Board Books
Barn in Spring: Out to Explore on the Farm - A Beautiful Story of Togetherness, Adventure and Love (Barn In Seasonal Series)
Griffith, Chambrae, illustrated by Morley, Taia, Cottage Door Press (Editor)
Cottage Door Press
Nominated by: Angie
This sturdy board book will be the perfect story to share over and over again as the seasons move towards spring.
Barn is personified as the caring and protective caretaker. Now that spring has arrived she ushers her animals out to experience the beauty outdoors.
The text has a rhythmic rhyme to it, but the language used is far from simple. Young readers and listeners will soak in rich phrases and words that will have them wondering and learning as they take in the beautiful layered illustrations. But be warned, reading this book out of season will make you yearn for spring!
Eye Guess: A Forest Animal Guessing Game (Who Am I?)
Tildes, Phyllis Limbacher, illustrated by Tildes, Phyllis Limbacher
Charlesbridge
Nominated by: Cindy Mitchell
Interactive board books are sometimes the most fun for our youngest readers, and this book begs readers to play along!
Readers are shown an up-close image of a single eye, in gorgeous detail. The readers job? To guess which animal the eye belongs to! What clues will they use to narrow down their responses? Colors, feathers, shape? They will feel so proud when they call out an animal name, reveal the full image, and see they were correct!
A wonderful book for caretakers and children to experience together!
Group Hug!
Sophie Aggett / Anna Terreros-Martin
tiger tales
Publisher/ Author Submission
Have you ever felt alone or scared? There is no better cure than a Group Hug!
In this adorable board book, we visit animals around the world that are cheering each other up with… a group hug! The cut out flaps in this book are sure to engage your littles ones and bring a smile to their faces.
My Busy Noisy Day
Sophie Aggett / Malgorzata Detner
tiger tales
Publisher/ Author Submission
Young readers can enjoy pushing up to 26 sound buttons while experiencing a rhyming story about everyday activities familiar to them. From packages arriving at their door to cutting the grass and so much more, there are questions and discussion prompts provided along the way. The illustrations are bright and engaging in this interactive board book. Perfect for the youngest readers.
Our Galaxy: A First Adventure in Space
Lowell Gallion, Sue, Feng, Lisk (Artist)
Phaidon
Nominated by: Nicole
Our Galaxy is a standout in the board book category because it spans a wide range of readership. We often think of board books as texts for our youngest readers, the ones that delight in listening to a story read to them. And while those earliest of readers will be captivated in a journey through space by the stunning artwork and the simply rhyming text, we see there is so much more to the book that will also entertain and inform our elementary readers!
Each spread displays artwork that appears both soft and vibrant at once. Below the picture we see the simply rhyming story one on page, and on the next we find a more complex nonfiction passage full of facts and questions, making this book perfect for a variety of readers.
Learn about planets, astronauts, rockets, asteroids, and more!
When the book is not being enjoyed in the hands of a reader it can stand on a shelf fanned open to create a beautiful globe.
Teeny Tiendas: The Fruit Shop/La frutería
Heuer, Lourdes, illustrated by González Hoang, Zara
Candlewick Press
Nominated by: Joana Pastro
Whether you’re bilingual or not, you’ll love meeting the diverse cast of Teeny Tiendas: The Fruit Shop/La frutería. Bilingual English/Spanish on each page, our littlest kids can learn their fruits!
Who Laid These Eggs?: A Lift-the-Flap Book (An Animal Traces Book)
Gehl, Laura, illustrated by Lora, Loris
Harry N Abrams
Nominated by: Christopher Helton
Curious readers can discover different animal nests and lift the flaps to discover the eggs in them. Also included are simple facts about each of the eight creatures, that are not just birds, featured in this beautifully illustrated nonfiction board book. This lift-flap-book is the perfect size for little hands that will love lifting and closing the flaps over and over again. A great introduction to animals and science for the youngest readers.
Fiction Picture Books
Freedom Braids
Duncan, Monique, illustrated by Moses, Oboh
Lantana Publishing
Nominated by: Katy Manck
Based off of historical events, this beautiful fictional story tells about the journey of young Nemy. Nemy is a child slave working in the fields until one day she joins up with Big Mother. Big Mother and some of the other women are planning an escape and using their braids to communicate their plan. They weave in roadways, obstacles, and even seeds to plant when they reach freedom.
This incredible book teaches our young readers about one of the most fascinating ways that slaves were able to reach their own freedom.
I Am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of the Andes
Hernández, Karol, illustrated by Alvarez Gómez, Lorena
Dial Books
Nominated by: Alexandra Alessandri
If you’re looking for a fun adventure, I Am La Chiva! is for you. Bilingual with a glossary, readers get to ride along with the many people (and their many stories) on the colorful bus.
I am a Masterpiece!
Mia Armstrong; Illustrated by Alexandra Thompson
Random House Books for Young Readers
Publisher/ Author Submission
In this semi-autobiographical story, we get to see the world through the eyes of Mia, a girl with Down syndrome. Readers will enjoy the day-to-day fun and artistic thinking that leads Mia to realize, “I Am a Masterpiece!”
Millie Fleur's Poison Garden
Mandin, Christy
Orchard Books
Nominated by: Melissa Fox
As Millie arrives into Garden Glen she sees house after house that look exactly the same! Some would argue that this town is perfect, but Millie knows better. Millie knows that this town is missing uniqueness.
At her ramshackle home on the hill, Millie decides to plant a garden, but this is no ordinary garden. This Tim Burton-esque garden is like nothing the town has ever seen. Sneezing Stickyweed, Fanged Fairymoss, and Grumpy Gilliflower are just a few plants to be named.
At first the towns people are scared and want Millie to get rid of her garden, but then one by one they start to see the beauty in this weird and wild place.
This book is a fantastic reminder that being unique is what truly makes us beautiful.
The Last Zookeeper
Becker, Aaron, illustrated by Becker, Aaron
Candlewick Press
Nominated by: Nicole
In this sweeping, breathtaking artistic masterpiece, NOA, a robot with a huge heart for creatures, steps up to save what is left of the world. There has been a catastrophic flood or tsunami that destroyed everything but an abandoned zoo. A few buildings still stand, but the only life seems to be the animals. NOA plans to save them somehow and take them to dryer and better land.
The Last Zookeeper has no text, no words, and none are needed. The gorgeous watercolor art tells the story, and readers are able to make the story up for themselves. There is so much to discuss about NOA’s behavior: he, a robot, who has empathy and feelings for living, breathing creatures, so much so, he risked hurting himself to save them. He has hope of finding a better place, of saving all of them, of discovering what is still “out there.” He works tirelessly, using his skills to plan and design a boat capable of bearing the weight of all the zoo animals. He is thrilled to see a new land where the animals can thrive.
Genius storytelling through art has never been so masterfully done! Kudos to Aaron Becker for a true WIN.
