes away, Hamza must forgo a fun day with his grandparents to attend an Islamic funeral. Stylized illustrations. Extensive back matter.Under FiveView book details
Happy Birthday to MeThao Lam, illustrated by Thao LamA girl’s special day with diverse party guests brings a racing range of emotions, and ultimately, the comfort of her mom. Vibrant detailed cut-paper collage art.Under FiveView book details
Hidden GemLinda Liu, illustrated by Linda LiuAn ordinary looking pebble tumbles into a Museum of Rocks, and while wondering at the marvels there, finds worth in his plain self. Handsome design, striking digital and watercolor art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD440LATOS Book Level 3View book details
The Hidden World of GnomesLauren Soloy, illustrated by Lauren SoloyThis guide book introduces a merry band of gnomes, following their lunar calendar, customs, values, and joyful interactions with nature. Busy little figures inhabit earth-toned digital spreads.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD730LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
Holey MoleyBethan ClarkeAn overly exuberant goat, using cumulative, silly, rhyming suggestions, insists on trying to guess where a mole lives. Engaging, amusing text and playful illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The House with 100 StoriesToshio Iwai, illustrated by Toshio Iwai, Yukiko HanesTochi climbs a tower with 100 floors to meet a new friend, encountering many busy creatures along the way. Detailed, colorful illustrations. Vertical format.Under FiveView book details
How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety GuideAme DyckmanDon’t run with scissors! Look both ways! Careful or you might end up like the dinosaurs! A father uses an encounter with extinction as a teaching moment. Humorous digital art.Under FiveView book details
How to Get Your Octopus to SchoolBecky ScharnhorstA little girl must persuade her pet octopus to attend school. Amusing, detailed digital illustrations. Facts about these intelligent creatures round out the fun.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD630LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
A Human for KingsleyGabriel Evans, illustrated by Gabriel EvansThe search for the proper human is quite perplexing for this dog, until the importance of feeling needed is considered. Simple, engaging color illustrations.Under FiveView book details
I Love You, Baby BurritoAngela Dominguez, illustrated by Angela DominguezAn infant is welcomed home with open arms. Some Spanish text. Delicate watercolor and pencil illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD500LATOS Book Level 3.3View book details
I’m FromGary R. Gray, Jr.Paint and patterned paper are among the many artistic tools used to illustrate a young brown-skinned boy’s perspective on where, what, and who he is from.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 281LATOS Book Level 2.2View book details
I’m Going to Build a SnowmanJashar AwanA brown-skinned child has a snow day plan. His snowman may not be perfect, but it is his best yet. Emotive, expressive charcoal pencil and digital illustrations.Under FiveView book details
In Every LifeMarla FrazeeInspired by a “call-and-response version of a Jewish baby-naming blessing, ” this invitation to myriad reasons for gratitude is tenderly illustrated with wordless vignettes of the lives people live.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD200LATOS Book Level 1.8View book details
In the Night GardenCarin BergerIn this lyrical bedtime story, a young girl observes all the nighttime activity in her garden as she and her cat head home to sleep. Intricate collage illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 181View book details
Kind CrocodileLeo Timmers, illustrated by Leo Timmers, Bill NagelkerkeA mouse, a warthog, an antelope, a rhinoceros, and a crocodile find that, with teamwork, they are invincible. Humorous, expressive illustrations. Longer board book format.Under FiveView book details
Later, When I’m BigBette WesteraA young white child on a visit to the local swimming pool imagines daring future adventures. Playful watercolor illustrations full of wonder and humor.Under FiveView book details
Let’s Go! (I Like to Read Comics series)Michael Emberley, illustrated by Michael EmberleyFive persistent, adorable creatures find a wild way to a party. Digital, vibrant cartoon-style art provides much to share with beginning readers.Under FiveView book details
The Light InsideDan Misdea, illustrated by Dan MisdeaA nearly wordless picture book/graphic novel hybrid with an eerie grey palette depicts a young creature facing his nightmares on a quest for a lost toy. Both spooky and comforting, it is an evocative tale of bravery, kindness, and light.Under FiveView book details
Little Black Lives MatterKhodi DillIn rhyming text, 15 great Black lives come alive in memorable quotes. Empowering message encourages young children to find their inner heroes. Richly colored illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Lola’s HeartAlexandra Boiger, illustrated by Alexandra BoigerA woman, a wolf, and a giant red bird rescue a mysterious butterfly on an odyssey through a landscape of wonders. Vivid, expressive pencil illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Lola’s Nana-Bibi Comes to VisitAnna McQuinnThe excitement of Lola’s Tanzanian grandmother’s visit, and the fun they share with Lola’s mother, are captured in warm, mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Lolo’s Sari-Sari StoreSophia N. LeeA young Filipina girl brings her grandfather’s lessons with her when she joins her mother in the United States and starts building her new community. Expressive digital illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The Lost Mitten (I Like to Read Comics series)Jannie Ho, illustrated by Jannie HoWhen Rabbit and Mouse find a lost mitten, they have quite an adventure searching for the rightful owner. Bold, expressive illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The Making of ButterfliesZora Neal HurstonIn this African American folktale, the Creator, bored with his new earth, creates flowers. When they become lonely, He creates “flutter-bys, ” little pieces cut out of everything. Bright collage illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Marta!: Big and SmallJen Arena, illustrated by Angela DominguezClever little Marta compares herself to a variety of animals, outwitting a snake along the way. Bold graphic art. Bilingual in Spanish and English.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 380LATOS Book Level 2.7View book details
Milo WalkingJames HoweEvery day Milo and his mom go walking and have adventures. What will they discover today? Subtle mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Mine!Candace FlemingA number of animals covet a lone apple hanging at the “tip-tippy top” of a tree. When it falls, chaos ensues. Imaginative rhyme. Bold relief prints.Under FiveView book details
Monster-ScaredBettina BirkjærOvercome bedtime fears with a child who ultimately braves the scary attic. Pen and ink art.Under FiveView book details
Mouse & GiraffeKelly DiPucchioMouse and Giraffe don’t seem to agree on anything. Can they learn to take each other’s perspective? Bright, cartoon-style art in gouache, ink, and pencil.Under FiveView book details
My Dad Is a TreeJon Agee, illustrated by Jon AgeeWhen Madeleine’s father reluctantly joins her play, pretending to be a tree, he has no idea of the consequences, which include becoming an animal habitat! Wry colorful collage-style illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD470LATOS Book Level 3.2View book details
My Dad Loves Me and I Love My DadSara MillerChildren narrate all the ways their fathers show their love for them. Exuberant, colorful illustrations depict diverse families.Under FiveView book details
My Dog and ILuca TortoliniA girl is devastated when the unusual dog she finds, a wonderful playmate, goes missing. Then she finds a cat . . . and another surprise. Soft jewel-toned watercolors.Under FiveView book details
My Dog Just Speaks SpanishAndrea Cáceres, illustrated by Andrea CáceresAurora’s dog responds only to Spanish, but their words and love are clearly understood in their new country. Digital illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 261LATOS Book Level 2.1View book details
Nell Plants a TreeAnne WynterDual time lines follow a young Black girl planting a seed and her grandchildren playing under the fully grown tree. Poetic text and warm, mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Nesting DollsVanessa Brantley-Newton, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-NewtonAnyiaka, the youngest in her Gullah Geechee family, compares herself and her darker skin tone to that of her beautiful big sister and other relatives. Engaging illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The Night FrolicJulie BerryAnimal spirit guides whisk children away on a marvelous journey through the nighttime world. Swirling graphite and digital illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Night in the CityJulie Downing, illustrated by Julie DowningWhat happens in the city when kids are sleeping? Lots of people are just waking up and going to work to do a variety of important jobs. Colorful illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 401View book details
Oh, Olive!Lian Cho, illustrated by Lian ChoGreyscale illustrations represent the limited imaginations of adults in Olive Chen’s world. When other children embrace the freedom and excitement of her art, Olive’s unique paintings enliven their humdrum world with color.Under FiveView book details
Oh, PandaCindy Derby, illustrated by Cindy DerbyWith encouragement from a sympathetic narrator, Panda tries to climb an icy slope in search of a beautiful red butterfly. Hazy mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD350LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
Okra Stew: A Gullah Geechee Family CelebrationNatalie DaiseA father shares rich childhood memories with his son as the two prepare a special family dinner. Vibrant symbol-filled mixed-media art. Recipes, Gullah glossary, cultural/historical notes.Under FiveView book details
One More Jar of JamMichelle SumovichA young girl and her multiracial family experience joy and sorrow through the life, death, and rebirth of a mulberry tree. Second-person narration paired with lively ink, watercolor, and gouache art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD630LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
Papa’s HomeDavid Soman, illustrated by David SomanA bear cub worries about being cared for by his aunt when his dad goes to work, but Papa and Aunt Jessie provide love and assurance. Gentle watercolor art.Under FiveView book details
Pass the BabySusanna ReichPull up a chair and join a family’s joyful feast as they bounce their baby around. Detailed soft mixed-media art.Under FiveView book details
Penny & PipCandace FlemingOn a class field trip to the natural history museum, Penny, a brown-skinned child, meets Pip, a newly hatched dinosaur, and a beautiful friendship ensues. Imaginative pencil and digitally colored illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Perfect Presents!Anke Kuhl, illustrated by Anke Kuhl, Melody ShawSometimes finding the right gift can be unexpectedly challenging. Humorous illustrations with perfectly matched spare text.Under FiveView book details
Puddle SongLaura Purdie SalasA puddle invites young friends to explore its delights. Poetic text and delicate detailed illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Quiet Time with My SeeyaDinalie Dabarera, illustrated by Dinalie DabareraA girl and her grandfather cross their language divide by joyfully sharing special activities together. Colored pencil art draws readers in.Under FiveView book details
The Real StorySergio Ruzzier, illustrated by Sergio RuzzierWhen Cat finds the cookie jar broken and all the cookies gone, he asks Mouse what happened. Mouse comes up with some tall tales. Mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 365View book details
The Red Tin BoxMatthew BurgessAccompanied by her granddaughter, a Black grandmother retrieves a time capsule she buried as a child and shares a lifetime of special memories. Luminous, painterly art.Under FiveView book details
Rosie RunsMarika Maijala, illustrated by Marika Maijala, Mia SpangenbergRosie, a race track dog, makes an adventurous escape to freedom. Childlike crayon art.Under FiveView book details
The Shape of YouMu’o. ’n Thi. V nIn gentle flowing language, a mother tells a child about the shapes in their lives, from the concrete to intangible things, like learning and warmth. Exquisite dimensional collage art.Under FiveView book details
Simon and the Better BoneCorey R. TaborTrying to retrieve his bone from another dog, Simon never realizes he’s seeing his own reflection. Happily he finds sharing is the key to friendship. Mixed-media art.Under FiveWord Count 251View book details
Slowly SlowlyToni Yuly, illustrated by Toni YulyAs life changes all around them, a boy and his dog uncover wonders in their own backyard. Gentle mixed- media illustrations add much to discover.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD580LATOS Book Level 2.8View book details
Sometimes It’s Nice to Be AloneAmy HestA celebration of a child’s rich imagination during solitary activities. Serene yet lively mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Soon, Your HandsJonathan StutzmanThree diverse families, all neighbors, savor time with their young children even as they foresee them growing less dependent. Colorful watercolor illustrations. American Sign Language glossary.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD450LATOS Book Level 3.1View book details
Spicy Spicy Hot!Lenny Wen, illustrated by Lenny WenLintang perseveres until she is able to eat her grandmother’s spicy traditional Indonesian dish, bridging their cultural divide. Bright humorous mixed- media art. Includes recipe for sambal.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 479LATOS Book Level 3.2View book details
Stay My BabyLana ButtonParents express love for their little ones. Told in verse. Illustrated with photographs of diverse families.Under FiveView book details
This Is a StoryJohn SchuThe joy and life-changing power of reading shine in this ode to libraries, librarians, and young readers. Immersive watercolor and pastel artwork.Under FiveView book details
The Three Little MittensLinda BaileyCelebrate differences when mismatched, lone mittens pair up. Socks, shoes, and children follow suit. Soft mixed-media art.Under FiveView book details
Together We SwimValerie BollingSpare text and mixed-media and digital illustrations tell the almost step-by-step process of a Black mother teaching her son to swim. A simple ode to overcoming fear.Under FiveView book details
Together with YouPatricia TohtA grandmother and grandchild frolic through four seasons. Rhymed verse and colorfully illustrated activities depict joy and a loving relationshipUnder FiveWord Count 299View book details
Too Green! (Feelings & Firsts series)Sumana SeeboruthAfter a little taste, a toddler finds that the green soup is yummy! Amusing detailed illustrations depict a biracial family with two moms. Also available in a bilingual Spanish-English edition.Under FiveView book details
The Truth about DragonsJulie LeungA child with grandmothers from different cultures learns the worldview of each through their traditional tales. Vibrant detailed mixed-media art.Under FiveView book details
The Truth about MaxAlice Provensen, Martin Provensen, illustrated by Alice Provensen, Martin ProvensenA newly published story about a mischievous family cat introduces a new generation to the renowned author- illustrators. Includes reminiscences by the couple’s daughter. Hand lettering. Watercolor and ink artwork.Under FiveView book details
The UmbrellaBeth FerryDreary, rainy days don’t stop an irrepressible young girl and her pup. Concise, simple rhyming text. Pencil and watercolor illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 143View book details
Under the Blanket SkyTim Fischer, illustrated by Tim FischerA boy and a large, mysterious bird spend the summer immersed in idyllic play, then bid each other a sweet goodbye when fall arrives. Hazy, pastel-toned digital illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Very Good HatsEmma StraubThis imaginative ode to hats reveals many creative possibilities: raspberries are hats for fingers, and even a cat can be a hat. Colorful stylized digitally enhanced collage art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD630LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
The WaveTyler Charlton, illustrated by Tyler CharltonA child describes depression as a threatening wave; thoughtful self-reflection and family support helps him through. Stark pencil and digital art. Back matter includes mental health resources.Under FiveView book details
Ways to PlayLyn Miller-LachmannSoft, watercolor artwork and the authentic voice of a young narrator reassure any child who has been ridiculed for playtime choices. A carefree dog amplifies the message.Under FiveView book details
Welcome to the WorldJulia DonaldsonRhyming text and lush watercolor illustrations show a diverse group of babies and toddlers beginning to explore the wide world.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD230LATOS Book Level 1.9View book details
What Does Little Crocodile Say at the Beach?Eva Montanari, illustrated by Eva MontanariAn action-packed camping adventure at the beach moves along with joyful sound effects. Vibrant chalk art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD320LATOS Book Level 2.4View book details
What Happened to You?James CatchpoleOn a playground, a boy with one leg tires of other kids asking about it. They conclude it’s not important to know, and their play resumes. Gouache and colored pencil illustrations. Endnotes.Under FiveView book details
What If One Day . . .Bruce HandyWith playful call and response, the author asks us to consider what would happen if various attributes of our daily lives were to disappear. Splashy illustrations, double-page spreads.Under FiveView book details
Who Will Win? (I Like to Read series)Arihhonni David, illustrated by Arihhonni DavidA Native American elder tells the tale of a clever poky turtle who, with the help of his family, outraces a bear. Crisp cartoon digital art.Under FiveView book details
The WildernessSteve McCarthy, illustrated by Steve McCarthyFearful young Oktober Vasylenko leaves the safety of home and finds his courage. Witty, fanciful text and vibrant, dynamic digital art.Under FiveView book details
WintergardenJanet FoxA young girl helps her mother plant and harvest a winter herb garden on their kitchen windowsill. Told in free verse. Mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The Wishing MachineJonathan HillmanOn his final visit to the laundromat with his mom, Sam imagines a washing machine is a wishing machine. Will his wish to stay in his neighborhood be granted? Colored-pencil illustrations.Under FiveView book details
WombatPhilip BuntingSimple cartoon-style paper-cut illustrations and short humorous lyrical word play give these endearing marsupials center stage in this heartwarming rhyming picture book.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD0LATOS Book Level 0.1View book details
Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great!Sandra Boynton, illustrated by Sandra BoyntonAn exuberant chicken, assisted by a supportive mouse, brings joyous encouragement to all. Bright cartoon art.Under FiveView book details
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends (Ready-to- Read Graphics series)Kaz Windness, illustrated by Kaz WindnessCan Worm and Caterpillar still be best friends in spite of their differences? Cheery digital cartoon art adds to the lively fun for beginning readers.Under FiveView book details
You Go FirstAriel BernsteinDuck and Cat are excited to try the new slide until they’re at the front of the line. Understated, amusing story. Simple, uncluttered illustrations support the text.Under FiveView book details
Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar: The Musical Story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Woman Who Invented Rock and RollCharnelle Pinkney BarlowA young African American phenom created an entirely new musical genre, for which she did not initially get any credit. Lyrical text. Engaging collage art. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
10 CatsEmily Gravett, illustrated by Emily GravettTen playful kittens romp with paint pots as their mother sleeps blissfully through their antics. Pencil and watercolor digital illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 33View book details
Alphabuddies: G Is First!Beth Bacon, Karen KaneG and Z suggest changing the order of the alphabet song. A protests strongly, claiming that would destroy reading. Will it? Humorous expressive character illustrations with dialogue bubbles.Under FiveView book details
Apart, Together: A Book about TransformationLinda Booth SweeneyHow can separate things come together to make something wholly new? Brightly colored, energetic full- page illustrations.Under FiveView book details
B Is for BananasCarrie Tillotsoni, llustrated by Estrella LourençoGuided by zany alphabet hijinks, wild banana flees bedtime. Engaging cartoon-style digital art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD350LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
Catside Up, Catside Down: A Book of PrepositionsAnna Hrachovec, illustrated by Anna HrachovecQuirky cat behaviors help introduce prepositions to young readers. Each photographed, colorful knitted kitty is positioned to express its relation to another object.Under FiveView book details
Día de Muertos Números: A Day of the Dead Counting BookDuncan Tonatiuh, illustrated by Duncan TonatiuhFamily members add items, on successive pages, to an altar to honor a departed loved one. Bold, stylized images evoke Mesoamerican art. Bilingual in Spanish and English.Under FiveView book details
