Aggie and the GhostMatthew Forsythe, illustrated by Matthew ForsytheA girl who lives alone is saddled with a rebellious house ghost. Can a high-stakes tic-tac-toe game resolve their differences? Wildly colorful watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil art.Under FiveATOS Book Level 2.9AR Interest Level LG K-3View book detailsBank Street Best Children's Books of the Year 2026
The 2026 edition contains 619 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 [2026 edition]See the original list
Selections619
Published byBank Street College of Education
Sections5 sections
Browse sections5 sections
Under Five
103 selections
Aggie and the GhostMatthew Forsythe, illustrated by Matthew ForsytheA girl who lives alone is saddled with a rebellious house ghost. Can a high-stakes tic-tac-toe game resolve their differences? Wildly colorful watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil art.Under FiveATOS Book Level 2.9AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
All Around a YearMariana Ruiz Johnson, translated from Spanish by Avi SilbersteinA year in the life of a cozy mouse family, cycling joyfully through the four seasons. Cheery ink art with digital color. Also available in Spanish.Under FiveView book details
Astronaut SistersJulie FortenberryBiracial sisters Fern and Rosie pretend to be astronauts. Colorful cartoon illustrations show that they are waiting for their mother, who is returning from a space mission. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
BalloonBruce HandyAfter his balloon pops, a despondent dark-skinned boy thinks he sees balloons everywhere. Then he finds something unexpectedly wonderful. Nearly wordless. Bright, gentle illustrations in ink and digital color.Under FiveView book details
Big Bike, Little BikeKellie DuBay Gillis, illustrated by Jacob SouvaPlayful digital illustrations follow a bicycle as it passes from rider to rider, each considering it from a different point of view.Under FiveView book details
Big EnoughRegina Linke, illustrated by Regina LinkeLittle Ah-Fu works up the nerve to bring his family’s large ox home for the evening. Jewel-toned digital illustrations emulate traditional Chinese gongbi and xieyi art.Under FiveView book details
BlueSuzanne Kaufman, illustrated by Suzanne KaufmanA boy and a blue heron spend the day frolicking on the beach and take a magical flight through the night sky. Joyful mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Blue Sky MorningJihyun Kim, Polly LawsonFollow the sights, sounds, and sensations of a girl’s walk through her South Korean neighborhood to school. Bright, delicate watercolor and pencil art.Under FiveView book details
Clara and the Man with Books in His WindowMaría Teresa AndruettoA laundress’s daughter and a reclusive man bond when he lends her books, which finally brings him to step outside his home. Minimal text. Surrealistic images capture time changes.Under FiveView book details
The Digger and the Flower (The Digger series)Joseph Kuefler, illustrated by Joseph KueflerA large piece of construction equipment shows tenderness for a tiny plant and helps transform a city. Black-and-white illustrations with splashes of warm colors.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 261LATOS Book Level 2.1View book details
Emmie Builds Something NewMarjorie Crosby-FairallA plucky mouse tinkers with wondrous mechanical inventions to scare off a newly arrived house cat. Bright, energetic drawings bursting with detail.Under FiveView book details
Every Monday MabelJashar Awan, illustrated by Jashar AwanTo her family’s fond amusement, a girl wakes up early once a week for a very special neighborhood ritual. Jaunty digital illustrations with thick lines and bold colors.Under FiveATOS Book Level 1.9AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
Field Trip to Dinosaur Valley (Field Trip Adventures Series)John HareA student gets lost on a time-traveling field trip and encounters a bevy of hungry dinosaurs. Cheerful, action-packed acrylic art.Under FiveView book details
If You Make a Call on a Banana PhoneGideon Sterer, illustrated by Emily HughesGently humorous instructions for navigating conversation on an imaginary phone call into the jungle. Playful, richly textured pencil and digital art.Under FiveATOS Book Level 3.3AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked PirateJoy CowleyWhen she learns he is afraid of the dark, a woman takes pity on the brash pirate knocking at her seaside shack. Bold mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Island StormBrian Floca, illustrated by Sydney SmithAs a storm approaches, a brother and sister risk walking through familiar sights that are altered by the weather, until it is almost too late. Lyrical text. Dramatic watercolor art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 549LATOS Book Level 3.6View book details
FireworksMatthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia ChienOn a sweltering Fourth of July, two children explore their neighborhood and attend a spectacular fireworks display. Rhythmic, alliterative text. Dynamic, evocative mixed-media art.Under FiveATOS Book Level 3.5AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
Get Dressed, Belly Button!Lucie Brunellière, translated from French by Linda BurgessIt’s time to go outside! An eager dark-skinned toddler puts on clothes one by one until dressed from head to toe. Bright, cheerful art on vertically flipped pages.Under FiveView book details
I’m Like a Tree and a Tree’s Like MeSylvaine JaouiWarm, playful illustrations with die-cut windows explore the parallel development of a seedling and a baby and celebrate their connections as they grow into a tree and a child.Under FiveView book details
I’m Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday BookOliver JeffersEngaged in trivial tasks, Bridget’s friends can’t come over to see her. Will they remember that it’s her special day in time to celebrate? Playful gouache and colored pencil art.Under FiveView book details
Just One WaveTravis JonkerNo waves at the beach? Liam comes up with a series of creative ideas to coax one out of hiding. Childlike ink and digital art.Under FiveView book details
Mommy Loves Me! (Changing Faces series)PintachanIn this interactive book, toddlers are asked to reciprocate Mom’s affection. Cheerful illustrations change via slatted pages.Under FiveView book details
A Monstrous BedtimeKerilynn WilsonWhen the friendly monster under her bed has trouble falling asleep, a girl offers outsize versions of her own favorite nighttime routines. Swirling, cool-toned art.Under FiveView book details
Mrs. NobodyY. S. LeeA girl must stand up for herself when her imaginary friend starts to exhibit controlling behavior. Fantastical art in graphite with digital color.Under FiveView book details
The Night GiantLorenzo ColtellacciAn owlish giant plays in the town after dark. Who is he really, and where does he come from? Nocturnal pencil and watercolor scenes filled with quiet magic.Under FiveView book details
Octavio and His GlassesMarc González Rossell, translated from Spanish by Susan OuriouWith a new pair of glasses, a boy begins to see the world in unexpected ways. Striking illustrations in bright yellow, stark white, and smoky black.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD340LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
One Two, Grandma Loves You (One, Two, I Love You series)Shelly BeckerIn this riff on a centuries-old counting rhyme, a biracial toddler and their grandmother have a wonderful visit. Illustrations evoke mid-century modern interiors.Under FiveView book details
The Peddler of PuddlesBeth FerryA turtle peddler provides customized puddles for people and animals to enjoy. A trip to the ocean broadens his perspective. Bright pencil and watercolor art.Under FiveView book details
A Pocket Full of RocksKristin MahoneyThe simple objects that an imaginative dark-skinned child collects throughout the seasons are cleverly offered as gifts to his family. Lyrical text, textured mixed-media art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD560LATOS Book Level 3.7View book details
Saif’s Special PatchesHumera MalikThe memories captured in the quilt Saif’s mother has been sewing since his birth remind him of all the wonderful things he is capable of, from learning to read the Quran to helping clean the mosque. Soft, colorful illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Sato the Rabbit: Morning Light (Sato the Rabbit series)Yuki Ainoya, translated from Japanese by Michael BlaskowskyIn two fanciful stories, a child dressed in a rabbit suit magically transmutes light to create beauty and wonder in the world around him. Warm-hued, whimsical art.Under FiveView book details
Sounds Like JoyYesenia MoisesA young BIPOC mermaid is overjoyed to find a tambourine in the ocean. When it breaks, her sea friends help her make music. Bright, exuberant digital art.Under FiveView book details
A Spoonful of the SeaHyewon YumBirthday seaweed soup? That’s not what a little Korean girl wants, until she learns about her maternal ancestors’ diving tradition of harvesting this gift from the sea. Mixed-media art. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
SundayMarcelo Tolentino, translated from Portuguese by Rahul BeryBored at family dinner night, a boy embarks on an imaginary adventure with his dog. Richly colored art with thick-lined hatching and cinematic perspectives.Under FiveView book details
We Are Already Haunting Here!Gideon StererA little ghost visits many spooky locations in search of a home but is rebuffed by spirits already occupying the premises. Rich, moody art in purples, browns, and greys.Under FiveView book details
We Leap TogetherChristopher Silas Neal, illustrated by Christopher Silas NealSpare language and soft-hued illustrations liken a whale swimming with her calf to a human mother caring for her child. Back matter.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD370LATOS Book Level 2.6View book details
Alphaprints: ABC (Alphaprints series)Roger PriddyEach whimsical animal in this rhyming alphabet primer is made up of large fingerprints combined with colorful photographed images.Under FiveView book details
Baby Signs (See, Touch, Feel series)Roger PriddyLearn how to sign infants’ first words and phrases. Photographs and bright images.Under FiveView book details
Buzz! Boom! Bang!: The Book of SoundsBenjamin Gottwald, illustrated by Benjamin GottwaldWhat sound do you hear when you hit a ping pong ball? When a racing car speeds around the track? Look at the bold, bright illustrations in this wordless book and make the sounds yourself!Under FiveView book details
Egg, Egg, Egg!Sarah FinanBouncy rhyming couplets celebrate eggs from the chicken coop all the way to a child’s satisfied tummy. Bright, bold die-cut illustrations.Under FiveView book details
FortsKatie Venit, illustrated by Kenard PakA gentle exploration of the nooks and crannies where children can play and hide in their world. Warm illustrations made with watercolor, gouache, and digital technique.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD610LATOS Book Level 4View book details
M Is for MangoAtinukeNigerian toddler Mo ventures out in search of mangoes, causing mayhem in their midst. Bright mixed-media illustrations bring to life this read aloud, complete with mischievous monkeys.Under FiveView book details
Mask-A-Rade Monsters (Mask-A-Rade series)Child’s PlayA die-cut mask format encourages role-playing and exploration of playful monsters’ feelings and actions. Bright, bold color illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Menudo Sunday: A Spanglish Counting BookMaría Dolores Águila, illustrated by Erika MezaA family, conversing in a mixture of English and Spanish, gathers to enjoy a special soup, but recovering from a near mealtime disaster requires inventive skills. Colorful, cheerful illustrations. Glossary.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 540LFountas & Pinnell Text Level MView book detailsSeriesMy First Black and White Book series
• Play!
• Touch!written and illustrated by Pascale EstellonExplore shapes, opposites, and more in these mostly black-and-white fold-out accordion tummy time books.Under Five
ParksMarc MajewskiWith spare, playful language and cheery acrylic illustrations, this informational book guides readers through parks across the globe. Back matter.Under FiveView book details
Seven Little DucklingsAnnette LeBlanc Cate, illustrated by Annette LeBlanc CateA duck’s eggs hatch overnight; the next morning, the babies have vanished! Mama duck’s ensuing rescue operation yields some extra wee ones to the mix. Delicate watercolor art.Under FiveATOS Book Level 2.2AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
That’s Not My Narwhal (That’s Not My series)Fiona WattYou can’t be my narwhal because… Bright illustrations with patches of different textures for babies and toddlers to touch and explore.Under FiveView book details
¡Tocamos!: Mexican Folk Art Music Makers in English and Spanish (First Concepts in Mexican Folk Art series)Cynthia WeillColorful, vibrant folk art birds assemble a band. English text on verso/Spanish on recto allow for mono- and bilingual readings.Under FiveView book details
Tuck Me In!Nathan W. Pyle, illustrated by Nathan W. PyleThe moon brings the tide to tuck sleepy beaches in at night, but as one gets covered, another is uncovered! Simple, digital illustrations. Science explained in back matter.Under FiveView book details
Tummy Time: Park (Tummy Time series)Nosy Crow Ltd, illustrated by Louise LockhartReaders are invited to greet animals in a busy park; panoramic scenes alternate with animal faces. Bright illustrations inspired by textiles and folk art. Fold-out format with mirror.Under FiveView book details
Upside Down AnimalsDanielle McLeanWhat are these animals doing? The answer depends on whether the book is held right side up or upside down. Simple rhyming text and bright, playful illustrations.Under FiveView book details
What to Do When You’re Not Sure What to DoDavina Bell, illustrated by Hilary Jean TapperA soft color palette matches the gentle tone of this clear but simple guide to facing situations that young children may find confusing, frightening, or disappointing.Under FiveView book detailsSeriesYour Places series
• Your Farm
• Your Forestwritten and illustrated by Jon KlassenIn each of these books, a series of everyday objects is introduced and arranged to make a familiar place. Spare, playful, ink and graphite illustrations against simple backgrounds. Also available in Spanish.Under Five
Diwali (Bright Baby Touch & Feel series)Roger PriddyPhotographs, graphic arts-style illustrations, and limited text display cultural traditions associated with this joyous Hindu holiday.Under FiveView book details
Pumpkin Mash (Mix and Match series)Catharine RobertsonLift the flaps of split pages to create multiple Halloween combinations. Bright, cheerful illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The Bear Out ThereJess Hannigan, illustrated by Jess HanniganAn alarmed child warns the reader of a bear watching from the forest. Then the bear tells its version. Wacky, cartoon-style acrylic art and paper collage, digitally edited.Under FiveATOS Book Level 2.4AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World)Corey R. Tabor, illustrated by Corey R. TaborA standoffish bird chasing away animals on a telephone wire is actually a covert agent awaiting a mission to outer space! Cheerful digital art enhances the subtle humor.Under FiveATOS Book Level 1.8AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
DropbearPhilip BuntingA koala’s tendency to apparently fall out of trees starts being wrongly attributed to bad intentions. What will stop the rumor mill? Humorous gouache, digital collage, and duct tape illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Evelyn Witch Gets a PetBeth FerryEvelyn, initially disappointed to get an egg for a pet, tends to it faithfully and is rewarded with a baby owl who becomes a beloved companion. Humorous digital illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Hank Meets FrankMaudie Powell-TuckA sometimes pesky goose is admonished to be on his best behavior when his supposedly well-behaved cousin visits. Which of them is disrupting the family reunion? Subversively funny illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The Monster in the LakeLeo Timmers, Bill NagelkerkeEric the duck spots a frightening creature swimming beneath the water—but it only surfaces while his friends are looking away. Wacky acrylic and spray paint illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Oh Dear, Look What I Got!Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen OxenburyA boy on a shopping trip, to his mounting frustration, is given items that rhyme with what he actually wants to buy. Irresistible, rollicking rhythm. Charming, spare illustrations.Under FiveATOS Book Level 1.1AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Out and AboutDaniel CarlstenSpare text and crisp, graphic arts-style illustrations cheekily invite the reader to imagine where cats wander and what they get up to when they do.Under FiveView book details
Pop! Goes the Nursery RhymeBetsy Bird, illustrated by Andrea TsurumiA secretary bird’s attempts at recitation are repeatedly interrupted by an exuberant and impulsive weasel. Hilarious, action-packed illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Stop That Mop! (Ready-to-Read series)Jonathan Fenske, illustrated by Jonathan FenskeA mop, fed up with cleaning up others’ “slop” and “glop,” runs away, with multiple characters in hot pursuit. Delightful rhymed text with humorous cartoon-style illustrations.Under FiveATOS Book Level 0.9AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Vampire Jam SandwichCasey LyallThis spooky story of a monster sandwich seems like a dire warning… but readers will notice the mischievous narrator is up to something tricky. Endearingly macabre graphite and digital art.Under FiveView book details
The Witch’s TableMelinda BeattyA clever dark-skinned witch finds a way to live in harmony with an unruly sentient table that had flummoxed her witch ancestors. Humorous comic- style art.Under FiveView book details
And, Too, the FoxAda Limón, illustrated by Gaby D'AlessandroLyrical language and bright, swirling digital art explore the way an energetic fox moves about, feeds, and rests.Under FiveView book details
Gather GratefulMegan Litwin, illustrated by Alexandra FinkeldeyA depiction of all the ways animals and people prepare for winter, told in a graceful cadence. Luminous autumnal-toned art.Under FiveView book details
AnythingRebecca Stead, illustrated by Gracey ZhangA caring father grants three wishes to his daughter, who misses their old home after a move. Playful, expressive art in gouache and ballpoint pen.Under FiveATOS Book Level 2.3AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
BearNatalia ShaloshviliBear bites back mounting frustration while reluctantly agreeing to share space and precious possessions with Fox, Wolf, Rabbit, and Elephant. Loose acrylic paint and watercolor crayon art.Under FiveView book details
Bear in the AirAllison WortcheThough at first proud to be in a hot air balloon, Bear finally admits he can’t get down. Who will help? Bright watercolor, colored pencil, and digital art.Under FiveView book details
The Boy, the Troll & the ChalkAnne BoothEveryone avoids the troll cave at the park… except a boy who’s willing to look deeper and offer the hand of friendship. Poignant, sparkling digital art.Under FiveView book details
BrokenX. Fang, illustrated by X. FangA girl accidentally breaks her grandmother’s cup and is racked with guilt when the cat takes the blame. Uproarious, wildly dynamic graphite and digital art.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD460LATOS Book Level 2.0View book details
Changing TidesJúlia MoscardóOn a vacation with her blended family, a girl bonds with her new stepbrother as they build a sandcastle at the water’s edge. Pale, soft-textured paintings.Under FiveView book details
Colette: The Solitary BeeJean-François SénéchalColette doesn’t need anyone else. She can do a lot by herself—except when nothing goes as planned. Cheerful, colorful illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Found You!Jane GodwinSoft, tender illustrations depict a boy’s worry when the other children take too long to locate him during hide- and-seek—and his relief at finally being found.Under FiveView book details
Frog and Toad: Two Together (Classic Animal Friendship and Adventure Series)Arnold LobelA pair of amphibian friends enjoy memorable moments in this board book reworking of a classic series. Graphite, ink, and watercolor illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure 330LATOS Book Level 2.9View book details
George & Lenny Are Always TogetherJon Agee, illustrated by Jon AgeeLenny, tiring of constant contact with his best friend, George, experiments with playing alone and comes to better appreciate both experiences. Striking, boldly outlined gouache drawings.Under FiveView book details
Hope in a JarDeborah MarceroThree rabbits store their wishes for the future in jars. After a devastating storm, they must find a way to rebuild their dreams. Whimsical mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD520LATOS Book Level 3.4View book details
I Hate Everything! (Everything series)Sophy Henn, illustrated by Sophy HennOne cheery ghost tries to get a cranky ghostly friend to admit that they don’t hate everything. A joyful romp. Simple spare, expressive illustrations.Under FiveView book details
I Love You, Little HorseGianna MarinoA horse looks tenderly down on its young foal with affirmations of joy and affection. Endearing gouache and ink illustrations on watercolor paper.Under FiveView book details
