Teleportation and Other LuxuriesArchie Bongiovanni, illustrated by Mary VerhoevenIn a cutthroat scientific competition, an oddball quartet—featuring an internet-famous teen heartthrob, a rebellious anarchist, a shy genius, and a small-town jack-of-all-trades—vie for victory while their clash of personalities and hidden agendas threatens to sabotage their chances to win, making them realize maybe victory isn't what they truly seek.In a bustling futurist metropolis, the Blamazon Teen Scientist Competition…Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book detailsCBC Favorites Awards 2026
Annual favorites chosen by children, teachers, and librarians from books submitted by publishers.
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Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th Grade
10 of 45 selections on this pageContinued from page 6
Teleportation and Other LuxuriesArchie Bongiovanni, illustrated by Mary VerhoevenIn a cutthroat scientific competition, an oddball quartet—featuring an internet-famous teen heartthrob, a rebellious anarchist, a shy genius, and a small-town jack-of-all-trades—vie for victory while their clash of personalities and hidden agendas threatens to sabotage their chances to win, making them realize maybe victory isn't what they truly seek.In a bustling futurist metropolis, the Blamazon Teen Scientist Competition…Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book details
They Bloom at NightTrang Thanh TranNoon and her mother have carved out a life in the wreckage, trawling for the mutated wildlife that lurks in the water and trading it to the corrupt harbormaster.Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book details
This is How We RollRosiee Thor2026 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers title Your friends gather around the table, character sheets at the ready. You dive into the fantasy: a dark dungeon crawling with enemies, the journey promising wealth or ruin, victory or defeat.Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book details
Under the Light of FirefliesLee SandersStill reeling from the loss of his father in a suspicious tragedy, Noah is in a tragedy of his own—one that results in another inexplicable death, this time leaving Noah to suffer from severe amnesia.Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book details
Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday, TheKelsey B. ToneyDelia Bridges is striving to become the compassionate doctor she's been unable to find in her journey to diagnose her excruciating period pain--but when a single rule-breaking incident jeopardizes her future, she must find a way to reclaim her dreams in this funny, period-positive novel.High school senior Delia Bridges has the most amazing mom and sister, a killer…Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book details
Watch MeTahereh MafiA Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick! Lose yourself in this exhilarating return to the #1 global bestselling Shatter Me universe, the first book in a new series set ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment.James Anderson had a plan.Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book details
Wicked Lies of Habren Faire, TheAnna FiteniFor Sabrina Parry, the world of her small, Welsh mining town is cruel and practical. Her main aims in life are to hold onto her job, hold her tongue, and marry off her pretty, but sickly sister Ceridwen to a man rich enough to look after her.Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book details
WitchkillerAshlee Latimer"This dark, delicious retelling of Hansel and Gretel reimagines the world through the eyes of a girl awakening to her own strength." -- Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author Gretel had no choice.Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book details
World Inside, TheJan FieldsWith her best friends off enjoying Paris and her mom expressing disapproval at every turn, Tamika Warren knows her summer can’t get any worse. Then her family gets the news that her great-aunt has fallen into a coma.Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book details
Your Final MomentsJay ColesA heartbreaking story of suicide, addiction, and hard truths from acclaimed author Jay Coles, for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, You’ve Reached Sam, They Both Die at the End, and Tiffany D.Teacher Favorites — 9th–12th GradeView book detailsLibrarian Favorites — K–2nd Grade
50 of 75 selections on this pageContinues on page 8
Rank 1History of We, TheNikkolas Smith, illustrated by Nikkolas SmithThe History of We is a nonfiction picture book written and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith that imagines early human achievements in Africa and presents them as the shared beginnings of modern civilization.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeLexile 680LFountas & Pinnell RView book details