Eat Your Superpowers!: How Colorful Foods Keep You Healthy and StrongToni BuzzeoTwenty-five nutritious foods are organized by color, each introduced by a simple sentence, providing information about the health benefits of each. Humorous line drawings, clear photographs.Under FiveView book details
Everybody Has a BodyMolli Jackson EhlertExamples of differences in appearances are linked by what they have in common: we all have bodies. Expressive drawings of bodies engaged in many activities.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD340LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
Good Morning, Good NightAnita Lobel, illustrated by Anita LobelA young child walks through a French city with his parents, discovering myriad items to compare and contrast. Full-page boldly colored scenes.Under FiveView book details
HappyMies van Hout, illustrated by Mies van HoutAn exuberant parade of two-page spreads: on one side, a one-word emotion, and on the other, a colorful, expressively drawn fish, rendered in chalk and pastel on paper.Under FiveView book details
I Help at Home!: I Can Clean My Room, Fold Laundry, Set the Table, and More (Montessori Life Skills series)Saniyyah KhalilallahYoungsters proudly learn to independently complete 12 housekeeping tasks. Colorful illustrations and photographs. Includes child-friendly skills chart. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
Invisible ThingsAndy J. Pizza, Sophie Miller“There’s more to life than meets the eye, ” such as sensory experiences, patience, and moods. Once you start noticing, you’ll be surprised by what you find. Amusing digital art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD620LATOS Book Level 4View book details
Ketchup On My Sundae (Mix-and-Match series)Nelleke Verhoeff, illustrated by Nelleke VerhoeffAn invitation to explore multiple combinations of kid- friendly foods. Split-page board book format. Muted illustrations of anthropomorphized comestibles.Under FiveView book details
OneRuth FormanOne by one by one, Black girls form a soccer team. Cheerful, vibrant illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Peaceful MeSandra V. FederA Black child shares many strategies for staying calm in a variety of situations. Mixed-media art carries the mood.Under FiveView book details
Reading Time!: A Tummy Time First Words Book for BabiesMama Makes Books, illustrated by Mama Makes BooksSimple concepts and bright colors engage infants’ eyes. In verse. A foldout book with mirror.Under FiveView book details
Sometimes I CryJess TownesSoothing, lyrical text and expressive, realistic illustrations provide assurance that tears are a normal part of both the happy and sad events in our lives.Under FiveLexile Text Measure NP0LATOS Book Level 0.1View book details
Twenty QuestionsMac BarnettNeither the spare text nor the playful, colorful double-page illustrations reveal the answers to a set of intriguing questions, demanding imagination and language for myriad possibilities.Under FiveWord Count 157View book details
Ups and Downs: A Book of EmotionsMike Wohnoutka, illustrated by Mike WohnoutkaA wide range of shifting emotions, labeled and modeled by three children throughout their school day, expand and encourage children’s emotional literacy. Colorful animated illustrations.Under FiveView book details
We Share This School: A Community BookDan SaksA rhyming tribute to the classroom and the importance it plays in the lives of young children. Vibrant illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Who I Am: Words I Tell MyselfSusan VerdeIn this collection of gentle positive affirmations, a diverse group of children are encouraged to welcome the full range of emotions and speak kindly to themselves. Delicate watercolor art.Under FiveView book details
The World and Everything in ItKevin Henkes, illustrated by Kevin HenkesYoung children discover how they connect to the small, big, and in-between things around them and in the wider world. Gentle watercolor and brown ink illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 153View book details
You Are a StoryBob Raczka“Tell your story to others. Then listen to theirs. ” An empowering and moving exploration of identity from many perspectives. Animated print-like digital illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 457View book details
AfikomenTziporah CohenWhen children playfully hide under the seder table, they are magically transported, witnessing Moses’s inspiring life story. Wordless. Evocative watercolor and ink illustrations. Author’s note.Under FiveView book details
Chloe’s Lunar New YearLily LaMotteA young girl can’t wait to celebrate the holiday with her family, carrying out old traditions and helping to prepare a feast. Mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
Hanukkah Upside DownElissa Brent WeissmanTwo cousins who live on opposite sides of the globe compete about whose holiday celebration is best. Urbane, witty illustrations.Under FiveView book details
An Ofrenda for PerroJudith Valdés B.Benito’s parents help him deal with his beloved dog’s death by including offerings for Perro on their Día de los Muertos altar. Warm, colorful illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD630LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
Otto the OrnamentTroy Cummings, illustrated by Troy CummingsEgotistical Otto falls from the top of a spectacular tree, giving him a sense of humility and appreciation for being part of a family. Word play. Festive illustrations.Under FiveWord Count 808View book details
Black Girls: A Celebration of You!Dominique FurukawaLively and musical text honors Black girls of every shade, size, and culture while exploring the many aspects of Black girlhood. Bright, whimsical, collage-like digital illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Peek-A-Boo Haiku (A Lift-the-Flap Book series)Danna SmithJourney through the seasons with woodland creatures and haikus. Engaging digital art.Under FiveView book details
Woven of the WorldKatey HowesFollow the many strands of a global, multicultural, multigenerational history of weaving, told in gorgeous verse. Vibrant illustrations. Back matter.Under FiveLexile Text Measure NP0LATOS Book Level 0.1View book details
Cicada SymphonySue FliessLively rhyming text and fun facts invite readers to explore these raucous insects. Colorful digital art. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
I’m Trying to Love GermsBethany Barton, illustrated by Bethany BartonPlayful dialogue and zany cartoon illustrations describe four categories of pathogens in a highly accessible manner for a young audience.Under FiveView book details
Lia & Luís: Puzzled! (Storytelling Math series}Ana CrespoBrazilian American twins learn some new spatial skills when their Vovó (grandma) sends them a jigsaw puzzle with a secret message. Bold, colorful digital illustrations. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
Little LandDiana Sudyka, illustrated by Diana SudykaOver millions of years, a single piece of land undergoes change, including destructive pollution and welcome green renewal. Dynamic gouache and digital illustrations. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
Night Owl NightSusan Edwards RichmondVenturing out at night with her scientist mother to study saw-whet owls, Sova, a brown-skinned child, learns to watch and wait along the way. Mixed-media art. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
Not a MonsterClaudia Guadalupe MartínezExplore the life cycle and environmental challenges of the endangered axolotl and learn its Aztec origin story. Told in a mix of Spanish and English. Watercolor art. Author’s note.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD620LATOS Book Level 4View book details
Sneak! (Slide-and-See series)Beatriz Giménez de OryGuess the camouflaged animals from their descriptions. Slide-and-see pages. Colorful folk-art-like illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Stinkbird Has a SuperpowerJill EsbaumA father hoatzin explains their unique features to his chick. Bright digital illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD510LATOS Book Level 3.4View book details
Time to Move South for WinterClare Helen WelshFollow the tiny arctic tern on the world’s longest animal migration, as it passes species like humpback whales and caribou, all searching for a warmer home. Lyrical text. Exquisite blue-toned illustrations.Under FiveView book details
TumbleAdriana Hernández BergstromSparse rhyming text and evocative illustrations depict the trajectory of the tumbleweed and the life forms it passes on its way. Back matter.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 71LATOS Book Level 1.1View book details
Whose Egg Is That?Darrin LundeColor, shape, and texture are clues for pairing seven eggs with their parents. Double-page spreads capture the animals in their natural habitats. Bright, colorful illustrations. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
Whose Prints?Kari Allen andJoin a father and daughter as they walk through the snow, exploring animal tracks. Die-cut footprints add to the journey. Bright digital art.Under FiveView book detailsFive to Nine
190 selections
The BaddiesJulia DonaldsonUsing their special powers, a troll, a witch, and a ghost compete to be the first to steal from a girl, with surprising results. In rhyming text. Sendak-style illustrations.Five to NineWord Count 684View book details
Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop: A Tiny Treasure Hunt (Dakota Crumb series)Jamie MichalakDakota, a treasure-hunting mouse, follows ingenious clues in her search for a rare book. Detailed, colorful pen and ink illustrations.Five to NineView book details
EvergreenMatthew CordellA fearful young squirrel finds courage through a series of action-filled encounters during a journey through the dangerous Buckthorn Forest. Pen and watercolor art in earth tones.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD580LATOS Book Level 3.8View book details
Harriet SpiesElana K. ArnoldDuring a summer at her grandmother’s B&B, Harriet solves mysteries, makes friends, and learns something about truth-telling. Sequel to Just Harriet. Spot art.Five to NineView book details
The Search for the Giant Arctic JellyfishChloe Savage, illustrated by Chloe SavageDr. Morley and her crew search the Arctic Ocean in hopes of encountering the fabled giant jellyfish. Meticulously detailed ink and watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Stranded!: A Mostly True Story from IcelandÆVar þÓr BenediktssonWhen two adventurers travel to a newly formed volcanic island in Iceland to explore it, their ride home forgets to pick them up. Humorous mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
A Way to the StarsDavid AlmondA father encourages his son’s dream to find a way to defeat gravity. After several failed attempts, they discover a great way to soar among the stars. Mixed- media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Cat’s Very Good DayKristen TracyRhyming couplets capture a house cat’s varied daily adventures. Digitally rendered illustrations match the active, ever-changing spirit of the feline.Five to NineView book details
Every Dreaming CreatureBrendan Wenzel, illustrated by Brendan WenzelA succession of nighttime visions slip from the mind of one animal to another, exploring the interconnectedness of all life. Hypnotic prose poetry and vibrant mixed-media art.Five to NineView book details
Billy & Rose: Just the Way They Are (Billy & Rose series)Amy HestExpressive and humorous illustrations capture the close relationship of two friends.Five to NineView book details
Fish and Worm (I Can Read Comics! series)Sergio Ruzzier, illustrated by Sergio RuzzierFish develops an unlikely friendship with what was to be his meal. A lighthearted introduction for those who question eating living beings. Pastel colored illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought (Gigi and Ojiji series/I Can Read! series)Melissa Iwai, illustrated by Melissa IwaiA young girl from a multicultural family strengthens her relationship with her Japanese grandfather by preparing breakfast and sharing it with him. Colorful cartoon-style illustrations.Five to NineView book details
How to Love a Pony (Beginner Books series)Michelle MeadowsIn gentle rhymes, a young Black girl tells how she cares for her pony on the family farm. Full-color illustrations show the changing seasons.Five to NineView book details
Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat (I Can Read! series)Olugbemisola Rhuday-PerkovichAlthough most of the class brings cupcakes to school for their birthdays, Makeda, a Black child, brings her favorite treat—coconut drops. Will the others like them? Colorful illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Mambo Rescue! (Tow on the Go! series/ Ready-to-Read series)Patricia LakinWhen ten cars all get stuck in the snow, they call Mo the tow truck to help. Can he tow them all together? Bright colorful illustrations. (4-7 Nat the Cat Takes a Nap (Nat the Cat series/ Ready-to-Read series) written and illustrated by Jarret Lerner (Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, $17.99) 978-1-6659-1891-6 Sleepy Nat really wants to take a nap but keeps getting interrupted. Simple rhyming text. Colorful cartoon illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Oslo Learns to Swim (Rex & Oslo series/Ready-to- Read series)Doug Cushman, illustrated by Doug CushmanSimple balloon text captures the humor and trust when two friends go swimming. Colorful digital art.Five to NineView book details
Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy (Reina Ramos series/I Can Read! series)Emma Otheguy, illustrated by Andrés LandazábalReina is afraid of her friend Lila’s big dog. Lila is scared to try Reina’s signature cartwheels. Can they overcome their fears? Colorful illustrations. Spanish glossary. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineView book details
The Talent Show (Confetti Kids series)Samantha ThornhillHenry, encouraged by his mom and her partner, Joy, decides to do something new for the school performance—dance! Engaging cartoon-style illustrations.Five to NineView book details
When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go LeftMarc ColagiovanniA brown-skinned boy narrates a day full of worries and doubts. His fears become manageable, and he changes course. Cheerful cartoon-style illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Bear and the WildcatKazumi YumotoBear struggles with grief after his best friend's death, until a music-playing cat leads him gently back into the world. Charcoal art complements the text.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 570LATOS Book Level 3.7View book details
Eleven Words for Love: A Journey through Arabic Expressions of LoveRana Abdel-FattahAs her family settles in a new country, a young girl poetically names the different ways to say “love” in their language. Text includes the Arabic words she lists. Soft, colorful mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Enough Is . . .Jessica WhippleA child considers what lies “between a little and a lot” and finds the value and joy of “just enough. ” Soft pastel chalk and watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Let’s Read Animal WordsJi Lee, illustrated by Ji LeeA variety of animals are drawn using the letters that make up their names. Information about each creature accompanies the images. An innovative, visually arresting presentation.Five to NineView book details
The Moon Is a Ball: Stories of Panda & SquirrelEd FranckNine interlinked contemplative tales show the multifaceted nature of a deep and lasting friendship. Watercolor and ink illustrations.Five to NineView book details
More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We MeanRoz MacLean, illustrated by Roz MacLeanGlowing illustrations accompany limited text, celebrating myriad ways of communicating: words, gestures, art, music, collaboration, listening, acts of friendship, and more.Five to NineView book details
SensitiveSara LevineOther people’s words crowd inside a sensitive child, but with time and creativity, she rearranges them, revealing hidden strength. Mixed-media collage blends text and illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Small Places, Close to Home: A Children’s Declaration of RightsDeborah HopkinsonA poetic and moving statement of the rights of children and the responsibility to respect the rights of others. Illustrations in a muted palette depict people of diverse races and cultures.Five to NineView book details
You Rule!Rilla Alexander, illustrated by Rilla AlexanderA range of possible answers to questions about feelings and thoughts depict ways to measure the intangible. Colorful digital art.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD10LATOS Book Level 0.1View book details
Boyogi: How a Wounded Family Learned to HealDavid Barclay MooreA young African American boy notices the persistent sadness of his father, who has returned from military service. Yoga helps the whole family. Varying color palettes reflect the emotional changes. Digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Hello, Mister BlueDaria Peoples, illustrated by Daria PeoplesA young girl and her grandfather spend a day playing music with Papa's old friend, now unhoused, but nonetheless a popular neighborhood fixture. Oil paint and graphite illustrations.Five to NineView book details
That FlagTameka Fryer BrownTwo best friends, one Black and one White, are challenged and changed while learning about Black history at a museum and experiencing violent racism. Powerful digital artwork. Extensive back matter.Five to NineWord Count 599View book details
Mature contentThese Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family’s StoryAya GhanamehHand-drawn earth-toned illustrations accompany this poignant story centering on cherished olive trees and a Palestinian child whose family is forever exiled from their homeland. Author's note provides historical background.Five to NineView book details
We Are HereTami CharlesA celebration of Black creativity delivers its message through powerful free verse and arresting watercolor/ collage illustrations. Includes a list of historic figures, glossary, and author’s and illustrator’s notes.Five to NineView book details
The Words We ShareJack Wong, illustrated by Jack WongAngie translates and paints signs for her father and other non-English-speaking Chinese immigrants. But when she mistranslates something, her father’s knowledge of dialects saves the day. Gently humorous illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Tree and the RiverAaron Becker, illustrated by Aaron BeckerThe effects of human settlement and industrialization through time are reimagined in the presence of an aging tree. Wordless. Pencil, gouache, and digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Family/School/Community Ali the Great and the Market MishapSaadia FaruqiPakistani American Ali repeatedly and inventively rescues little brother Fateh from mischief as they shop with their grandfather for traditional snacks. Cheery cartoon-style art. Glossary.Five to NineView book details
Always Sisters: A Story of Loss and LoveSaira MirRaya can’t wait to be a big sister, but when she learns the baby won’t be coming home, she is devastated. How can she grieve this loss? Soft, blurred illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Bábo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing DayAstrid KamalyanFour siblings spend their day helping their grandmother clean their Armenian rugs and having fun playing in the soapy water. Digitally created illustrations. Glossary. Author’s note.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD470LATOS Book Level 3.2View book details
Bitsy Bat, School Star (Bitsy Bat series)Kaz Windness, illustrated by Kaz WindnessAn autistic kindergartner finds a way to fit in and helps herself and others find their unique qualities. Graphite on paper and digital paintings. Back matter about autism.Five to NineView book details
Building a Dream: How the Boys of Koh Panyee Became Champions (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series)Darshana Khiani, illustrated by Dow PhumirukVivid illustrations and lyrical text capture the determination of young Thai boys obsessed with playing soccer despite living in a water-based community. Author’s note.Five to NineView book details
Cloud BabiesEoin ColferColorful illustrations accompany this heartfelt story of Erin, a child who endures many hospital stays. Her imagination ultimately enables her to bridge hospital and school life.Five to NineView book details
Empty and Me: A Tale of Friendship and LossAzam MahdaviUntil she is ready to rejoin the world, a young girl whose mother has died is accompanied through her grief by a translucent creature. Mood-matching digital art in a muted palette. Bilingual in Persian and English.Five to NineView book details
A Garden in My HandsMeera SriramA mother paints henna designs, mehndi, on her little daughter’s hands in preparation for an Indian wedding. Poetic text and vivid, stylized digital illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD530LATOS Book Level 3.5View book details
Gloria’s Promise (American Ballet Theatre Presents series)Robin Preiss Glasser, Jacqueline Preiss WeitzmanWhen a young girl, passionate about dancing, auditions for the American Ballet Theatre school, she falls! Can she possibly be accepted? Gouache and watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Grandma’s Tipi: A Present-Day Lakota StoryS.D. Nelson, illustrated by S.D. NelsonClara learns about her rich tribal heritage while spending the summer on the reservation with her grandmother. Immersive acrylic art. Extensive author’s note.Five to NineView book details
Grandpa and the KingfisherAnna WilsonWhile they observe river birds through the seasons, a grandfather gently teaches his grandchild that no one lives forever, but nature and the world abide. Digital art. Includes link to audiobook.Five to NineView book details