If We Were DogsSophie Blackall, illustrated by Sophie BlackallTwo friends imagine life as animals. One is delighted by the idea of being a dog, but the other isn’t so sure about it. Digital art over scanned vintage papers.Under FiveATOS Book Level 1.6AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Let’s Be BeesShawn Harris, illustrated by Shawn HarrisA father and daughter transform into animals, plants, weather, and even each other in this exuberant celebration of parent-and-child imaginative play. Loose, wiggly crayon drawings.Under FiveView book details
Millie Fleur Saves the Night (Millie Fleur series)Christy MandinA free-spirited girl encourages her anxious neighbors to turn off their lanterns and appreciate the wonders of the dark. Whimsical digital art.Under FiveView book details
More or LessAlison HughesA boy’s efforts to reduce the amount of stuff in his house inspire community action. Gentle illustrations in variegated cut-paper collage.Under FiveView book details
Night Light (I Like to Read Comics series)Michael Emberley, illustrated by Michael EmberleyTwo creatures, a parent and child, find a creative, magical solution to a bedtime blackout. Playful graphic format with pencil lines and digital colors.Under FiveATOS Book Level 1.0AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Nunu and the SeaIsabella KungA girl’s imagined journey out to sea on a giant origami boat helps her work through overwhelming anger and sadness. Touching mixed-media art gradually moves from grayscale to color.Under FiveView book details
On All FoursGaëtan Dorémus, translated from French by Emilie Robert WongA little bear ventures out into the world; after a variety of sensory experiences, he wanders too far, then returns for a great big hug. Scratchy, exuberant illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Our PebblesJarvis, illustrated by JarvisA boy makes beautiful memories with his beloved grandfather at Pebble Beach. What will he do when Grandad has to move away? Soft, childlike illustrations.Under FiveView book details
The Rainbow SheepDavid HaywardA rainbow-colored sheep joins a flock and helps Ricky be her authentic self. Gradually the rest of the flock learns to embrace differences. Fiber art illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Shibu’s TailTess Thomas, illustrated by Kamwei FongA fuzzy cat with an expressive tail tries to hold in his feelings to avoid standing out. Will it work? Playful illustrations in stark black ink. Also available in Spanish.Under FiveWord Count 351View book details
Shy Me (Emotions and Me series)Sandra V. FederA boy experiences different forms of shyness in a variety of situations and finds positive solutions. Gentle collage art with acrylic and pencil crayon.Under FiveView book details
There There Little Bear (Usborne Touchy-Feely Books series)Anna MilbourneChildren are invited to make little bear feel better after he suffers a variety of mishaps. Sweet illustrations with textured cutouts to pat and rub.Under FiveView book details
ThunderlandMaggie Edkins Willis, illustrated by Maggie Edkins WillisA girl’s father provides a helpful framework for braving a fearsome storm. Evocative Photoshopped paintings.Under FiveLexile Text Measure AD500LATOS Book Level 3.3View book details
To the End of the World, Far, Far AwayRonda ArmitageWhen his mother gets annoyed after he spills some milk, a little bear wants to run away, but she reassures him of the depth of her love. Pale colored pencil illustrations heighten the imaginative fantasy.Under FiveView book details
TotoHyewon Yum, illustrated by Hyewon YumA girl uses her haircut to cover the birthmark on her forehead. What will a new friend do when she sees it? Cheerful pencil and watercolor illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Two Worlds/Dos mundosEdel RodriguezEquivalent words in Spanish and English, paired with bold-colored ink and digital art, reveal similarities and differences between a boy’s life before and after moving to a new country.Under FiveView book details
Under Anna’s UmbrellaAmanda DriscollGrieving the loss of her father, a girl hides under a large umbrella wherever she goes. What will convince her to show her face again? Pale, poignant digital art.Under FiveView book details
Willow and the WildflowersMatthew SchufmanWith the help of some new companions, an agoraphobic bear faces her fears and journeys downstream to a special seaside meadow. Sunny paint, paper, and digital art.Under FiveView book details
You Are Not AloneIngrid Law, illustrated by Xin LiA soothing ode to remind children at bedtime that they have company in the sleepy world around them. Gentle mixed-media illustrations.Under FiveView book details
Zilbo’s Forest: What’s Up with That? (I Can Read! Comics series)Summer BentonAnimals worry when others appear to be rejecting them. A surprise ending brings friends together and explains the string of confusing behavior. Bright, bold illustrations.Under FiveView book detailsFive to Nine
216 selections
Cool Buds to the Rescue! (Cool Buds series)Barbara LehmanThree animal friends use their talents to rescue and settle an animal stranded by a volcano on their island. Full-color cartoon-style illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Hide & Seek with Clyde & Monique: Clyde in Plain SightGraham AnnableIn this brightly illustrated cartoon-style early reader, Monique eagerly searches for her best friend, Clyde, a self-proclaimed hiding expert. Tips for navigating graphic storytelling provided.Five to NineView book details
Piece OutAlex WillanA board game piece, left out of the box and then sucked up by a vacuum cleaner, braves many hazards to be reunited with its mates. Colorful, dynamic, humorous illustrations.Five to NineWord Count 493View book details
Alpacas Here, Alpacas ThereCarrie TillotsonAn engaging look at the characteristics and behavior of alpacas. Bouncy rhymed text supported by informational paragraphs. Bright acrylic gouache art.Five to NineView book details
Cat NapBrian Lies, illustrated by Brian LiesA cat’s nap is disturbed by a mouse jumping into an art poster. The cat follows, chasing through thousands of years of artworks. Photographed cleverly reproduced 3-D art. Back matter.Five to NineWord Count 424View book details
Elvis & Romeo (Elvis & Romeo series)David Soman, Jacky DavisDynamic illustrations highlight the making of an incredible friendship between two dogs, demonstrating that you don’t have to like all the same things to bond together.Five to NineView book details
The Littlest DropSascha Alper, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, Brian PinkneyWhen a fire breaks out in the forest, a hummingbird inspires all the animals to do their part to put it out. Animated illustrations. Author’s and illustrators’ notes.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD660LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
Odder: An Otter’s StoryKatherine Applegate, illustrated by Charles SantosoA young otter rescued by humans finds that she is able to help other otter pups separated from their families. Lyrically written. Picturesque illustrations.Five to NineView book details
To See an OwlMatthew Cordell, illustrated by Matthew CordellA young bird watcher has been trying to spot an owl for months. Inspired by her passionate teacher, she tries one more time. Realistic pen and ink and watercolor illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 510LFountas & Pinnell Text Level NView book details
Bulldozer’s Big Rescue (Bulldozer and Friends series)Elise BroachShy bulldozer is nervous about starting school. Spending time with new neighbors might help. Two- color line drawings with clear backgrounds invite young readers to cheer for this timid truck.Five to NineView book detailsSeriesEarl & Worm series
• The Bad Idea and Other Stories
• The Big Mess and Other Storieswritten and illustrated by Greg PizzoliThe adventures of two unlikely friends—a happy bird and a pessimistic worm—are chronicled in these early chapter books. Engaging, expressive, comical digital illustrations.Five to Nine
Little Mouse Saves the Day! (Little Mouse series)Jeff SmithA “supermouse” faces his bedtime fear of the dark and the strange things he sees in his closet. Tips for adults on how to read comics with kids. Expressive, animated artwork.Five to NineView book details
Monti and Leo: A Mystery in Pocketville (Monti and Leo series)Sylvie KantorovitzWhen the truth is discovered after Leo the lizard is falsely accused by Monti the mole, they learn the meaning of friendship. Illustrations in muted colors.Five to NineView book details
Orris and Timble: Lost and Found (Orris and Timble series)Kate DiCamilloA friendship between a rat and a young owl develops as they share stories each evening, until one day the owl doesn’t return. Will the two ever get to share another story? Gouache, colored pencil, and graphite pencil illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Tate Tuber: Space SpudMichael SlackA potato who wants to be an astronaut and his progeny save a space craft when the electrical power fails. Playful cartoon-style artwork.Five to NineView book details
Here Is a BookElisha Cooper, illustrated by Elisha CooperInviting two-page spreads and detailed spot illustrations in cool, soothing watercolor and pencil follow a book as it makes its way from author to publisher to reader.Five to NineView book details
Jordan’s Perfect HaircutSharee MillerSchool picture day is coming, and Jordan’s friends are getting new haircuts. What style should he choose? Vibrant illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Popo the XoloPaloma Angelina Lopez, illustrated by Abraham MatiasAfter a day of lovingly caring for her family, an elderly Mexican grandmother sits in her armchair while her lapdog accompanies her on her final, dreamlike journey. Gentle digital illustrations. Cultural notes, glossary.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 570LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
A Seed in the UniverseElyon LiuA celebration of connectedness in our boundless galaxy. Die-cut pages, board book format. Heavily outlined illustrations with limited, but beautiful, color palette.Five to NineView book details
The Wombats Go Wild for WordsBeth Ferry, illustrated by Lori NicholsWombats change a duckling into a verbivore as they use nouns, verbs, and adjectives to transform the forest where she lives. Colorful digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Dancing with WaterGwendolyn WallaceGrowing populations exacerbate water scarcity. Fortunately, Kit’s grandfather knows a thing or two about dowsing for water. Vibrant acrylic and oil glazes infuse this story with hope.Five to NineView book details
A Place for Us: A Story in PicturesJames E. Ransome, illustrated by James E. RansomeExperience a day in the life of an unhoused Black mother and son as they go from school to library to park bench for the night. Full-bleed watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Dream for the LandLaekan Zea KempDrought strains a Latine family’s Texas farm. Pa helps his daughter to see how things once were and imagine how, with widespread mindful stewardship, they might be once again. Cinematic illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 440LATOS Book Level 3View book details
Good Golden SunBrendan WenzelA paean to the light of the sun and its effects on all forms of life below. Rhyming text. Glowing collage- style mixed-media art.Five to NineView book details
Over in the MangrovesJyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Dikshaa PawaskarIn a reimagined classic nursery rhyme, ten animals in the Sundarbans National Forest are introduced, revealing their interconnectedness in their swampy environment. Lush animated illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineATOS Book Level 4.1Fountas & Pinnell Text Level OView book details
The Silver ShadowMariesa DulakIn Barbados, a child exploring a tidal pool comes upon a baby shark stuck in the shallows and protects it until the tide comes back in. Richly hued seascapes. Author’s note.Five to NineView book details
Strange CreaturesCristina Sitja Rubio, Cristóbal LeónWhile forest animals dance and eat at a party, their homes disappear. With the help of children, they plan to restore their habitat. Gouache and colored pencil illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series)Carol A. FooteA professional conservationist trains her rambunctious rescue dog to redirect his energy, learning to identify scents to save wildlife. Based on a true story. Animated watercolor illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Wind WatchersMicha ArcherThree siblings interact with the wind while exploring nature through the cycle of the seasons. Bright acrylic ink and patterned paper collage.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD580LATOS Book Level 3.8View book details
Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe HorseDarcy Whitecrow, Heather M. O’ConnorThe rescue journey of the Ojibwe horses is shared by a grandmother as a village welcomes them home. Bright digital art. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
AfloatKirli Saunders, illustrated by Freya BlackwoodAn Elder and a child gather people from many cultures together as they explore weaving in a changing world. A metaphorical tale of unity. Haunting mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Another Word for NeighborAngela Pham Krans, illustrated by Thai My PhuongNew to the neighborhood, Kate and Olly overcome the objections of their old and mostly ornery neighbor to expose him to new adventures. Evocative digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Before I Lived HereStacy S. JensenA boy reflects on the changes in his neighborhood from the present day back to the prehistoric era. Bright, swirling mixed-media and digital art.Five to NineWord Count 215View book details
Before She Was My GrandmotherGiselle PotterThrough stories and mementos, a child learns about her grandmother’s rich and complex life. Pastel painted illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Couch in the YardKate HoeflerA tight-knit Appalachian family’s nightly drives are reimagined as wondrous journeys to the moon. Lilting rhymed couplets. Glowing, brush-textured digital art.Five to NineView book details
Family Feast!Carole Boston WeatherfordWhen a Black family gets together to prepare and enjoy a special meal, everyone has their job to do, including the dog. Colorful, bold, oil paint illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Fish Fry FridayWinsome Bingham, illustrated by C. G. EsperanzaA young Black narrator loves spending summertime Fridays with his grandmother, fishing from a Chesapeake pier and later preparing their catch for the whole family to enjoy. Bold, colorful, energetic illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The House That FloatedGuojing, illustrated by GuojingA family rafts their tiny cottage across rising floodwaters to a safe location. Wordless, with quietly powerful chalk and digital art.Five to NineView book details
How to Grow a Family TreeBea Birdsong, illustrated by Jasu HuEmmylou thinks she has no relatives to put on her family tree… until she realizes she and her mom have built a family of friends and neighbors. Soft watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The InterpreterOlivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica ArnaldoCecilia wants to enjoy herself but struggles with her “second job”—interpreting for her Spanish-speaking parents. Speech balloons include English and Spanish translations. Humorous watercolor and pencil crayon illustrations. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 530LATOS Book Level 2.4View book details
The Jade BraceletHà Dinh, illustrated by Yong Ling KangTiên, seven, wants a colorful bracelet that is just like her schoolmates’. When her mother gives her a jade bracelet, Tiên is unhappy until she learns its significance. Watercolor and color pencil illustrations.Five to NineView book details
A Knot Is Not a TangleDaniel NayeriAn Iranian boy helps weave a rug with his grandmother, learning the traditional handicraft and the value of imperfections that create lasting memories. Stylized Iranian illustrations. Author’s note.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 620LATOS Book Level 4View book details
Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to SwimKobina Commeh, illustrated by Bárbara QuintinoKwesi and his Ghanaian grandmother, neither of whom can swim, face their fear of the water together, making their undertaking more likely to succeed. Vibrant colorful illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Late TodayJungyoon HuhA traffic jam ensues when a stray cat crosses the highway. Will any of the busy commuters stop and help? Thoughtful colored pencil and oil pastel illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding StoryNatasha Khan KaziLulu wants to win the prize for the traditional stealing of the groom’s shoes, but her cousins are at least as determined as she is. Pastel illustrations.Five to NineView book details
¡Mistaco!: A Tale of Tragedy y TortillasEliza Kinkz, illustrated by Eliza KinkzAccident-prone Izzy struggles while making tortillas with her grandfather, who reassures her, with warmth and humor, that everyone makes mistakes. Zany, childlike mixed-media drawings.Five to NineATOS Book Level 2.4AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
New Shoes for LeoLauren Agra DeedyHelping to assemble a care package for his relatives in Cuba, William seeks shoes for his cousin. Vibrant pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations. Spanish glossary. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineView book details
Night WalkJason Cockcroft, illustrated by Jason CockcroftUnder twinkling stars, a grieving grandchild visits Grandma’s favorite woodland places with his grandfather, eventually greeting the rising sun and new day. Mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The One About the BlackbirdMelanie FlorenceThough he’s frustrated as he learns to play the guitar, a boy grows up to become a musician. As his grandad is losing his memory, the boy mirrors the gentle encouragement he gave. Emotions depicted in the artwork.Five to NineView book details
Our LakeAngie Kang, illustrated by Angie KangA small boy hikes with his brother to their special spot at the lake, but without their late father with them, can he jump into it now? Poignant gouache and digital art.Five to NineATOS Book Level 2.3AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Moon SongMichaela Goade, illustrated by Michaela GoadeTo ease her cousin’s fears of the dark, a Tlingit girl guides him through a snowy night landscape. Melodic text and resplendent watercolor and mixed-media illustrations celebrate nature’s light.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 459LATOS Book Level 3.1View book details
The Peanut ManCarmen Agra DeedyWhen Coqui’s Cuban family moves to America, she misses her special vendor friend. Years later, a baseball game brings back unmistakably familiar smells and fond memories. Radiant illustrations.Five to NineView book details
My Sister the Apple Tree: A Refugee Story of Hope and ResilienceJordan Scott, Jamal Saeed, illustrated by Zahra MarwanForced to leave his country, a boy carries the tree he has claimed as his sister and confidant to his new home. Soft, flowing, watercolor pen and ink illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Pink Pajamas: A Story About Love and LossCharlene ChuaAh Yi shows her love for her niece by sewing pajamas for her. Rejecting a pink pair, the girl discovers a surprise in her aunt’s drawer after her death. Colorful cartoon-like illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Rabbit’s FeatBarney SaltzbergBoulder dreams of seeing Cactus bloom, but is too far away. An empathetic bunny enlists friends to bring the dream to life. Mixed-media illustrations on handmade paper.Five to NineView book details
When Auggie Learned to Play ChessMeredith RusuA boy moves to a new school and suffers from loneliness, but chess helps create social connections and teaches important life lessons. Colorful, digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
A Song for Two HomesDr. Michael DatcherAuset, a Black girl, learns to live in two places when her parents get divorced. Lyrical text is matched by expressive, textured acrylic paintings.Five to NineView book details
With a Needle & Thread: A Jewish Folktale from CubaJennifer Stempel, illustrated by Libi AxelrodIn a Jewish enclave in Cuba, a girl and her abuelita continually reuse an outgrown dress to the benefit of their community. Mixed-media illustrations. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineView book details
Taking the Long Way HomeJake Hope, illustrated by Brian FitzgeraldOn the day that Uncle Jerome picks them up from school, two Black siblings find joy and discovery in the journey, rather than in just the destination. Lively digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Tíos and PrimosJacqueline AlcántaraOn a visit to her father’s Spanish-speaking homeland, a girl bonds with her large family despite language barriers. Bright color illustrations.Five to NineView book details
We Are the Scrappy OnesRebekah TaussigA celebration of diversity in race, ethnicity, and ability. Lyrical text and cheerful illustrations encourage self-esteem and inclusiveness. Back matter includes author’s and illustrator’s personal experiences.Five to NineView book details
We Go SlowMariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by Aaron BeckerOn a morning walk, a Black girl and her grandfather use their senses to explore their urban neighborhood. Rich, shady illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil.Five to NineView book details