The Little Red Chair
Ogren, Cathy Stefanec, illustrated by Thompson, Alexandra
Sleeping Bear Press
Nominated by: Hilary Margitich
Little Mia spots a tired little upholstered chair in the widow of an antique store. And while Mia’s mother isn’t as enamored with the chair, she agrees to purchase it. Mia and her mother lovingly restore the chair with new upholstery and a coat of polish. This little red chair becomes a warm and safe space for Mia to read and play and eat and dream. The chair feels bliss in its new-found life with Mia. But as time does, it marches on and changes Mia along with its passing. The little red chair finds itself no longer holding Mia, just the items she places there as she moves about her life. The little red chair is ultimately retired to the attic, to collect dust as a mere memory.
With a beautiful circular ending, one day a young girl, looking an awful lot like little Mia, finds the red chair in the attic. And wouldn’t you know it, she falls in love with it.
This sweet story was inspired by a real life little red chair, an antique salesman’s sample that was found in a New England antique shop. Brought to life with detailed, gentle illustrations, this story will be a hit with those that see the beauty within.
The Little Regent
Yewande Daniel-Ayoade/Ken Daley
Owlkids Books
Publisher/ Author Submission
Drawing on Yoruba tradition, The Little Regent tells the story of Abioye, the 8-year-old daughter of a West African king who is made regent of the village after her father’s death. During the mourning period, while her advisers talk taxes and titles, Abioye heeds her father’s teachings that the best rulers are those who first learn to serve. Under her ideas and with her support, the village flourishes, leading the people to elect Abioye as the village’s first female king despite her youth. This uplifting feminist fable reminds us that actions speak louder than words, that true leaders do what is best for their people, even if it is not refined or glamorous, and that even the smallest among us can make valuable contributions.
Elementary Non-Fiction
A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen
Frankel, Erin, illustrated by Escobar, Paola
Random House Studio
Nominated by: Sarah Polumsky
This starts with Jose’s passion for cooking as a young boy. We see his love and bonding with his father over a big pan of paella. Readers journey through his life, learning more about him and the great work he has accomplished with World Central Kitchen. The care and compassion Jose has for humanity shines through all the different conflicts described. The themes in the book are repeated often, lyrically and in recurring phrases in English and Spanish, centering on the important truth that everyone deserves to eat. This heartfelt message is conveyed with respect that elicits empathy and engagement. The story, including endpapers, inspires kids to recognize possibilities, to dream big, and make dreams come true.
Born Naughty
Jin Wang and Tony Johnston; Illustrated by Anisi Baigude
Anne Schwartz Books
Publisher/ Author Submission
Born Naughty: My Childhood in China, looks back through a childhood lens at the life of a rambunctious and lively little eight-year-old growing up in Inner Mongolia. Jin Wang's true life story is written from a child-like place in her memory, as a chapter book, but for younger readers who are ready to dive into stories like Ramona or Ivy and Bean. The cartoon-like illustrations draw on Jin's cute personality, helping make her antics irresistibly adorable. She's just the right character to introduce new readers to a new culture and often difficult way of life. She climbs trees, struggles to get water, battles windy dust storms, and does it all with charm and wit. Children will be captivated by her humble beginnings and unique memories, in a story full of warmth and affection.
Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story
Jensen Shaffer, Jody, illustrated by Neal, Christopher Silas
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Sandy Brehl
In this excellent introduction to the food chain, Jody Jensen Shaffer masterfully uses rhythmic and rhyming text to accurately depict a food chain within a deciduous forest; beginning with the crucial role of the sun and ending with the apex predator, the black bear. But, do all the critters become lunch along the way? Ending on an upbeat note, this is a perfect read-aloud with plenty of opportunities for young readers to engage in the reading with its cumulative format. Christopher Silas Neal’s masterful illustrations brings you up close to the action. Back matter includes a glossary, and a deeper dive into food chains, photosynthesis, and temperate deciduous forests. Highly recommend for any home or classroom library!
Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez
Medina, Belen, illustrated by Rojas Castro, Natalia
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Melissa Fox
This biography brings to life the story of Lorena Ramirez, gold medal winning indigenous athlete. Lorena caught the public’s eye during the Ultra Trail Cerro Rojo in 2017 for both her enormous skill and her attire - brightly colored skirt and rubber-made sandals known as huaraches. The text highlights Lorena’s background as part of the Rarámuri, meaning ‘light-footed people’, an indigenous tribe native to Mexico, and her determination in maintaining her culture while competing in challenging distance races. The illustrations in this book are artfully designed to highlight the beauty of the Mexican landscape, and draw readers into the triumphant story of Lorena’s journey. This text emphasizes the combination of cultural heritage and individual achievement, with back matter including photographs and autobiographical material from interviews with Lorena Ramirez. This picture book is a beautiful display of Lorena’s story to be enjoyed by all.
My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More
By G. Neri, illustrated by Corban Wilkin
Candlewick Press
Publisher/ Author Submission
Award-winning children’s author G. Neri wins a grant to visit the McMurdo Station located in Antarctica so that he can create educational materials for children, which includes this book. From October to December of 2017, Neri shadowed several scientists working at “five basic things: Earth, its history, its living creatures, how it all works together, and even outer space!” (p. 38). The book includes photographs taken by over 50 Antarctica residents, augmented with illustrations. These drawings are primarily cartoon versions of Neri playfully interacting with scientists as they use high-tech equipment to study the landscape and its inhabitants: ice, seals, penguins, sea angels, fossils, clouds, cosmic rays, a volcano, and more. Neri and Wilkin project a lot of warmth in how they engage young readers in learning about scientific inquiry in this chilly environment.
My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story
Takei, George, illustrated by Lee, Michelle
Crown Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Sondra Eklund
Author GerogeTakei, better known to some as Star Trek's Mr. Sulu, examines memories of his life in Japanese internment camps during World War II. He focuses on the facts of his and his family’s incarceration experience, bringing history to life from a child’s perspective. Illustrations reveal subtle but undeniable reality. The text, illustrations, and incidents, including a dog, invite empathy and engagement from modern readers and families. He emphasizes the strength of love, resilience, and community without diminishing injustices imposed and deeply felt. Back matter includes a glossary, author's note, and annotated family photos, humanizing this important American story. This picture book is an ideal way to share his story with young readers.
When Beavers Flew
Kristen Tracy; Illustrated by Luisa Uribe
Random House Studio
Publisher/ Author Submission
WHEN BEAVERS FLEW tells the triumphant story of a forgotten hero who made it his quest to save a group of beavers who were becoming a nuisance to the inhabitants of McCall, Idaho, in 1948. The book shows how Game warden Elmo Heter approached the problem with compassion and a desire to work with wildlife not against it. As it talks about the process Heter went through to find a workable solution—from the spark of an idea to its successful execution— the story teaches valuable lessons about ingenuity, determination, hard work, and the duty we have as humans to protect nature and wildlife. With simple text and soft, colorful illustrations, WHEN BEAVERS FLEW tells a unique story that is engaging, educational, and inspiring.