Henry, Like AlwaysJenn BaileyWhen his teacher announces a parade, Henry gets upset that the classroom routine will change. Then he finds a way to manage. Early chapter book. Gentle ink and blue wash illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 381LATOS Book Level 2.7View book details
Homeland: My Father Dreams of PalestineHannah MoushabeckA young girl shares the stories her father told about life in Palestine before his family left their homeland in 1948. Colorful, detailed illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Hospital BookLisa Brown, illustrated by Lisa BrownA young brown-skinned girl is hospitalized with abdominal pain. After surgery, she recovers and returns home. Detailed india ink and watercolor illustrations.Five to NineWord Count 1001View book details
I Can Open It for YouShinsuke Yoshitake, illustrated by Shinsuke Yoshitake, Lisa WilcutA child, frustrated at being unable to open a candy wrapper, dreams of being able to do it independently. Simple, colorful illustrations.Five to NineView book details
In the DarkKate HoeflerWhen strangers arrive from the dark woods, townsfolk must overcome prejudice to recognize their new neighbors’ humanity. A vertically flipped book with ink, watercolor, and pencil art.Five to NineView book details
Jump In!Shadra Strickland, illustrated by Shadra StricklandFrom Double Dutch to hip hop, all movement styles are welcome in effervescent jump rope play in a diverse neighborhood. Free verse with an off-beat rhythm. Sun- drenched digital art.Five to NineView book details
Just Like GrandmaKim RogersBecca learns traditional beading, painting, and dancing with her role-model Native American grandma who shares in her granddaughter’s basketball tryouts. Lyrical text paired with evocative earth-toned illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 549LATOS Book Level 3.6View book details
Kicks in the SkyC. G. EsperanzaEveryone wonders how some colorful sneakers ended up on telephone wires. Then the kicks are knocked down, and amazing things happen when kids wear them. Bouncing, rhythmic, rhyming text. Vibrant mixed- media art.Five to NineView book details
Like Lava in My VeinsDerrick BarnesBobby Beacon, a Black boy, enters a new superhero school, but can’t always control his powers. A teacher who recognizes his strengths and issues helps him. Dynamic, action-packed graphic panels.Five to NineLexile Text Measure GN600LATOS Book Level 3.9View book details
Listening to the QuietCassie SilvaSoft colors and slightly blurred artwork echo the loss of a mother’s hearing in this poignant story of a child learning new ways to continue a loving relationship.Five to NineView book details
Martina Has Too Many TíasEmma OtheguyA young Latina girl uses her imagination to escape from her lovable but boisterous family. Humorous, colorful mixed-media illustrations. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineView book details
Masala Chai, Fast and SlowRajani LaRoccaAarav loves the ritual of making chai with his grandfather every day. When Thatha is injured, can Aarav make the spiced drink for him just the way Thatha likes it? Digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
MauriceJessixa Bagley, illustrated by Jessixa BagleyIn a Paris whose inhabitants are anthropomorphic dogs, accordionist Maurice rediscovers his musical spirit and passion for the world around him. Bright, energetic watercolor and digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Maybe a WhaleKirsten PendreighA young girl takes a kayaking camping trip with her mother, finding peace while she grieves as they seek the whales her grandfather loved. Digital art.Five to NineView book details
My Powerful HairCarole LindstromA Native American child shares the importance of growing hair long in her culture. Spare text and vibrant pencil artwork. Back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 530LATOS Book Level 3.5View book details
My Strange Shrinking ParentsZeno Sworder, illustrated by Zeno SworderA symbolic representation of the sacrifices that Chinese immigrant parents make to give their child clothes, books, and an education, until the child grows up and takes care of them. Dreamlike woodblock- inspired illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD590LATOS Book Level 3.8View book details
Never Forget EleanorJason JuneElijah, an anthropomorphized elephant, loves his grandmother, her stories, and her cleverness with language. When she starts to be forgetful, he helps her create pathways for her words. Gouache illustrations.Five to NineWord Count 725View book details
Only Only Marisol Rainey (Maybe Marisol series)Erin Entrada Kelly, illustrated by Erin Entrada KellyFilipina American Marisol is afraid of the big dog that just escaped from his backyard, and wonders what she should do if she sees him. Black-and-white illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Other Words for NonnoDave CameronWhen Jill notices her grandfather’s growing silences and repetitions during their weekly word game, she finds an ingenious way to help him. Watercolors in a muted palette.Five to NineView book details
Our PoolLucy Ruth CumminsOn a hot summer day, the narrator and their mom head to the local city pool to cool off , along with the whole neighborhood. Gouache and color pencil illustrations.Five to NineWord Count 747View book details
Our Roof Is BlueSara E. EcheniqueAfter a hurricane in Puerto Rico blows the roof off the family house, Antonio stops speaking. Can his older sister help restore his voice? Digital illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD610LATOS Book Level 4View book details
Outside Amelia’s WindowCaroline NastroAmelia, a shy wheelchair user, is reluctant to play with her new neighbors, until she finds inspiration from a family of birds. Soft, dreamy illustrations in pencil and watercolors.Five to NineView book details
Papá’s Magical Water-Jug ClockJesús TrejoMexican American Jesús doesn’t realize that the jug of water that he and his gardener father take with them must last their entire working day. Vivid, detailed mixed-media illustrations. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineView book details
Plátanos Go with EverythingLissette NormanYesenia, a young Dominican American girl, relates the ways her family uses plátanos to feel close to home. Vibrant digital illustrations. Plátanos recipe included. Bilingual edition in Spanish and English also available.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 650LATOS Book Level 4.2View book details
The PromiseBridget Hodder, Fawzia Gilani-WilliamsIn Morocco, Jacob, who is Jewish, and Hassan, who is Muslim, tend their garden together until World War II threatens. Will the garden and their friendship survive? Expressive color illustrations.Five to NineView book details
RememberingXelena GonzálezOn the Day of the Dead, a young girl collects favorite items to make an ofrenda for her beloved pet dog who has passed away. Bold acrylic illustrations. Author's and illustrator's notes.Five to NineView book details
Salat in SecretJamilah Thompkins-BigelowA Muslim boy receives a prayer rug for his seventh birthday and becomes empowered by his faith. Digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Skating Wild on an Inland SeaJean E. PendziwolTwo siblings experience the glory of nature as they skate on the frozen surface of Lake Superior. Poetic text. Digital art with screen-printed textures.Five to NineView book details
A Smart, Smart SchoolSharon CreechThe principal becomes ill and is replaced by a substitute who demands testing rather than creativity. Will the popular Mr. Keene return? Colorful, expressive digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Something WildMolly Ruttan, illustrated by Molly RuttanHannah loves to play the violin, but performing before an audience makes her nervous. Her imagination helps her find a way. Playful full-page illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Summer Is for CousinsRajani LaRoccaRavi is excited about spending summer vacation with his extended family. But will his favorite cousin, who has matured, still want to spend time with Ravi? Vibrant digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Together TreeAisha SaeedWhen Rumi, a new student, is bullied for being different, a classmate steps in to play with him, and soon others join them under an old willow tree. Expressive illustrations.Five to NineView book details
¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read (World of ¡Vamos! series)Raúl the Third, illustrated by Raúl the ThirdCelebrate libraries and books with Little Lobo and his friends at a Libro Love book festival. Enthusiastic, colorful graphic-format-style illustrations. Spanish glossary. Author’s note.Five to NineView book details
Veo, Veo, I See YouLulu Delacre, illustrated by Lulu DelacreMami, who lost her job during COVID, plays I Spy with her children, spotting essential workers in their diverse community. Dialogue alternates between Spanish and English. Vibrant collage illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll)Winsome BinghamA Black grandmother takes her granddaughter on an important walk to corral a community to come out together to vote. Detailed, watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
We Are Lions!Jens MattssonTwo biracial siblings play at being lions, until one falls ill. Even while dealing with hospitalization and hair loss, they continue to have wild adventures. Unusual mixed- media illustrations show the savanna and everyday life.Five to NineView book details
The Yellow Handkerchief/El pañuel amarilloDonna Barbra HigueraConflicted by her embarrassment of, and love for, her Mexican grandmother, a young girl comes to appreciate the language and culture that made her feel different. Colorful illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Amazing and True Story of Tooth Mouse PérezAna Cristina HerrerosA storyteller recounts how the tooth mouse (the Hispanic equivalent of the tooth fairy) got his start, long ago and far away in Spain. Mixed-media art sets the mood.Five to NineView book details
Ancient NightDavid Álvarez, with David BowlesAfter Opossum steals the nectar used to illuminate the moon, he finds a way to bring different light to the world. Acrylic and oil paintings. Detailed source notes.Five to NineView book details
Carina Felina: A Cuban Retelling of a Favorite FolktaleCarmen Agra DeedyA greedy cat learns a lesson with the help of two crustaceans. Colorful illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Courage of the Little Hummingbird: A Tale Told around the WorldLeah HendersonA little hummingbird refuses to give up, doing all he can and calling others to action. Vivid illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The North Wind & the SunPhilip C. Stead, illustrated by Philip C. SteadWhen three elderly sisters take a walk, the cold North Wind and the warm Sun compete to take their coats away. Who will win this tug-of-war? Textured color pencil illustrations.Five to NineFountas & Pinnell Text Level PView book details
One Chicken NuggetTadgh Bentley, illustrated by Tadgh BentleyCeleste cooks up a scheme to rid herself of a monster whose insatiable appetite for chicken nuggets threatens Celeste’s business. Animated mixed-media illustrations. Author’s note.Five to NineWord Count 825View book details
Paul Bunyan: The Invention of an American LegendNoah Van Sciver, illustrated by Noah Van SciverThe legend of a lumberjack whose enormous strength could alter landscapes is revisited, showing how forests and Indigenous peoples are devastated for profit. Dramatic graphics. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Shade TreeSuzy Lee, illustrated by Suzy Lee, Helen MixterCapitalizing on the greed of a man who’s monopolizing the shade of a large tree, a traveler secures shade for all in the community. A retelling of a Korean folktale. Spare, painterly illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 570LATOS Book Level 3.7View book details
Tokyo Night ParadeJ. P. TakahashiA child living in New York returns to Tokyo for the annual parade of mythical Japanese creatures, knowing this may be the last time she can attend it. Dreamlike mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Rivka’s PresentsLaurie WallmarkWhen her father’s illness keeps her from school, disappointment can’t keep a young girl from fulfilling her desire to learn. Realistic artwork captures scenes of 1918 New York City. Yiddish glossary.Five to NineView book details
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?Mac BarnettAn author speculates about one of life’s greatest mysteries. Hilarious illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 420LATOS Book Level 2.9View book details
The Night before Freedom: A Juneteenth StoryGlenda ArmandVibrant and imaginative illustrations depict this historical view of Juneteenth through the words of “Grandma’s Story” about anticipation, emancipation, and jubilation, which has been retold across generations.Five to NineView book details
The Boo-Boos of Bluebell ElementaryChelsea Lin WallaceRhyming text and lively watercolor and ink illustrations capture a brown-skinned school nurse’s workday. She tends to ills, large and small, with humor and warmth, then finally goes home for some TLC.Five to NineView book details
Boom! (I Like to Read Comics series)Paul Meisel, illustrated by Paul MeiselCat isn’t afraid of the thunderstorm, but Dog is, frantically searching for a safe place to hide. Dog finally falls asleep and has a surprising dream. Color pen and ink illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Hole StoryKelly Canby, illustrated by Kelly CanbyCharlie seeks to find a new owner for the troublesome hole he discovers. Will he find a willing taker? Endpapers provide a thoughtful twist. Brushstroke illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD900LATOS Book Level 4.9View book details
Hornbeam All In (Hornbeam series)Cynthia RylantThree short stories featuring a goofy moose focus on themes of supporting friends, being generous, and understanding shortcomings. Cartoon-style art captures the gentle humor.Five to NineView book details
The King PenguinVanessa Roeder, illustrated by Vanessa RoederA want-to-be ruler from Antarctica realizes through a variety of humbling experiences that a society functions best as a democracy. Acrylic and pencil artwork.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD340LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
Luna RancheraRodrigo MorlesinLuna and Ranchera, a canine mother-daughter singing act, become famous all over the world. Colorful marker and digital illustrations filled with amusing people and animals.Five to NineView book details
The Red JacketBob Holt, illustrated by Bob HoltA gift of outerwear gives seagull Bob a new sense of style, helping him become recognized as an individual. Bright pencil and digital cartoons.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 140LATOS Book Level 1.4View book details
Sick Day Jitters (Jitters series)Julie DannebergMrs. Hartwell is ill and cannot teach her class. A lack of dependable substitutes sends it into disarray. Watercolor, transparent dye, and india ink illustrations.Five to NineView book details
A Snow Day for Plum!Matt Phelan, illustrated by Matt PhelanZoo animals visiting a local elementary school get snowed in. Some scurrying school pets set them free, setting some issues in motion. Entertaining black-and- white illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Why Did the Monster Cross the Road?R. L. StineLarger Funny tries to make smaller Hunny laugh and cheer up by telling Monster jokes. Bold artwork.Five to NineView book details
CargoAdèle TarielA young boy, missing his ocean-going father, imagines himself as a seagull following the container ship on its voyage. Colorful, stylized art.Five to NineView book details
Obioma Plays FootballChika UnigweIn Nigeria, mischievous young Obioma loves to play football (soccer) in her wheelchair. A move to the city is lonely. Can a new friend help her shine again? Bold, colorful drawings.Five to NineView book details
Wei Skates OnNathan ChenWei loves figure skating, but competitions scare him. His wise mom gives him some good advice, but will it help? Mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
As Night Falls: Creatures That Go Wild after DarkDonna Jo NapoliLyrical writing and lively illustrations evoke the world of nocturnal animals, some exotic and little known, in their roles as predator and prey. Children’s bedtime antics included.Five to NineView book details
Bompa’s Insect ExpeditionDavid Suzuki, with Tanya Lloyd KyiSpending time with their grandfather, two children discover the fascinating tiny world of bugs. Detailed watercolor art. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
EclipseAndy Rash, illustrated by Andy RashA boy and his father bond as they witness the dramatic total eclipse of the sun in 2017. Lively cartoon-style digital art. Brief back matter on eclipses.Five to NineView book details
Friends beyond MeasureLalena Fisher, illustrated by Lalena FisherWith pencil, marker, and Photoshop illustrations, this book features 12 types of infographics depicting different aspects of the friendship between two girls, even after one moves away.Five to NineWord Count 423View book details
The Most Important Animal of AllPenny WormsAt the end of the school year, children share their research on seven important animals. Detailed color illustrations. Back matter includes additional information, glossary, and index.Five to NineView book details
You and the BowerbirdMaria GianferrariWith binoculars and notepad, a curious brown-skinned child watches Satin, a male bowerbird, collecting and defending his collection of items (mostly blue), in preparation for mating. Cheerful illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Animals in Surprising Shades: Poems about Earth’s Colorful CreaturesSusan Johnston TaylorVarious forms of poetry and playful, colorful artwork depict brilliantly hued creatures, from orange newts to red velvet ants, on double-page spreads. Glossary. Sources.Five to NineView book details
Winner of the 2024 Claudia Lewis AwardAt the PolesDavid ElliottA rhyming lyrical look at musk oxen, emperor penguins, and other creatures that inhabit the North and South Poles. Rich mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
RememberJoy HarjoAn adaptation of a renowned poem that explores how deeply we are interconnected with the earth. An homage to nature and Indigenous culture. Watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD480LATOS Book Level 2.1View book details
Where I Live: Poems about My Home, My Street, and My Townillustrated by Hyewon Yum, Paul B JaneczkoThis posthumous collection includes the work of 34 established poets, capturing the meaning of home and neighborhoods. Colored pencil and watercolor illustrations accompany each poem.Five to NineView book details
Windrush Child: The Tale of a Caribbean Child Who Faced a New HorizonJohn AgardVibrant gouache and pen illustrations and lyrical text evoke a child’s personal experience of a challenging period in mid-20th century history, evoking the universal hope that stories of immigration can bring.Five to NineView book details
You So BlackTheresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D.Musical language celebrates everything about being Black, from history to family to religion. Mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Zap! Clap! Boom!: The Story of a ThunderstormLaura Purdie SalasA beautiful summer day is interrupted when a sudden thunderstorm sends three children scurrying for home. Rhyming text. Colorful, fluid illustrations. Engaging back matter.Five to NineView book details
Breaking to the Beat!Linda J. AcevedoDetermination and passion permeate the history of hip-hop, which was conceived in the Bronx and then became a nationwide phenomenon. Persistence bred success. Bold, acrylic illustrations. Extensive back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 900LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
There Was a Party for LangstonJason ReynoldsAn homage to Langston HughesFive to NineLexile Text Measure 640LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
Twice As Many Friends/¡El doble de amigos! (Barefoot Singalongs series)Brian AmadorBeing able to speak two languages means being able to make twice as many amigos! Colorful, expressive acrylic illustrations. Back matter includes the song.Five to NineView book details
All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown JacksonCarole Boston WeatherfordTaught that she could overcome any obstacles through hard work and determination, Brown Jackson became the first African American woman on the Supreme Court. Bold digital illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Cut!: How Lottie Reiniger and a Pair of Scissors Revolutionized AnimationC. E. WintersCreating the first animated full-length movie, a German woman used her paper silhouette figures and multiplane camera to provide motion and depth to images. Silent-film-style illustrations. Extensive back matter.Five to NineView book details
DreamDream: The Story of Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise by Geri KolesarWhile studying, Wise questioned Jewish traditions, such as the unequal treatment of women, and then brought his ideas of modernizing Judaism to the United States. Watercolor digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen OchoaDoreen RappaportAn accomplished flutist and electrical engineer, Ochoa later traveled in space, becoming the first Latina astronaut and the first Latinx director of the Johnson Space Center. Dynamic illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Girl Who Heard the Music: How One Pianist and 85,000 Bottles and Cans Brought New Hope to an IslandMarni Fogelson, with Mahani TeaveTeave, an award-winning musician and environmentalist, was born on Rapa Nui and, using garbage in its construction, created a school of the arts there. Digital paintings. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Good Books for Bad Children: The Genius of Ursula NordstromBeth KephartNever forgetting what it felt like to be a child, Nordstrom revolutionized children’s book publishing, working with Maurice Sendak, E. B. White, Margaret Wise Brown, and others. Evocative drawings of the 1950s.Five to NineView book details