Yáadilá!: Good Grief!Laurel GoodluckA Diné (Navajo) boy creatively helps his grandmother adjust as she moves from her sheep camp home to live with her extended family. Mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Circus of ShadowsLidia BrankovićA young girl’s shadow begins misbehaving and soon whisks her away to an eerie night world where she learns to conquer her fears. Spooky, deep-hued illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Eliza and the Flower Fairies (Fairy Door Diaries series)Megan McDonaldWhen Eliza of the Elves goes through a magical fairy door to the Land of the Flower Fairies, she has unexpected adventures. Enchanting gouache and colored pencil illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Welcome Home, EsmereldaDaniela RamirezA Latina girl worries about her military family’s move from Germany to the States. She’ll miss her friends; will Texas ever feel like home? Digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Have a Good Trip, Mousse! (Mousse series)Claire LebourgTired of rainy days, a small creature embarks on a seaside vacation, but he feels left out when his best friend finds a new playmate. Detailed watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Mr. Norton’s New HatHuw Lewis JonesAfter a week of waking up to different animals in his house, kind Mr. Norton has had enough. Or so he thinks. Whimsical illustrations.Five to NineView book details
One Day a MayflyShirley MarrA mayfly nymph emerges as an adult with only 24 hours to live and spends that time in discovery, wonder, and joy. Inviting pencil, ink, and gouache illustrations.Five to NineView book details
PencilHye-Eun Kim, illustrated by Hye-Eun KimA girl uses the power of her pencil to heal the forest from which its wood was harvested. Wordless, with colored pencil and marker illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Polar Bear and the BallerinaEric VelasquezA polar bear travels to a young Black dancer’s ballet performance to return a scarf and faces suspicion and bias. Largely wordless. Oil painting illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Sakina and the Uninvited GuestsZahra MarwanA young Middle Eastern girl, bored by a museum visit, finds that three sentient artifacts have followed her home to help her connect art to her ancestral history. Dramatic watercolor and pen illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Seven Ways Through the WoodsJenn ReeseA group of children take a fantasy journey through the forest. Glowing art replete with griffins, sprites, and serpents.Five to NineView book details
Shark GirlKate Beaton, illustrated by Kate BeatonA shark-tailed mergirl seeks revenge on the ornery captain who caught her in his net, but soon befriends his fishing crew. A Little Mermaid riff with spunk. Zany digital art.Five to NineATOS Book Level 3.7AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
To Catch a GhostRachel Michelle Wilson, illustrated by Rachel Michelle WilsonTo impress classmates at her new school’s show-and- tell, a girl goes ghost hunting. Chalk pastel, acrylic, and digital art cleverly frame the endearing little phantom in negative space.Five to NineATOS Book Level 2.1AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
The Trickster ShadowMangeshig Pawis-SteckleyTo help Zoon control his unruly shadow, his grandmother gives him a drum that beats with the rhythm of his heart. Bright, thick-lined digital art. Author’s note. Glossary.Five to NineView book details
Troubling Tonsils! (Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales! series)Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter BrownWhen the doctor starts to remove Charlie Marmot’s infected tonsils, it turns out that they have already been taken out. Charlie is in for the surprise of his life! Cartoon-style grayscale illustrations.Five to NineATOS Book Level 4.6AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
The Wanting MonsterMartine MurrayA strange beast afflicts the local town with insatiable greed. Wild, expressive, deep-colored art.Five to NineView book details
The Wild Robot on the Island (Wild Robot series)Peter BrownAfter falling off a ship, Roz, a robot, learns to adapt to her new surroundings on an island by studying how the animals survive there. Digital illustrations. Picture book adaptation of The Wild Robot.Five to NineView book details
The Witch in the TowerJúlia SardàFeeling abandoned by her maturing older sister, a girl meets a mysterious witch and discovers her own inner power. Dazzling digital art filled with wild creatures and enigmatic symbolism.Five to NineView book details
The Animal People Choose a Leader (Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection)Richard WagameseA race to determine the animals’ leader turns into a profound lesson on pride, misplaced goals, appreciation, and community. Mysterious, stately art by an Anishinaabe illustrator.Five to NineView book details
My Abuela Is a BrujaMayra CuevasA young Puerto Rican girl waxes poetic about the magic her grandmother imparts in all she does. Cartoon-like mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Take a Walk with the WindXiong Liang, translated from Chinese by Chloe Garcia RobertsA Treeling, taken unwillingly on a wild adventure by the wind, apologizes profusely for his disturbance of the peaceful lives of the beings along his path. Breathtakingly gorgeous Chinese wash ink.Five to NineView book details
Chidori: A Story of One Thousand BirdsJennifer MarunoIn 2011 a young girl on Honshu survives a tsunami, but her artist mother perishes. The family starts finding solace together by painting birds that the mother loved. Evocative collage art.Five to NineView book details
Hansel and GretelStephen KingAbandoned in the woods, a brother and sister must outwit an evil witch. A lively, faithful adaptation by King with wild illustrations repurposed from Sendak’s opera designs.Five to NineView book details
The Gift of the Great BuffaloCarole Lindstrom, illustrated by Aly McKnightIn the 1880s the Métis-Ojibwe people gathered for communal buffalo hunts. One year, young Rose sets out alone to track the herd. Watercolor and graphite paintings.Five to NineView book details
The Lost SundayIleana Surducan, illustrated by Ileana SurducanA girl seeks out an underground witch who legend says has stolen a day of the week. Detailed artwork in a dark palette.Five to NineView book details
The Library in the WoodsCalvin Alexander RamseyIn 1959, when his family’s farm fails, a young Black boy moves to town and is introduced to a treasure in the forest. Representational artwork.Five to NineView book details
Minh and the Magic Grains of RiceĐỗ Nguyệt HàAfter carelessly spilling rice, a Vietnamese boy visits the past and learns the value of hard work and the harvest alongside his ancestors. Jovial cartoon-style digital art. Back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 620LATOS Book Level 4View book details
Sharing the DreamShelia P. MosesSitting on her daddy’s shoulders, a young Black girl from Alabama experiences the inspiring speeches and tremendous, peaceful, multiracial crowd at the 1963 March on Washington. Warm, inviting illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD590LATOS Book Level 3.8View book details
Dasher and the Polar Bear (Dasher series)Matt TavaresWhile flying and enjoying the northern lights, reindeer Dasher makes a new friend, a polar bear named George who wishes he could fly, too. Digital full-bleed illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Bear and Bird: The Stick and Other Stories (Bear and Bird series)JarvisClever short stories with subtle humor show how friends Bear and Bird negotiate their differences. Friendly illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Harvest FestivalKathleen Choi, Sook Nyul ChoiSu-Jin and her best friends learn about an important Korean holiday, and help Halmoni (grandmother) prepare a feast to share with other friends. Stylized illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Bitty and Bub: Best Buds (Bitty and Bub series)Janee TraslerLaugh at the five comic adventures of these two unlikely friends, Bitty the rabbit and Bub the squirrel. Bold yet spare colorful illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Invisible ParadeLeigh Bardugo, illustrated by John PicacioFour mysterious horsemen help Cala come to terms with her grandfather’s death at her family’s Día de Muertos celebration. Arrestingly cinematic hand- drawn graphite art, steeped in dark fantasy symbolism.Five to NineATOS Book Level 3.9AR Interest Level LG K–3View book details
Legendary Cakes: A Story of Tết, the Vietnamese New YearKerisa GreeneTwo siblings sleep over at their grandmother’s, celebrating Lunar New Year with steamed rice cakes and storytelling. Lighthearted digital collage using found textures and hand-carved patterns. Glossary. Recipe.Five to NineView book details
The Remembering CandleAlison Goldberg, illustrated by Selina AlkoLighting a yahrzeit candle to commemorate the anniversary of a family member’s passing is a Jewish tradition, but this gentle story offers everyone a comforting way to honor their loved ones’ death. Joyful illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Don’t Trust FishNeil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan SantatA hilarious, full-throated diatribe warning about the sinister nature of fish. Wildly imaginative pencil, watercolor, and digital art.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD470LFountas & Pinnell Text Level OView book details
EchoAdam RexGrowing up with an agreeable mountain echo leads young Junior Junior to believe he is always right. The new girl next door sets him straight. Comical digital paintings.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD520LATOS Book Level 2.5View book details
It’s Taco Knight!Megan MaynorThe Knights of Dinner take turns providing meals in a land where nobody cooks. An overly enthusiastic newcomer’s popularity threatens to upend the peace. Slyly punny text. Jolly digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
RecessLane Smith, illustrated by Lane SmithStudents in a classroom long for a break; a narrator invites them (and readers) to give their pent-up energy a lively and restorative airing. Bold, joyful, color- saturated panels.Five to NineATOS Book Level 2.3AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
The Richest Cow in the WorldBarroux, illustrated by BarrouxPig suggests to a contented cow sitting under an apple tree that apples could become a multinational business, and then Cow could retire. A modern take on an old parable. Witty drawings.Five to NineView book details
Steve: A Rare EggKelly CollierA horse discovers a thingamabob that he identifies as an egg and determines to care for it. Cheery illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure GN530LATOS Book Level 3.5View book details
Who Ate Steve?Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Kate HindleyA large bird makes multiple attempts to consume a small worm. Then a new predator arrives, inviting readers to reconsider what “large” and “small” are. Mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About SharingMatthew Diffee, illustrated by Matthew Diffee“The sheep says ‘baa.’” But the goat claims proprietorship of “baa,” sparking a lively territorial battle among farm animals for their own unique sounds. Rich wax and colored pencil illustrations.Five to NineATOS Book Level 2.1AR Interest Level LG K-3View book detailsSeriesAmina Banana series
Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship
• Amina Banana and the Formula for Winning
by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aaliya JaleelA Syrian third grader adjusts to life in America, despite language challenges. Black-and-white illustrations.Five to Nine
Ava Lin: One of a KindVicky FangWith the support of her family, friend, and teacher, an overthinking first grader explores what kindness requires and means. Black-and-white digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Brianna Banana: Helper of the Day (Orca Echoes series)Lana ButtonA third grader who struggles for acceptance and friendship is bewildered that her behavior often yields negative consequences. Amusing black-and-white illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Call Me GebyaneshArlene Rosenfeld Shenker, Gebyanesh Addisu, illustrated by Chiara FedeleAn Ethiopian Jew in an Israeli school reclaims her name after a teacher renames her. Realistic mixed-media and digital illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Henry’s Picture-Perfect Day (Henry series)Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika SongOn school picture day, Henry deals with uncomfortable clothes and problems in the classroom. Black, white, and purple drawings accompany this tenderhearted short chapter book.Five to NineATOS Book Level 2.7AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
No More ChairsDan GillA teacher remembers standing by his friend who was excluded from a birthday party because of racism. His lesson? All are welcome here. Mixed-media art.Five to NineView book details
Sarang Saves the SchoolKorena Di Roma HowleyWhen a girl’s rural South Korean school is in danger of closing because of diminishing enrollment, she finds an ingenious way to recruit new students. Colorful animated illustrations.Five to NineView book details
AstroManuel Marsol, illustrated by Manuel Marsol, Lizzie DavisA curious alien companion narrates an astronaut’s sojourn on a wild, mysterious planet. A poignant, philosophical tale paired with otherworldy mixed- media images. Also available in Portuguese and in Spanish.Five to NineView book details
The ArguersCorinna LuykenA community descends from petty squabbles into bitter feuds. Can they agree on anything? A striking modern parable. Ornate illustrations in watercolor, ink, pencil, and gouache.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 750LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
The Blue Velvet ChairRio CortezFrom the vantage point of a chair in front of an upper story apartment window, a Black child observes the ever-changing cityscape. Richly hued digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Boar and HedgehogDavid ElliottCurmudgeonly, antisocial Boar tries, with decreasing success, to resist gentle Hedgehog’s gestures of friendliness, until the day that the latter needs help. Slyly humorous mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
CaringKobi YamadaA boy befriends an elderly gardener whose devoted lifelong work has spread beauty throughout the land. Swirling art awash in rich colors.Five to NineView book details
The FibPedro Iniguez, illustrated by Nathan KwanSecond grader Pepe learns how critical honesty can be after he lies about the existence of a mythical creature that comes terrifyingly to life. Vivid illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Freya and the SnakeFredrik SonckA girl is devastated after her father kills the snake she found in the rocks. Expressive, stylized line drawings with watercolor and digital collage.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD520LATOS Book Level 3.4View book details
The Grumpy Ghost UpstairsMamiko Shiotani, illustrated by Mamiko ShiotaniA specter tries every trick to frighten a scary little girl from his attic, but his visitor just wants to be friends. Hand-drawn illustrations using charcoal pencil.Five to NineView book details
The HoleLindsay BonillaA boy copes with the loss of his brother, symbolized by an ever present black hole in his life. Watercolor, pencil, and paper collage art, digitally assembled.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD480LATOS Book Level 3.2View book details
I Hear the Snow, I Smell the SeaJanice Milusich, illustrated by Chris RaschkaIn sensual language, a blind child narrates how she experiences the four seasons through her other senses. Swirling pastels and oil drawings.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD590LATOS Book Level 2.9View book details
I Know the WhaleRobin YardiA young girl, coming upon a beached whale, studies it, contemplating its life and death, as her father collects shells nearby. Undulating, mysterious, gentle illustrations. Semi-autobiographical.Five to NineView book details
The Language of BirdsJon-Erik LappanoMira, who feels a kinship with birds, befriends a new boy in school who expresses himself through artistic images of trees. Glowing earth-toned illustrations.Five to NineView book details
My Home Is in My BackpackEugenia PerrellaA young girl and her family are forced to flee their country but learn that there are many ways to define home. Graphite pencil, watercolor, and digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Other Side of the RocksNahid KazemiA wise fish encourages Froggy to explore a world outside her home. Afterward, Froggy returns home, forever changed by lessons learned from different creatures. Pastel illustrations. Inspired Persian poet Rumi’s works.Five to NineView book details
Picking Tea with BabaXu Bin, illustrated by Yu Yin, Shan ChenA young boy derives pleasure and a sense of pride from the work of harvesting leaves in his family’s tea garden. Vivid folk-art-style illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 610LView book details
Rain and the Reading HorseMaria GianferrariSpending time reading to and caring for a gentle horse helps a child overcome anxiety and shyness. Gentle mixed-media art.Five to NineView book details
RockLaurel CrozaA seagull, dismayed to discover that the stone it tried to eat isn’t food, taunts and belittles it. A child, however, sees its beauty. Richly illustrated in mixed media.Five to NineView book details
The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and MoleCecilia Heikkilä, illustrated by Cecilia HeikkiläVexed by Mole’s selfishness, long-suffering Fox transforms into an unearthly shadow beast. Can Mole make amends before it’s too late? Eerie watercolor, gouache, pastel, and digital art.Five to NineView book details
Where Are You, Brontë?Tomie dePaola, illustrated by Barbara McClintockA gentle tale of love, joy, grief, and healing, perfect for all to prepare for life’s unavoidable losses. Engaging, comforting. mixed-media art.Five to NineWord Count 288View book details
BeansproutSarah Lynne ReulBen and his classmates are each allowed to pick a seed and plant it. His doesn’t grow, but he has an idea about what to do next. Mixed-media illustrations. Back matter includes information on plant germination.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD590LATOS Book Level 3.8View book details
Amazing Peace: A Christmas PoemMaya AngelouA family heads out on a snowy night to attend a Christmas tree lighting at the town hall and to celebrate peace and hope with their neighbors. Mixed- media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Biggest, Highest WaveKerry McQuaideA young Black surfer braves the famous swells of Nazaré, Portugal, and is victorious. Rhyming verse. Block print illustrations. Author’s note.Five to NineView book details
The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for HanukkahLaurel SnyderA family celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights on each day of the holiday. One night brings an unexpected “mess and a scramble.” Digital art. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Cows and Sheep and Chicks That CheepDouglas FlorianA collection of humorous poems about life on a farm describing animal behaviors and the hard work of a farmer’s daily routine. Mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Dear Acorn (Love, Oak): Letter Poems to FriendsJoyce Sidman, illustrated by Melissa SweetEight pairs of personified objects (including sky/bubble, river/pebble, and coat/button) exchange poems meditating on the relationship between big and small. Playful, profound imagery using inventive mixed-media collage.Five to NineATOS Book Level 3.8AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
How Elegant the Elephant: Poems About Animals and InsectsMary Ann HobermanWhimsical pencil and watercolor illustrations depict a busy hotel for animals in this rollicking collection of poems, both new and previously published, with a variety of forms and meters.Five to NineView book details
In the DesertDavid Elliott, illustrated by Gordy WrightClever rhymes invite readers to look at the wide variety of creatures that inhabit the Sahara Desert. Rich gouache and acrylic illustrations, finished digitally. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Winner of the 2026 Claudia Lewis AwardFor a Girl BecomingJoy HarjoAs a brown-skinned baby is welcomed into her family, they give her loving, empowering messages about her special place in the world. Free verse. Richly hued, tactile illustrations.Five to NineView book details
A Forest SongKirsten Hall, illustrated by Evan TurkA boy takes a rapturous journey through the autumn woods. Melodic text in the form of a cento (all lines are taken from classic poems). Swirling, jewel-toned gouache illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD560LView book details
Girls on the RiseAmanda GormanA powerful and lyrical message affirming the special wisdom, beauty, and strength in all girls. Collage and digital graphics.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD610LView book details
Growing Green: A First Book of GardeningCandlewick PressSimple, clear instructions along with clear, detailed color illustrations will help aspiring gardeners plant and harvest their vegetables.Five to NineView book details
How to Love the Whole World: A Story About Artist Agnes MartinHenry MartinLoving her natural surroundings, a Canadian American painter expressed her intense feelings in lines and grids, which were initially misunderstood. Illustrations capture her minimalist style.Five to NineView book details