Rank 2I Am Not Your Hat!Lisa Bentley, illustrated by Lisa BentleyBert is a very large bird, and Dot is a very small one. Bert loves to talk, and Dot loves to listen.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 3Scarecited on the First Day of SchoolAlliah L. Agostini, illustrated by Lala WatkinsFor fans of School’s First Day of School, this is a picture book about a young girl who is feeling mixed emotions about her first day of school.Some feelings are so big, one word just doesn’t cut it.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 4POP! Goes the Nursery RhymeBetsy Bird, illustrated by Andrea TsurumiA mischievous weasel repeatedly interrupts Secretary Bird's orderly nursery-rhyme recital and sends familiar verses into comic chaos.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 5Buzz! Boom! Bang!: The Book of SoundsBenjamin Gottwald, illustrated by Benjamin GottwaldA wordless sequence of bouncing, racing, falling, and colliding scenes invites readers to supply every buzz, boom, and bang aloud.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 6Gathering Table, TheAntwan Eady, illustrated by London LaddThe author of Nigel and the Moon delivers a joyful picture book about how a Southern family gathers around a special table for year-round celebrations that highlight the importance of family, community, and coming together.A NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEARIn my family, there are traditions.And my favorite—happen around this table.No matter the season, no matter the reason…Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 7Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little CaveDrew Beckmeyer, illustrated by Drew BeckmeyerTwo cave formations watch millions of years of creatures pass while slowly growing toward the moment when they will finally touch.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 3.0AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Rank 8Axolotl and AxolittleJess Hitchman, illustrated by Sarah RebarTwo axolotl siblings with opposite interests squabble and reconcile, using wordplay to explore differences, conflict, and making up.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 9Fish Fry Friday: A Picture BookWinsome Bingham, illustrated by C. G. EsperanzaIn this mouthwatering companion to Soul Food Sunday, a child joins his grandmother in catching and cooking to prepare for the family’s fish fry.Fish Fry Friday is the perfect follow-up to Soul Food Sunday, a beloved Coretta Scott King Book Award Illustrator Honor Book.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 10Sadie Mouse Wrecks the HouseElliott Kalan, illustrated by Tim MillerAmelia Bedelia meets the Cat in the Hat in this hilarious tale of a good mouse gone bad!Meet Sadie. She follows all the rules, listens to Mom, and takes her chores very seriously.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 11Mama CarLucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen GeorgeMama Car is a picture book by Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George, in which a child describes the everyday adventures made possible by her mother's wheelchair and celebrates the parent who uses it.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 12Tree of Life: Lift-the-flap book about the amazing animals that live in trees around the world, TheNalini Nadkarni, illustrated by Kendra BinneyA lift-the-flap book about the animals, plants, and fungi that live in trees, written by pioneering tree scientist Nalini Nadkarni.A single tree can be home to hundreds of different species.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 13Astronaut SistersJulie FortenberrySisters Fern and Rosie turn their wait for their astronaut mother's return into an imaginative space mission.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 14Goats AfloatLezlie Evans, illustrated by Julia PattonA 2026 KIDS FAVORITE!A boat full of goats!It’s Granny Goat’s birthday, so five of her grandkids pile into a boat and set afloat with a cake! After all, they can’t risk running into the bridge troll on land!Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 15E-I-UFO: Old MacDonald Had a FarmZach von Zonk, illustrated by Benjamin ChaudGet ready to sing and laugh along with this intergalactic twist on the classic children’s song “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” in a rollicking picture book from author Zach von Zonk and beloved illustrator Benjamin Chaud!Old MacDonald had a farm—that is, until an alien spirits his animals away in a UFO.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 16Good Luck, Ice Cream Truck!Sorche Fairbank, illustrated by Terry RunyanNeighborhood friends greet eight different trucks until the truck they're really waiting for—the ice cream truck—finally arrives. A sweet and colorful celebration of vehicles, community, friendship, and ice cream!So many trucks drive down our street, each with a job it must complete.We’ll wave to all and wish them luck,until we see the ICE CREAM TRUCK!The sweet anticipation of…Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 17Babies Are Not BearsLinda Lodding, illustrated by Lara DombretBabies and bears have a lot in common. They both like to color and play peek-a-boo.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 18Popo the XoloPaloma Angelina Lopez, illustrated by Abraham MatiasAs Nana dies, her Xolo dog Popo accompanies her on a journey inspired by the nine levels of Mictlan, while her family honors the love she leaves behind.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeLexile 570LATOS 2.5View book details