The Green Piano: How Little Me Found MusicRoberta Flack, with Tonya BoldenThe Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist shares how her parents’ extraordinary support made her early start to a shining musical career possible. Gouache artwork. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine: Josephine Cochrane’s Bright Invention Makes a SplashKate HanniganIn 1893, despite facing gender discrimination, a woman determined to alleviate the drudgery of a household chore won recognition for her invention. Colorful sketches and diagrams. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Kati’s Tiny Messengers: Dr. Katalin Karikó and the Battle against COVID-19Megan HoytKarikó’s lifelong determination to disrupt the spread of viruses by using the power of messenger RNA led to the creation of the COVID-19 vaccine. Mixed-media digital illustrations. Extensive back matter.Five to NineView book details
Kozo the SparrowAllen Say, illustrated by Allen SayIn Japan after World War II, an eight-year-old boy saved an abandoned baby sparrow from neighborhood bullies and raised it to adulthood. Pencil, pen, and watercolor illustrations. Author’s note.Five to NineView book details
Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball (CitizenKid series)Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, with Judith HendersonBarred from competitions because she refused to remove her hijab, a rising basketball star became an activist for Muslim women. Digital illustrations capture a Muslim American environment. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Little Books of the Little Bronte ¨ sSarah O’LearyFour young siblings loved stories and wrote their own match-box size books, and then grew up to be famous British authors. Painterly illustrations. Time line, author’s note, sources.Five to NineView book details
Masked Hero: How Wu Lien-teh Invented the Mask That Ended an EpidemicDr. Shan Woo Liu, Kaili Liu GormleyDiscrimination under British rule did not stop the dedicated Chinese Malaysian doctor who introduced face masks to combat a 1910 plague, a protocol still recommended today. Realistic artwork. Time line.Five to NineView book details
Milloo’s Mind: The Story of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer for Women’s EducationReem FaruqiIn India in the 1930s, a young girl pursued her love of learning, and then founded schools for girls in Pakistan after the 1947 Partition. Vibrant collages. Glossary, author’s note.Five to NineView book details
Pitch Perfect and Persistent!: The Musical Debut of Amy Cheney BeachCaitlin DelemsFolk-art-style illustrations and lively text introduce a musical prodigy whose impact and reputation were diminished by 19th-century attitudes toward women.Five to NineView book details
Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll!: Presenting Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock & RollTonya BoldenA little girl with a big guitar and a big voice grew up to blend many musical traditions, inspiring the birth of a new genre. Exuberant gouache artwork. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Snow ManJonah WinterFor over 51 years, while living alone in the Rocky Mountains, billy barr made observations about changes in nature, helping scientists studying climate change. Simple folk-art-style illustrations.Five to NineView book details
This Is Tap: Savion Glover Finds His FunkSelene CastrovillaGlover’s influence on dance is conveyed through rhythmic text and energetic, digitally created color illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Tiny Jumper: How Tiny Broadwickthe Parachute Rip Cord by Candy Dahl, illustrated by Maithili JoshiA little-known heroine leapt from hot air balloons and airplanes to try to make parachutes safe for all. Bright digital art. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
To See Clearly: A Portrait of David HockneyEvan Turk, illustrated by Evan TurkMixed-media art in Hockney’s style accompanies the life story of this world-famous English artist, encouraging readers to look closely at the world. Back matter and sourcing.Five to NineView book details
Tomfoolery: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming- of-Age of Children’s BooksMichelle MarkelIn the 1870s an irrepressible Englishman’s dynamic illustrations revolutionized the once-staid field of children’s publishing. Exuberant pen and watercolor tableaux. Back matter includes time line and sources.Five to NineView book details
Virginia Wouldn’t Slow Down: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-Saving InventionCarrie A. PearsonPersevering despite numerous obstacles, Apgar became an anesthesiologist when the field was new and used her experience to develop the diagnostic test that has an impact on newborns’ lives to this day. Warm, humorous illustrations.Five to NineView book details
What Rosa BroughtJacob Sager WeinsteinWhat will Rosa take with her when her family has to leave their home? A true story of one child’s experience of the Holocaust. Immersive mixed-media art.Five to NineView book details
Yukie’s Island: My Family’s World War II StoryYukie Kimura, K–odo Kimura, Steve SheinkinA lighthouse family in a remote island in northern Japan seemed largely untouched by war. Then the bombs came; yet life went on. Cinematic illustrations and archival images and photographs. Authors’ notes.Five to NineView book details
Just One Pebble: One Boy’s Quest to End HungerDianna Wilson SirkovskyAfter he encountered an unhoused man, nine-year-old Braeden Mannering was challenged to figure out how he could help people struggling with food insecurity. Mixed-media drawings. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Rooting for Plants: The Unstoppable Charles S. Parker, Black Botanist and CollectorJanice N. HarringtonLyrical text and eye-catching cartoon-style illustrations introduce a pioneering Black botanist whose extensive study of plants and their diseases inspired young Black science students. Extensive back matter.Five to NineView book details
At Home with the Prairie Dog: The Story of a Keystone SpeciesDorothy Hinshaw Patent, photographed by William Muñoz, graphics by Marlo GarnsworthyA comprehensive exploration of sustainability and the important role of one species in preserving and restoring an ecosystem. Vivid color photographs and clear graphics.Five to NineView book details
The Day the River Caught Fire: How the Cuyahoga River Exploded and Ignited the Earth Day MovementBarry WittensteinKABOOM! A 1969 explosion and fire on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River sparked the creation of Earth Day in 1970 and new environmental laws. Evocative gouache illustrations. Extensive back matter.Five to NineView book details
Emperor of the Ice: How a Changing Climate Affects a Penguin ColonyNicola DaviesAs Antarctic penguins undertake the breeding process, their survival is threatened as the number of nesting ice blocks shrinks due to global warming. Evocative glowing illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Great Carrier Reef (Books for a Better Earth series)Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Gordy WrightThe retired carrier USS Oriskany, refitted as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida, serves as a protective environment for endangered coral reef ecosystems. Detailed illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The River That Flows beside MeCharlotte GuillainJourney down a river from its source to the sea, exploring wildlife and history along the way. Concertina-style format with bright, mixed-media art.Five to NineView book details
Tibbles the CatMichal SandaIn 1894 David Lyall moved to New Zealand with his cat to be a lighthouse keeper on Stephens Island, with tragic consequences for a rare indigenous bird. Vintage- style illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor EcosystemMelissa StewartA 50-year food chain is detailed as a whale’s body descends to the ocean floor. Watercolor, mixed-media, and digital artwork illustrate the process. Back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD1060LATOS Book Level 7.3View book details
The Bees of Notre-DameMeghan P. BrowneIn 2013 beekeepers began tending hives on an iconic cathedral’s roof, but in 2019 a fire changed everything. Lyrical text and evocative mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD920LATOS Book Level 3.5View book details
Gertie, the Darling Duck of WWIIShari SwansonIn 1945 a duck built her nest on precarious pilings in the Milwaukee River as the whole town cheered her and her ducklings on. Sepia-toned illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Two New YearsRichard HoA multicultural family celebrates both the Jewish new year and the Asian Lunar new year. Colorful ink and digitally collaged illustrations illuminate the customs. Rich back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 329LATOS Book Level 2.4View book details
Ready, Set, Run!: The Amazing New York City MarathonLeslie KimmelmanPlayful illustrations and lively language evoke the spirit of an annual athletic event in the Big Apple. Includes a hand-drawn city map.Five to NineView book details
Behold the Octopus!Suzanne SladeWhat animal species has no bones and eight arms, lives in the ocean, varies in size from one inch to 30 feet, and can change color? Luminous photorealistic art. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Book of TurtlesSy MontgomeryA clear, comprehensive, and enthusiastic introduction to all aspects of these venerable reptiles. Includes suggestions for helping save the species. Acrylic paintings. Sources.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 870LATOS Book Level 5.6View book details
The Clues Are in the Poo: The Story of Dinosaur Scientist Karen ChinJane Kurtz, Karen Chin, illustrated by Francisco RiolobosA multiracial paleontologist explores what fossilized dinosaur dung reveals about prehistoric creatures and their world. Bold, colorful illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm SpectacularPolly OwenDarwin’s research with worms revealed how they feed the world with the superpower of poop, as well as how they “see” and “hear. ” Colorful, detailed illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Destiny Finds Her Way: How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to be WildMargarita Engle, photographed by Sam TullScientists simulated the diet of an orphaned sloth found in a Costa Rican rain forest and encouraged her socialization, preparing her to return to her natural habitat. Stunning photographs. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Follow the Flyway: The Marvel of Bird MigrationSarah NelsonA variety of birds travel South following their annual path. Rhyming, lyrical text. Soft mixed-media illustrations. Extensive back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Gentle Genius of TreesPhilip Bunting, illustrated by Philip BuntingAn introduction to trees, containing clear descriptions of topics such as photosynthesis. Simple digital art supports the playful text with many diagrams.Five to NineView book details
Glitter Everywhere!: Where It Came From, Where It’s Found & Where It’s GoingChris BartonExplore the art, science, history, and negative social and environmental impact of these sparkling specks. Colorful digital art. Back matter includes extensive bibliography.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 950LATOS Book Level 6.3View book details
How the Sea Came to Be: And All the Creatures in It (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series)Jennifer BerneHow did life begin on Earth? Dramatic, sweeping illustrations capture single-celled creatures, invertebrates, arthropods, and finally, fish. Told in rhyming verse. Sources, glossary, time line.Five to NineView book details
Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping SpiderJessica LananA child at play outdoors is prompted to consider the sensory experiences and survival challenges of a tiny arachnid. Watercolor art illustrates the spider’s perspective. Rich back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD560LATOS Book Level 5.5View book details
Mama Mammals: Reproduction and Birth in MammalsCathy EvansDetailed drawings and clear text depict how different mammals create a family, from fertilization to pregnancy to birth. Glossary.Five to NineView book details
The Moon Tonight: Our Moon’s Journey around EarthJung Chang-hoonA father and daughter observe the waxing and waning of the Moon on its 29-day journey around Earth. Full- color illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Nature Is a Sculptor: Weathering and ErosionHeather Ferranti KinserWater, ice, and wind etch shapes and carve land into natural forms of beauty. Poetic text and stunning photographs. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Penguin of Ilha Grande: From Animal Rescue to Extraordinary FriendshipShannon Earle, illustrated by Renato AlarcãoWhen Seu João rescued a penguin, the two formed a deep relationship. Vivid watercolor illustrations capture the tenderness. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Poop for Breakfast: Why Some Animals Eat ItSara LevineA highly informative explanation of various animals’ propensity to eat their own excrement. Pencil, paper, and digital illustrations add to the fun. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Power of SnowBob RaczkaRhyming text and paper collage/digital illustrations introduce a landscape growing increasingly snow- covered as snowflakes multiply exponentially. Math formulas on each page. Endnotes.Five to NineView book details
Rise to the Sky: How the World’s Tallest Trees Grow UpRebecca E. HirschHow do sunlight, water, and carbohydrates produce immensely tall trees? The growth process of arboreal giants is presented in poetic text. Textured cut-paper collage and watercolor illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
A River of Dust: The Life-Giving Link between North Africa and the AmazonJilanne HoffmannFollow the surprising and important journey of dust across the planet from the Sahara to the Amazon rainforest. Lyrical text. Vibrant digital art. Extensive back matter.Five to NineView book details
Science, Matter and the Baseball ParkCatherine CiocchiAction-oriented illustrations and rhyming text link matter—solid, liquid, and gas—to a baseball game.Five to NineView book details
Shigeru Ban Builds a Better World (Art for Good series)Isadoro SaturnoA world-famous Japanese architect turns paper into lasting buildings for disaster victims. Simple, elegant illustrations. Interview with Ban, time line, and booklet insert included.Five to NineView book details
The Sky Is Not the Limit (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series)Jérémie DecalfIn lyrical text, the Voyager 2 space probe narrates the trajectory of its adventures in outer space. Digital illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Smallest OwletGeorgia Grahm, illustrated by Georgia GrahmFollow along over winter, spring, and summer as two great horned owls care for and raise their three young owlets. Realistic, exquisitely detailed illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Supermoms! (Animal Heroes series)Heather Lang, Jamie HarperIn comic-style panels with humorous speech bubbles, a variety of animals are displayed in their maternal roles as teachers, protectors, builders, transporters, and foragers. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Tee Time on the Moon: How Astronaut Alan Shepard Played Lunar GolfDavid A. KellyAn Apollo 14 astronaut carried out an “unauthorized” experiment—hitting a golf ball in an environment with no gravity. Dramatic digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
We Go Way BackIdan Ben-BarakSimple text and bold, humorous cartoon-like illustrations reveal how life began. Dramatic vertical gatefold depicts a family tree of Earth’s fauna.Five to NineView book details
When Moon Became the MoonRob Hodgson, illustrated by Rob HodgsonThe moon narrates the story of its origin, its orbit, and its effect on the earth. Colorful whimsical art.Five to NineView book details
Wind: Discovering Air in Motion (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series)Olga Fadeeva, illustrated by Olga Fadeeva, Lena TraerWhat is wind? Where does it come from, how does it affect plants and animals, and how do we use it? Sweeping, bold illustrations. Author’s notes.Five to NineView book details
Your One and Only HeartRajani LaRocca, MDLyrical language and bold, colorful images convey the power of this vital organ. The juxtaposition of complex information with familiar experiences makes the content accessible. Text boxes. Diagrams.Five to NineView book details
Nomads: Life on the MoveKinchoi Lam, illustrated by Kinchoi LamCopious colorful detailed illustrations and informative text depict how seven tribes in seven different environments create the culture, objects, and shelters needed for nomadic life. Back matter.Five to NineView book detailsNine to Twelve
116 selections
The Jules Verne ProphecyLarry Schwarz, Iva-Marie PalmerIn Paris for the summer, Owen joins new friends who encounter danger in their spirited attempt to unravel a complicated treasure hunt. Black-and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 811LATOS Book Level 5.2View book details
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of DreamsDaniel NayeriAn orphaned 12-year-old novice monk narrates his travels with a conniving merchant along the Silk Road in the 11th century. Whimsical paintings introduce each chapter. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 841LATOS Book Level 5.4View book details
Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan SistersWendelin Van DraanenMr. Whiskers, a street-smart stray dog, helps two sisters rescue their kidnapped father—and uncovers a mysterious pirate’s treasure. Black-and-white spot illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 640LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed MeadowElaine DimopoulosButternut, a rabbit, is supposed to stay close to home. Piper, a robin, persuades her to venture out to help a hurt fawn. Graphite and gouache illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 670LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
The Swifts: A Dictionary of ScoundrelsBeth LincolnAt a family reunion in a labyrinthine mansion, three clever and resourceful young sisters try to solve a series of murders. Playful wordsmithing. Gothic, comical black-and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
To the IceThomas TidholmWhen the ice of the creek on which they are playing cracks, Ida, Max, and Jack float out to the river, then to the sea. Striking color illustrations of the children’s adventurous journey.Nine to TwelveView book details
Turtles of the Midnight MoonMaría José FitzgeraldExcited to be visiting Honduras, 12-year-old Abby agrees to help her new friend Barana stop local poachers from stealing sea turtles’ eggs. Map and author’s note.Nine to TwelveView book details
We the Sea Turtles: A Collection of Island StoriesMichelle KadarusmanThe lives of young people intersect with the natural world, including the turtles that inhabit it and the effects of climate change. Black-and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Banned BookJonah WinterAn allegorical and slyly humorous story of a book and the people who want to censor it. Powerful art in a somber palette.Nine to TwelveView book details
Big TreeBrian Selznick, illustrated by Brian SelznickIn the final days of the dinosaurs, two sycamore seedlings search for a safe place to grow in an unsafe world. Pencil drawings. Extensive notes on the science.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 610LATOS Book Level 4View book details
Saving H’Non: Chang and the ElephantTrang Nguye˜^ n, Jeet Zd ˜ ungChang and a team of conservationists rescue H’Non, an Asian elephant, and assist her in transitioning to life in a national park in Vietnam. Based on a true story. Detailed mixed-media and cartoon-style illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Wild Robot Protects (The Wild Robot Series)Peter Brown, illustrated by Peter BrownThe emotionally intelligent robot, Roz, takes on the fight against environmental pollution. Action-packed monochromatic illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Family/School/Community Call Me AdnanReem FaruqiAdnan’s triumph at a table tennis competition turns to tragedy for his Pakistani American family when they suffer a devastating loss. How will they cope? Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Conjure IslandEden RoyceDelphinia is sent to South Carolina to live with her great-grandmother. Why had no one ever mentioned that magic based in Gullah tradition runs in her family?Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 800LATOS Book Level 5.09View book details
The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy GoodmanMari LoweShaindy, an awkward sixth grader in an Orthodox Jewish community, is overjoyed when popular Gayil asks her help in pranking some classmates. But will she become the next target?Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 870LATOS Book Level 5.6View book details
Eli Over EasyPhil StamperAfter Eli’s mother dies of COVID, he discovers cooking videos on her laptop and is inspired to follow them as a way to heal. Recipes. Black-and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Enlighten MeMinh LêBinh’s outrage over being targeted at school for his Vietnamese identity turns reflective during a family meditative retreat where several Buddhist parables are told. Graphic autumnal-palette illustrations. Bibliography.Nine to TwelveView book details
Four Eyes (Four Eyes series)Rex OgleBeing bullied at middle school gets even worse for Rex when he has to wear glasses, especially since his family can only afford the cheapest pair. Colorful textured cells.Nine to TwelveView book details