JIM!: Six True Stories About One Great Artist: James MarshallJerrold Connors, illustrated by Jerrold ConnorsThis somewhat fictionalized account recreates the renowned illustrator’s cartoon style and depicts aspects of his life through animal characters. Hilarious!Five to NineView book details
A Line Can Go Anywhere: The Brilliant, Resilient Life of Artist Ruth AsawaCaroline McAlister, illustrated by Jamie GreenA California Nisei, interned during World War II, achieved acclaim by creating soaring wire sculptures and teaching. Expressive charcoal, watercolor, and digital illustrations. Archival photos. Author’s note. Bibliography.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 830LATOS Book Level 5.3View book details
Miffy and the Artists (Miffy series)Dick BrunaThe author takes us on an art museum tour featuring 24 artists that directly influenced his art style. Thought-provoking for young art critics and aficionados. Bold color graphics and photographs and reproductions of paintings and sculptures. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
When I Hear SpiritualsCheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by London LaddLyrics of songs that express joy and sorrow interweave with a young narrator’s emotional responses. Excellent resource for pairing with audio recordings. Realistic artwork. Glossary and extensive back matter.Five to NineView book details
Amazing Annie: The Spectacular and Mostly True Adventures of Annie KopchovskyStephen KrenskyIn 1894 a Jewish Latvian immigrant woman broke societal barriers by biking around the world, entertaining audiences along the way with imagined adventures. Colorful, detailed illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Apprenticeship of Andrew Wyeth: Painting a Family LegacyGene BarrettaThe son of N. C. Wyeth, a renowned painter and illustrator with an outsized personality, Andrew developed his own artistic vocabulary and achieved a lifetime of creative success. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations.Five to NineView book details
A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in AmericaJulie LeungThe daughter of once wealthy parents escaped China after the Communist Revolution and used memories of delicious home-cooked meals to evolve into a celebrated restaurateur. Evocative illustrations. Archival photographs. Maps. Author’s note.Five to NineView book details
Beacon of Hope: The Life of Barack Obama (Big Words series)Doreen RappaportThe 44th president’s personal background, achievements, and message, with notable quotes and colorful paintings, inspire and inform. Back matter includes an extensive time line.Five to NineView book details
Becoming a Ballerina: The Story of Michaela Mabinty DePrinceLaura ObuobiSierra Leonean adoptee DePrince faced discrimination in the American ballet world for her skin color and vitiligo, yet became a prima ballerina. Colorful digital illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Becoming Real: The True Story of the Velveteen RabbitMolly GoldenAuthor Margery Williams grew up with imaginary friends. Later, she wrote books about them. Period illustrations. Activities with toys. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Girl Who Tested the Waters: Ellen Swallow, Environmental ScientistPatricia Daniele, illustrated by Junyi WuA woman defied 19th-century norms by pursuing a career in science at an all-male university and then identified contaminated food and water. Colored pencil artwork evokes the period.Five to NineView book details
The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. PeiJeanne Walker HarveyAn outsider in France, Chinese American designer Pei worked in secret before unveiling his iconic new entrance to the Louvre. Striking digital artwork. STEM connections in back matter.Five to NineView book details
Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a WriterQuartez Harris, illustrated by Gordon C. JamesAs a boy, a brilliant and celebrated writer Black writer with an angry stepfather sought escape in his love of words and writing. Lush, painterly art.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 781LATOS Book Level 5.0View book details
His Fairytale Life: A Book About Hans Christian AndersenJane YolenNarrator Yolen, the renowned children’s book author, interweaves the struggles and triumphs of a legendary storyteller’s life with detailed luminous illustrations of some of the more than 150 fairy tales that he wrote. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Lady of the Lines: How Maria Reiche Saved the Nazca Lines by Sweeping the DesertMichaela MacCollEnchanted by Peru and its ancient civilization, a German mathematician and archaeologist devoted her life to uncovering enormous drawings hidden under sand. Realistic illustrations. Archival photographs. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World About Water PollutionJulie WinterbottomMicroscopic views of pond scum galvanized a young girl to devote her life to protecting waterways and their myriad life forms. Watercolor with delicate line art.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 770LView book details
Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins—The First Lady of Children’s MusicTraci N. ToddA Black girl from Chicago who always loved music grew up to become a legendary children’s music teacher, folk singer, and composer. Expressive digital color artwork. Time line. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Making Light Bloom: Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany LampsSandra NickelWorking for a renowned glassmaker in the mid-1900s, Driscoll incorporated nature and landscape designs in world-famous cut-glass garden lamps. Painting and ink illustrations showcase examples of her work. Extensive back matter.Five to NineView book details
The Music Inside Us: Yo-Yo Ma & His Gifts to the WorldJames Howe, illustrated by Jack WongMa’s journey from child prodigy to ambassador for world music and harmony is explored in evocative prose and emotional paintings. Readers are encouraged to treasure their own gifts. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The One and Only RumiRabiah YorkExiled from Afghanistan as a child, the 13th-century poet Rumi drew joy from music, nature, and inner journeys. Drawings infused with gold.Five to NineView book details
One Girl’s Voice: How Lucy Stone Helped Change the Law of the LandVivian KirkfieldStone, a 19th-century activist, was an abolitionist and an early champion of women’s rights. Detailed acrylic ink and colored pencil illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold LobelEmmy Kastner, illustrated by Emmy KastnerA second grader who started drawing during an extended illness grew up to become a beloved author- illustrator. Rich, charming illustrations convey much of the storytelling. Sources and list of Lobel’s works. Heartfelt author’s note.Five to NineView book details
The Spider Lady: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid WWII ArmyPenny Parker Klostermann, illustrated by Anne LambeletA young girl’s interest in bugs evolved into a fascination with spiders. She taught herself how to harvest spider silk for crosshairs in gunsights and other equipment. Detailed mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 940LView book details
Pedal Pusher: How One Woman’s Bicycle Adventure Helped Change the WorldMary BooneIn 1894 a dynamic young Latvian Jewish mother of three became the first woman to ride her bike around the world. Detailed, dynamic illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Wanda Hears The Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the UniverseAmy S. Hansen, Wanda Díaz Merced, illustrated by Rocío Arreola MendozaAlthough she became blind, by using sonification— presenting data through sound—Díaz Merced achieved her dream of becoming an astronomer. Vibrant illustrations. Excellent back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 540LFountas & Pinnell Text Level NView book details
The Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg’s Quest to Map the Stars and SeasonsM. O. YukselIn the 15th century, a brilliant Muslim prince built the largest observatory of his time and made extraordinary discoveries, laying the foundation for modern astronomy. Detailed digital art. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America’s Fight for FreedomKaren Blumenthal, Jen McCartneyThe only woman whose name appears on the Declaration of Independence was Mary Goddard, the passionate patriot who risked her life to print it. Mixed-media art. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibiities for Brain Research and DisabilityDanna Zeiger, illustrated by Josée BisaillonChildhood experiences due to cerebral palsy led a girl to pioneer research to develop therapies to improve function in children with similar conditions. Animated, colorful illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineFountas & Pinnell Text Level QView book details
The Bi BookA. J. IrvingA depiction of the many ways that “bi” at the beginning of a word, including bisexuality, means two. Charming crayon-like drawings.Five to NineView book details
The Camel Library: A True Story from PakistanMarzieh AbbasAfter the arrival of a viral pandemic, a camel and his human switch from delivering firewood to delivering books to children. Cartoon-style digital illustrations. Back matter features color photos.Five to NineView book details
Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United StatesRajani LaRoccaThe difficult journey to become a citizen in our nation is beautifully shared through inspiring language and expressive mixed-media art.Five to NineView book details
The Air We Share: A Pollution Problem and Finding Ways to Fix It (Books for a Better Earth collection)Dee RomitoThree events—the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883; Black Sunday, a massive Oklahoma dust storm in 1935; and the Great Smog of 1952 in London—illustrate the global effects of airborne particulates. Colorful illustrations. Glossary, index, sources.Five to NineView book details
Bird Brothers: A Delhi StoryRina SinghTwo Muslim Indian brothers learn to rescue black kites in a city where those birds, ironically, are wounded by the glass-coated strings used for paper-kite fighting. Mixed-media illustrations. Author’s note.Five to NineView book details
DawnMarc Martin, illustrated by Marc MartinSee the world come alive as the sun rises and animals, insects, and flowers greet the day. Spare text and elaborate watercolor, pencil, and digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
I Am We: How Crows Come Together to SurviveLeslie Barnard Booth, illustrated by Alexandra FinkeldeyWhen the seasons change, thousands of crows take refuge together at night, huddling for warmth and protection. Stunning dark and evocative illustrations. Lyrical language. Comprehensive back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD510LATOS Book Level 2.3View book details
Ice Journey of the Polar BearMartin JenkinsA polar bear and her two cubs wander the Arctic looking for food and shelter amid changing conditions and melting ice. Bright, textured mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed VaultMegan Clendenan, illustrated by Brittany CiccheseBuried deep underground in the Arctic, a Norwegian facility stores more than 580 million global crop seeds, preserving them for future food supplies. Animated, colorful illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 850LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
Mighty: The Story of an Oak Tree EcosystemHenry ColeAn acorn grows into a great oak, evolving as part of an ecosystem and becoming a beloved town landmark. Finely detailed black-and-white pencil drawings.Five to NineView book details
My Pollinator Garden: How I Plant for Bees, Butterflies, Beetles, and More (Books for a Better Earth collection)Jordan Zwetchkenbaum, illustrated by Kate CosgroveA colorful and inviting guide with detailed information about how pollination works and the vital role of pollinators. Striking pencil and digital art drawing.Five to NineView book details
Plight of the Pelican: How Science Saved a Species (Books for a Better Earth collection)Jessica StremerIn the late 1960s and early 1970s, DDT, a pesticide, was endangering the population of pelicans (and other living creatures). Scientists discovered why and fought to solve the problem. Full-page gouache and acrylic illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Recycling Day: What Happens to the Things We Throw AwayPolly FaberLearn about the many useful ways that metal, plastic, paper, fabric, and food scraps can be repurposed after we discard them. Colorful descriptive illustrations. Suggested conservation practices.Five to NineView book details
Whales in the CityNancy F. Castaldo, illustrated by Chuck GroeninkAfter many years of being driven away by overfishing, pollution, and other consequences of human activity, whales were brought back to New York Harbor through staunch efforts of activists. Dramatic mixed- media illustrations. Sources.Five to NineLexile Text Measure AD600LATOS Book Level 3.9View book details
When a Tree Falls: Nurse Logs and Their Incredible Forest PowerKirsten PendreighWhat happens when a tree falls in the forest? Sometimes it continues nursing life. Simple, poetic text and full-page digital illustrations transport readers into the woods.Five to NineView book details
Worm Makes a SandwichBrianne FarleyA humorous explanation of the critical role worm poop plays in a successful garden. Mixed-media color illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Friendship Train: A True Story of Helping and Healing After World War IIDebbie Levy, illustrated by Boris KulikovIn 1947 children played an important role in filling boxcars traveling across the U.S. with essential food to be shipped to hungry Europeans. Striking illustrations evoke the time period. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
The History of WeNikkolas Smith, illustrated by Nikkolas SmithEnter the African continent, where communication, the arts, sciences, and exploration originiated, creating our shared global humanity. Lyrical text. Acrylic art. Back matter.Five to NineLexile Text Measure 680LFountas & Pinnell Text Level RView book details
The House on the CanalThomas Harding, illustrated by Britta TeckentrupFollow the 400-year history of 263 Prinsengracht, the building on a plot of marshland in Amsterdam where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. Mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineATOS Book Level 4.5AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
The Keeper of StoriesCaroline Kusin Pritchard, illustrated by Selina AlkoIn 1966, when fire destroyed many precious volumes at the Jewish Theological Seminary library, the wider community rallied in a massive salvage operation, known as ”Operation Booklift.” Striking illustrations.Five to NineATOS Book Level 4.0AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Mature contentOne Day: A True Story of Survival in the HolocaustMichael Rosen, illustrated by Benjamin PhillipsA Hungarian Jewish father and son fought the Nazis with the Resistance in Paris, but were captured. Would they escape the Auschwitz-bound train that they were on? Mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Returning the Sword: How a Japanese Sword of War Became a Symbol of Friendship and PeaceCaren StelsonYears after World War II, a retired American soldier returned a treasured Japanese artifact, taken as plunder but unflaggingly cared for, to its original owner’s family. Warm digital illustrations. Bibliography, notes.Five to NineView book details
The Secret RecipeIlan StavansWhile making a traditional pastry with his grandmother, using her recipe written in Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), a boy learns about the language’s origins and survival. Bold color illustrations. Glossary. Recipe.Five to NineView book details
Akeem Keeps Bees!: A Close-Up Look at the Honey Makers and Pollinators of Sankofa FarmsKamal Eugene William Bell, Akeem Bell, illustrated by Darnell JohnsonA Black boy describes how his family farm’s apiary operates. Colorful, detailed graphic-novel-style illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la PapaSara Andrea Fajardo, illustrated by Juana Martinez-NealAn Andean-born agronomist’s fluency in both Spanish and Quechua helped make him an unprecedentedly effective plant collector and protector of biodiversity. Rich, earthy illustrations. Glossary, biographical information. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineATOS Book Level 3.6AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
The Blue Jays That Grew a ForestLynn Street, illustrated by Anne HunterA year in the lives of omnivorous blue jays, who, in the fall, stash ripened acorns far and wide, not all of which are eaten, but instead grow into oaks. Gentle mixed- media illustrations. Notes on keystone species and symbiosis.Five to NineView book details
Don’t Eat the Cleaners!: Tiny Fish with a BIG JobSusan StockdaleTo stay healthy, marine animals need to have parasites and dead skin removed. At coral reef cleaning stations, wrasse, angelfish, cleaner shrimp, and other sea creatures provide that service. Colorful digital illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
A Gift of Dust: How Saharan Plumes Feed the PlanetMartha Brockenbrough, illustrated by Juana Martinez-NealMyriad organic and inorganic materials, both ancient and new, float nearly invisibly through our atmosphere on an epic journey. Rich mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
I, Rock: A Geology TaleKatie SlivenskyA small rock narrates his story as part of Earth’s geological history, from four billion years ago to the present. Bold illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
I Am a LionessHyewon KyungClearing up the misconception that males run the pride, a lioness explains that it is the females that band together for safety, food, security, and protection of the cubs. Paint and pencil illustrations on handmade paper.Five to NineView book details
In the World of WhalesMichelle Cusolito, illustrated by Jessica LananA free diver happens upon a sperm whale birth. The miraculous experience impacts him deeply. The blue illustration color palette invites readers beneath the ocean too.Five to NineView book details
The Lonely GooseLela NargiFollow a goose as she mates, raises goslings, mourns when her partner dies, and then finds a new mate. Mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Meena and the MicrobiomeDr. Majdi OsmanMeena’s scientist mom provides clear explanations about the fascinating role of microbes in our world and bodies. Digital art. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Meet the Mini-Mammals: A Night at the Natural History MuseumMelissa Stewart, illustrated by Brian LiesDiscover the amazing number of the world’s tiniest mammals and the environments they live in. Acrylic and pencil illustrations. Bibliography.Five to NineView book details
Salmon Run: An Epic Journey to the Ocean and BackAnnie ChenFollow the remarkable and perilous life of a Pacific Northwest salmon, from hatchling to parent. Lush translucent illustrations. Maps. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Stuck!: The Story of La Brea Tar PitsJoyce Uglow, illustrated by Valerya MilovanovaExcavation of the Los Angeles tar pit revealed clues about its formation and the fossilized prehistoric creatures entrapped there. Lyrical text. Evocative, dynamic illustrations. Time line, glossary.Five to NineView book details
Sun Bird: The Amazing Journey of the Arctic TernLindsay MooreOne year in the life of a bird that feeds, mates, nests, and eludes predators while migrating 18,000 miles each year. Dramatic immersive digital art. Rich back matter.Five to NineView book details
Sunflower SeedsEllen HeckA teacher gives each student a few seedlings to nurture over the summer so they can witness the wonders of nature up close. Vibrant oil illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Toes, Teeth, and Tentacles: A Curious Counting BookSteve Jenkins, Robin PageFascinating facts with exquisite detailed collage art bring remarkable animals up close. Find creatures with nine eyes or five legs or two tongues! Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Trapped in the Tar Pit: How Paleontologists Unearthed a City’s Prehistoric PastJessica StremerThe history of the massive graveyard of extinct animals that was unearthed in Los Angeles 40,000 years after the tar pit’s formation. Stylized digital illustrations. Species index, historical notes, resources.Five to NineView book details
The True and Lucky Life of a TurtleSy MontgomeryFire Chief was a fortunate turtle for most of his 40+ years, until he was hit by a car. Afterward, with help from a rescue league, he recovered. Dramatic, realistic illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Zero!: The Number That Almost Wasn’tSarah Albee, illustrated by Chris HsuThe concept of zero was not always universally accepted, and controversy over its existence has had a long history of political and religious biases. Time- period-specific illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineATOS Book Level 5.0AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
Soy Sauce!Laura G. LeeThis Asian staple is actually many, since every country that makes it has its own distinct methods and ingredients. Jaunty text with tempting mixed-media illustrations (including several different soy sauces).Five to NineView book details
This Is Orange: A Field Trip Through ColorRachel Poliquin, illustrated by Julie MorstadThe history, etymology, chemical makeup(s), and symbologies of the “color between yellow and red,” which there was once no word for in English. Luscious mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineATOS Book Level 4.7AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book detailsNine to Twelve