Rank 19They Work: Honey Bees, Nature's PollinatorsJune Smalls, illustrated by Yukari Mishima2026 GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD SHORT LIST SELECTIONThe newest addition to June Smalls’s nature series, They Work is a gorgeous nonfiction picture book about life for a hive of honey bees, complete with factoidsShe is the queen.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 20Maker of Dresses, AViolet Lemay and Michael Sampson, illustrated by Violet LemayMonday to Sunday, each day of the week is a new opportunity for fashion!Mondays are for dresses, Tuesdays for sports-jerseys and costumes, sweatpants and shorts! Young readers will delight in the colorful, fun-filled illustrations and joyful rhymes of A Maker of Dresses as dressmaker Alexis leads them through a week of stitching, twirling, and big fashion dreams.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 21Cat Like That, ALester L. Laminack, illustrated by Nicole WongAn entertaining tale about a day in the life of an island cat“A cat, a cat, a big, round cat. Have you ever seen a cat like that?What do you think she is looking for?”Follow this big, round cat as she saunters through her island village, stopping to interact with folks at the bakery, the bookstore, the pier.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 22No More GnomesBeth Mills, illustrated by Beth MillsHerbert is the politest kid in town. He even has a medal to prove it!Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 23Orson and the World's Loudest LibraryLaura Gehl, illustrated by Stephanie Ross SissonIn this picture book love letter to public libraries, 6-year-old Orson learns to navigate his big feelings by sharing his love of reading with newfound friends at his local branch.When Orson visits his local library, he likes to sit and read quietly by himself.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 24Waiting for Winter: A True Story of Resilience and Joy in the Face of Climate ChangeStephen Gorman, illustrated by Stephen GormanEach year, these bears must wait longer and longer for winter, the season that brings them sustenance for the rest of the year. This hopeful nonfiction picture book gently engages and educates readers about the effects of climate change.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 25Calm Your Roar Like a Dinosaur: How to Relax Muscle by MuscleBrenda S. Miles and Colleen A. Patterson, illustrated by John JosephA playful, rhyming picture book that teaches kids a calming technique through fun dinosaur characters they'll loveFeeling frustrated, frenzied, or full of roar? Every little dinosaur has big feelings sometimes, whether it's anger bubbling up, stress taking over, or frustration that just won't quit.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeFountas & Pinnell JView book details
Alice AloneJessica Shaw, illustrated by Olga HerreraMiddle child Alice slips away from a large family gathering to enjoy time alone. After getting lost and feeling lonely, she retraces her steps and reconsiders what she values about life in the middle of her family.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Amy's TravelsKathryn Starke, illustrated by Jennifer Carter, Laura Starke Barrick, Charlotte Barrick, and Charity WellsAmy visits all seven continents, encountering deserts, rainforests, mountains, cities, languages, and cultures around the world.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Awesome of the DayEllen Javernick, illustrated by Bhagya MadanasingheAfter a string of bad experiences, Andrew’s older sister challenges him to notice one good thing each day. The exercise gradually changes how he responds when plans go wrong.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
BalloonBruce HandyAfter his balloon pops, a boy begins spotting balloon shapes everywhere and finds an unexpected new source of wonder.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Bea's Balikbayan Box of TreasuresChristine Alemshah, illustrated by Dream ChenSeven-year-old Bea helps her Filipina American family fill a balikbayan box with gifts for relatives in the Philippines. While waiting for its journey, she learns how the tradition sustains connection across distance.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend: A Picture BookBob Shea, illustrated by Bob SheaA turtle in a bear suit tries to convince a self-declared bear expert that he is a real bear. Their tests and shared secrets lead the two turtles toward friendship.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Big Snowdown, TheKaty Hudson, illustrated by Katy HudsonForest animals train for their first winter games, but confident Owl assumes natural talent will be enough. The competition tests the difference between confidence, preparation, and arrogance.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Biggest Dog in the Book, TheBen Lerwill, illustrated by Mark ChambersThis comparison book introduces dogs of many breeds and sizes before opening a gatefold to reveal which one is largest. Each dog is also shown with its own habits and personality.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Biggest Smallest Thing, TheSara de Waal, illustrated by Ana StretcuMo plans to turn something small into something big for the school science symposium and expects to beat his unconventional classmate Muriel. Their projects show how creativity can produce different answers to scientific questions.