Mature contentJulia and the SharkKiran Millwood HargraveA ten-year-old deals with her mother’s depression. Compelling artwork in black, white, grey, and yellow. Back matter provides environmental and mental health resources.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Many Masks of Andy ZhouJack ChengAs he enters middle school, Andy faces a storm of challenges: bullying, best friend woes, and his Shanghainese grandparents moving into his room. Black-and-white spot art.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 690LATOS Book Level 4.4View book details
Salma Writes a Book (Salma series)Danny RamadanSyrian American Salma, excited to be a big sister, writes her own guidebook for siblings. Her uncle’s visit with his husband challenges Salma’s perception of her mother as being the best big sister. Greyscale illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Saving SunshineSaadia FaruqiTwins Zara and Zeeshan fight about everything. Maybe a vacation in only each other’s company—without their phones—can change that. Mixed-media illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 381LATOS Book Level 2.7View book details
The StarsJacques Goldstyn, illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn, Helen MixterHis Orthodox Jewish father disapproves of Yakov’s friendship with Muslim Aïcha and of their dream of becoming astronauts. Do they persist? Humorous cartoon-style graphics and text.Nine to TwelveView book details
Talia’s Codebook for MathletesMarissa Moss, illustrated by Marissa MossFacing discrimination as the lone girl on the Mathlete team prompts Talia to form a girls’ team to compete. Includes codes to crack. Ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 600LATOS Book Level 3.9View book details
We Still BelongChristine DayWesley’s plans for Indigenous Peoples’ Day go all wrong, until she finds herself surrounded by the love of her family and community at the intertribal powwow.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 770LATOS Book Level 5.3View book details
When Sea Becomes SkyGillian McDunnThe enduring love of a sister for her brother shines through as they seek to solve the mystery of a statue found in an island marsh. Atmospheric black-and-white illustrations. Author’s note.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 701LATOS Book Level 4.5View book details
Where the Water Takes UsAlan BarillaroAt a remote Canadian lake, Ava has a loving relationship with her grandparents and an interest in birds, but a difficult relationship with a new summer resident. Soft watercolor vignettes.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 720LATOS Book Level 4.6View book details
The Wild Journey of Juniper BerryChad Morris, Shelly BrownJuniper enjoys her family’s life in the woods. Then her brother requires hospitalization, and they have to venture into “society” and engage with running water and electricity, as well as with other people.Nine to TwelveView book details
Wishing SeasonAnica Mrose RissiGrieving the death of her twin brother, 11-year-old Lily believes he reappears in a place special to them both. Loving and realistic portrayal of the healing process.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Book of Stolen Dreams (Stolen Dreams Adventures series)David FarrAfter Rachel and Robert’s librarian father is arrested for stealing an ancient magical book, the tyrannical ruler of Krasnia sets his forces against the family. Whimsical spot art.Nine to TwelveView book details
Elf Dog & Owl HeadM.T. AndersonDuring a global pandemic, a tween boy, quarantining with his family, meets a magical elf-hound and becomes friends with an owl-headed boy. Dramatic black-and- white illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 660LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
Ellie Engle Saves HerselfLeah JohnsonEllie, a Black girl, is content to play the supporting role to her best friend, whom she has a secret crush on. Will waking up with a superpower make Ellie the hero of her own story?Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 888LATOS Book Level 5.7View book details
The Enchanted Life of Valentina MejíaAlexandra AlessandriWhen Valentina and her younger brother enter a magical world with many creatures they recognize from Colombian folklore, they discover family secrets.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 670LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
The Eyes & the ImpossibleDave EggersJohannes, a dog in an unnamed park, enlists the aid of other animals to set free his friends, three bison. Illustrations of Johannes within classic landscape paintings by various artists.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 790LATOS Book Level 5.3View book details
Gossamer SummerH.M. BouwmanMourning the loss of her grandmother, Jojo stops telling a story about fairies. A summer adventure with her sisters and a new neighbor restores her trust in magic and provides comfort.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Grace of Wild ThingsHeather FawcettA 12-year-old witch escapes an orphanage and pluckily apprentices herself to a cantankerous older witch who initially wants to have nothing to do with her.Nine to TwelveWord Count 81278View book details
Greenwild: The World behind the DoorPari ThomsonDaisy, 11, loves traveling the globe with her eco- journalist mother. When her mother disappears into an alternate universe, Daisy faces powerful enemies as she tries to find her. Engaging black-and-white illustrations. Map.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 870LATOS Book Level 5.6View book details
Hamra and the Jungle of MemoriesHanna AlkafDuring the COVID pandemic, a Malaysian girl ill-advisedly wanders into a magic jungle. After inadvertently stealing from an enchanted tiger to help her sick grandmother, she must make amends.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 860LATOS Book Level 5.5View book details
The International House of DerelictionJacqueline DaviesTen-year-old Alice and her father can fix anything, but can Alice solve the mysteries of the abandoned house next door?Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 870LATOS Book Level 5.6View book details
The One and Only Ruby (The One and Only series)Katherine ApplegateRuby, a young elephant, worries about growing up with her adopted herd at a wildlife sanctuary. Greyscale spot illustrations. Glossary. Author’s note.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 650LATOS Book Level 4.2View book details
The Puppets of Spelhorst (Norendy Tales series)Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Julie MorstadFive puppets—a girl, a boy, a king, a wolf, and an owl— live their dreams in a play within the story. Atmospheric pencil illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 570LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
SkyridersPolly HolyokeThirteen-year-old junior courier Kie and her winged horse N’Rah reluctantly enter the fight to save the empire when the savage chimerae return to Prekalt.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 930LATOS Book Level 6.1View book details
Squire & KnightScott Chantler, illustrated by Scott ChantlerA blowhard knight and a cursed town are rescued by an undervalued, brainy squire and a misunderstood dragon. Meticulously detailed three-tone drawings.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Witch of WoodlandLaurel SnyderEstranged from her best friend and preparing for her bat mitzvah, witch Zippy conjures an angel-like creature who helps to reconcile Zippy with her Jewish identity.Nine to TwelveView book details
Eagle DrumsNasuġraq Rainey HopsonA boy on a dangerous journey is kidnapped by eagles in this Iñupiaq origin story of the Messenger Feast. Detailed colored pencil drawings and elegant spot art.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 910LATOS Book Level 5.9View book details
Ghost BookRemy Lai, illustrated by Remy LaiJuly Chen, 12, meets a boy ghost whose fate may be linked to hers. They need to outrun a death god to find answers. Action-packed full-color illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure GN340LATOS Book Level 2.9View book details
The Skull: A Tyrolean FolktaleJon KlassenHaunting winter scenes accompany this strange and spooky tale about a bold girl who befriends and protects an unusual character. Graphite and ink illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Very Unfortunate Wish of Melony YoshimuraWaka T. BrownMelony wishes for freedom from her overprotective parents. A shape-shifting demon, posing as her best friend, sabotages all her relationships. Spot art. Based on a Japanese folk tale.Nine to TwelveView book details
Farewell Cuba, Mi IslaAlexandra DiazWhen Victoria and her family flee to Miami from Castro’s regime in 1960, she helps her cousin bring the rest of the family over. Glossary. Author’s note.Nine to TwelveView book details
Granny Came Here on the Empire WindrushPatrice LawrenceAva and her Trinidadian grandmother talk about inspirational women in Black history, and then Ava decides who to dress up as for a school project. Vibrant yellow-hued illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Honey Jar: An Armenian’s Escape to FreedomJoan SchoettlerDuring his family’s harrowing escape from Armenia in 192O, eight-year-old Bedros becomes responsible for his three sisters, but one of them gets lost. Do they ever reunite? Based on a true story. Free verse. Map. Author’s note.Nine to TwelveView book details
I Am KaviThushanthi PonweeraKavi, 10, a scholarship student in 1998 Sri Lanka, lies in order to be liked by the popular girls—until she is caught. Free verse.Nine to TwelveView book details
Parachute KidsBetty C. TangIn 1981, ten-year-old Feng-Li and her family travel from Taiwan to California for a dream vacation. Her happiness evaporates when her parents reveal their plans. Bold-colored graphic illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure HL250LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
PiecePiece: Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt by Lupe Ruiz-FloresDuring the Great Depression, a Mexican American girl gratefully creates a special gift for the president, using wood from government food boxes. Based on a true story. Realistic color illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Sweetness All AroundSuzanne SuppleeHer parents’ divorce and financial difficulties force almost-11-year-old Josephine to move into a dingy trailer park with her mother. Can she find friends? Set in 1974.Nine to TwelveView book details
Juniper’s ChristmasEoin ColferWhen her mother suddenly disappears just before Christmas, biracial Juniper, 11, seeks the help of a recluse, not realizing who he is. Black-and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Book That No One Wanted to ReadRichard AyoadeThe Book explores why we read and what we read. Funny, philosophical, and adroitly illustrated with affectionately amusing line drawings.Nine to TwelveView book details
Leeva at LastSara PennypackerLeaving a mother who obsesses about fame and a father who hoards his fortune, Leeva begins her personal odyssey. Humorous spot illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 750LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
The StorytellerBrandon HobsonZiggy, a Cherokee boy searching for his mom who disappeared many years ago, meets humans and animals whose stories help him with his anxiety.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Worlds We Leave BehindA.F. HarroldTender Tommo and impulsive Hex are best friends until an accident tears them apart. Revenge, shame, longing, and loss are eloquently explored. Black-and-white illustrations of magical elements.Nine to TwelveView book details
Travis Daventhorpe: For the Win! (Travis Daventhorpe series)Wes Molebash, illustrated by Wes MolebashTravis, an 11-year-old genius robotic engineer, is an outcast, until he discovers a multiverse. Now its survival depends on him, a wizard, and his sentient robot. Energetic cartoon illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Grip (Marcus Stroman series)Marcus Stroman, with Samantha ThornhillA fictionalized account of the author as a talented hard- working young pitcher whose performance anxiety leads him to a mental health professional for help.Nine to TwelveView book details
Off the Bench (Fred Bowen Sports Story series)Fred BowenKris wants to be a starting player like his older brother, but his new coach makes him his team’s “sixth man. ” Can he still feel important?Nine to TwelveView book details
Mature contentCan We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers?Junauda PetrusA free-verse poem, originally written after the 2014 death of Michael Brown, is paired with vibrant illustrations and presents a world where caring and emotional warmth can solve community problems.Nine to TwelveView book details
Galápagos: Islands of ChangeLeslie BulionCrucial organisms in the Galápagos ecosystems are highlighted in varied, lyrical verse, accompanied by colorful illustrations and scientific explanations. Back matter includes glossary, map, poetry notes, and resources.Nine to TwelveView book details
Lila Duray: A Collection of Delightfully Delectable PoemsEmily MorrisonPoems on a wide variety of subjects familiar to preteens will delight them with humor and originality. Whimsical illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
My Head Has a Bellyache and More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-UpsChris HarrisInventive, humorous, and thoughtful poems in multiple forms are accompanied by cartoon-style illustrations. Glossary of poetic terms.Nine to TwelveView book details
A Walk in the WoodsNikki GrimesA map left by his late father leads a boy through the woods to a treasure trove that assuages his grief. Extraordinary watercolors of woods and wildlife. Free verse.Nine to TwelveView book details
Welcome to the Wonder HouseRebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia HeardTwenty-nine poems, housed on dreamy muted-palette backgrounds and assigned to 12 rooms based on their musings, encourage curiosity and questions.Nine to TwelveView book details
A Whale of a Time: A Funny Poem for Each Day of the YearLou Peacock, illustrated by Matt Hunt, Lou PeacockWhimsical, witty, often hilarious poems for each calendar day by poets, familiar and unfamiliar. Varied poetic forms. Comical illustrations of diverse children. Indexes. Bibliography.Nine to TwelveView book details
What You Need to Be WarmNeil GaimanWhat are your memories of being warm? The UN Refugee Agency goodwill ambassador has woven the responses to his question into a free-verse poem. Illustrated by 13 notable artists. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Antiracist Kitchen: 21 Stories (and Recipes)Nadia L. HohnTwenty-one authors from different parts of North America share stories and recipes that celebrate their families’ lives and depict how they dealt with racism. Folk-art-style illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave ArtHannah SalyerVivid images created with colored pencil, charcoal, and pigment illuminate the creative spark that has united humankind throughout the millennia. Back matter includes site map, glossary, and timeline.Nine to TwelveView book details
Beautiful Noise: The Music of John CageLisa RogersAvant-garde composer/musician John Cage heard the ordinary noises of everyday life as music and composed pieces to help listeners hear what he heard. Jazzy colorful illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous DucklingsAngela Burke KunkelThe ducks depicted in Make Way for Ducklings became beloved sculptures in Boston’s Public Garden through the collaboration of the author and a sculptress. Atmospheric digital illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure AD820LATOS Book Level 5.2View book details
On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei’s Art Is Changing the TideJoanna HoUsing Ai’s “Safe Passage” installation, consisting of thousands of refugees’ striking neon orange cast- off lifejackets, the author conveys Ai’s powerful humanitarian message of hope. Pencil and pastel illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify AmericaJan LowerDespite gender discrimination in the fields of science and math in the early 20th century, Clarke became the first female electrical engineer in the United States. Creative illustrations infused with mathematical equations. Rich back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Coretta’s Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott KingAlice Faye DuncanEloquent prose and poetry and animated illustrations depict the life of Coretta Scott King: mother, singer, activist, and force behind her husband’s accomplishments in the Civil Rights movement. Archival photographs.Nine to TwelveView book details
Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives during the HolocaustElisa BoxerDuring World War II, French teenager Jacqueline delivered false identification papers, concealed in a toy duck, to Jews in hiding. But was Jacqueline also hiding a dangerous secret? Atmospheric mixed-media illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie OrmesTraci N. ToddHow did Ormes, a pioneering Black cartoonist, create her iconic comic strip characters? Stylish digital art incorporates comic-art techniques. Back matter.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 701LATOS Book Level 4.5View book details
I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the PeopleAnne BroylesDiscovering his talent for painting almost by accident, Fasanella left his labor union job to depict working class lives. Illustrations mimic his exuberant paintings and include reproductions of his art. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My LifeJerry PinkneyA famous illustrator candidly remembers his passion for creating art, his unidentified dyslexia, and his youth in a Black neighborhood in 1940s and 1950s Philadelphia. Dynamic sketches. Epilogue, time line.Nine to TwelveView book details
Ketanji: Justice Jackson’s Journey to the U.S. Supreme CourtKekla MagoonStrikingly realistic artwork accompanies the story of the Supreme Court justice whose brilliance and determination have helped her break barriers and serve as a remarkable role model.Nine to TwelveView book details
Love Is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights MovementSandra Neil WallaceRefusing to go along to get along, Nash became a crucial leader of the 1960s nonviolent civil rights protests. Compelling watercolors and collages. Back matter. Time line.Nine to TwelveView book details
Major Taylor: World Cycling ChampionCharles R. Smith JrVibrant digital illustrations capture the struggles and triumphs of the man who, in 1899, became the first African American world champion in cycling.Nine to TwelveView book details
Mexikid: A Graphic MemoirPedro MartínA coming-of-age graphic memoir that captures the humor and poignancy of sibling relations, cultural identity, family history, and an epic road trip. Vibrant panels.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure HL530LATOS Book Level 3.5View book details
Santiago Saw Things Differently: Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Artist, Doctor, Father of NeuroscienceChristine IversonAs a child, Cajal loved art. As a doctor, his way of seeing led him to discoveries about brain cells. His drawings are incorporated into the sepia-tinged illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil RightsAngela DaltonFeeling underutilized as Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek, Nichols was about to quit, until she had a transformative conversation with Martin Luther King Jr. Colorful digital illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Unstoppable: How Bayard Rustin Organized the 1963 March on WashingtonMichael G. LongDespite the backlash Rustin faced for being gay, his dedication to nonviolence and tireless organizing skills were unwavering. Dynamic prose and full-color illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Climate Warriors: Fourteen Scientists and Fourteen Ways We Can Save Our PlanetLaura GehlDiverse experts—and concerned kids—engage in efforts to save the planet from the effects of global warming. Actions suggested. Diagrams and photographs. Back matter, glossary, sources.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Forest in the Sea: Seaweed Solutions to Planetary Problems (Books for a Better Earth series)Anita SanchezUnderwater algae support marine ecosystems, mitigating climate change; are used as fertilizer and food; and have a role in creating bioplastics and medicine. Full-color photographs. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Glaciers Are AliveDebbie S. MillerRealistic acrylic illustrations and simple text portray the many animals and plants that depend on glaciers, massive rivers of ice. Glossary.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure AD940LATOS Book Level 6.2View book details
Saving the Night: How Light Pollution Is Harming Life on Earth (Orca Footprints series)Stephen AitkenWhy is darkness critical for plants, animals, and humans? An introduction to the effects of light pollution. Includes suggestions for practical ways to protect the night sky. Photographs.Nine to TwelveView book details
Total Garbage: A Messy Dive into Trash, Waste, and Our WorldRebecca DonnellyWhat is trash? Where does it come from? Where does it go? And how can we be environmentally responsible? Line drawings match the blue ink of the text, adding humor and providing additional information. Time line, index, and resources.Nine to TwelveView book details
Health A Vaccine Is Like a MemoryRajani LaRocca, MDA straightforward, accessible explanation of the globe- spanning history and science behind lifesaving vaccines. Extensive sidebars. Cheerful illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
An American StoryKwame AlexanderA teacher explains how the effects of slavery connect the past to the present. Free verse. Powerful mixed- media illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure NP0LATOS Book Level 4.5View book details
Dear YesteryearKimberly Annece HendersonA poetic loving tribute to Black Americans, containing black-and-white and sepia archival photos, arranged like a family photo album, from the 19th and 20th centuries. Well sourced.Nine to TwelveView book details