118 selections
Benny on the CaseWesley KingBenny, who has mosaic Down syndrome, makes a new friend at school. Together they try to solve the mystery of who is stealing at the retirement home where Benny lives.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 4.6AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Earhart: The Incredible Flight of a Field Mouse Around the World (Mouse Adventures series)Torben Kuhlmann, translated from German by David Henry WilsonAfter seeing a picture of a lion, a field mouse decides to fly to Africa to see if the great felines really exist. Flying adventures ensue. Realistic watercolor illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea MysteryMitali Perkins, illustrated by Maithili JoshiIn this exploration of cultural and social issues in northern India, Sona must find out who has robbed her older friend’s family gold. Grayscale digital illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics: The Graphic NovelChris GrabensteinMr. Lemoncello invites the national champions to compete in his Library Olympics, and the winners are promised a full college scholarship. Can their brilliance also defend against the threat of censorship? Cartoon- style graphics.Nine to TwelveView book details
Absolutely Everything: A Graphic NovelDamian AlexanderMarcella is overwhelmed by sixth grade: friendships, homework, and a move. Finding out that she has ADHD helps her learn what she needs to thrive. Bold, clear artwork conveys her inner world.Nine to TwelveView book details
Adi of Boutanga: A Story from CameroonAlain Serge DzotapAdi is 13, and her uncle, the head of the family, wants to marry her off, but her parents send her to a special school instead. Deeply colored, stylized oil illustrations. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 690LView book details
After: A Survivor’s StoryHallee AdelmanA young survivor of a horrible event finds a safe place to process what happened and companionship with another survivor. Expressive illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
A Change Is Gonna ComeSam Cooke, illustrated by Nikkolas SmithLines of a renowned Civil Rights anthem are accompanied by moving and powerful illustrations of landmark events in African American history, described in detail in the back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Old Blue Is My Home: A Picture BookLita JudgeA young girl accepts that her family lives in a van and enjoys many things about her nomadic life, but she also feels like an outcast at school. Watercolor and pencil illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Pilgrim CodexVivian Mansour, illustrated by Emmanuel Valtierra, Carlos Rodríguez CortezA current-day story of migration from Mexico to the U.S., told by a boy enduring the difficult trip. Richly colored illustrations in Mesoamerican codex style, based on 10th–16th century manuscripts. Author’s note. Glossary.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 3.7AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Please Pay AttentionJamie SumnerTwelve-year-old Bea, a wheelchair user, struggles with her reactions to a devastating shooting at her school as she works to process her grief. Told in lyrical free verse.Nine to TwelveView book details
ChickenpoxRemy LaiWhen Abby, 12, and her younger siblings get the chickenpox at the same time, mayhem ensues. Clear, colorful illustrations. Based on the author’s childhood experience.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 3.0AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
Danilo Was HereTamika BurgessIn Panamá in 1989, against the backdrop of the U.S. invasion, a talented young baseball player’s skills give him a chance to visit California and search for his deadbeat father.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 5.0AR Interest Level MGView book details
Finding LostHolly Goldberg SloanWhen a little lost dog follows middle schooler Cordy home, he proves to be just the catalyst her family needs to move on from the loss of her father.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 740LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
Gus and GlorySarah GuilloryA 12-year-old girl spends the summer with grandparents she barely knows. A stray bloodhound becomes the perfect collaborator in her quest to unravel the mystery of her missing mother.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 4.1AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
A Hero’s Guide to Summer VacationPablo CartayaGrief-stricken 13-year-old Gonzalo reluctantly joins his estranged abuelo, a famous fantasy-writer, on the final tour to promote his grandfather’s best-selling book series.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 781LATOS Book Level 5View book details
Octopus MoonBobbie PyronPearl’s burgeoning sensitivity leads to a diagnosis of depression. At first resistant to her doctor’s advice, she starts to try one new thing at a time. Free verse.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure HL610LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
The Ripple EffectRebecca CapraraMarzella’s sixth-grade prank bombed, and the class was punished. The principal gives her a chance for a do-over, which morphs into a townwide community service project.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 750LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
Safe HarborPadma VenkatramanAfter moving from India to Rhode Island, Geetha joins her new friend Miguel to rescue a harp seal pup and organize a community beach cleanup. Author’s note. Resources.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 5.1AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Shell Song: Based on a True Family StorySharon Fujimoto-JohnsonA Hawaiian Japanese immigrant patriarch’s spirit breaks after he is imprisoned following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. His family remembers him through his seashell collection. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Through Sand and Salt: A Tale of Discovery Across the SaharaElizabeth ZunonMalik makes his first difficult journey through the desert with his father’s camel caravan, trading precious salt for necessary goods. Acrylics, oil paints, and pastels create sweeping landscapes. Author’s note.Nine to TwelveView book details
Weird Sad and SilentAlison McGheeDaisy, 10, “invisibilizes” and counts to 111 whenever she is confronted by the school bullies. Can the new boy help her to be brave?Nine to TwelveView book details
The Gate, the Girl, and the DragonGrace Lin, illustrated by Grace LinAfter kicking the Sacred Sphere out of the stone spirit world into the human world, lion cub Jin must find a way back before it is too late. Bright illustrations.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 5.2AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
The Library of Unruly TreasuresJeanne Birdsall, illustrated by Matt PhelanA girl from a dysfunctional family visits a loving uncle, fulfilling a prophecy of finding a new home for a clan of small winged creatures—and ultimately herself. Black- and-white watercolor illustrations.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 4.8AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
The Boy Who Lost His SparkMaggie O’FarrellUnhappy after his family moves to the country, Jem refuses to believe that an ancient creature called a nouka exists, despite his sister’s insistence. Soft ink and watercolor illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Cabin Head and Tree Head (Cabin Head and Tree Head series)Scott Campbell, illustrated by Scott CampbellFollow the adventures of best buds Cabin Head and Tree Head and their community as they support each other’s challenges, disappointments, and some silly ideas. Detailed watercolor illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Cousins in the Time of MagicEmma OtheguyKids time-travel to 1862, helping Mexico gain victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, impacting the American Civil War. Black-and-white spot illustrations. Glossary, notes, sources.Nine to TwelveView book details
Evie and RhinoNeridah McMullinEvie bonds with shipwrecked Rhino, but he belongs to the Royal Melbourne Zoological Society. Can she keep him? Detailed grayscale illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Forest of a Thousand EyesFrances Hardinge, illustrated by Emily GravettWhen a stranger steals the precious spyglass her people rely on for survival, Feather sets out on a dangerous quest to retrieve it. Evocative prose. Atmospheric drawings in green hues.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 5.8AR Interest Level Middle Grades Plus (MG+ 6 and up)View book details
Losing the PlotAnnaleise ByrdWhile reading Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel together, Basil and his student, Terry, are catapulted into the dangerous world of unionized fairy alliances, and enlisted to help rescue Hansel.Nine to TwelveView book details
Lost Evangeline (Norendy Tales series)Kate DiCamilloA shoemaker adopts a tiny girl, but his wife sells her for gold, sending both father and daughter off on a string of adventures. Detailed grayscale illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
OasisGuojingSeparated from their mother and barely surviving in a barren desert, JieJie and DiDi manage to reactivate an obsolete robot, which evolves into a capable caregiver. Windswept, monochrome illustrations.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 2.0AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
Stitch Head: The Graphic NovelGuy BassForgotten by his mad scientist creator, a patchwork creature is lured in by the evil ringleader of a traveling carnival. Spooky illustrations. Adapted from the Stitch Head chapter book series.Nine to TwelveView book details
TygerS.F. Said, illustrated by Dave McKeanWhen Adam finds a wounded mythical tyger, he and his friend Zadie must help the animal escape London before it is captured and the city is destroyed. Black- and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Vanya and the Wild Hunt (Vanya Vallen Adventures series)Sangu MandannaAn 11-year-old neurodivergent British Indian girl is transported to an enchanted community where she learns about her heritage and how to fight dangerous mythical monsters. Black-and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Village Beyond the MistSachiko Kashiwaba; translated by Avery Fischer Udagawa, illustrated by Miho SatakeLina is sent to a mysterious hidden village for summer vacation. She is expected to work there, helping out the townspeople and their mythical creatures. Whimsical black-and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
A Wolf Called FireRoseanne ParryWarm, the smallest of the wolf pack, is suddenly responsible for its survival against enemy wolves, huntsmen, and natural disasters. Engaging text. Dramatic black-and-white illustrations. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 4.3AR Interest Level MGView book details
Bunns RabbitAlan BarillaroA kit, shunned and maligned for having short ears, wishes to be like all the other rabbits … with harrowing results. Alternately soaring and intimate digital illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 750LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
The Edge of the Silver SeaAlex MullarkyBlair, desperate to move back from the remote, mystical Scottish island she’s just landed on, strikes a bargain with a malevolent ancient Celtic goddess. Map. Black-and-white spot illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
CeeCee: Underground Railroad CinderellaShana Keller, illustrated by Laura FreemanIn the antebellum South, a bullied enslaved Black girl plots her escape, with the help of Harriet Tubman. Intimate digital illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 650LATOS Book Level 4.0View book details
The Enemy’s DaughterAnne BlankmanSeparated from her father during World War I, Marta hides her German identity while living with an Irish family in England.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 5.2AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
GiantJudith McQuoidThe philosophical and fantastical underpinnings of C. S. Lewis’s later writings, especially The Chronicles of Narnia, are glimpsed in this warm portrait of his young life.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and LuliKarina Yan GlaserParallel stories of a boy from eighth-century China and a girl from 1931 Chinatown who must save their respective families and are united by a unique piece of silk and a Tang dynasty poet. Black-and-white spot illustrations.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 6.0AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto AlvarezMaría Dolores ÁguilaDuring the Great Depression, Mexican American Roberto, 12, becomes the lead plaintiff in a legal case battling segregation in a Southern California elementary school. Free verse. Grayscale spot illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 800LATOS Book Level 5.1View book details
The Secret of HoneycakeKimberly Newton FuscoEleven-year-old Hurricane has trouble finding her voice, but she definitely does not want to leave her ocean home to live with her Aunt Claire in the city. Set in the 1930s.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 830LATOS Book Level 5.3View book details
Surviving Vesuvius: A Lucky Escape from the Tragic Fate of Ancient PompeiiChristopher HarissonIn 79 C.E, a rich, complex society in Southern Italy was leveled by a ferocious volcanic eruption. The events are known in detail thanks to a contemporary account. Painterly illustrations. Time line.Nine to TwelveView book details
We Are American, TooKristen Mei ChaseMei and her family celebrate her great-great- grandfather who, in 1898, was the second Chinese person born in Washington, D.C. Colorful illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
When Sally O’Malley Discovered the SeaKaren CushmanIn the summer of 1894, armed only with her gumption, Sally strikes out west across Oregon for the sea. Adventure? That’s easy. Learning to trust others? Not so fast.Nine to TwelveView book details
Will’s Race for Home: A WesternJewell Parker RhodesIn 1889 Will and his father, a Black sharecropper, leave Texas to stake a claim in Oklahoma. But people, animals, and the environment pose deadly threats. Full-page grayscale illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Days of Awe: Stories for Rosh Hashanah and Yom KippurEric A. KimmelThree traditional folktales represent the important mitzvot of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur— repentance, prayer, and charity. Folk-art-style illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Future Me Saves the World (and Ruins My Life)Leah CypessFourth grader Ethan receives a seemingly simple assignment from his 39-year-old self—convincing his substitute teacher to continue teaching so she doesn’t become an evil dictator and destroy the planet. Cartoon-style black-and-white spot art.Nine to TwelveView book details
Into the Bewilderness: A Graphic NovelGus GordonLuis the bear and Pablo the mole leave their cabin in the woods for an adventure in the Big City. Things don’t go exactly as planned. Soft clear artwork.Nine to TwelveView book details
J vs. KKwame Alexander, Jerry CraftFormer fifth grade rivals (J who draws and K who writes) realize that, by joining forces, they just might win the school’s creative writing contest. Humorous black-and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 4.8AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Trial and ErrorRobin NewmanAn ant practicing as a lawyer wins case after case in a variety of legal situations. Black-and-white artwork.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Very Fine ClockMuriel SparkAlthough he has a warm connection with Professor Horace John Morris and his friends, Ticky refuses an honorary professorship out of regard for the other clocks. Black-and-white illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic NovelNatalie Babbitt, adapted, illustrated by K. Woodman-MaynardThis sensitive reimagining of the enduring classic incorporates many of the original’s memorable lines while imbuing it with fresh images. Back matter includes a dialogue with Babbitt’s daughter. Delicate artwork in a subdued palette.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Winter of the DollhouseLaura Amy SchlitzTiph feels such a strong connection with a valuable antique doll that she steals it, setting off a chain of magical events. Ingenious plot twists and insightful character development.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 701LATOS Book Level 4.5View book details
The Cartoonists ClubRaina Telgemeier, Scott McCloud, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, Scott McCloudFour middle schoolers and a school librarian create a club to learn the process of building visual storylines. Extensive back matter about comics and creating them. Full-color art.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 2.9AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Fresh StartGale GalliganOllie, a diplomat’s child accustomed to a nomadic lifestyle, has to adjust for the long term when the family puts down roots in Virginia. Bright, energetic panels.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure GN420LATOS Book Level 2.9View book details
Mixed-UpKami Garcia, illustrated by Brittney WilliamsStella was looking forward to fifth grade but now has trouble reading. Peers and elders support her. Text and cheerful illustrations designed for dyslexic and neurodivergent readers. Back matter.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 390LWord Count 6215View book details
Old SchoolGordon KormanDex lives at his grandmother’s retirement village, having been homeschooled by residents there all his life. Now he’s forced to go to middle school. Can he adjust?Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 781LATOS Book Level 5View book details
The Other Side of ImaniLisa SpringerImani, a Black eighth grader, loves fashion designing and wants to get a scholarship by winning a school contest. Then her classmate steals her design. Author’s note.Nine to TwelveView book details
SpeechlessAron Nels Steinke, illustrated by Aron Nels SteinkeMira eagerly goes to middle school, but social anxiety hinders her from speaking outside her home. She takes comfort in making stop-motion films. Brightly colored artwork. Resources. Author’s note.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure GN270LATOS Book Level 2.1View book details
The Unlikely Heroes ClubKate FosterDuring spring break, Oli must attend daily socialization classes for autistic kids. Rescuing a stray dog provides unexpected opportunities for collaboration and friendship.Nine to TwelveView book details
What Fell from the SkyAdrianna CuevasSoldiers descend on Pineda’s small Texan town, supposedly for war games, but he suspects they’re really searching for the alien hiding in his barn. Author’s note.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 750LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
Zed Moonstein Makes a FriendLance RubinSixth grader Zed is terrible at making friends. He surreptitiously downloads an app for the perfect AI buddy. But “Matt” becomes super-possessive and not so perfect after all.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 681LATOS Book Level 4.4View book details
Bad Badger: A Love StoryMaryrose Wood, illustrated by Giulia GhiginiA rare spotted badger, living a solitary but otherwise atypical life by the sea, discovers where he truly belongs through his friendship with a seagull. Full-page grayscale illustrations.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 660LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
CurlFriends: Back in Business (CurlFriends series)Sharee MillerWith the help of her friends, a young Black girl wins the dance competition and helps her mom keep her hair salon. Cartoon-style illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Speak Up, Santiago! (Hillside Valley Graphic Novel series)Julio Anta, illustrated by Gabi MendezNew Yorker Santiago’s sudden immersion in a rural, multi-ethnic Spanish-speaking town exposes unexpected linguistic and cultural gaps. Back home, white classmates question his attending beginners’ Spanish classes. Action-filled panels.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure GN390LFountas & Pinnell Text Level WView book details
Black Diamond KingsCharles R. Smith JrTwelve players from the Negro Leagues sparkle as they catch, run, and slug their way to stardom. Short, energetic poems. Bold, dynamic illustrations that pop. Strong back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Boy Who Lived in a Shell: Snippets for Wandering MindsJohn HimmelmanAn imaginative free-verse world of impossible creatures and improbable children, by turns whimsical and wistful, touching and humorous. Amusing spot pen and ink illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Hopeful Heroes: More Poems About Amazing LatinosMargarita EngleLyrical portraits of Central and South American activists and artists from the early 1500s to the present. Colorful hand-painted watercolors. Short biographies in back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
This Is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poetsillustrated by Jade Orlando, Traci N. ToddVibrant poems by 100 diverse Black poets paired with energetic bold watercolor illustrations illuminate the varied rich Black experience of culture, community, history, and protest. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Words with Wings and Magic ThingsMatthew Burgess, illustrated by Doug SalatiFar-ranging and whimsical rhyming poetry grouped into seven loose themes encourages kids to fly, to dream, and to live fully. Expressive illustrations of real and mythical creatures.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure NPView book details