Elementary/Middle-Grade Fiction
A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits)
Yee, Lisa, illustrated by Santat, Dan
Random House Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: aquafortis
Lisa Yee’s A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits) is accompanied by fabulous illustrations and cover art by Dan Santat. This powerhouse duo tells the story of Olivia Zang and her misfit classmates/teammates/friends as they learn to become secret agents in order to save their school, RASCH, and some priceless jewels. Equal parts crime caper and hilarious romp, The Misfits has these former misfit kids traveling all over San Francisco to prevent the heist of the century. They learn about themselves, teamwork, and advocacy while also becoming friends and finding their place in the world. It’s a delightful book with a lot of kid-appeal and would be a great family read aloud.
Grow Up, Luchy Zapata
Alessandri, Alexandra
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Joana Pastro
What happens when middle school starts and everything changes? Luchy Zapata was excited for her 6th grade year with her best friends Mateo and Cami. Unfortunately, Cami seems more interested in makeup, crushes, and popularity than she does in being Luchy’s friend. When Luchy’s cleats go missing before soccer tryouts and she suspects Cami of taking them, these former BFFs turn rivals. A diverse story featuring two Colombian-American leads and Spanish sprinkled throughout, Grow Up, Luchy Zapata expertly tackles that tricky transition to middle school, friendship drama, and being yourself.
Not Nothing
Forman, Gayle
Aladdin
Nominated by: Jennifer Rummel
Can you be forgiven for doing a terrible thing? What if it’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? Alex has had to endure a lot in his 12 years, and now, after doing something truly awful, he’s been sentenced to community service at the Shady Glen Retirement Village all summer. That’s where he meets Josey, a 107-year-old Holocaust survivor who hasn’t spoken to anyone in years. Josey decides Alex needs to hear his story, and they form an unlikely friendship. Narrated by Josey, you slowly unfold their stories and learn where forgiveness and compassion can lead. Gayle Forman expertly weaves their stories together in an unforgettable intergenerational tale about second chances and redemption.
The Bletchley Riddle
Sepetys, Ruta and Sheinkin, Steve
Viking Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books)
It is summer 1940, 14-year-old Lizzie is desperate to find information about her missing mother. Meanwhile, her older brother, Jakob has joined the code breakers at Bletchley Park working to crack the enigma cipher. They embark on a mission full of codes and riddles and bring you as the reader along for the wild ride. Could the riddles of Enigma and their mother’s disappearance be somehow connected? While you meet WWII heroes like Alan Turning and others famously known for their time at Bletchley Park and follow the events of the war, the book is really about relationships, trusting each other, and following your gut when it comes to life. It is nothing less than what you would expect from two powerhouse historical fiction authors like Sepetys and Sheinkin.
The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices
Hiranandani, Veera and Kelkar, Supriya and Pancholy, Maulik and Singh, Simran Jeet and Saeed, Aisha and Faruqi, Reem and LaRocca, Rajani and Hasnat, Naheed and DasGupta, Sayantani and Perkins, Mitali, Khan, Hena (Editor)
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Deborah K
The Door is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices is a delightful collection of interconnected stories from South Asian American authors. It all centers around a community center where lots of different events happen—basketball games, chess tournaments, a boy who learns to appreciate his family’s special dishes after he takes a cooking class. There is also an element of the community coming together when it looks like the community center may be bought by an outside group and turned into something that does not benefit this community. There are funny moments, touching moments, and a great look into a culture and community the reader may not be familiar with.
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman
Choldenko, Gennifer
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: GRgenius
When 11-year-old Hank and his 3-year-old sister Boo run out of food after a week alone in their apartment after their mother doesn’t come home, they make their way across town to a stranger listed on an emergency form. She is none too happy to see them but as a friend of their late grandmother she takes them in temporarily. Hank starts school, makes friends, and has people around him who he can depend on, but it can’t be forever. What happens when the person a kid news and loves lets them down again and again? You’ll be rooting for Hank and Boo and a happy ending that is anything but guaranteed. The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko will provide hope for kids facing difficult times or uncertain futures.
Tig
Heather Smith
Tundra
Publisher/ Author Submission
Tig and her brother, Peter, have lived alone in their house without power for months. They are used to fending for themselves until their Uncle Scott and his partner, Manny, take them in. After overhearing her uncle criticizing her deadbeat mother for never setting goals, Tig decides to set some goals of her own. These goals include becoming a cheese-rolling champion, owning a bull terrier named Egghead, and causing trouble for her new guardians. Author Heather Smith has written an unforgettable character with Tig who will make you laugh aloud at her brazenness and break your heart with her resilience while learning about what it means to be a family.
Elementary/Middle Grade Graphic Novels
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness: A Graphic Novel
Nguyen, Mai K., illustrated by Nguyen, Mai K.
Viking Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Gary Anderson
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness takes readers into the mythological Japanese underworld called Yomi. Anzu inadvertantly finds herself there after following the dog who stole her necklace through a rift. Anzu must leave Yomi quickly or stay there forever. She finds herself pulled into a conflict between Queen Izanami and the Gatekeeper (the dog) of Yomi. Throughout her journey, Anzu must find her voice and courage in order to save not only herself, but other children the queen has imprisoned. Not only is Anzu and the Realm of Darkness an exciting adventure story but it's a story of learning to speak up for yourself and others.
Continental Drifter
MacLeod, Kathy
First Second Books
Nominated by: Christopher Helton
In Continental Drifter, Kathy, the daughter of a Thai mother and an American father, feels the tug of two different cultures but isn’t sure where she truly belongs. In Thailand, she dreams of summers in Maine filled with clam chowder and blueberry pie. But when she’s there, she feels like the outsider, standing apart from the kids who’ve known each other forever. This heartfelt story explores the experience of feeling caught between places and identities, capturing the ups and downs of making new friends and finding confidence in who you are. With a relatable voice and engaging storytelling, Continental Drifter speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they’re on the edge of fitting in, but not quite there yet.
Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze
Lam, Maple
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Maureen T
In this clever and engaging myth-blending graphic novel, the titular Sun Wukong (Monkey King) is invincible. Yet, he doubts his place in the world, yearning to be a god instead of a beast. After getting caught gatecrashing the Heavenly Kingdom, Wukong is offered an irresistible challenge: help the gods hunt down monsters infected with an evil energy known as Yao-Qi and in return, they'll make him one of their own. Accompanied by an unusual sidekick (the most adorable Cerberus ever!) and armed with his magic staff, quick wit and irrepressible bravado, Wukong journeys to Athens, Greece to confront the horrific Minotaur. In the ensuing battle, Wukong uncovers the bull-headed creature's sad story while discovering what it means to be a true hero and how to earn the affection and love of others. Rib-tickling humour and universal themes make this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Pearl: A Graphic Novel
Smith, Sherri L., illustrated by Norrie, Christine
GRAPHIX
Nominated by: BradB
In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel, Pearl by Sherri L. Smith and illustrated Christine Norrie, tells the story of a young teenage Japanese-American girl from Hawaii who gets stuck in Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On a trip to visit family, Amy is challenged by both language and cultural barriers as she tries to adjust to visiting her extended family. She has to navigate the experience of her Japanese heritage with her American upbringing. But once the war closes the borders, she faces questions of loyalty as she is conscripted to translate wire transmissions for the Japanese army in Hiroshima. When she hears rumors of internment camps in the United States, her fears for her family complicates her stance on loyalty as she struggles to survive the war. Powerful imagery and storytelling explores themes of loyalty, family and nationality in this historical tale told from a new perspective.