Winner of the 2024 Flora Stieglitz Straus AwardThe Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the AntarcticJennifer ThermesIn the early 20th century, Crean, a member of three Antarctic expeditions, faced hardships and danger, and bravely saved a fellow crewmember’s life. Breathtaking mixed-media illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait: The Story of a Photograph That Became an American IconLeonard S. MarcusLincoln’s media-savvy side is revealed in a story focusing on the 19th-century photographers and painter who helped create his image. Color inserts. Archival images and photographs. Time lines.Nine to TwelveView book details
A Place Called America: A Story of the Land and PeopleJennifer Thermes, illustrated by Jennifer ThermesAn account of the wide range of oppressions which contributed to the creation of our nation. Detailed watercolor art. Extensive time line and sourcing.Nine to TwelveView book details
Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School EqualityVaunda Micheaux NelsonIn 1960 three Black six-year-olds braved vitriolic hostility as they broke barriers to racial segregation. Warm acrylic illustrations. Archival photos. Biographies, glossary, resources.Nine to TwelveView book details
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World SeriesTraci SorellAlthough they were subjected to racism, two great Native baseball players faced each other in an exciting game in the 1911 World Series. Digital illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 1040LATOS Book Level 5.7View book details
Game of Freedom: Mestre Bimba and the Art of CapoeiraDuncan Tonatiuh, illustrated by Duncan TonatiuhDistinctive illustrations and comprehensive text highlight a legendary teacher of capoeira, a Brazilian mix of “music, fighting, theatrics, and dance, ” now spread worldwide. Glossary, endnotes, photos. Also available in Spanish.Nine to TwelveView book details
Before Colors: Where Pigments and Dyes Come FromAnnette Bay PimentelA comprehensive account of the science and history of humankind’s quest to harness, control, and manufacture color, using plants, minerals, and chemistry. Watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil illustrations. Simple experiments. Extensive resources.Nine to TwelveView book details
Fungi GrowMaria GianferrariMushrooms grow everywhere on earth: some are edible, some medicinal, and some help trees and other plants thrive. Stunning detailed, colorful illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Genius Noses: A Curious Animal CompendiumLena AnlaufLocating food and predators, producing mating calls, and regulating body temperature are among the functions of different animals’ noses. Detailed ink and colored pencil illustrations. Glossary, notes, index.Nine to TwelveView book details
How to Spacewalk: Step-by-Step with Shuttle AstronautsKathryn D. Sullivan, Michael J. RosenThree-time space shuttle astronaut Kathryn Sullivan details the steps involved in preparing for and undertaking a spacewalk. Color illustrations and photographs, including some taken by Sullivan.Nine to TwelveView book details
Making More: How Life BeginsKatherine Roy, illustrated by Katherine RoyComprehensive accessible text aided by vibrant watercolor illustrations explains that in all species that reproduce by meiosis, new lives result from merging cells from two parents.Nine to TwelveView book details
Oliver’s Great Big UniverseJorge Cham, illustrated by Jorge ChamEleven-year-old Oliver, an aspiring astrophysicist, explains everything he learns about the whole universe. He’s helped by inspiring scientist Dr. Howard. Greyscale cartoon-style illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 740LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
Search for a Giant Squid: Pick Your Path (Science Explorers series)Amy Seto ForresterAn expedition into deep sea waters to research giant squids in their habitat has various outcomes depending on the reader’s choices. Colorful, detailed panels.Nine to TwelveView book details
A Stone Is a StoryLeslie Barnard BoothHow is a stone formed and transformed over time? Lyrically told and dramatically illustrated in a muted- color palette. Watercolor illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Your Brain Is Amazing: How the Human Mind WorksEsperanza HabingerHumorous illustrations, clear text, and supportive activities make this comprehensive exploration of the body’s most complex organ accessible and engaging. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Desert QueenJyoti Rajan GopalWhen he and his sisters were orphaned, a boy used his dance talents to become a famous drag performer, championing the folk traditions of Rajasthan. Lyrical free verse text. Swirling mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?: Explore Earth’s Most Extreme Places through Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch, and TasteLeisa Stewart-SharpeBring your five senses to experience 12 amazing locations. Geographical and historical information. Enlivening illustrations. Glossary.Nine to TwelveView book details
My Incredible IndiaJasbinder BilamThrough a series of mementos she has collected, a grandmother introduces her granddaughter to their vast, diverse homeland. Mixed-media art reflects the vibrant colors of India. Back matter, index.Nine to TwelveView book details
Yellow Butterfly: A Story from UkraineOleksandr Shatokhin, illustrated by Oleksandr ShatokhinStark black-and-white illustrations yield to a hopeful resolution in the form of the bright colors of the Ukrainian flag for a girl experiencing the Russia- Ukraine war. Wordless.Nine to TwelveView book detailsTwelve to Fourteen
96 selections
WreckerCarl HiaasenWhile fishing off Key West, biracial Valdez Jones VIII, 15, encounters a suspicious gang that coerces him into helping with their clandestine operation. A fast-paced thriller set during the COVID crisis.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 810LATOS Book Level 5.2View book details
Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC AuthorsAida Salazar, Yamile Saied MendezCelebratory or embarrassing, surprising or long- awaited—the range of emotions, the cultural connections, and self-knowledge that accompany the onset of menstruation are explored.Twelve to FourteenView book details
You Are Here: Connecting FlightsEllen OhTwelve loosely linked narratives of Asian American teens, strangers to each other, unfold when all flights out of a Chicago airport are grounded during a thunderstorm. Black-and-white spot art.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Akane-banashi (Akane-banashi series)Yuki SuenagaWhen her father’s dreams of becoming a master rakugo storyteller are dashed, daughter Akane vows to take up the mantle and avenge his disgrace. Dramatic black- and-white artwork. Endnotes.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Barely FloatingLilliam RiveraFat, feisty, confident Latina Nat, 12, is determined to be a synchronized swimmer. But that means lying to her parents and neglecting her best friend. Can she succeed, and is it worth it?Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 590LATOS Book Level 3.8View book details
The Beautiful Something ElseAsh Van OtterlooWhen her mother is hospitalized after a serious breakdown, Sparrow, 12, must move in with relatives she doesn’t know and begin to understand and come to terms with her own nonbinary identity.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 810LATOS Book Level 5.2View book details
Cross My Heart and Never LieNora DåsnesSeventh-grade friends Tuva, Linnéa, and Bao drift apart when Linnéa reveals that she has a boyfriend. Then Tuva discovers her own feelings for new student Mariam. Digital color art.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure HL430LATOS Book Level 3.2View book details
Half Moon SummerElaine VickersA boring summer takes an interesting turn for Drew when he meets Mia. Drew’s father, dealing with failing health, encourages them to participate in a half marathon. Digital black-and-white spot illustrations.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 740LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
HandsTorrey MaldonadoTrev, a Black tween, would do anything to protect his mom from his stepdad. He believes that learning to fight is his only option. Adults in his life disagree.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure HL430LATOS Book Level 3.1View book details
Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet CuteSayantani DasGuptaAt a summer camp casting a multicultural TV adaptation of Jane Austen, two teenagers of Bengali and Bangladeshi Chinese Singaporean heritage fall in love. Many amusing misunderstandings.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Mature contentTiger DaughterRebecca LimWen helps a fellow Chinese immigrant student in their Australian school. Both live in poverty, with troubled parents. Could a scholarship to a better school save one of them?Twelve to FourteenView book details
What Happened to Rachel Riley?Claire SwinarskiAs a newcomer in eighth grade, Anna wonders why Rachel is shunned by classmates, and is determined to use a school project to investigate. Emails and texts reveal significant details.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 750LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
Big Winner (Orca Currents series)Sylvia TaekemaWhen Digby, a mentally challenged teen, wins a million- dollar lottery, Skye, 14, steps up to protect him from those who would prey on him.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Good DifferentMeg Eden KuyattWhile navigating middle school, Selah, 13, learns she is on the autism spectrum. Empathetic and hopeful free verse poems explore her journey of self-discovery.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 800LATOS Book Level 5.1View book details
MascotCharles Waters, Traci SorellWhat if a middle school’s mascot is seen as racist, but not by everybody? Six eighth graders explore whether the mascot should stay or be changed. Free verse.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 710LATOS Book Level 4.9View book details
No Place Like HomeJames BirdOpin and his Ojibwe family live in their car, but his mother’s spirit and humor and a new dog teach him to love learning and life.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 590LATOS Book Level 3.9View book details
The Probability of EverythingSarah EverettBelieving that there are only four days until the end of the earth, Kemi, an 11-year-old Nigerian American, puts together a time capsule with objects from family members. In reality, it is a very different end she is mourning.Twelve to FourteenWord Count 52720View book details
Skating on MarsCaroline HuntoonComing out as nonbinary, Veronica wants to be known as Mars. Though they are a talented figure skater, there doesn’t seem to be a competition they can enter. Family and friends offer help.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Tethered to Other StarsElisa Stone LeahyWendy’s Salvadoran Guatemalan family seems safe from ICE, but when she uncovers papers secretly stored away, she becomes more active in the immigration issues facing her community.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Wild PoppiesHaya SalehTwo brothers with very different personalities face great hardships during the Syrian civil war. Omar, 15, often timid, must find his younger fearless brother, Sufyan, 12.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 860LATOS Book Level 5.5View book details
GlobalEoin Colfer, Andrew DonkinTwo children, one in the Arctic Circle, the other in the Bay of Bengal, fight for their lives amid environmental change. Rich, dynamic illustrations. End notes on global warming.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure HL330LATOS Book Level 2.8View book details
Family/School/Community All You Have to DoAutumn AllenTwo young Black men, one at an elite prep school in 1995 and one at Columbia University in 1968, act to understand and define themselves.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Braid GirlsSherri WinstonAs summer day-camp counselors, three Black 12-year- old friends decide to earn money by offering complex hair-braiding after camp. Rivalry with another group challenges them.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 681LATOS Book Level 4.4View book details
Eb & FlowKelly J. BaptistIn alternating voices, two Black seventh graders relate their experiences and feelings during their 10-day home suspensions following a school fight. Free verse.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Farther Than the MoonLindsay LackeyHouston, 13, accepted into a junior astronaut program, has to leave behind his brother, Robbie, who has cerebral palsy. Overcome with guilt, Houston tries to find a way to give Robbie his own lunar experience.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 670LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
Finally SeenKelly YangLeft in Beijing five years ago, Lina rejoins her parents in California and discovers how precarious their lives are. What might be within her power to do?Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 650LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinnSally J. PlaMaudie’s mom and stepdad can’t accept her autistic coping mechanisms. She spends the summer with her dad, hoping for a permanent escape, but then there’s a wildfire.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 669LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
The Firefly SummerMorgan Matson, maps by Celia KrampienAn unexpected invitation for Ryanna to spend the summer in the Poconos with the maternal grandparents and cousins she has never met leads to uncovering a family mystery. Black-and-white spot art. Maps.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 781LATOS Book Level 5View book details
Forget-Me-Not BlueSharelle Byars MoranvilleA troubled, unstable mother who ends up in prison has made 10-year-old Sofie’s life a nightmare. In spite of support from her brother, a teacher, and friends, foster care looms.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Indigo and IdaHeather Murphy CappsBiracial eighth grader Indigo, inspired by Ida B. Wells, exposes discrimination in school, jeopardizing close friendships and disrupting her life.Twelve to FourteenWord Count 52413View book details
Lost in TaiwanMark Crilley, illustrated by Mark CrilleyReluctantly visiting Taiwan, ill-tempered teen Paul goes on a quest to find a new video game, drops his phone in a puddle, and gets lost. Pencil and watercolor artwork.Twelve to FourteenView book details
No Matter the DistanceCindy BaldwinPenny, 11, who has cystic fibrosis, forms a deep bond with an ailing dolphin stranded in their creek. Can she help save it? Free verse.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 899LATOS Book Level 5.8View book details
Not an Easy WinChrystal D. GilesFollowing another school fight, African American Lawrence, 12, is suspended, but finds refuge at the local recreation center where learning to play competitive chess gives him new hope.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 770LATOS Book Level 5View book details
The Order of ThingsKaija LangleyWhen Zee, a very talented violinist, enters a new STEAM school, April, his best friend, is left alone in sixth grade. Too soon tragedy strikes. Free verse.Twelve to FourteenView book details
A Pocketful of StarsAisha BushbyThirteen-year-old Safiya doesn’t see eye-to-eye with her mother, but when her mom falls into a coma, Safiya tries to save her through taking action within dreams of her mother’s childhood in Kuwait.Twelve to FourteenWord Count 50269View book details
RupturedJoanne Rossmassler FritzThirteen-year-old Claire struggles to cope when her family’s annual vacation in Maine is beset by marital problems and her mother’s sudden life-threatening illness. In verse.Twelve to FourteenWord Count 28953View book details
School TripJerry Craft, illustrated by Jerry CraftAccepted to art high school, eighth grader Jordan can’t decide whether to go or to stay at the school he attends with his friends. A class trip to Europe helps him decide. Vibrant colorful panels.Twelve to FourteenWord Count 17119View book details
Simon Sort of SaysErin BowSeventh grader Simon and his parents move to a remote Nebraska town to escape notoriety following a school shooting. Humor along with pathos and healing.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 811LATOS Book Level 5.2View book details
SquishedMegan Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Mee NutterKorean American Avery, 11, loves her six siblings (most of the time) but dreams of having her own room. Colorful, animated panels.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure GN520LATOS Book Level 3.4View book details
Two TribesEmily Bowen CohenMia, Jewish and Muscogee, doesn’t know much about her Native side. Using her bat mitzvah money, she secretly visits her dad to learn more about Native traditions. Mixed-media artwork.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 420LATOS Book Level 2.9View book details
Bea WolfZach WeinersmithWhen kids hanging out in an elaborate treehouse are threatened with adulthood by neighbor Grindle, five- year-old Bea Wolf comes to the rescue. Black-and- white cartoon-style artwork.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 841LATOS Book Level 5.4View book details
The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall TaleHeather SmithEwan’s mother died when he was seven; his father disappeared two years later. Now 11, the formerly timid boy determines to find his dad. Black-and-white illustrations.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Girl from Earth’s EndTara DairmanHenna leaves her dads and solitary home in the hope of finding a rare seed to make a miracle cure and save her family. Map. Black-and-white spot illustrations.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing KingdomNina VarelaWhen her family moves yet again, shy loner Juniper must try to adapt. An unexpected friendship with magical Princess Galatea and the discovery of amazing secret powers change Juniper’s life.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Miles Morales Suspended (Spider-Man Graphic Novel series/Miles Morales series)Jason ReynoldsA day of in-school suspension forces Miles to use his superpowers to battle a fellow student who is destroying books as a termite. Is Miles up to the challenge? Told in alternating prose and verse. Greyscale illustrations.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Once upon a Time in the North (gift edition, His Dark Materials series)Philip PullmanA tightly plotted adventure featuring aeronaut Lee Scoresby on his first meeting with the armored bear Iorek Byrnison. Atmospheric full-color woodblock- print-style artwork.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Something Close to MagicEmma MillsAurelie, a humble baker’s apprentice, is recruited to use her Seeking skills to find Elias Allred. What will the consequences be if she succeeds?Twelve to FourteenView book details
UnravellerFrances Hardinge“When consumed by hate, cursers can destroy another person’s life. ” Only Kellen can unravel curses, but now he too is cursed. But who would have done that, and why?Twelve to FourteenView book details
Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends behind Your Favorite FoodsGrace LinDiscover the origin stories, myths, folk tales, and traditions behind some of the most popular dishes found on the menus of Chinese restaurants. Colorful mixed-media illustrations.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 1040LATOS Book Level 7.1View book details
The DavenportsKrystal MarquisRomantic intrigue is afoot among the teens of the wealthy Chicago Black community in 1910. Inspired by two 20th-century Black entrepreneurs.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure HL720LATOS Book Level 5.4View book details
HoopsMatt TavaresIn 1975, when her high school finally forms a women’s basketball team, player Judi Wilson quickly discovers the disparities between men’s and women’s sports. Inspired by a true story. Crisp, colorful digital art. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 361LATOS Book Level 2.6View book details
Land of Broken PromisesJane KuoAnna (Ai Shi) and her immigrant Taiwanese family work hard to make ends meet in California. Then they discover that their visas have expired. Free verse.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 811LATOS Book Level 5.2View book details
The Lost YearKatherine MarshSeparated from his journalist father during COVID, Matthew, 13, discovers a deeply held family secret about his great-grandmother’s life in Ukraine during the 1930s Holodomor famine. Black-and-white spot illustrations. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Nothing Else but MiraclesKate AlbusWhen Dory’s father joins the army, her older brother must care for the younger siblings in 1940s lower Manhattan. A lot goes wrong, but Dory never gives up.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Plot to Kill a QueenDeborah HopkinsonAspiring playwright Emilia is assigned to verify whether a rumored plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I is linked to Mary Queen of Scots. A witty romp. Black- and-white archival images and spot art. Extensive back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Remember UsJacqueline WoodsonAs mysterious fires destroy her Bushwick community, African American Sage, 12, shares her love of basketball with her friend, Freddy, while also grappling with her father’s death and her sexual identity.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 669LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
The Secret SistersAviIn 1925 Ida leaves her Colorado farm to attend high school. Boarding in town, she discovers friendships, electricity, telephones, movies, and more. Glossary of flapper-era slang. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Shira & Esther’s Double Dream DebutAnna E. JordanShira dreams of performing onstage, while Esther dreams of studying Torah. It takes chutzpah for the 12-year-old look-alikes to switch places to pursue their dreams. Glossary. Author’s note.Twelve to FourteenView book details