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Body Beautiful: A Picture BookSusan Verde, illustrated by Steph LittlebirdThis picture book explores body diversity, autonomy, and self-acceptance, presenting bodies as unique, wise, worthy, and capable of carrying personal and ancestral stories.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Caboose: A Picture BookTravis Jonker, illustrated by Ruth ChanCaboose is a hilarious picture book all about the antics of classroom line-ups from children’s book creator and elementary school librarian Travis Jonker, with art from critically acclaimed illustrator Ruth Chan Every kid knows the joy of being line leader.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.0AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Chalk the WalkChelsea Tornetto, illustrated by Laurel AylesworthA 2026 CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL KIDS' FAVORITES SELECTIONTake to the sidewalk with this colorful picture book to inspire artistic expression and imagination!A pair of adorable siblings explores the incredible power of a piece of chalk, transforming the world around them.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Charley Mouse Cleans HouseKaterina Gorelik, illustrated by Katerina GorelikA 2026 KIDS FAVORITE! –Children's Book Council* A SHELF AWARENESS BEST GIFT BOOK OF 2025 *Join Charley Mouse during her busy week as she visits some familiar fairytale characters whose houses are in need of her talents in this beautifully illustrated picture book packed with tiny details cleverly hidden in the artCharley Mouse loves cleanliness and order.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Clara and the Man With Books in his WindowMaría Teresa AndruettoClara, a laundress's daughter, forms a friendship with a reclusive man through the books he lends from his window.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
CrocoAzul López, illustrated by Azul López, Kit MaudeAfter Croco becomes trapped in a hole, friends offer advice, but the young crocodile ultimately finds a solution through resilience and self-reliance.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Cute Animals That Could Kill You DeadBooke Hartman, illustrated by María GarcíaThey could kill you―and your kid won't stop talking about them.In Cute Animals That Could Kill You Dead, author Brooke Hartman and illustrator María García deliver a laugh-out-loud STEM picture book that flips the script on adorable wildlife.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Dark SkiesLindsey Hobson, illustrated by Makenzie McCarthyFor fans of The Remember Balloons, Moon! Earth's Best Friend, and Sky Gazing comes Dark Skies, a tale about family, memory, and the magic of the stars.Laney cherishes stargazing with her Papaw but in the city, lights outshine the starry night sky.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Dear Acorn (Love, Oak)Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Melissa SweetPoetic letters between bubbles and sky, acorns and oaks, and other small and large parts of nature reveal how an ecosystem stays connected.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 3.8AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Dinosaur Surprise!Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Teresa BellonTyrannosaurus, brachiosaurus, stegosaurus . . . broccoli-saurus? Surprise!In Dinosaur Surprise, babies will love seeing their favorite dinosaur friends and lifting flaps to reveal silly, imaginary ones!Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Don't Trust FishNeil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan SantatDon't Trust Fish is a humorous picture book by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat, that presents an increasingly absurd warning about the supposedly suspicious behavior of fish.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeLexile AD470LATOS 2.1View book details
Emmie Builds Something NewMarjorie Crosby-FairallInventive mouse Emmie builds a series of machines to deal with a newly arrived house cat.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Fib, ThePedro Iniguez, illustrated by Nathan KwanWhen Pepe struggles to find something exciting for show and tell, he spins a little lie about a magical creature with horns like a ram, claws like a bear, wings like a bat, eyes like an owl, and a tail like a lion.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Fish Don’t Go to SchoolDeb Pilutti, illustrated by Deb PiluttiIn this endearing picture book about the rewards of self-expression, Henry feels a bit nervous on his first day of school, so he chooses to wear his favorite fish costume to give him courage.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
George & Lenny Are AlwaysJon Agee, illustrated by Jon AgeeThis rabbit and bear are inseparable best friends—until now, that is! An irresistible, funny read for fans of Frog & Toad and Elephant & Piggie.George and Lenny are always together.Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Grandpas, Piranhas, and Other StoriesRocio Bonilla, illustrated by Rocio BonillaHilarious (and Heartwarming) Adventures Celebrating the Incredible Bond Between Grandpas and Grandkids!Get ready for a whirlwind of fun and heartwarming moments with Nico and his amazing Grandpa Rodrigo!Librarian Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details