Puzzled: A Memoir about Growing Up with OCD
Cooke, Pan, illustrated by Cooke, Pan
Rocky Pond Books
Nominated by: Rachael
We found Puzzled to be a deeply emotional graphic novel that combines expressive artwork with a poignant exploration of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Through the perspective of its main character, the book thoughtfully portrays the inner turmoil and struggles of managing OCD, emphasizing the confusion and isolation that often accompany the condition. The title handles the subject with compassion and sensitivity, offering readers a nuanced understanding of mental health while showing the power of self-acceptance and support.
Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back
Ruth Chan
Roaring Brook Press
Publisher/ Author Submission
What would you do if you had to uproot your entire life and move to a country that you’ve rarely visited? Ruth Chan takes an interesting spin on this question and the new kid archetype as she recounts her family moving from Toronto to Hong Kong. With true-to-life descriptions and illustrations about living in Hong Kong and a compelling storyline about Ruth adjusting to life in Hong Kong, readers will not get enough of this book and maybe even want to visit Hong Kong.
We Are Big Time: (A Graphic Novel)
Khan, Hena, illustrated by Zerrougui, Safiya
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Corian Clark
Readers will cheer for this all-girl Muslim basketball team in a story inspired by actual events. Aliya is the new kid in a Wisconsin school, having moved from Florida, and joins the basketball team. As the team starts winning games, the focus is on the girls: or rather, their cultural identity. The team perseveres through racism, microaggressions, and the friction between Aliya and her co-captain. Khan gives all of the players voice in this compulsively readable story that gives readers a sports story with heart.
Elementary/Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction
Accidental Demons
Edge, Clare
HarperCollins
Nominated by: Joy McCullough
Bernadette Crowley - Ber for short - has grown up a proud member of a family of blood witches who trace their roots back to Ireland. Ber’s extra strong magic was always an asset until her recent diabetes diagnosis. Now it means that she’s accidentally summoning demons every time she tests her blood sugar (multiple times a day), and the demons summoned without a purpose linger and cause mayhem at school. When a rogue coven threatens their family, Ber, her teen sister Maeve, and their magical cats will need to recruit even more help to save the day. We love that Ber learning to balance magic and diabetes is an integral part of the plot. The fast and very funny action keeps the pages turning, while the predicament they find themselves in means questioning a lot of things Ber and Maeve have always been told, including that blood witches never mingle with other magical folk. The magic is definitely real - but so are the challenges of family, middle school friendships, and dealing with a chronic disease.
Benji Zeb Is a Ravenous Werewolf
Moulton, Deke
Tundra
Nominated by: Katy K.
Benji Zeb is in the midst of studying for his bar mitzvah while helping out on the family kibbutz, a wolf sanctuary serving as a cover for werewolves. Readers will learn about Jewish culture along with Caleb, Benji’s crush, as Caleb gets to know Benji and his family. The book presents two important stories. The first is that of Benji and his family, the different aspects of living in a kibbutz, and the teachings that help Benji feel supported, even while he worries about meeting their expectations for his bar mitzvah. The second is Caleb’s struggle to find acceptance and safety in his own family, which expands into a larger struggle of the town to find a way for different groups to find a way to community. The inclusion of the werewolf mythology alongside the teachings from Benji’s family presents an allegory for queerness/otherness and the seeking of love and acceptance for being oneself that many readers can relate to. Benji and Caleb’s budding romance as they learn about each other is sweet and perfect for middle grade readers.
Impossible Creatures
Rundell, Katherine, illustrated by Mackenzie, Ashley
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Sondra Eklund
Impossible Creatures is a story about two kids, one from our world and one from the world where magic is safeguarded, who are both trying to save the realm of magical animals. In this epic adventure, the main characters meet and find that each of them has powers that will help save the realm, but they will need additional help, along with courage and personal strength to accomplish their goals. The elegant writing of the book along with the beautiful artwork will enthrall readers. There are themes of living up to expectations, commitment, friendship, and giving of one’s self. Readers will laugh, and cry, and remember these characters long after they’ve finished the book.
Kwame Crashes the Underworld
Farmer, Craig Kofi
Roaring Brook Press
Nominated by: Kaitlyn T.
Kwame’s beloved grandmother has recently passed away, and he still hasn't dealt with the grief that comes with losing someone so close to you. Without her he feels disconnected from his Ghanaian relatives. When Kwame and his best friend Autumn (and Woo the monkey) are transported into the mythical Ghanaian afterlife, they must team up with his grandmother to survive and return, learning how to use his powers and how to live with the grief knowing that if he makes it back to his world, his grandmother won’t be there. The story is full of funny quips, friendship, love, grief, and battles. I appreciated learning about Ghanaian mythology, and the glossary came in handy. Readers will be drawn into rooting for Kwame, Autumn, Woo and the others while they battle all sorts of creatures in the forest and surrounding lands to save our world as we know it.
Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II (Operation Kinderspion)
Gidwitz, Adam
Dutton Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Debbie Tanner
When Max’s parents send him to England to keep him safe from the horrors of Nazi Germany, he is determined to get back to them. Yet there is little that a young Jewish boy can do so far from home. Undeterred, Max looks for every opportunity to connect him to his family, like using his unique skills with the radio to open closed channels. While Max is physically safe in England, he discovers that there are many British who look down on Jews. The way that he responds to some of these situations is clever and brings humor to an otherwise depressing time. And as if Max’s struggles are not hard enough, he also must cope with two constant companions. One on each shoulder. Who nobody else can see. These immortal shoulder companions are mischievous nuisances and bring further humor to Max’s adventure of discovering a house’s secrets of espionage. Based on real life characters, Max’s is a story brimming with emotion and excitement that readers will love.
Sona and the Golden Beasts
LaRocca, Rajani
Quill Tree Books
Nominated by: Abi
Sona is a beautiful fantasy about magical creatures and a girl who loves and protects them, about a boy who longs for heroism and a safe community, and about a land torn by a love of riches and people willing to do anything to get what they want. Sona and her cousin Raaj come together from opposite sides of society to quest for a cure for their grandmother, learning each other's secrets through cooperation and betrayal, and gaining strength from knowledge and hard won experience. Only by combining their skills and powers can they achieve their goal. The writing shines with a love for the individual and for community. The magical creatures could be symbolic of the wonder of nature and the beauty of the natural world, or maybe they are just incredible and exciting challenges in the desert and the river, the mountains and the sky. It’s a book that rewards rereading and that can resound in the hearts of children and adults.
Splinter & Ash (Splinter & Ash, 1)
Nijkamp, Marieke
Greenwillow Books
Nominated by: Lucy K
Splinter & Ash is a heartwarming story about friendship and overcoming personal obstacles.