A Sky Full of SongSusan Lynn MeyerIn 1905, fleeing antisemitic pogroms in Ukraine, 11-year-old Shoshana and her family homestead in North Dakota. She struggles to fit in and tries to hide her Jewish identity. Author’s note, bibliography.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 660LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
The Umbrella HouseColleen Nelson, map by Peggy CollinsTwo creative and resourceful 12-year-olds work to prevent developers from destroying their East Village apartment building. Map. Black-and-white spot art. Archival photograph of the Umbrella House. Sources.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Wild BirdDiane ZahlerRescued by a ship’s crew after surviving a plague, Rype journeys across Europe, meeting troubadours, escaping violence, and, slowly, remembering her past.Twelve to FourteenView book details
World Made of GlassAmi PolonskyIn 1987, seventh-grader Iris is broken-hearted after her father dies of AIDS. When she is confronted by intensifying homophobia, she becomes an activist.Twelve to FourteenWord Count 50565View book details
Huda F Cares?Huda FahmyWill Huda and her sisters bond on their family trip to Disney World? How do they handle being so visibly Muslim? Simple yet expressive cartoon-style artwork.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Courage to Dream: Tales of Hope in the HolocaustNeal ShustermanFive tales take real examples of resistance and add an element of folklore and fantasy to the courage of those facing Nazi cruelty. Clear-lined artwork in a somber palette. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Dear MothmanRobin GowDevastated by the death of Lewis, the only other trans boy in his school, Noah begins writing a letter to Mothman as a way to connect to his friend who believed in the cryptid. In verse.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 701LATOS Book Level 4.5View book details
Every Day: The Graphic NovelDavid LevithanA haunting, moody graphic adaptation of Levithan’s 2012 novel about A, who wakes up as a different person every day. Full-color cartoon-style panels.Twelve to FourteenView book details
AlebrijesDonna Barba HigueraOrphans Leandro and sister Gabi survive the harsh reality of post-apocalyptic California and are the catalysts for ultimately building a better society. Soft, finely detailed black-and-white illustrations.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Catch Me If I FallBarry JonsbergTwelve-year-old Australian twins experience life in a future time when climate change has ravaged their world. They are very close, until one changes after a serious accident.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Girl Who Fell to EarthPatricia FordeFourteen-year-old Aria, from the planet Terros, is sent on a mission to destroy life on Earth, but discovers to her shock that she has human DNA.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Where the Lockwood GrowsOlivia A. ColeTwelve-year-old Erie is stuck in a town protected from wildfires by lockwood, an engineered plant that must be cut back every morning by children like her.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah EquianoHimself by Monica Edinger, Lesley YoungeThe 18th-century autobiography of an African from his capture and enslavement as a child to his liberation and life as a free man. In found verse. Archival images. Endnotes, primary sources, annotations.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Something Like HomeAndrea Beatriz ArangoWhen her parents are sent to rehab, Laura, 11, is sent to live with an aunt she doesn’t know and finds companionship with a stray dog. Free verse.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 870LATOS Book Level 5.6View book details
The Song of UsKate FussnerTwo seventh grade girls experience the angst of first love and their sexual awakening while dealing with peer pressure and difficult parental issues.Twelve to FourteenView book details
A First Time for EverythingDan SantatA school trip to Europe helps Dan, 13, come out of his shell and become more confident in himself and his art. Full-color artwork. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenWord Count 13232View book details
The In-BetweenKatie Van HeidrichIn this free-verse memoir, Katie, a biracial teen, looks back on the time when her sister, brother, and divorced mother moved into an extended-stay motel room following their latest eviction. Family photos.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks OutMuzoon Almellehan with Wendy PearlmanFleeing from a Syrian village to Jordanian refugee camps and finally resettling in England, Muzoon becomes an internationally recognized advocate for educating refugee children, especially girls.Twelve to FourteenView book details
My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights MovementWillie Mae BrownAn intimate look at growing up Black in Selma, Alabama, where Brown joined her mother at church to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak.Twelve to FourteenView book details
This Boy: The Early Lives of John Lennon & Paul McCartneyIlene CooperThe influences that shaped Lennon-McCartney, warts and all, with a captivating look at 1950s England. Archival photographs. Endnotes.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Mature contentWork with What You GotZion Clark, James S. Hirsch, photographed by Mada Abdelhamid/Real DealBorn without legs to an incarcerated woman who surrendered him to the Ohio foster care system, Clark defied expectations and became an accomplished competitive athlete and motivational speaker. Black- and-white photographs.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Breaking the Mold: Changing the Face of Climate Science (Books for a Better Earth Series)Dana Alison LevySixteen inspiring profiles of environmental scientists from diverse backgrounds, and seven brief sketches of non-scientist environmental activists. Informational sidebars. Color photos and spot art. DIY projects. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness (Orca Wild series)Frances BackhouseLearn how these giant bears, an important umbrella species, can peacefully coexist with people and how they are affected by the climate crisis. Color photographs. Glossary, sources, index.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Health Roads to Family: All the Ways We Come to BeRachel HS GinocchioStraightforward prose and interviews describe various ways of making a family. Clear, colorful diagrams. Glossary, source notes, index.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Mature contentWelcome to Consent: How to Say No, When to Say Yes, and How to Be the Boss of Your Body (Welcome to Your Body series)Yumi Stynes, Dr. Melissa KangAdvice and tools for managing maturing bodies, minds, and emotions in a variety of situations. Includes a list of helpful organizations. Cheery, digital illustrations.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War IIDaniel James BrownSpotlight on three American boys who served with valor in the racially segregated, ultimately legendary, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, as their families faced stateside racist hysteria. Archival photos and maps. Index, sources. Young readers edition.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Winner of the 2024 Flora Stieglitz Straus AwardHarboring Hope: The True Story of How Henny Sinding Helped Denmark’s Jews Escape the NazisSusan HoodDuring World War II, Sinding and other Danes risked their lives to smuggle Jews to safety in Sweden. Free verse, concrete poetry, cinquain, and more. Archival photos. Poetry notes, detailed sources.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global CelebrityNicholas DayA compelling mystery that alternates between da Vinci’s life during the Renaissance and the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911. Black-and-white illustrations. Extensive back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and FreedomYohuru Williams, Michael G. LongAn account of the little-known work behind the historic civil rights march in 1963, including information about how women were ignored despite the contributions they made. Archival images and photographs.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Of All Tribes: American Indians and AlcatrazJoseph BruchacFrom 1969 to 1971, a group of Native American activists occupied the former Alcatraz Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay. What led to this occupation? What is its legacy today? Archival images and photos. Extensive back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Race against Death: The Greatest POW Rescue of World War II (True Stories in Focus series)Deborah HopkinsonBrief bios of brave Americans and Filipinos who suffered starvation, disease, and brutality defending the Philippines against the Japanese following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Black-and-white archival photographs. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Shipwrecked!: Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean FloorMartin W. SandlerSome shipwrecks are discovered by accident. Finding others requires collaboration and patience, unraveling mysteries, and waiting for treacherous seas to calm. Sidebars. Archival images and photos. Diagrams and maps. Sources.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 1300LATOS Book Level 8.9View book details
We Are Your Children Too: Black Students, White Supremacists, and the Battle for America’s Schools in Prince Edward County, VirginiaP. O’Connell PearsonIn 1951 African American students in a segregated school district went on strike to advocate for equal facilities. Years of legal battles resulted as the county refused to allow integration. Interview. Archival photos. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Law and Justice How to Be a (Young) AntiracistIbram X. Kendi, Nic StoneThrough second-person narration, Stone, a young adult author, masterfully adapts and enlivens Kendi’s How to Be an Antracist for middle and high school students. Excellent endnotes.Twelve to FourteenView book details
What It’s Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing—What Birds Are Doing, and WhyDavid Allen Sibley, illustrated by David Allen SibleyA renowned ornithologist shares his exquisite, detailed renderings of birds and encyclopedic knowledge of their unique characteristics and commonalities. Three hundred color illustrations. Tips on bird identification. Young readers edition.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Big Backyard: The Solar System beyond PlutoRon Miller, illustrated by Ron MillerA clearly written and beautifully illustrated introduction to the solar system and what lies beyond it. Photorealistic black-and-white illustrations. NASA photos. Bibliography, glossary, index.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Exoplanets: A Guide to the Worlds outside Our Solar SystemWendy BjazevichSwirling watercolors and geometric shapes provide a visual guidebook to the over 5,000 planets outside our solar system. Sources.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Learning to Be Wild: How Animals Achieve Peace, Create Beauty, and Raise FamiliesCarl SafinaSocial learning and culture are not confined to humans. Ecologist Safina joins field scientists and provides vivid details about the chimpanzees, sperm whales, and ma- caws they study. Black-and-white photographs. Young readers edition of Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace.Twelve to FourteenView book detailsFourteen and Older
119 selections
At the Speed of LiesCindy L. OtisHigh school junior Quinn has dreams of college and beyond. Can the new school club focused on missing children raise the profile of her Instagram account?Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Lake HouseSarah Beth DurstSent to an island for summer camp, three teenage girls discover that they have been abandoned. Facing numerous dangers, they struggle to survive.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 731LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
Mature contentPromise BoysNick BrooksA preparatory school known for its strict discipline is rocked by the murder of its principal. Three students, all boys of color, are arrested, then join forces to prove their innocence.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 731LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
A Starlet’s Secret to a Sensational AfterlifeKendall KulperSomeone has been killing aspiring actresses like Henrietta, and she can speak to their ghosts. Can she and her frenemy Declan bring the killer to justice?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Ta keJennifer BradburyCara’s father, an expert mountaineer, is missing. She needs to discover where he is and get him to take his medications. A World War II-era journal might hold the key.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentWe’ll Never TellWendy HeardFour classmates who sneak into buildings for their YouTube channel run into danger at a long-neglected house of dead movie stars.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Collectors: StoriesA. S. KingPilfered items from other people’s collections, empty pools for vertical skateboarding, and types of fire are among the very unusual collections explored in this anthology.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Cool. Awkward. Black.Karen StrongEighteen coming-of-age stories about nerds of African descent who traverse the intersections of self and gender identity with the added trauma of discrimination.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentTransmogrify!: 14 Fantastical Tales of Trans Magicg. haron davisStories about claiming trans and nonbinary identity include science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Characters discover the magic that lives within themselves and the power to move forward.Fourteen and OlderView book details
All That It Ever Meant: A NovelBlessing MusaririWhile grieving the death of her mother, 14-year-old Matiponesa shares her story with an invisible spirit guide as the family travels from England to Zimbabwe to mourn.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentAnd Other MistakesErika TurnerWith concurrent stresses of living in a violent home and having been outed at church, African American Aaliyah, 17, a cross-country phenom, needs to create a safety plan for herself.Fourteen and OlderView book details
An Appetite for MiraclesLaekan Zea KempComplexities of family life, cultural expectations, challenges of young love, and issues of social justice weave together in this story of two young Mexican American teenagers. In verse.Fourteen and OlderView book details
At the End of the WorldNadia MikailIf the world were about to end, how and with whom would you spend your remaining days? A profound, universal exploration of grief and zest for life. Set in Malaysia.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentBe That WayHope LarsonChristine feels unseen next to her best friend Landry and resolves to chronicle her own path to becoming a person with “shine. ” Frank and funny. Richly illustrated with intricate, varied artwork.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe Boy You Always WantedMichelle QuachWhen Chinese Vietnamese American Francine overhears her dying grandfather express despair over not having a male heir, she determines to find him an adoptive one.Fourteen and OlderWord Count 79444View book details
Chloe and the Kaishao BoysMae CoyiutoBefore Chloe leaves Manila for college in California, her father and aunts set her up on arranged dates to try to keep her closer to home. Tagalog glossary.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentDifferent for BoysPatrick NessHigh schooler Ant struggles to define and understand friendship, romance, and sexuality. Spare text, rough pencil sketches, and redacted phrases raise the emotional power of the story.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Her Good SideRebekah WeatherspoonAfrican American Bethany and Korean American Jacob agree to practice dating each other so they’ll be ready for the real thing when it comes. But what's really real? Told in alternating voices.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Hungry GhostVictoria YingValerie Chu internalizes her mother’s perfectionism and weight obsession. Val’s friends and crush are unaware of her bulimia until a crisis forces her to seek help. Graceful digital pastel panels. Resources.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentI Am Not AloneFrancisco X. StorkAlberto, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, has a mental illness, which makes him a suspect in a killing. But he finds an immediate and powerful connection and mutual support with a teen from a vastly different world.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Imogen, ObviouslyBecky AlbertalliStraight ally Imogen can’t get her bearings when faced with best friend Gretchen’s expectations and strict rules about being in queer spaces.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Love MatchPriyanka TaslimZahra’s matchmaking Bengali mother courts a rich family with a handsome son, but neither Zahra nor Harun are interested in dating. A charming but poor, parentless boy triggers complications.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Making of Yolanda la BrujaLorraine AvilaBronx high school sophomore Yolanda, a social justice activist, is learning to listen to the ancient spirits who guide her. When a white student enrolls, she senses violence.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Melancholy of SummerLouisa OnoméNigerian Canadian Summer is spiraling downward, abandoned by family and community. Can she break through her barriers and ask allies for help?Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Minus-One ClubKekla MagoonKermit has just lost his sister. He is invited to join a secret high school support group for the bereaved, but how are they dealing with their grief?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption StorySarah Myer, illustrated by Sarah MyerAdopted from South Korea by white parents, Sarah is bullied and ridiculed at school. Unable to suppress her anger, she finds solace in art, anime, and manga. Bold, emotional artwork.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Moonlit VineElizabeth SantiagoTaína (aka Ty), learns about her rich family history going back several centuries in Puerto Rico, which empowers her to lift up her current-day family and community.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentNigeria JonesIbi ZoboiAs the daughter of a charismatic Black leader, 16-year- old Nigeria is expected to fill the role of her absent mother. Homeschooled, she searches for freedom at a private Quaker school.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 829LATOS Book Level 5.3View book details
Ode to My First CarRobin GowTaking a job at a nursing home to pay for the damages to her car, Claire, bisexual, meets Lena, an 85-year-old lesbian, and sees connections in their lives. In verse. Black-and-white occasional illustrations.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Picture-Perfect BoyfriendBecky DeanLying to her family about a fake boyfriend, Kenzie is surprised when “Jacob” turns up as the family arrives in Hawaii. Complications ensue.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Planning PerfectHaley NeilTrying to make sense of her asexuality, Felicity attempts to find something to control: her mother’s wedding. Her plans are perfect—or are they?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Rana Joon and the One and Only NowShideh EtaatAs she approaches high school graduation in 1996, Rana struggles with her sexuality, the expectations of her Iranian family, and her best friend’s death.Fourteen and OlderView book details
This Time It’s RealAnn LiangWriter Eliza and actor Caz—two talented seniors at an International School in Beijing—secretly share their gifts to boost college acceptance chances. Friendship, then unexpected romance, follow.Fourteen and OlderView book details
True TrueDon P. HooperAttending a Manhattan private school, Brooklynite Gil is suspended on his first day because of a racist incident and must fight against all odds to thrive.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Unstoppable Bridget BloomAllison L. BitzEnrolled in a boarding school’s prestigious music program, a brash, self-absorbed, musically talented teen learns there is more to music and life than center stage.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Warrior Girl UnearthedAngeline BoulleyPerry’s summer internship places her squarely in the midst of attempts to repatriate her ancestors’ remains from collectors and entangles her in the frightening disappearances of young, local Native women.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure HL720LATOS Book Level 5.09View book details
Mature contentWhen a Brown Girl FleesAamna QureshiFeeling suffocated by her mother, 18-year-old Pakistani American Zahra flees from her impending marriage in California. Through the local masjid, she finds a new community in Long Island.Fourteen and OlderView book details
When You Wish upon a LanternGloria ChaoFriendship between Liya and Kai in Chicago’s Chinatown frays when their fathers feud. Creating a lantern festival to honor Liya’s late grandmother helps them reunite. Mandarin glossary.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Where You See YourselfClaire ForrestEffie, a wheelchair user because of cerebral palsy, has always turned to her mother to help with disability- based issues. In senior year of high school, she begins to speak out for herself.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 829LATOS Book Level 5.3View book details