Cooking Up ChangeMichael PlattEnjoy one celebratory recipe for each month, accompanied by descriptions of milestone events and notable people in Black American history. Warmly hued digital illustrations. Short biographies, glossary, resources.Nine to TwelveView book details
An Abundance of Light: A Story of Matisse in MoroccoLauren StringerA visit to Tangier lifted the famous artist’s dark mood, reminded him of his childhood, and inspired his exuberant, colorful paintings. Mixed-media illustrations evoke his style. Unique, informative endpapers.Nine to TwelveView book details
How Sweet the SoundKwame Alexander, illustrated by Charly PalmerDiscover the history of African Americans through the music they created, from the talking drums of West Africa to spirituals to jazz to rock and more. Boldly colored illustrations. Free verse. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Liftoff!: How the Apollo Moon Missions Made Alma Thomas’s Art SoarNina CrewsA Black abstract painter created works inspired by the space flights of the late 1960s. Bold digital illustrations. Unique intersection of art and technology. Excellent back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
André: André Leon Talley—A Fabulously Fashionable Fairy TaleCarole Boston Weatherford, Rob SandersDespite prejudice and limited resources, Talley rose to prominence in the fashion world, due to education, drive, and his grandmother’s love. Abundant quotes. Intensely colored stylized illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a ShapeAmy Alznauer, illustrated by Anna BronAn amateur mathematician’s curiosity, creativity, and hard work advanced the knowledge of tiling shapes. Bright, elegant geometric art. Bibliography. Suggested activities.Nine to TwelveView book details
Harriet Tubman: Force of Nature: A Biography in PoemsCaroline Brewer, illustrated by Caroline BrewerThe life of a legendary runaway slave, freedom fighter, Union Army spy, and nurse shines through 30 emotive rhythmic poems and mixed-media biographically inspired collages. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams: The Woman Who Rescued a Generation of Children and Founded the World’s Largest Children’s LibraryKatherine PatersonAfter World War II, a German Jewish youth advocate established the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Retro-style color illustrations. Archival photographs.Nine to TwelveView book details
Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone (Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World series)Andrew MaranissIn 2019 a talented Dakota runner ran the Boston Marathon with the names of missing Indigenous women painted on her body. Black-and-white drawings.Nine to TwelveView book details
Marjory’s River of Grass: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Fierce Protector of the EvergladesJosie JamesDouglas, a suffragist, wartime Red Cross volunteer, and author, had a lifelong mission to save an irreplaceable and diverse natural habitat. Detailed digital illustrations. Bibliography. List of wildlife protection organizations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Prince Among Slaves: The Remarkable True Story of an African Prince Enslaved in Mississippi and His Journey HomeN. H. SenzaiThe life of Prince Abdulrahman Sori from his beginnings in West Africa to his capture, enslavement in the United States, emancipation, and return to the continent of his birth. Descriptive text and emotive acrylic paintings. Detailed author’s note.Nine to TwelveView book details
Sarah Key Evans: The Power of Quiet CourageAmy Nathan, with Sarah Key EvansIn 1952 a Black Women’s Army Corps private was arrested for not changing her seat on a bus when it entered the South. She later sued, and won. Full-color illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Twist, Tumble, Triumph: The Story of Champion Gymnast Ágnes KeletiDeborah Bodin Cohen, Kerry OlitzkyA Hungarian Jewish athlete put her dreams on hold throughout the Holocaust. Many years later, she reunited with her partner and eventually achieved her goals. Evocative illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Endless SeaChi ThaiA family’s fraught sea escape from Vietnam is captured in muted illustrations, which, once the family is settled safely in their new homeland, then glow with color.Nine to TwelveView book details
I Was Supposed to Be at Schoolthe children of Maré, in collaboration with Ananda Luz, Isabel MalzoniWords and pictures taken from letters that children from a favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sent to the government about how police raids affected them.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Crane and the Keeper: How an Endangered Crane Chose a Human as Her MateMeeg PincusA crane, who had bonded with people and therefore wasn’t breeding, encountered a clever, human caretaker who helped its lineage continue. Digital art. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
After the Clotilda: Africatown’s Hidden HistoryAnitra Butler-NgugiSurvivors from the last slave ship to the United States and their descendants built a thriving community, now threatened by pollution. Archival photographs and images. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Dreams to Ashes: The 1871 Los Angeles Chinatown MassacreLivia BlackburneMounting xenophobia toward Chinese Americans, fueled by racist newspaper commentary, culminated in a brutal attack and 18 deaths. Powerful earth-toned ink and digital illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the Race to Save Abraham LincolnBeth Anderson, illustrated by Sally Wern ComportAmerica’s first female detective uncovered a plot to assassinate the president-elect during his inaugural train tour. Suspenseful prose and scrapbook-like collage illustrations. Archival photographs, endpaper map. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 580LATOS Book Level 3.8View book details
Is It Real?: The Loch Ness MonsterCandace FlemingFollowing descriptions of major sightings of Nessie, the reader is invited to investigate theories about its possible existence. Lively, interactive treatment. Black-and-white archival photos. Meticulous back matter.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 6.0AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Kaho‘olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her PeopleKamalani HurleyThe smallest of the main Hawaiian islands was occupied by the U.S. military in 1941 and used as a test bomb site until 1990. Activists have been working for decades to undo the damage. Powerful, colorful illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Secrets of the Dead: Mummies and Other Human Remains from Around the WorldMatt RalphsWhether lovingly prepared or preserved accidentally, the remains of the dead provide a tantalizing glimpse into lives lived long ago. Illustrations filled with historical details. Graphs, map. Glossary.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Spy in the Museum: How Rose Valland Saved Art from the NazisErin McGuireBy keeping meticulous notes, a shy curator in Paris during World War II tricked soldiers and recorded the destinations intended for stolen treasures. Expressive, realistic illustrations.Nine to TwelveView book details
Tomatoes on Trial: The Fruit v. Vegetable ShowdownLindsay H. MetcalfIn 1892 a produce importer attempted to avoid tariffs on tomatoes, once classified as vegetables, by having them legally declared to be fruit. Cheery illustrations. Glossary, author’s note, sources.Nine to TwelveView book details
The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II RescueElizabeth Brown, illustrated by Melissa CastrillónIn 1940 Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes defied his government for 23 days, issuing visas to thousands of Jews fleeing the Nazis. Digital illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Drawing Is … Your Guide to Scribbled AdventuresElizabeth HaidleA visuals-forward primer on how to approach drawing, free up one’s creativity, and give oneself room to experiment, grow, and make serendipitous mistakes. Illustrated in a wide range of media.Nine to TwelveView book details
We Need to Talk About Divorce (We Need to Talk About series)Kate Scharff, illustrated by Annika Le LargeBright, cartoon-style illustrations accompany this therapist’s personal and professional advice for kids facing the challenge of family upheaval. Sensitive, reassuring, and practical.Nine to TwelveView book details
Game Changers: Stories of Hijabi Athletes from Around the WorldCharlene SmithThirteen Muslim women and girls, often the first in their sport to wear a hijab, share how they excel as runners, basketball players, and more. Colorful illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 1100LView book details
Winner of the 2026 Flora Stieglitz Straus AwardThe Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching UnitKelly CrullLearn about the history and training of this unique South African anti-poaching unit and how they keep a game reserve’s animals safe. Told in part by the courageous group’s members themselves. Engaging photographs. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 720LATOS Book Level 4.6View book details
BridgesMagda GargulákováDiscover the history, types, and construction methods of bridges. Graphically detailed woodcut illustrations and vignettes. QR code references.Nine to TwelveView book details
Great Apes: Protecting Our Animal Cousins (Orca Wild series)Christopher GudgeonExplore the characteristics, habitats, social structures, and family life of bonobos, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas, and the threats those animals face. Engaging text. Insightful photographs.Nine to TwelveView book details
HurricaneJason Chin, illustrated by Jason ChinAs a community prepares for a hurricane, meteorologists carefully chart its path, while scientists and pilots fly into the storm to see what is happening. Detailed mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 5.8AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
An Immense World: How Animals Sense Earth’s Amazing SecretsEd Yong, adapted by Annmarie AndersonThrough the lens of the fascinating sensory worlds of animals, we learn how other species perceive their environment and how to protect them from sensory pollution. Colorful illustrations. Young readers edition of An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us.Nine to TwelveView book details
Innovative Octopuses, Half-Brained Birds, and More Animals with Magnificent Minds (Extraordinary Animal series)Christina CouchExplore the brain functions of six animal species and the brain’s role in aging, sleep, memory, emotions, communication, and innovation. Inviting colorful illustrations. Photographs. Activities. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Insectarium (Welcome to the Museum series)Dave GoulsonAbout half of Earth’s living species are insects. Their evolution, relatives, and specific types are presented in detail, and their environmental importance is brilliantly depicted. Jewel-like colored ink illustrations. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
It’s About Time! (Big Ideas That Changed the World series)Don Brown, illustrated by Don BrownNobel Prize-winning scientist Albert Einstein leads readers through an exploration of time, from measuring it to understanding smartphone GPS satellites. Humorous color cartoon-style illustrations. Extensive back matter.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure GN940LView book details
My Presentation Today Is About the AnacondaBibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Annemarie Van Haeringen, Nancy Forest-FlierAnimals, witty, opinionated, and argumentative, present reports on other animals. Line drawings and full-page color illustrations accompany this treasure trove of unusual facts.Nine to TwelveATOS Book Level 4.3AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep (Orca Wild series)Mark Leiren-YoungIn humorous first-person prose, the author takes us on a journey to the world of octopuses, resilient creatures whose large brains are wrapped around their bodies. Vivid photographs. Index. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book details
Omnibird: An Avian Investigator’s HandbookGiselle ClarksonFrom the tiny bee hummingbird to the huge ostrich, there is tremendous variety in bird anatomy, behavior, nesting habits, and more. Copious information. Colorful, detailed illustrations. Index.Nine to TwelveView book details
The Secret Life of a Sea TurtleMaddalena BearziClear prose and magnificent graphite and Photoshopped illustrations detail the hazardous journey of a hatchling in a Mexican nature reserve to egg-laying maturity. Suggested conservation actions. Bibliography.Nine to TwelveView book details
Smash, Crash, Topple, Roll!: The Inventive Rube Goldberg: A Life in Comics, Contraptions, and Six Simple MachinesCatherine ThimmeshInformation about Goldberg’s life is interwoven with descriptions of his imaginative mechanisms and the scientific principles behind them. Ingenious design, animated cartoon-style art. Extensive notes and sources.Nine to TwelveView book details
Survival of the Fittest: Who’s Got the Best Medicine?Rebecca DonnellyClear, accessible text and colorful panels with crisp images depict sea creatures whose characteristics inspire medical innovations.Nine to TwelveView book details
To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering CitiesPatricia Morris Buckley, illustrated by E.B. LewisFor over a century, many municipal skylines have owed their existence to nimble, courageous Native American workers. Soaring watercolor art. Historical and personal notes. Glossary.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 870LATOS Book Level 5.6View book details
We Carry the SunTae KellerLyrical text and animated bold color illustrations help make solar energy technology and its complex political history accessible and stimulating. Back matter.Nine to TwelveView book detailsTwelve to Fourteen
78 selections
Blood in the WaterTiffany D. JacksonSummering on Martha’s Vineyard with family friends, Kaylani finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. Can she solve it and free her father from prison too?Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
The Free State of JaxJennifer A. NielsenEscaping from an abusive household, a resourceful 12-year-old founds a micro-nation on a hot spring lake.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 750LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
Let the Monster OutChad LucasWhite, neurodivergent Kyle and biracial, hot-headed Bones—an unlikely pair—join forces to save the people of their small Canadian town from a local mind-control plot.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Smoke & MirrorsRosalyn RansawAndy, a Black 12-year-old who is helping renovate a crumbling mansion once owned by magician Red Knave, seeks to prove that the magician is not guilty of a murder.Twelve to FourteenView book details
You Were Made for this World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young PeopleStephanie Sinclair, Sara Sinclair, foreword by Mazina Giizhik-iban (Murray Sinclair)Letters in prose and poetry and powerful illustrations that speak about cultural dignity by 40 writers, noted individuals, and artists from many First Nations and Native American communities in Canada and the U.S.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Aarzu All AroundMarzieh AbbasIn Pakistan, restrictions on women are severe. Orphaned, athletic 12-year-old Aarzu is determined to play cricket and to earn enough to save her ailing sister. Written in a variety of poetic forms. Glossary.Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 5.9AR Interest Level MGView book details
City of HorsesFrances MoloneyMisty’s father loses his job, forcing a move to Redbridge, where horses run free. She bonds with new friends and a pony—but a developer wants the unspoiled property.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Mature contentFinding HarmonyEric WaltersHaving convinced the judge that she should live with her mother, Harmony strains to hold life together despite her mother’s bad choices. Is foster care a worse alternative?Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Freedom SeekerRuchira GuptaReligious persecution prompts Simi’s family to seek asylum in the United States, but only her father is accepted. Simi and her mother now face a perilous journey to rejoin him.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 769LATOS Book Level 4.9View book details
Ollie In BetweenJess CallansAn assigned class essay on “What it means to become a woman” forces 13-year-old Ollie to deal with fundamental identity issues.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Rick Kotani’s 400 Million Dollar SummerWaka T. BrownIn Oregon, Japanese American Rick tests his pitching skills in a competitive local baseball league while picking up life lessons from a Japanese folktale his grandfather is translating for him.Twelve to FourteenView book details
ScattergoodH.M. BouwmanPeggy, going on 13, experiences many changes in her 1941 Iowa farm town: her cousin’s leukemia, echoes of war, her first crush, and family secrets. Author’s note.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Spelling It OutMargaret FinneganBen, 12, faces a mixture of challenges and developing talent in competitive spelling bees, while dealing with shifting friendships. A summer stay with his aging grandma augments these experiences.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Very Bad at Math (Very Graphic Novel series)Hope Larson, illustrated by Hope LarsonTeenager Verity (Very) excels in school in Asheville, North Carolina, at everything except math, which she’s failing. Will her dyscalculia cost her the class presidency? Bright digital artwork.Twelve to FourteenView book details
DisplacedPatrick OchiengKimathi’s father is killed for political reasons, and his family must flee to a camp for displaced people within his country, Kenya. How can they rebuild their lives?Twelve to FourteenView book details
Halfway to SomewhereJose PimientaAve’s parents’ divorce splits the family between Mexico and Kansas, giving rise to questions of identity, belonging, language, and parenting. Realistic panels include scenes of memories. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure GN330LATOS Book Level 2.8View book details
On Guard!Cassidy WassermanBetween her parents’ divorce and possible abandonment by her best friend, Grace struggles to survive seventh grade. Cartoon-style art with watercolor backgrounds. Author’s note and art concept gallery.Twelve to FourteenView book details
DefangedH. E. EdgmonVampire Lux’s parents plan to subject him to a defanging “cure” on his 12th birthday. He flees to find a known vampire sanctuary, where he might live free and unafraid.Twelve to FourteenView book details
SparkChris BaronAfter a devasting fire, Finn and his best friend Rabbit want to restore their community, the forest surrounding it, and the animals living there. Can they take on powerful developers?Twelve to FourteenView book details
All the Blues in the SkyRenée WatsonOn Sage’s 13th birthday, her best friend is killed in a hit-and-run. In group counseling, Sage confronts her roiling emotions. Powerful verse and prose.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure NPATOS Book Level 5.0View book details
El NiñoPam Muñoz RyanYears ago, championship swimmer Cali disappeared. Her grief-stricken younger brother finds her overdue library book, which tells of a fantastic underwater realm. Might the mysterious kingdom actually exist? Immersive navy blue illustrations.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 740LATOS Book Level 5.3View book details
The Burning SeasonCaroline Starr RoseOpal, 12, a fire-lookout-in-training in New Mexico, finds herself alone when she spies smoke in the distance. Can she overcome her terror of fires and save lives? Free verse.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 600LATOS Book Level 3.9View book details
How to Tell a True StoryTricia SpringstubbAmber’s troubled older brother Gage rescues her from a fire that destroyed their house. The family’s new-found fame raises Amber’s social capital, but her parents split up, and Gage is keeping secrets.Twelve to FourteenView book details
BustedDan GemeinhartOscar, 12, lives in a senior center with his grandfather. To earn enough money to avoid being evicted, Oscar makes a deal with a curmudgeonly resident, leading to a series of dramatic adventures.Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 3.7AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
No Purchase NecessaryMaria MarianayagamAfter stealing a candy bar for a bully who then refuses it, Ajay discovers he has the $1,000,000 winning wrapper. How to tell his poor but strict Tamil parents?Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 4.6AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
A Day at the BeachGary D. Schmidt, Ron KoertgeA hot summer day at the shore from the perspective of 26 different kids whose storylines often intersect. Tobias’s lost iPhone links them.Twelve to FourteenView book details
DiveJohn David AndersonFriendless at her new school, Kass, a talented aquatic diver, teams up with Miles for something riskier: dumpster diving. But is Miles as trustworthy as he is attractive?Twelve to FourteenView book details