After spending several years growing up in the peaceful countryside, Princess Adelisa (Ash) returns to palace life. As a disabled princess with a cane, her return is not welcomed and she is met with mockery and disdain. On a chance encounter she meets Splinter, who doesn’t identify as the girl she’s always been called or as a boy, but wants more than anything to be a squire. They decide to team up, but face even more discrimination and bullying. They don’t let that stop them however from uncovering secrets and conspiracies to save their kingdom. This medieval fantasy was packed with action and adventure. The message was empowering and the friendships endearing.
Middle Grade Non-Fiction
Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers
Hurston, Zora Neale and Kendi, Ibram X., illustrated by Lee-Johnson, Jazzmen
Amistad
Nominated by: G. Plastrik
This is the story of the last survivor of the Atlantic slave trade who shared what his was like before he was captured in Africa. Working from direct interviews with Cudjo Lewis, the survivor of the last legal slaveship to the United States, author Nora Zeale Hurston’s original BARRACOON (for adults) is an undisputed classic. This adaptation by historian Ibram X. Kendi provides an age-appropriate introduction to a remarkable African-American figure. Readers are transported back in time with text written in the language spoken by Cudjo. Barracoon For young Readers is written as a first-person account, encouraging connection and empathy. This poignant memoir includes powerful illustrations and reveals invaluable shared American history.
Meet the Cats
Kate Peridot, illus by Becca Hall
Welbeck Children's
Publisher/ Author Submission
Join a virtual global journey in this nonfiction picture book to observe eight feline cousins of mammals that now prowl through our homes: cats! This book features appeals to all ages with an unnamed main character and their mother whose interest in art and cats has won them a trip to study eight large cats in their natural habitats. Each of eight wild cats has two pages with illustrations and texts dedicated to showing habitat, fun facts, common prey, and a guide to drawing them. This book emphasizes the differences and similarities between species around the globe, and uses art to showcase their beauty. Back matter contains several informational graphics; a map of the world illustrating where each cat featured in the text resides, a sizing chart comparing the cats to each other as well as an average human, wild cats not mentioned in the text previously, and tips for observing bigger cats featured in the text. Text and illustrations collaborate in this fun informational book. Accessible and interesting to preteens of any reading ability.
Sightseeing with Aliens: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural
Fitzpatrick, Insha
Quirk Books
Nominated by: Niki Brooks
As you can tell from its title, SIGHTSEEING WITH ALIENS: A TOTALLY FACTUAL FIELD GUIDE TO THE SUPERNATURAL is a fun, entertaining read about an intriguing subject. It's written in a conversational, never-takes-itself-too-seriously style that makes it especially engaging. Although the book is undeniably diverting, it's also educational, focused on presenting facts about the real study of outer space and possible alien life. While the book is about extraterrestrials, it teaches a much broader lesson about the importance of being open to learning from people who might seem "alien" because they are different from us. Illustrations throughout the book feature mostly kids of color as well as those with religious affiliations and physical differences that are not necessarily the norm, beautifully enhancing the book's overall messages of inclusion and acceptance.
The Bard and the Book: How the First Folio Saved the Plays of William Shakespeare from Oblivion
Bausum, Ann, illustrated by Sevilla, Marta
Peachtree
Nominated by: Christopher Helton
This exciting introduction to the creator of ubiquitous English classics reveals history and behind-the-scenes stories. The creation, distribution, mysteries, benefits, and weaknesses of historic Shakespeare texts make a centuries-old society and its own pop-culture feel relevant and intriguing. Author Ann Bausum, a reliably thorough and compelling nonfiction researcher/writer, keeps young minds fully engaged using a familiar voice in direct address, even commenting on outrageous elements with parentheses ("Yes, it really says that."- P. 39). The well-organized text presents a fascinating account of the technical processes involved in seventeenth century book production as well as the social/cultural patterns surrounding stage plays prior to the first folio's existence. Author notes and appealing back matter reveal her family history involving First Folio research and Shakespeare emersion. The organization, format, design, and contents of this book are ideal for late elementary and middle grades, but readers of any age beyond that are also likely to find it informative and entertaining enough to want to read.
The Girl Who Fought Back: Vladka Meed and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising (Scholastic Focus)
Greene, Joshua M.
Scholastic Focus
Nominated by: Kristen
Joshua M. Greene relays an account of resistance fighter Vladka Meed (b. 1921), who smuggled secret messages and ammunition into the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland. The book focuses on Vladka’s witness and participation in wartime events from 1940 to 1945 with some biographical details about her before and after. Many Jews in the Warsaw ghetto were killed, including Vladka’s immediate family; however, she avoided imprisonment in part because she was fluent in Polish and Aryan passing. She does, however, believe that “Survival was an accident” (p. 127). Despite the risks, Vladka and other members of the Jewish Fighting Organization courageously fought the Nazis during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It is alarming to read about the horrors that the Nazi soldiers inflicted on the Polish Jews, but more harrowing was the indifference the Christian Poles displayed to these wartime atrocities.
The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions
Clarkson, Giselle, illustrated by Clarkson, Giselle
Gecko Press
Nominated by: natalietate
Every child has found themselves outside, wondering at the small creeping things around them. Childhood is full of just such very small and very crucial scientific expeditions. The Observologist reminds us how to explore and wonder about the small pieces of nature we find in most of our yards, just steps from the sidewalk. Cartoon illustrations in a comic style trick us into forgetting this is nonfiction, but remind us of the fun, the wacky, and the wild in everyday nature.
Why We Need Vaccines: How Humans Beat Infectious Diseases
Rowena Rae and Paige Stampatori
Orca Books
Publisher/ Author Submission
WHY WE NEED VACCINES is a fascinating deep dive into the world of vaccinations - covering the history of plagues and infectious diseases, early vaccine discovery, the medical research and innovation behind vaccinations throughout time, and the efforts being made for future pandemics. Numerous careers in the medical field are highlighted throughout. The content for this book has been thoroughly researched and presented in a way to intrigue and educate readers of all ages. This book would be a fantastic addition to a variety of curricula, including science, history, biomedical engineering, health history, and more. Photographs and vibrant illustrations complement the expository text wonderfully, providing opportunity for engagement and continued interest.
High School Non-Fiction
A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay in Women's Soccer-and Beyond
Rusch, Elizabeth
Greenwillow Books
Nominated by: G. Plastrik
The toughest battle for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team wasn’t fought on the field, but rather around the negotiating table. Elizabeth Rusch explores the players' decades-long fight for pay equality, from the origins of the team in the 1980s following the passage of Title IX, to their meteoric rise to success at the Olympics and beyond, and to their ultimate struggle against the United States Soccer Federation for a contract equal to their male counterparts (almost ass electrifying to read about as the matches themselves). Action-packed tournaments are brought to life with pulse-pounding language, and personal stories of different players, including the heartbreaking conditions many experienced, make this absorbing reading. Ultimately, it’s the spirit of these players—and their commitment to equality for both current and future generations—that makes this truly compelling reading.
American Wings: Chicago's Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky
Smith, Sherri L. and Wein, Elizabeth
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Becky L.