BorderlessJennifer De LeonSixteen-year-old Maya, a scholarship student at Salomé Fashion Institute in Guatemala City, ignored her mother’s warning about gang members invading their neighborhood. Now she must suffer the consequences of that decision.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentDear MedusaOlivia A. ColeAfter being abused by a popular teacher, 16-year-old bisexual Alicia struggles with body image, promiscuity, and sexual identity, but eventually finds allies in unexpected places. Free verse.Fourteen and OlderView book details
An Echo in the CityK. X. SongAs she protests against a proposed Chinese extradition bill in Hong Kong in 2019, Phoenix questions both her romance with Kai and her parents’ dream that she attend college in the United States.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 769LATOS Book Level 4.9View book details
Fire from the SkyMoa Backe ÅstotÁnte, a Sámi reindeer herder in Northern Sweden, finds it increasingly hard to fight his feelings for his friend Erik. Can he overcome cultural prejudice and find happiness?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Forever Is NowMariama J. LockingtonSadie, a Black teen struggling with anxiety, witnesses a violent false arrest. She spirals into agoraphobia, but an online community of activists helps her find her voice. Back matter.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure HL710LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
Mature contentI Kick and I FlyRuchira GuptaHeera, a South Asian Indian teenager, escapes being sold into the sex trade by learning kung fu to protect herself and others. Endnotes.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentPlan ADeb CalettiThe Texas law prohibiting abortion after six weeks causes 16-year-old Ivy, pregnant after a nonconsensual encounter, to travel to Oregon with her boyfriend for a legal abortion.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Run for Your LifeJane MitchellAzari and her mother have fled the brutality of their homeland. Landing in Ireland, they struggle to survive among other immigrants in a new society.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Your Plantation Prom Is Not OkayKelly McWilliamsIn Louisiana, Harriet battles racism and her own rage monster when a white woman purchases the plantation next door and transforms it into a special events venue. Author’s note.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Family/School/Community All Alone with YouAmelia Diane CoombsHigh school senior Eloise reluctantly volunteers to help the elderly in order to beef up her college application and unexpectedly finds friendship—and possibly more— with fellow volunteer Austin and 73-year-old Marianne.Fourteen and OlderView book details
All That’s Left to SayEmery LordHannah transfers to private school in senior year, solely focused on finding the dealer who sold her beloved late cousin Fentanyl-laced drugs. Will she find the truth she needs?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Brighter Than the SunDaniel AlemanSixteen-year-old Soledad, who has American citizenship, crosses the border into the U.S. weekly to work to help support her Tijuana family and to attend school. How to shoulder great burdens while carving out one’s identity?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Fake Dates and MooncakesSher LeeGrieving the loss of his mom, 17-year-old Dylan meets Theo, an upper-class first love, while trying to win the mooncake competition to save his aunt’s beleaguered Singaporean Chinese take-out restaurant.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Give Me a SignAnna SortinoCan a job at a summer camp for deaf and blind kids help Lilah, 17, fully accept her own severe deafness and find a place in the Deaf community?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Hopeless in HopeWanda John-KehewinWhen her grandmother is hospitalized, 14-year-old Eva, a Cree girl from British Columbia, winds up in a group home, separated from her four-year-old brother, alcoholic mother, and beloved cat.Fourteen and OlderView book details
I’d Rather Burn Than BloomShannon C. F. RogersAfter the death of her mother, Filipina American Marisol spirals into grief and regret over their difficult relationship. Can a new friendship help Marisol process her loss?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra KimPatricia ParkAfter Papi’s death, senior Alejandra Kim doesn’t feel as if she belongs at her Manhattan prep school or her immigrant Queens neighborhood. Can she escape to her dream college?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Look on the Bright SideLily Williams, Karen SchneemannAs BFFs Christine, Brit, Abby, and Sasha begin their junior year in high school, they must deal with various challenges, such as grades, boyfriends, girlfriends, and sexuality. Clear, focused panels.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Only This Beautiful MomentAbdi NazemianWhen three generations of Jafarzadeh men are united in Tehran, their stories and secrets are revealed. Elegantly told in alternating narratives.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Quiet and the LoudHelena FoxGeorgia’s life is burdened with weighty responsibilities for family and friends. Can she finally express her own needs?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Saints of the HouseholdAri TisonBrothers Max and Jay, of Costa Rican Bribri descent, each struggle to process the aftermath of violence in their small Minnesota town. Alternating perspectives told in prose and verse.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Seven Percent of Ro DevereuxEllen O’CloverA high school nerd invents an app that predicts details about a person’s life with 93% accuracy. It goes viral, affecting many lives, including hers and her ex-best friend’s.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Time OutSean Hayes, Todd Milliner, with Carolyn GreenwaldAt a pep rally in a basketball-obsessed rural Georgia town, the high school team’s captain announces he is gay. Cheers turn to jeers.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel based on the novelMeg Medina, illustrated by Mel Valentine VargasPiddy is having a difficult time adjusting to teenagerhood and a new high school. Bullying and violence from a girl gang threaten to derail her goals. Blue, grey, black, and white pastel panels.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Champion of Fate (Heromaker series)Kendare BlakeAdopted by the Aristene, immortal female warriors with magical powers, Reed trains as a fighter, despite knowing her destiny lies in championing a hero who may die.Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Door in the DarkScott ReintgenRen is a talented scholarship student at an exclusive wizarding school. A spell goes awry, trapping her and five others in unknown territory. Ren’s survival depends on trusting them.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure HL690LATOS Book Level 5.2View book details
FlowerheartCatherine BakewellClara must learn to control dangerous magic to save her father and, with her childhood friend, find an antidote to the potion afflicting their community. Graceful black-and-white spot art.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Isles of the GodsAmie KaufmanWhen Selly’s ship is boarded by a prince on a secret diplomatic mission, events lead to danger, treason, and romance. Can Selly learn to control her magic?Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Little Like WakingAdam Rex, illustrated by Adam RexA near accident and a new boy in her picture-perfect life cause Zelda to believe that she is dreaming. What will happen to her dreamworld if she awakens? Full-page black-and-white illustrations.Fourteen and OlderView book details
NightbirdsKate J. Armstrong, maps by Svera DoroshevaIn Simta, where magic is publicly forbidden but privately embraced, three girls with magical power learn they are not alone and can change their world. Detailed maps.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Once There WasKiyash MonsefFollowing the sudden death of her Iranian father, Marjan inherits his veterinary clinic, discovering his patients included mythical animals. She resolves to uncover the mystery surrounding his life.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 700LATOS Book Level 4.9View book details
RavensongCayla FayDemi-god Neve has spent lifetimes defending the mortal world against demons from hell. Then she meets Alexandria, a human, and falls in love.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Spice RoadMaiya IbrahimFrom the hidden desert city of Qalia, protected for a millennium by secret spice magic, Imani, an expert swordfighter, sets out to recover her brother from a distant outer world. Detailed map.Fourteen and OlderView book details
This Dark DescentKalyn JosephsonMikira bets everything to ride in a dangerous horse race, aided by a powerful but persecuted enchanter and a mysterious noble sponsor. Black-and-white spot art and map.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Savage Her ReplyDeirdre SullivanForced to marry her sister’s widower, Aife takes vengeance on her blameless stepchildren. Challenging, emotionally raw retelling of a well-known Irish fairy tale. Spare, contemplative ink illustrations.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentSpinRebecca CapraraRaised in a family of weavers in ancient Greece, Arachne transforms from a simple peasant girl into the woman who challenges goddess Athena in a life- changing contest. Free verse. Black-and-white spot art.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentWe Are All So Good at SmilingAmber McBrideWhimsy, a Black teen, has been hospitalized again for severe clinical depression. When her friend Faerry becomes lost in the Forest, she must face the truth that has been buried all along.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure NP0LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
ArtificeSharon CameronIsa, desperate for money, decides to sell the Nazis a fake Rembrandt drawn by her father. Can his forgeries be put to other uses? Based on historical figures.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The BlackwoodsBrandy ColbertWhen legendary actress Blossom Blackwood dies, family secrets emerge. An account of a Black Hollywood dynasty told from multiple generations’ points of view.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Edelweiss Pirates: Teenage Rebels in Nazi GermanyDirk Reinhardt, introduction by Michael RosenUnorganized groups of teenagers, mostly around Cologne, Germany, who refused to participate in the Hitler Youth, eventually become resistance fighters against the Nazi regime. Historical notes, glossary.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentFor LambLesa Cline-RansomeMultiple narrators tell the heart-wrenching story of a Black family in 1930s Jackson, Mississippi, where an interracial friendship leads to tragic consequences.Fourteen and OlderView book details
I’ll Tell You No LiesAmanda McCrinaWhen Shelby’s military intelligence officer father is assigned to interrogate a Soviet defector, she becomes entangled with the young pilot and must decide whom to trust.Fourteen and OlderView book details
An Improbable SeasonRosalyn EvesIn Regency England, three young women with diverse intellectual and artistic interests descend on London for their debut balls. Nothing happens in the way they had hoped.Fourteen and OlderView book details
In the TunnelJulie LeeStuck in a tunnel during the Korean War, book-loving 16-year-old Myung-gi looks back on his life with harrowing and touching ruminations on family, love, and death.Fourteen and OlderView book details
One Last Shot: The Story of Wartime Photographer Gerda TaroKip WilsonA young Jewish German girl’s lifelong dream of becoming a photographer is realized when she travels to Spain to document the Spanish Civil War. Free verse. Back matter.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Pedro & DanielFederico ErebiaPedro and Daniel are Latinx brothers who depend on each other for survival. Set in Ohio from 1968 to 1993. Includes dichos (proverbs) in Spanish. Emotive black-and-white illustrations.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe Prince and the CoyoteDavid BowlesFictionalized story of Acolmiztli/Nezahualcoyotl, brilliant 15th-century Aztec king, warrior, poet, engineer, musician, and statesman. Told in prose and verse, some translated from his poems. Striking graphite pencil and digital illustrations. Pronunciation guide, back matter.Fourteen and OlderView book details
StatelessElizabeth WeinStella, 17, is the only female pilot in a 1937 air race of European teens. When one of the pilots is killed in midair, could Stella be next? Bibliography, notes.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Family FortunaLindsay EagarA rollicking tale of a circus family, starring Avita, a girl with a beak, razor teeth, and feathers, whose act astounds her audience. But is a circus performer all she is?Fourteen and OlderView book details
I Loved You in Another LifeDavid ArnoldA mysterious singer draws lovers together throughout time, most recently aspiring actress Shosh, gutted by her sister’s death, and Evan, son of an absentee father.Fourteen and OlderView book details
ThrowbackMaurene GooAfter her grandmother’s sudden illness and an argument with her mother, Korean American Samantha is transported 30 years back in time. Can she repair her family’s relationships?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Gone WolfAmber McBrideImogen, a Black girl, lives in two worlds and two times— or does she? Solving the puzzle might help her heal. Does human freedom hang in the balance?Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 700LATOS Book Level 4.5View book details
The Infinity ParticleWendy Xu, illustrated by Wendy XuAspiring scientist Clementine has just moved to Mars to work in an acclaimed AI lab. When she meets Kye, a robot, she senses an emotional connection which shouldn’t be there. Detailed pastel pink and blue panels.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Ruby CodeJessica KhouryAsh retreats to VR to escape his unhappy home, but the reality in a fantasy game overlaps with real life, bringing profound complexities and dire possibilities.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 750LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
Star SplitterMatthew J. KirbySix years after her scientist parents left Earth in 2193, Jessica, 17, is transported 14 light years away to reunite with them. The plan goes horribly wrong.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentUnder This Forgetful SkyLauren YeroRumi lives a privileged life in Upper City. Crossing the border to find a cure for his father’s illness, he meets Paz, who has allied with the terrorists to betray him.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Rez BallByron GravesCan sophomore Tre lead his Minnesota reservation’s varsity basketball team to their first state victory, or will he be overwhelmed in his attempt to step into his late brother’s shoes?Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 681LATOS Book Level 4.4View book details
Winner of the 2024 Claudia Lewis AwardKin: Rooted in HopeCarole Boston WeatherfordThrough free verse, the author seeks and shares the story of her family tree, which has been shaped by enslavement and liberation. Expressive black-and-white scratchwork illustrations.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Writing in Color: Fourteen Writers on the Lessons We’ve LearnedNafiza Azad, Melody SimpsonA generous, practical, and inspirational guide for fledgling writers, particularly those from historically marginalized groups. Covers craft, publishing, pitfalls, perseverance, and being true to who you are.Fourteen and OlderView book details
You: The StoryRuta SepetysAn acclaimed novelist interweaves practical, encouraging advice on the craft of writing with examples that use episodes from her own life story. Writing prompts. References.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Disappearing Act: A True StoryJiordan CastleJiordan needs a safe space to be herself after her father’s incarceration, but her family’s drastic change and the hatred between her new boyfriend and her best friend leaves her reeling. In verse.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Family Style: Memories of an American from VietnamThien Pham, illustrated by Thien PhamA Vietnamese refugee recalls his family’s journey to the United States through the different foods they experienced along the way. Colorful, emotionally vivid artwork.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial AdoptionShannon GibneyIn this blended autobiography/fantasy, Shannon, a teen transracial adoptee, finds her birth mother, but not her Black birth father, already deceased. Archival photographs and documents. Resource list.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentIn LimboDeb JJ LeeThe author-illustrator recounts her struggles as a Korean American immigrant battling mental health issues and a demanding, rage-prone mother. Captivating digital graphic art.Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Long Time Coming: A Lyrical Biography of Race in America from Ona Judge to Barack ObamaRay Anthony ShepardFive story-poems shed light on the struggles of six African Americans who fought for equality, despite intense, even violent, resistance. Powerful black-and- white illustrations. Extensive back matter.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Messenger: The Legend of Muhammad AliMarc BernardinFramed as a heroic narrative in the style of Homer, this graphic biography is full of great details about Ali’s life and his importance. Emotive greyscale artwork.Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central HighCarlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier PageOne of the original nine Black students to integrate an all-White school recalls her experience of having to fight hostile forces for an education. Archival photos. Source notes. Young readers edition.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe Other Pandemic: An AIDS MemoirLynn CurleeA gay man gives a straightforward account of his life during the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, when a strange disease began annihilating his friends. Photos. Selected bibliography, source notes, index.Fourteen and OlderView book details
SunshineJarrett J. KrosoczkaAs a teenager, the author spent a week volunteering at a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Panels painted in soft grey, orange, and yellow.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure HL460LATOS Book Level 3.1View book details
This Indian Kid: A Native American MemoirEddie ChuculateA Muskogee Creek writer details his rich (in everything but money), peripatetic upbringing in rural Oklahoma in the 1970s. Map, family photographs. Author’s note.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Those Who Saw the Sun: African American Oral Histories from the Jim Crow SouthJaha Nailah AveryTen engaging interviews of African American elders describing their lives in the South during the Jim Crow era. Archival photographs. Appendix of people, places, events, and terms.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentAccountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It ChangedDashka SlaterA private Instagram account featuring racist memes of Black girls, whom the Korean American account owner considered to be his friends, rips apart a school and community in its aftermath. Mature contentFourteen and OlderView book details
Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets behind the Systems We Use Every DayDan Nott, illustrated by Dan NottGraphic blueprint-style cartoon art frames the history, societal inequities, and planet-wide impact of human- made systems and encourages readers to work toward improving them.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Climate Champions: 15 Women Fighting for Your Future (Women of Power series)Rachel SarahThese 15 female scientists, activists, journalists, and policy makers are working for intersectional systemic solutions to the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects women, people of color, and the poor.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Drawn to Change the World Graphic Novel Collection: 16 Youth Climate Activists, 16 ArtistsEmma ReynoldsMeet Autumn Peltier, Tokata, and 14 other young activists dedicated to averting climate catastrophe, and be inspired and motivated to join their efforts. Full- color graphic art.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Bodyguard Unit: Edith Garrud, Women’s Suffrage, and JujitsuClément Xavier, foreword by Elsa DorlinA group of British suffragists used martial arts to defend themselves against police brutality during the fight for the vote before World War I. Bold, colorful panels and archival images and photographs.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentImpossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi EuropeSteve SheinkinTwo Slovakian teens risked their lives: he, to escape the horrors in Nazi concentration camps and warn the world; she, to survive and aid the Resistance. Maps, extensive back matter.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Smash the PatriarchyMarta BreenPatriarchy and male chauvinism through the ages are satirized, while the women who fought them are celebrated. Lively cartoon-style drawings. Resources.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Doomed: Sacco, Vanzetti, and the End of the American DreamJohn Florio, Ouisie ShapiroIn post-World War I Boston, amid anti-immigrant hostility and fears of communism, two Italian self- proclaimed anarchists were wrongfully convicted and executed for murder, raising protests throughout the world. Archival photos.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Discovering Life’s Story: Biology’s BeginningsJoy HakimAn engrossing, informative, well-researched history of the discoveries of our biological existence and their impact on human society. Fascinating archival source material.Fourteen and OlderView book details