Don’t Cause TroubleArree ChungMing’s Chinese immigrant parents lovingly sacrifice everything, sometimes including his dignity, to ensure his academic success. But middle school might be survivable with the right friends. Cheery, boldly colored art.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Run Like a GirlAmaka EgbeTrack star Chidera must move temporarily to her estranged Nigerian immigrant father’s home. The new school has no girls’ track team, so she joins the boys’, sparking her classmates’ hostility.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Strongest HeartSaadia FaruqiThirteen-year-old Mo is relieved to be living with his aunt and cousin in Houston, but will his father’s fits of rage destroy Mo’s new-found peace?Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 619LATOS Book Level 4View book details
The Summer I Remembered EverythingCatherine Con MorsePanamanian Taiwanese Emily escapes a high-pressure home life by taking a summer job as a companion to a feisty, elderly Southern lady whose memory and judgement issues become increasingly clear.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Tear This DownBarbara DeeTwelve-year-old Freya learns that her town’s revered founder opposed women’s rights; she determines to work to honor local, historic women—particularly suffragists.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 720LATOS Book Level 4.6View book details
It’s WatchingLindsay CurrieDetermined to write a winning article for the school paper, Josie and her friends decide to visit a “haunted” graveyard on Halloween night—with unexpected results.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Trouble with HeroesKate MessnerFinn vandalized a cemetery. In punishment, he has to hike the Adirondack 46 in one summer with the dog of the woman whose gravestone he knocked down. The challenging journey helps him grieve his father’s death. Free verse.Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 5.1AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
The Mummy Snatcher Curse (The Wand Keepers series)Tiffany McDanielTo prevent the giants from harming Egypt, her mummified cat, Spella and her friend Tolden fight to stop a monster from capturing more mummies. Black- and-white illustrations.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Trouble with SecretsNaomi MillinerA rabbi’s daughter would rather play her flute than prepare for her bat mitzvah. When tragedy strikes her family, can she find a path to healing?Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures series)Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Ashley MacKenzieDragon protector Christopher joins forces with fugitive Princess Anya, who seeks to prove her father innocent of murder. Black-and-white line drawings. Glossary of mythological creatures.Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 5.0AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
The School for ThievesPeter BurnsA street urchin who lives by his wits is identified and given the opportunity to train at an elite boarding school for thieves.Twelve to FourteenView book details
AlannaTamora Pierce; adapted by Vita Ayala, illustrated by Sam BeckDisguised as a boy, a young girl fights against all odds to pursue her dream of becoming a knight. Strikingly rich artwork. First book of an adaptation of Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Forgotten Magic of Zoey TurnerErin StewartStricken with anxiety after losing her father in a tragic accident, Zoey is gifted a mysterious pencil that brings her fantasy stories to life.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Graciela in the AbyssMeg Medina, illustrated by Anna Balbusso, Elena BalbussoAn artistic young blacksmith and a young girl ghost who inhabits the sea must work together to protect the ocean from evil. Brilliant world-building. Atmospheric art.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Blossoming SummerAnna Rose JohnsonUnited after years apart, Rosemary, 13, and her brothers and parents flee Europe during World War II, seeking haven with their Native American grandmother.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 888LATOS Book Level 5.7View book details
Candle IslandLauren WolkGrieving her father’s death, Lucretia moves to a small Maine island with her artist mother. Initially seeking solitude, she quickly becomes immersed in island life.Twelve to FourteenWord Count 80442View book details
Green Promises: Girls Who Loved the EarthJeannine AtkinsThree women staunchly overcome poverty, racism, lack of formal education, and sexism to pursue careers as, respectively, a botanist, a geologist, and an entomologist. Free verse. Extensive back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Peach ThiefLinda Joan SmithIn 1850s England, an earl’s gardener catches a workhouse orphan stealing. Mistaking 13-year-old Scilla for a boy, he offers her a job to pay her debt, simultaneously elevating her and complicating her desperate situation. Grayscale map and illustrations.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 769LATOS Book Level 4.9View book details
How to Draw a SecretCindy Chang, illustrated by Cindy ChangCindy’s father left for Taiwan four years ago; no one talks about it. Now she has a high-pressure art assignment, “What Family Means to Me.” Semi- autobiographical. Engaging, uncluttered artwork.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 459LATOS Book Level 3.1View book details
Rebellion 1776Laurie Halse AndersonAfter her father goes missing, 13-year-old Elsbeth finds work as a maid for a wealthy family amid a smallpox epidemic in the early days of the American Revolution. Detailed grayscale map.Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 5.8AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
How to Say Goodbye in CubanDaniel Miyares, illustrated by Daniel MiyaresTwelve-year-old Carlos’s idyllic life is shattered when Castro’s forces take over Cuba, but can his family survive the dangerous journey to America? Lush, action-packed art. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 370LFountas & Pinnell Text Level XView book details
Mature contentMax in the Land of Lies (Operation Kinderspion series)Adam GidwitzJewish 12-year-old radio expert Max returns to Berlin, now with spy training, which he needs in order to engage with Nazis and infiltrate their propagandist radio station.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 660LFountas & Pinnell Text Level YView book details
One Crazy Summer: The Graphic NovelRita Williams-GarciaSent for the summer to their mother, who ignores them, 11-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters fend for themselves and go to a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Bold artwork.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II StoryDaniel NayeriIn Iran in 1941, orphans Babak, 13, and his sister, Sana, 8, flee to the Zagros Mountains, hoping to find refuge with the Bakhtiari people. But will the nomads accept them?Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 4.3AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
Under Attack (Kidnapped from Ukraine series)Marsha Forchuk SkrypuchDariia and other captured Ukrainian children are torn from their families, given new Russian identities, and “adopted” by families paid per child to take them in.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary GirlsJ. Anderson CoatsIn 1910 two sisters of a Slovenian immigrant family find different paths to escaping from small-town drudgery in Colorado.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Winner of the 2026 Josette Frank AwardWhere Only Storms GrowAlyssa ColmanIn 1930s Oklahoma, when other family members are unavailable, resourceful 12-year-old twins (one with scoliosis) battle a devastating dust storm to save their family farm.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Incredibly Human Henson BlayzeDerrick BarnesWhen a Black 13-year-old football phenom in Mississippi prioritizes justice for a friend over the game, it doesn’t take long for him to go from being a celebrity to an outcast.Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 6.0AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Yoli’s Favorite ThingsPatricia SantanaIn 1968 Yoli’s favorite sibling—one of eight in her warm Mexican family—faces the possibility of being drafted in the unpopular Vietnam War.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Zarina DividedReem FaruqiThe Partition of 1947 forces Zarina and her family to make a wrenching move from India to Pakistan. Free verse. Grayscale spot art and map. Archival photos and images. Glossary, notes, sources.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Ghost QueenMahtab NarsimhanMalika, creator of a ghost-hunting Internet channel, and her boyfriend search for a ghost at a famous Indian tourist site. A hi-lo scary tale, based on a traditional legend.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Many Hauntings of the Manning FamilyLorien LawrenceThirteen-year-old twins Gabby and Trent have inherited the ability to free trapped ghosts . . . but can they defeat the terrifying demon that ended their grandparents’ careers?Twelve to FourteenView book details
NeshamaMarcella PixleyNeshama’s a middle school social outcast—plus, she speaks to the ghosts of her ancestors. The appearance of her aunt’s ghost reveals important heretofore hidden truths. Free verse.Twelve to FourteenView book details
A World Worth SavingKyle LukoffCan a golem really help a 14-year-old trans kid? A is so desperate that he literally jumps out the window and escapes into the night. Where will he go?Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 840LFountas & Pinnell Text Level ZView book details
The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex RamirezJasminne PaulinoA Dominican American teen assigned to a self- contained program because of his neurodivergence diagnosis yearns to take the mainstream science class to support his dream of joining NASA. Free verse.Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 5.1AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
The ExperimentRebecca SteadNathan, 11, has been raised to believe he is an alien explorer on Earth. But when he is called back to the mothership, he begins to doubt it all.Twelve to FourteenATOS Book Level 4.2AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
Someone’s Been Messing with RealityJohn HearneA seaside Irish village hosts an annual event for UFO seekers. This year, not all visitors are from Earth. Can Martin and his friends save the planet?Twelve to FourteenView book details
Mature contentThe Queen Bees of Tybee CountyKyle Casey ChuA Chinese American seventh-grade basketball star learns to understand his queer identity and love for drag while staying with his eccentric grandma and participating in a small-town beauty pageant.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 650LATOS Book Level 4.2View book details
Daring: The Life and Art of Elisabeth Vigée Le BrunJordana PomeroyA talented, socially astute French painter survived her country’s revolution by traveling through Europe and thrived in the male-dominated art world. Numerous reproductions of her work illuminate her luminous, intimate style. Notes, resources.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Invisible: The (Sort of) True Story of Me & My Hidden DiseaseDavid SorenThe roller-coaster life of talented artist J.J., from first grade until he makes an animated film starring his disorder, Crohn’s disease, when he is 13. Humorous grayscale illustrations.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Mature contentNever Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor’s StorySetsuko Thurlow, Kathy LowingerThe disastrous aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima and its impact on survivors eventually led Setsuko on a path of anti-nuclear activism. Somber illustrations. Archival photographs. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Okchundang CandyJung-soon Go, translated from Korean by Aerin ParkA tender, frank, sometimes painful grandchild’s-eye view of the last years of her loving grandparents’ lives. Delicate pencil and watercolor artwork.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Ours to Tell: Reclaiming Indigenous StoriesEldon Yellowhorn, Kathy LowingerIndigenous authors profile the work of notable Indigenous people, past and present, from Canada to Mexico. Illustrations include original collages and portraits as well as reproductions and archival photos and images. Index. Detailed back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee BoggsSun Yung Shin, Mélina MangalTwo different authors take us through 50 years of activism by a biracial Chinese American and Black couple. Free verse. Colorful realistic illustrations. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Sky Was My Blanket: A Young Man’s Journey Across Wartime EuropeUri ShulevitzYehiel, 15, left his home in Poland to explore Europe. Among his adventures were fighting in the Spanish Civil War and escaping Nazi capture in Italy. Expressive grayscale illustrations.Twelve to FourteenView book details
True Gretch: Lessons for Anyone Who Wants to Make a DifferenceGretchen WhitmerMichigan governor Gretchen Witmer shares her life story and future political ambitions, her significant personal challenges, and advice for facing them. Archival photos. Resources. Young adult edition of True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Vanished: Seven Woman Magicians Who Simply DisappearedAnna Hays, illustrated by Mary Kate McDevittPortraits of remarkable women, from an illusionist to an escape artist, who were successful during the Golden Age of Magic (1860–1930) and later forgotten. Handsomely designed with colorful, vibrant illustrations and archival photos and images. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, a Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes OutNicholas Day, illustrated by Yas ImamuraThe cataclysmic 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora triggered worldwide climate change and a chain of historical events, including Mary Shelley’s creation of Frankenstein. Black-and-white mixed-media illustrations. Extensive back matter.Twelve to FourteenLexile Text Measure 780LFountas & Pinnell Text Level ZView book details
Earthrise: The Story of the Photograph That Changed the Way We See Our PlanetLeonard S. MarcusThe extraordinary photograph of Earth captured by Apollo 8 astronauts in 1968 was the culmination of the rivalry of military enemies in space exploration. Engaging text. Exemplary back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
Many Voices: Building Erie, the Canal That Changed AmericaLaurie LawlorA detailed and exciting account of the origin, engineering, construction, impact, and evolution of the incredible inland waterway that rapidly transformed the United States. Sourcing. Archival maps, images, and photographs. Back matter.Twelve to FourteenView book details
The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women AstronautsLoren GrushDespite intense sexism, six talented, determined women succeeded in a profession previously restricted to men and joined NASA’s corps of people journeying into outer space. Color photos. Back matter. Young readers edition.Twelve to FourteenView book detailsFourteen and Older
104 selections
CodebreakerJay MartelAfter the mysterious deaths of her parents, 17-year- old Mia, determined to find out what happened, follows the clues her father left behind. Aided by Logan, she tries to outwit the conspirators on her trail.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe Girl You KnowElle Gonzalez RoseWhile still mourning her identical twin sister’s death, Puerto Rican Luna poses as her in order to infiltrate her upper-class boarding school and prove she was murdered.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe Hidden GirlLouise BassettA Melbourne teen, in detention for fighting her bully, finds a diary in her counselor’s office of an Indonesian victim of sex trafficking. Can she possibly help?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Murder Between FriendsLiz LawsonThree former best friends reunite to try to solve a murder that one of their siblings was accused of committing. A mystery with many plot twists.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentSisters in the WindAngeline BoulleyLong after her Native American mother abandons her, Lucy’s White father dies. The teen, now at the mercy of an unreliable foster care system, finds herself being stalked.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Sole SurvivorNorman Ollestad, Brendan KielyAn 11-year-old boy fights to survive after a plane crash in the mountains. Based on a true story.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Songs for GhostsClara KumagaiAn ancient Japanese diary sends 17-year-old Adam on a literal ghost chase to discover the stories of his late mother and her Nagasaki family. Inspired by Madame Butterfly.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThis Place Kills MeMariko TamakiDid Elizabeth, Juliet in the school play, die by suicide or murder? Outsider Abby Kita, a new girl disliked because others think she’s gay, wants to solve the mystery. Dramatic artwork.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Very Dangerous ThingsLauren MuñozThe annual murder mystery game at Dulce’s school turns deadly when a student is killed. Can Dulce and her friends discover the culprit before an innocent girl goes on trial?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal StoriesCynthia Leitich SmithNo matter your nation or rez, Sandy June’s community space appears magically when you need it, serving up advice, food, music, movies, and romance. Notes from Indigenous authors. Glossary.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Angelica and the Bear PrinceTrung Le NguyenVietnamese American Angelica, 17, has a complicated relationship with her mother, while deeply grieving her beloved grandmother. A theater internship opens up fresh possibilities. Bright, colorful artwork.Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Catalog of Burnt ObjectsShana YoungdahlSeventeen-year-old Caprice is working on her relationship with her brother, home from rehab, as well as enjoying a new romance, when a wildfire destroys everything in her small California town.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Donut SummerAnita KellySixteen-year-old Penny has serious anxieties. Over the summer she finds romance, learns to control her over- active creative brain, deals with disappointment, and discovers important truths about herself.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentFitting IndianJyoti ChandNitasha’s Indian family demands that she conform to their ideas of good behavior—obedience, excellent grades, no dating—but her quest to break away involves alcohol, self-harm, and attempted suicide. Bold graphics emphasize emotional changes. Resources. Author’s note.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Golden Boy’s Guide to BipolarSonido ReyesBack in school after being hospitalized, Cesar wants to continue his relationship with Jamal, but intrusive thoughts get in his way. Includes resources.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe Gone BookHelena CloseFifteen-year-old Matt keeps a diary, wears a ponytail, and is filled with self-loathing. Can he maneuver through the chaos of abandonment and changes in his relationships with family and friends?Fourteen and OlderView book details
I Am the CageAllison Sweet GrantNineteen-year-old Elisabeth Amos, suffering from the trauma of painful medical treatments, lives alone in a remote town, until a blizzard forces her to seek help. Vivid prose with poetry interspersed.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe Other Side of the OceanJ. D. NettoBrought to the U.S. from Brazil as a child, Matt, now a teenager struggling with his sexuality and his immigration status, meets his first love, James.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Right Beside YouTucker ShawEighteen-year-old Eddie embarks on a journey of self- exploration, discovering queer culture in 1930s New York through a Polaroid camera given to him by his ancient, exuberant great-aunt and finding romance in two different eras. Archival photos.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Sunlight Playing Over a MountainSelina Li BiJasmine, 15, raised on fantasies by her single mother, sabotages all her mom’s relationships to keep their family intact. When reality intrudes, Jasmine’s world fractures.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentTruth IsHannah V. SawyerrSeventeen-year-old Truth Bangura, pregnant and lost, lies to everyone but speaks truth in her poems. Can a slam poetry club membership help her create a future of her choosing? Free verse.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentBiology LessonsMelissa KantorA high school senior with big college plans gets pregnant in a state where abortion restrictions could have serious legal consequences for her and for anyone who helps her.Fourteen and OlderView book details
In Case You Read ThisEdward UnderhillGabe and Arden, transgender boys, meet at a motel in Nebraska as their families relocate. Failure to share contact information leaves them searching for each other.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Let Them StareJonathan Van Ness, Julie MurphySully loses the internship which was supposed to enable them to leave their bigoted home town. Dispirited, they find a vintage handbag to sell so they can get away, but discover that it comes with strange baggage.Fourteen and OlderView book details
One KissMarthe JocelynMaya, 16, knew Ross as her best friend’s dad, but when the rock star makes an inappropriate gesture, her life is disrupted. Aimed at reluctant readers.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Tall WaterSJ SinduBinational Nimmi, 17, follows her journalist father from South Dakota to war-torn Sri Lanka to confront the mother who let her go 16 years before. Dramatic digital artwork.Fourteen and OlderView book details