In the 1920s, a group of determined Black young people are determined to take to the sky, and make it happen, in spite of the systemic racism that threw obstacles into their path at every step of the way. This gripping account of how they succeeded not only tells the history of black aviation in the US, but also makes the people involved beautifully real to the reader. It is an engrossing and powerful journey celebrating grit and resilience, told with just the right mix of broad history and individual lives to engage young readers.
Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I'd Known
Johnson, George M., illustrated by Palmer, Charly
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Nominated by: Rachael
At a time when many teens feel depressed and anxious, Flamboyants is a welcome burst of joy. The inspiring stories of Queer Harlem Renaissance figures, brightened with exuberant illustrations, lift the readers spirits while vividly retelling this piece of Black history and culture. This is so much more than a compilation of minibiographies (though the people profiled here are certainly interesting enough to make minibiographies well worth reading!). What makes it outstanding is that the author is right there, sharing his own experiences and thoughts as a black, gay, writer, and this makes it personal, deeply thought-provoking, and revelatory.
Marked Man: Frank Serpico’s Inside Battle Against Police Corruption
Florio, John and Shapiro, Ouisie
Roaring Brook Press
Nominated by: Sheila Ruth
Surrounded by cops on the take, in a system where speaking up would see you punished or expelled, Frank Serpico tried as hard as he could to walk on the side of right as a young New York police officer in the 1970s. His refusal to be part of the systemic corruption of the NY police department got him shot, bleeding out while his partner just looked on. Authors Florio and Shapiro tell of Serpico’s integrity in the face of tremendous adversity without unnecessary embellishment, including sections in Serpico's own words, bringing to vivid life a story our present-day teens probably have never heard before which resonates powerfully today. At only 160 pages, it is highly accessible and griping, cutting straight to the heart of Serpico’s story.
Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote
Dyson, Michael Eric and Favreau, Marc
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Melissa Fox
This history about the past 250 years of the struggle for representation in the US is told with beautiful clarity and perfect pacing, charting the journey to a more democratic country (that still has work to do). It is full of historical detail that paints a vivid and engrossing picture of the various battles fought for the right to vote while never being overwhelming. The reader is left appalled by the past, ultimately inspired to continue the progress people in the past suffered to achieve (and also amazed at how quickly the pages turned!).
Rise Up and Sing!: Power, Protest, and Activism in Music
Warner, Andrea, illustrated by Reimer, Louise
Greystone Kids
Nominated by: Terry Doherty
Rise Up and Sing is a celebration of the many ways music has galvanized social movements. In a period where activism has more visibility than ever, learning how various artists have lent their voices to different causes is sure to appeal to a teen audience, with illustrations and photographs lifting up the text. The music of a wide variety of different causes (Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ, environment justice, Indigenous people, and more) is showcased, allowing readers to find what resonates with them the most. The playlist included at the end of each chapter is a fun bonus.
Road Home
Ogle, Rex
Norton Young Readers
Nominated by: Sondra Eklund
Road Home is a powerful memoir that walks readers through a tremendously difficult period of the author's life. Kicked out of his home by his father when he comes out as queer, Rex Ogle describes how he found himself homeless in New Orleans. Enmeshed in a toxic relationship, and then desperately trying to stay alive on what he can scavenge on the streets, readers will be almost as relieved as the author when he ultimately makes it to a place of safety. This gripping book is important reading, especially for teens who might otherwise feel unseen or underrepresented, and it is a kind and empathetic window for those with a different life experience.
Poetry Collections
A Planet Is a Poem
Lewis, Amanda West, illustrated by Averill, Oliver
Kids Can Press, Ltd
Nominated by: Katy K.
Come take a tour of our solar system where you’ll encounter familiar favorites (like Mercury, Venus, and Mars) and meet some less popular members too (like Arrokoth, the Kuiper Belt, and Planet X).
Each planet’s story is told in a distinct poetic form, from sonnet to sestina to cinquain. And each page also includes a handy fold-out of extra information on planets and poetic forms.
Looking for a stand-out poetry collection that’s educational to boot? This is your book.
Black Girl You Are Atlas
Watson, Renée, illustrated by Holmes, Ekua
Kokila
Nominated by: Amie
Black Girl You Are Atlas is a thoughtful celebration of Black girlhood by award-winning author and poet Renée Watson. In this semi-autobiographical collection of poems, Renée Watson writes about her experience growing up as a young Black girl at the intersections of race, class, and gender. Using a variety of poetic forms, from haiku to free verse, Watson shares recollections of her childhood in Portland, tender odes to the Black women in her life, and urgent calls for Black girls to step into their power. Black Girl You Are Atlas encourages young readers to embrace their future with a strong sense of sisterhood and celebration. With full-color art by celebrated fine artist Ekua Holmes throughout, this collection offers guidance and is a gift for anyone who reads it.
Clara's Kooky Compendium of Thimblethoughts and Wonderfuzz
Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong; illus. by Frank Ramspott
Pomelo Books
Publisher/ Author Submission
Anthologies rarely contain so many invitations to scribble, doodle, imagine, and create as does CLARA’S KOOKY COMPENDIUM OF THIMBLETHOUGHTS AND WONDERFUZZ. The barely-there narrative of Clara working on writing assignments to submit to her fourth grade teacher provides a scaffold for this compilation of over one hundred poems on a myriad of kid-friendly topics. The poems are framed by “thimblethought” facts and “wonderfuzz” inquiries, along with illustrations, lists, and a scrapbook aesthetic. This is a welcome addition to a dozen other poetry anthologies by award-winning coauthors Sylvia and Janet, who have been writing together for over 20 years.
Grace Notes: Poems about Families
Nye, Naomi Shihab
Greenwillow Books
Nominated by: Becky L.
Grace Notes is a beautifully written collection of poems about family, growing up, grief, and more. The poems span the spectrum of emotions and have an ease of rhythm that makes them flow naturally. Middle grade readers will find ordinary moments made special via Naomi Shihab Nye’s poems.
Haiku, Ew!: Celebrating the Disgusting Side of Nature
Brunelle, Lynn, illustrated by Patton, Julia
Millbrook Press
Nominated by: Christopher Helton
Hold onto your hats, folks, because this book isn't kidding—its haikus are truly gross! Learn how bee spit-up makes honey, lobster urine attracts mates, and how herrings toot to communicate with other members of their school. As they say, ignorance is bliss. Without revealing anything major, I will say that I'll never look at koalas the same way again! While this book is yuck, it's also a very engaging science read that nails the haiku format. Revolting, captivating reading fun.
Poetry Comics
Snider, Grant
Chronicle Books
Nominated by: Katy Manck
Grant Snider's poetry collection will fill the hearts and minds of kids everywhere. It’s a book that kids, classroom teachers, and parents will enjoy throughout the year. Each season delivers ponderable poems, adorable artwork, and topics deep in kids' minds. I especially adore Snider's thoughts about trees, feelings, cloud-watching, and growing up. Written and drawn in comic style, Snider's thought-provoking poems, images, and colors that draw the readers' attention to specific points. The last Winter poem is titled, "Into the Woods" brings it home.
Windsongs: Poems about Weather
Florian, Douglas, illustrated by Florian, Douglas
Beach Lane Books
Nominated by: MissRumphius
Learning about weather in science class? Want to inject rhymes and humor into your calendar/carpet time when talking about the upcoming weather? Look no further. Douglas Florian's poems in WINDSONGS: POEMS ABOUT WEATHER will make you smile all the while thinking about the various weather-related vocabulary. There are no sidebars for scientific definitions to interrupt the flow from poem to poem, but the back matter does a good job of helping kids to understand the terms. I appreciate the terms touched upon via poems in WINDSONGS: weather, atmosphere, sun, cloud, rain, hurricane, hail, wind, frost, lightning, thunder, snow, tornado, fog, flood, drought, weather instruments, meteorologist, dew, and climate change. The final poem in this collection deals with climate change with the very last line, "Our blue planet Earth is all that we've got." Lots of deep discussion can come from this collection. Florian's fun kid-like artwork was created with gouache paint, colored pencils, and rubber stamps on primed paper bags. This book can also be used for a poem-a-day and for students who are creating their own poetry to define vocabulary.
Novels in Verse
And Then, Boom!
Fipps, Lisa
Nancy Paulsen Books
Nominated by: Gina A.
The Printz honor-winning author of STARFISH returns with another compelling portrait of an honest experience of childhood trauma. The narrator, Joe Oak, abandoned by his mother and living unhoused with his grandmother, sees the world through the lens of crises: “and then—” inevitably followed by “BOOM!” Hope and resilience simmer at the root of Joe’s heartbreaking experiences with absent family, death, disaster, and poverty. The structures and conventions of poetry are employed to excellent effect without ever becoming didactic, creating a seamless narrative that readers will devour.
Force of Nature: A Novel of Rachel Carson
Burg, Ann E., illustrated by Blackall, Ms. Sophie
Scholastic Press
Nominated by: G. Plastrik
This is a lyrical novel in verse about a historical figure, Rachel Carson. Her respect for nature spurred her to make her way in a male-dominated world. At a time when scientists typically wrote in difficult-to-understand language, Carson wrote for the world to understand and appreciate. Ann E. Burg’s beautiful writing is complemented by Sophie Blackall’s lovely drawings of the flora and fauna that inspired Rachel Carson.
Kareem Between
Safadi, Shifa Saltagi
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Christopher Helton
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi engages readers in the in-between world of childhood and adolescence. Kareem, a Syrian-American boy with immigrant parents dreams of becoming an NFL player. Through the lens of different football terms, Kareem experiences a bully who promises a chance in exchange for doing his schoolwork, learns that the US isn’t always a safe place for family and his culture. It’s about learning that not everything is in your control.
Safadi has written an important story for middle grade readers based on true events and she’s created a related story for those readers. With themes of friendship, finding your voice and using it, and loss, the committee felt it should be on this year’s shortlist.
Louder Than Hunger
Schu, John
Candlewick Press
Nominated by: Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books)
From the first question ”What if someone was brave enough to tell you the truth?” John Schu invites readers to be part of a story dealing with a very tough topic that was part of his own childhood experience. LOUDER THAN HUNGER is a powerful story dealing with a very tough subject, anorexia. I was with Jake, the main character throughout the story. Singing, skating, and helping people are things Jake likes to do. He volunteers at a nursing home and he loves being around his grandmother. His grandma gets Jake. They spend time together singing and watching movies. But Jake has a secret; he feels different and wants to disappear by not eating. That lands Jake in a residential treatment facility. He shares his story through a journal and the whitespace of the journals makes reading the story accessible and a way to digest a difficult topic. Schu weaves a poignant story in spare and lyrical language. The way the author checks in with readers in his author note makes readers feel like he is speaking directly to them. And Schu also provides a list of resources for readers. LOUDER THAN HUNGER is shortlisted for the way it engages readers on a very serious mental health condition with such readable honesty.
Mid-Air (Caitlyn Plouhy)
Williams, Alicia D., illustrated by Novgorodoff, Danica
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Nominated by: Katy Manck
Mid-Air by Alicia D. Williams is a poignant middle grade novel in verse that delves into the emotional journey of a 13 year old named Isaiah, who is grappling with the tragic loss of his best friend Darius. The narrative captures Isaiah’s struggle with grief, identity, and self acceptance, set against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal discovery. Williams’ verse writing allows for the reader to understand the range of emotions Isaiah feels, including pain, confusion and healing, making this book both an engaging and deeply moving read. With complex themes such as masculinity, racial and gender expression, and the process of grieving, this novel offers a nuanced and heartfelt exploration of growing up while navigating life’s challenges. Mid-Air will resonate with anyone who has faced grief or has struggled to find their place in the world. It is a must read for all ages, offering lessons in empathy, acceptance, and healing.
Sunrise Nights
Zentner, Jeff and Cavallaro, Brittany
Quill Tree Books
Nominated by: aquafortis
Two authors. Two points of view. One night that changes everything.
Sunrise Nights is the perfect blend of adolescence, romance, art and poetry. The narrative unfolds over three consecutive years at an art camp where campers spend their final night exploring the town from dusk until dawn. Jude’s chosen form of art is photography, while Florence loves to dance. Jude struggles with anxiety and working through his parents divorce. Florence battles a degenerative eye condition that threatens her future in dance. When the two meet, they have a unique and instant connection, yet they still decide to cut off all interaction with each other once the sun rises. Each year they meet on this special night and connect with each other even deeper, yet there always seems to be something in the way of them truly being together. Over the course of time, Jude and Florence learn more about themselves, their art and each other, proving that connections can transcend time and distance, even in the face of personal challenges. Whether you are a fan of heartfelt romances, stories about self-discovery, or a fan of art and poetry, Sunrise Nights is a book that will linger in your heart long after the final page.
This Opening Sky
Hollman, Kelly and Sherman, Charlotte Watson
Milk & Cookies
Nominated by: Joan Schoettler
Aurelia used to have it all. Now she’s a destitute orphan. Halle’s never had a thing. Now she’s free. Both are lone teenagers hoping to find someone they’ve lost.
When Halle encounters a starving Aurelia and steps in to help, Aurelia realizes the two would fare better together. After all, there’s safety in numbers. With Halle’s know-how and Aurelia’s gun, the two could travel north. But Aurelia’s the daughter of former plantation owners. Halle’s a formerly enslaved girl. Will the two be able to look past their differences and work together to make a successful journey?
The strength of this novel-in-verse lies in the distinct voices of its two main characters. Aurelia and Halle are unique and likeable, their trials and tribulations understandable. This historical fiction story of life in the American South just after the Emancipation Proclamation is a story that’s fresh and well told. Highly recommended.