This Thing of OursFrederick JosephAt a predominantly white high school, an injury forces Black senior Ossie to pivot from basketball to creative writing. As he navigates the change, he underestimates the power of race and the impact of social media.Fourteen and OlderView book details
When We RideRex OgleMexican American Benny, who works hard and dreams of college, is conflicted about giving rides to school to his best friend, Lawson, who deals drugs there. Spare, unflinching free verse.Fourteen and OlderView book details
And the Trees Stare BackGigi GriffisIt is 1989 in Soviet Estonia, and there is danger everywhere. Townspeople disappear, including Vik’s sister, Anna. Anna returns, but something is very, very wrong.Fourteen and OlderView book details
BeastsIngvild Bjerkeland, Rosie HedgerAbdi, 13, flees through forest and mountainous terrain to survive an invasion, protect his sister, and reach safety. Will he make it?Fourteen and OlderView book details
CalmS. J. BakerIn a future Great Britain, citizens’ complacency is controlled through the water supply. Members of an underground network help each other to resist and reach freedom.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Meet Me at Blue HourSarah SukCan Korean Canadian Yena and Lucas overcome erased memories to rekindle lost love and rebuild family connections?Fourteen and OlderView book details
An Ocean ApartJill TewYears after a Category 6 storm devastates Florida, Eden assumes a false identity to enter a bachelorette- type competition that could topple the company controlling the state’s water and food supply.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games series)Suzanne CollinsOn his 16th birthday, Haymitch Abernathy is chosen as one of four tributes from District 12 to take part in Panem’s brutal 50th Hunger Games.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentAfter We BurnedMarieke NijkampA high school fire and the resultant death of a student spark an investigation and reveal dark secrets in a small town. Multiple first-person narratives.Fourteen and OlderView book details
All the Noise at OnceDeAndra DavisAiden, a Black, autistic high school football player, is sent reeling by his supportive older brother Brandon’s unjust arrest. How will he manage on his own? Can he prove Brandon’s innocence?Fourteen and OlderView book details
All the Way Around the SunXiXi TianThe death of Stella’s older brother, a Harvard freshman, has shattered her Chinese immigrant family. A college tour with a family friend opens a path toward healing.Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still BreatheMahogany L. BrowneIn multiple literary formats, a group of New York City teens describe trying to live with friends, families, and themselves, against the dramatically disorienting backdrop of the COVID pandemic.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Cope FieldT. L. SimpsonHis dad is a former major leaguer, but is Crawford really “the luckiest kid alive”? What he longs to know is why his mom left without him.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe House No One SeesAdina KingOn Penelope’s 16th birthday, she longs for a message from her absent mother, but finds herself reliving her painful past as the daughter of an addict. Includes resources.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentLeave It on the TrackMargot FisherThe survivor of a fire that killed her two dads, Morgan relocates to Portland with the half-sister she barely knows. Will joining a roller derby team help her heal and facilitate her coming out?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe StepsWendelin Van DraanenA 14-year-old chess whiz uses her strategies to outsmart her gold-digging, grudge-harboring, murderous extended family.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentUnder the Fading SkyCynthia KadohataThey have caring parents who provide everything necessary for them to excel, but what if Elijah and his friends don’t want to stay on that track?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentWe Fell Apart (We Were Liars series)E. LockhartWhen her famous artist father summons Matilda, 17, to his private castle, she discovers a half-brother, but her father is mysteriously missing. Eerily unsettling.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Among GhostsRachel HartmanSeven years ago, Charl, now 13, and his mother fled his abusive father. Now their place of refuge is besieged by plagues and a dragon. How can they survive?Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Assassin’s Guide to BabysittingNatalie C. ParkerIn a superpowered society, Tru maintains a secret identity to elude her parent’s killers. Booking a babysitting job on a bounty app unravels her carefully ordered world.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentBreath of the Dragon (Breathmarked series)Shannon Lee, Fonda LeeA once-prosperous land was cleft in two by a magic-dominated class system. Can 16-year-old Jun, impulsive and lacking any magic, win a combat tournament that could reunite the land? Elegant grayscale map.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Cat Who Saved the LibrarySosuke Natsukawa, translated from Japanese by Louise Heal KawaiThirteen-year-old Nanami sees a grey entity making books disappear from the library. A mysterious sentient cat recruits her to help stem the tide of vanishings.Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Forgery of FateElizabeth LimTo save her destitute family, Truyan marries an enigmatic dragon lord and travels to his underworld realm to vanquish a curse. A richly reimagined Beauty and the Beast.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Last TigerJulia Riew, Brad RiewServant Seung and noble Eunji form an unlikely alliance, until Eunji’s arranged marriage to a powerful Dragon. The two reunite as they search for the last tiger. Inspired by true stories of the authors’ Korean grandparents.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Of Flame and FuryMikayla BridgeIn the republic of Salta, a 17-year-old tamer of phoenixes battles to save her racing team and her pet phoenix when they are threatened by a wealthy tech mogul.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe Scorpion and the Night BlossomAmélie Wen ZhaoÀn’yīng enters the Immortality Trials for a chance to win a magic cure her failing mother. It soon becomes apparent that someone is helping her; who, and why? Detailed black-and-white map.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThorn SeasonKiera AzarLady Alissa reluctantly enters the debutante season to impress King Erik but finds those who possess magic as she does are being hunted and murdered. Who can she trust? Grayscale map.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Cariboo Trek of Callum McBayColin CampbellAbout to lose the family farm, a 17-year-old in the 1860s makes a hazardous journey from Scotland to British Columbia’s Cariboo region to pan for gold. Back matter.Fourteen and OlderView book details
FirebirdElizabeth WeinIt’s 1942, and teenage Nastia is proud to be flying for the Soviet Union and fighting the Nazis. When she is accused of being a traitor, her world is turned upside down.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Ida B. Wells: Journalist, Advocate & Crusader for Justice (Rise. Risk. Remember. Incredible Stories of Courageous Black Women series)Erica Armstrong Dunbar, Candace BufordDuring African American Wells’s challenging career as a reporter, she fought for equity and waged a campaign against the lynchings that were plaguing the South. Back matter.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Rosa by Any Other NameHailey AlcarazIn Arizona in 1955, Mexican American Rosa conceals her identity to attend a desegregated high school. When her childhood friend meets a popular white girl, it ignites a confrontation. Author’s note.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentSilenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan GenocidePablo Leon, illustrated by Pablo LeonWhile researching their mother’s life during the 1980s Guatemalan civil war, two brothers reunite her with her missing sister. Poignant full-color illustrations complement this intense story.Fourteen and OlderATOS Book Level 3.9AR Interest Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)View book details
Song of a BlackbirdMaria van Lieshout, illustrated by Maria van LieshoutA blackbird’s song unites Annick’s search for family in 2011 and Emma’s work with the Dutch resistance to save Jewish children in 1943. Striking drawings. Archival photographs. Extensive back matter.Fourteen and OlderATOS Book Level 3.6AR Interest Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)View book details
Under the Same StarsLibba BrayA far-reaching mystery connects teens in three different time lines—Nazi Germany, Cold-War- era West Berlin, and New York during the COVID pandemic.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Where the Heart Should BeSarah CrossanIn 1847, against the backdrop of the Great Hunger, a 16-year-old Irish girl supports her family as a scullery maid in the residence of a greedy English nobleman. Free verse.Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Mastery of Monsters (Mastery of Monsters series)Liselle SamburyAugust is unwillingly drawn into a contest for dominance in a society that enslaves people who can transform into beasts that hunt and kill humans.Fourteen and OlderView book details
After LifeGayle FormanSeven years after she died in an accident at 17, Amber returns to find that her family, friends, and community have changed in her absence—although she is still 17.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentThe Corruption of Hollis BrownK. AncrumHollis gives Walt his coat to warm him up, but Walt slips into more than the outerwear. Is it a haunting, demonic possession, or a spiritual melding? Is it evil or wonderful?Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Invisible WildNikki Van De CarThough nobody believes her, Emma knows that the menehune—the legendary original people of Hawaii— are real. Now they are in great danger. Can she help them?Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Leaving RoomAmber McBrideGospel is a Keeper. She helps recently deceased children pass to the other side, but she herself can never leave, until she meets another Keeper, Melodee. Can Keepers fall in love? Lyrical verse.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentOur Infinite FatesLaura StevenEvelyn has fallen in love with Arden for multiple lifetimes, although one of them kills the other each time. Can Evelyn forestall the curse now for long enough to save her little sister?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Every Borrowed BeatErin StewartSydney, determined to learn more about her heart’s donor, thinks she’s found her. Then, when Sydney attends Mia’s memorial, she meets Clayton. Sparks fly, and the lies begin.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Sea ChangeSusan FletcherA genetically modified amphibious being can manage life on both land and sea, but then an opportunity arises for her to choose to be fully human.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Fade into YouAmber Smith, Sam GellarTold through Bird’s and Jessa’s alternating narratives, the two high school seniors plot to break up their best friends’ toxic romance. Set in 1999.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Underwood TapesAmanda DeWittGrace escapes to her mother’s abandoned hometown to grieve her death and escape prying eyes, but is caught in a time warp that magically uncovers the mystery of why her mother left.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The History of EverythingVictoria EvansTwo inseparable Goth girls plan to spend the summer revisiting childhood sites before one moves away. A new boy and budding romance change everything. Deeply colored, highly stylized graphic panels.Fourteen and OlderView book details
All-NighterCecilia VinesseValedictorian Autumn and rebel Tara have been frenemies, but now, with graduation looming, they need each other. One all-nighter changes everything, triggering a warm romance.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Big AskSimon James GreenWhen the popular, straight-presenting jock, Harvey, gets dumped by his girlfriend days before prom, nerdy gay Alfie just might be able to act on his long-standing crush.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Come As You AreDahlia AdlerWhat happens when male and female students attending boarding school want to reinvent themselves?Fourteen and OlderView book details
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me WarmMariama J. LockingtonTwo Black high school senior girls facing challenging family and financial circumstances unite in a beauty influencer business venture and find love. Alternating prose and free verse chapters.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentRun Away with MeBrian SelznickIn 1986, 16-year-old Danny, spending the summer in Rome, falls in love with an enigmatic boy. The multilayered text is bookended with atmospheric black-and-white pencil drawings.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Tell Me Every LieEllen Hagan, David FloresAt a resort with his rich aunt, JP pretends that he’s wealthy. Mia, a resort staffer, takes a bet to make JP fall for her. Will lies douse the sparks?Fourteen and OlderView book details
You Started ItJackie KhaliliehYour boyfriend breaking up with you is a terrible way to start the school year. Jamie meets a new boy, and a crazy plot to win back her boyfriend ensues.Fourteen and OlderView book details
SkipshockCaroline O’DonoghueThe paths of an Irish schoolgirl and an extraterrestrial traveling salesman intersect between worlds on a train that self-destructs as they disembark. Can either of them get home—or anywhere?Fourteen and OlderView book details
This Is the YearGloria MuñozJuli, grieving her sister’s death, trains for a spot on an inaugural extraterrestrial colony. But with new friends and a love interest, is leaving Earth right for her?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentOne of the BoysVictoria ZellerBefore she transitioned, Grace was the top kicker on her football team. Can she return to the sport she loves after some of her teammates invite her back?Fourteen and OlderView book details
Rhino’s RunRobert LipsyteA high school football captain takes leadership seriously, but friends old and new and political events around a school shooting force him to think outside the tinderbox.Fourteen and OlderView book details
ImposterCait LevinThough intimidated by her all-male computer science class, Cam persists in her pursuit of knowledge and experience. Her skills earn her acceptance, but not from everyone.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 610LFountas & Pinnell Text Level Z+View book details
Winner of the 2026 Claudia Lewis AwardThe Poetry of Car MechanicsHeidi E. Y. StempleFifteen-year-old Dylan, a poetry enthusiast and avid birdwatcher, heals from loss and loneliness in the quest to mend an injured hawk’s wing. Told in poignant verse.Fourteen and OlderView book details
At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for FreedomErin Entrada KellyA teenager with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) survived the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, delivered secret messages to the Allied forces, and won the Medal of Freedom. Maps. Archival images and photos. Index, extensive back matter.Fourteen and OlderATOS Book Level 7.3AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Bad Boy: A Graphic MemoirWalter Dean Myers, adapted by Guy A. SimsBold, expressive artwork coupled with Myers’s storytelling bring us inside the author’s emotions and mind as he slowly finds his way from anger and depression to his lifelong love of words and writing.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young ReadersIbram X. KendiThrough language that speaks directly to readers, the African American leader and activist steps off the page as he grows and changes throughout the years. Primary source documents and photos head each chapter. Extensive source notes.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Hick: The Trailblazing Journalist Who Captured Eleanor Roosevelt’s HeartSarah MillerAn account of reporter Lorena Hickok’s colorful career and her loving relationship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Archival photos. Sources. Index.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Mysterious Virginia Hall: World War II’s Most Dangerous SpyClaudia FriddellAn athletic Maryland girl lost her leg after an accident, but determinedly served in the British and U.S. espionage agencies, earning multiple distinguished service awards. Free verse. Archival photos. Source notes, bibliography.Fourteen and OlderView book details
I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This: A Graphic MemoirEugene Yelchin, illustrated by Eugene YelchinA Jewish artist describes life in the Soviet Union in the early 1980s while he navigates high school, the harsh conditions in Siberia, placement in a mental institution, and love with an American student. Black-and-white artwork.Fourteen and OlderView book details
King: A LifeJonathan Eig; Adapted by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. LongThe prominent civil rights leader was renowned for his ability to inspire others and promote change, but he also struggled with depression, doubt, serial infidelities, and FBI persecution. Archival photos. Footnotes. Young adult edition.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America (A Love Story)Deborah HeiligmanIn the late 19th and early 20th century, Goldman, an anarchist and tireless crusader for social justice, championed the labor movement, the struggle for women’s rights, and other causes. Back matter.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentPushing Hope: An Illustrated Memoir of SurvivalRaymond SantanaA 14-year-old was falsely accused, along with four other Black and Latinx teens, of an infamous crime. After spending years in prison, he was eventually exonerated. Sparse text with animated illustrations that tell much of the tale.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being SeenJames Robinson, illustrated by Brian ReaA child with multiple disabling eye conditions learned a visual vocabulary, eventually creating award- winning documentaries, inviting others to truly see and connect with those with disabilities. Dynamic, imaginative illustrations. Resources.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure 880LFountas & Pinnell Text Level YView book details
Who Is Amy Schneider?: Questions on Growing Up, Being Curious, and Winning It Big on Jeopardy!Amy SchneiderA brave memoir that touches on this game show champion’s childhood challenges, neurodivergence, depression, and transition from male to female, all with good humor. Young readers edition of In the Form of a Question.Fourteen and OlderView book details
American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a NationBarb RosenstockAt a time of national upheaval, two rural teenage girls and their older sister became famous as spiritual mediums. Mid-19th century life is depicted with abundant archival photos.Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in SchoolsDebbie LevyA century ago, a sensational court case in Tennessee was used to test a law that forbade public schools from teaching about evolution. Extensive time line. Index, bibliography, citations.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentDeath in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of JonestownCandace FlemingA charismatic and increasingly mentally ill preacher established the quasi-religious Peoples Temple, easily drawing in members and eventually controlling every aspect of their lives. Archival photographs. Back matter.Fourteen and OlderView book details
A Most Perilous World: The True Story of the Young Abolitionists and Their Crusade Against SlaveryKristina R. GaddyInterwoven narratives and primary sources about the offspring of famous abolitionists at the cusp of the Civil War. Footnotes and bibliography.Fourteen and OlderView book details
The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and ChurchillBrad Meltzer, Josh MenschIn 1943 a secret strategy meeting of the three Allied leaders took place in Tehran, Iran. But would they be safe from Nazi spies? Archival photographs. Back matter. Young readers edition.Fourteen and OlderView book details
White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote the HistoryAnn BausumAn eye-opening, entirely compelling exploration of how time and time again, the Lost Cause narrative following the Civil War has been inserted into education, popular culture, and the collective memory—and why it is so damaging. Archival images and photographs.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Mature contentBanned Together: Our Fight for Readers’ RightsAshley Hope PérezIn varying formats, 16 authors present personal experiences with book and content suppression. Comic-style illustrations. Resources, including a list of supportive organizations and suggested activities. Additional back matter.Fourteen and OlderView book details
Who Owns the Moon?: And Other Conundrums of Exploring and Using SpaceCynthia Levinson, Jennifer SwansonHow can nations, businesses, and individuals cooperate in the peaceful exploration of space? Well-placed archival photos, digital illustrations, and sidebars. Sources, index, and sites for further research.Fourteen and OlderView book details