Young Adult Fiction
Everything We Never Had
Ribay, Randy
Kokila
Nominated by: Richetta
Enzo describes his anxiety as "murder hornets" when the news of the world and doom-scrolling overwhelm him. As he tries to learn how to process his emotions healthily, the COVID-19 pandemic forces his unlikeable grandfather, Emil, out of his retirement community and into Enzo's room, displacing him and his family's routines. Through this upheaval, In Everything We Never Had, Randy Ribay invites you into a multi-generational story of what it means to survive, live, and be a good father and son, as well as the impossible to concisely translate, utang na loob (a debt from within), that is carried from the work of our ancestors. The history of the Maghabol male line from immigration to the US in 1929 by Francisco, Emil's father, at sixteen, through Enzo's story, is told in sections helping to explore how Francisco, Emil, Chris, and finally Enzo, are shaped by their society, community, and their relationship with their fathers into the adults we meet in Enzo's chapters. Interweaving historical contributions of Filipino Americans and more recent developments in the Philipines adds another layer to this exploration of family relationships and the desire to create a better future for those who come afterward, helps to keep the story progressing and adds tension to this beautifully written story of one family claiming their identity and accepting one another. This novel will leave you thinking about your own relationships and family history, as well as wanting to return to revisit Ribay's words as he helps put into words feelings you didn't know how to express.
Icarus
Ancrum, K.
HarperTeen
Nominated by: Megan
Icarus and his father have been stealing art from the Black mansion for as long as he can remember. He's mastered leading a double life, but ultimately, he wants out. A few more thefts and he'll have the money to escape from the life his father thrust upon him. Then, Icarus meets Black's son Helios, someone he can't leave without. As their bond strengthens, Icarus becomes willing to do whatever it takes to save himself and the boy he loves. K. Ancrum's Icarus is an unbelievable adventure, a swoon-worthy queer love story, and a tragically beautiful Greek mythology retelling all in one. All the elements are expertly weaved together, resulting in a novel that has something to interest every reader.
On the Bright Side
Anna Sortino
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publisher/ Author Submission
On the Bright Side is a dive into disability in different stages and what life looks like in a world that caters to the able-bodied. Ellie is deaf and is integrating into a “normal” school for the first time, and Jackson is her new classmate who starts having strange symptoms that lead to his eventual diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. Their romance blooms, but so do problems with accommodations, interpreters, parental acceptance, and what a future looks like after diagnosis. We loved Sortino’s ability to provide realistic disability representation.
Our Shouts Echo
Adia, Jade
Disney-Hyperion
Nominated by: Jacob C.
Sixteen-year-old Niarah Holloway, or "Doomsday Girl”, has a plan for her first summer in LA. Except hers is interrupted by other people’s plans, specifically her guidance counselor, who requires Niarah's participation in a Color Outside wilderness group led by Marco "Mac" Torres. In a young adult fiction landscape of college applications and scholarships, “Our Shouts Echo” by Jade Adia leads us outside through a summer of trails and next steps. Niarah struggles to let Mac begin something that, like the world, she knows how it ends. Despite her belief in strong walls, Niarah must ultimately question if being prepared is her goal for the end of the summer when it means staying in one place, especially if that summer's end is not actually an ending at all.
Climate change. Family trauma. Mental and physical health challenges. Niarah’s self-appointed task of a Doomsday bunker is a unique illustration of the multiple, conflicting, and too often overwhelming situations youth prepare to face. Niarah seeks purpose and safety through the act of doing something that she knows may never be enough in an imagined future against the very real social and environmental challenges around her. Youth just like her also make this choice every day. Fear. Anxiety. Love. We perceive both emotions and sound in waves. They are vibrations that return to the reader amplified through Niarah's thoughtful conversations with herself and those who make up her community. This novel serves as an important reminder that in order to exist echoes need something or someone to reflect against. Adia's is a simple truth. Even when they begin as whispers, “Our Shouts Echo” because someone was there to listen.
Rules for Camouflage
Kirstin Cronn-Mills
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publisher/ Author Submission
In Rules for Camouflage by Kirstin Cronn-Mills, our neurodivergent heroine Evvie flat out confronts the school superintendent about his time in high school: “Did you pick on the geeks? The weirdos? The nerds? The kids who were just a little different?” Those are the kids who may be shadow-dwellers in their high schools, but they are front and center in this excellent young adult novel. Evvie is fascinated by octopi, especially Aretha, the octopus she cares for at a Minnesota zoo. She relates not just to Aretha’s camouflage expertise but also her intelligence, creative problem-solving, and cautious relationship-building. The zoo is Evvie’s safe place, while school mostly seems like a rigged game. Evvie’s school nemesis is Ms. Dearborn, the biology teacher who seems set on making Evvie’s life difficult while saying that she is just trying to help her straighten out her life. Dearborn is offset by Rachel, the wonderful music teacher who provides a hidden haven in the school for Evvie and others who need sanctuary when school becomes just too much. Rules for Camouflage sidesteps most young adult literature tropes as it celebrates some of the most vulnerable kids in a high school–for example, those who prefer not to socialize, those who like to read, those who show pride in their ethnic cultures, those who don’t want to go to college right away, or those whose interests do not align with anything at school. Many young readers will relate to Evvie, her quirky friends, and the courage it takes to rise above their challenges.
This Book Won't Burn
Ahmed, Samira
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Gary Anderson
“…no one who’s banned books has ever, ever turned out to be one of the good guys.”
Noor Khan’s life was literally uprooted when her father abandoned his family, and her mother decided to start fresh by leaving Chicago for a small, conservative town two hours away. With only a semester left of high school, Noor decides the best thing to do is to keep her head down and prepare for her fall semester at University of Chicago. At least that was the plan until she finds out that the local school board, with the support of the Liberty Moms and under the guise of “protecting our children,” has pulled 500 books from the library shelves that were challenged for being pornographic, subversive, and indoctrinating. It’s not a coincidence that most of the authors and characters are BIPOC, queer, or both. Noor was taught by both her parents to fight against injustice, and as an Indian-American, feels she has no choice but to protest with the support of other marginalized students who have become her friends. Yet, it doesn’t take long for her to realize that her advocacy has dire and violent consequences. Author Samira Ahmed has written a timely and extremely uncomfortable book to read, and that’s what makes it so powerful. In a time when fascism seems to be winning in our country and book banning is sharply on the rise, it’s so important for our teens to have a story like this that lays bare the extremism, racism, anti-LGBTQ language, and violence perpetuated by white supremacists. It speaks to how protest can begin with just one voice, one brave person committed to freedom and fairness by protesting against the ugliness that has been exposed.
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . .: A LOVE Story
Reynolds, Jason
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Nominated by: HannahN
Neon and his girlfriend, Aria, have decided to enter new territory in their two-year relationship: they’re ready to have sex for the first time. That is, if Neon can escape the jumble of anxious thoughts going through his head. Twenty-Four Seconds From Now refers to the amount of time Neon is giving himself in the bathroom to clear his head before rejoining Aria. They both want this, so why does it suddenly seem to carry so much weight? Reynolds takes readers on a lyrical journey through Neon and Aria’s relationship, from when they first met, 24 months ago, to every careful thought put into their plan for today. Neon is sweet and cautious, subverting ideas often associated with teenage boys and sex. He is close with his family, and open to feeling uncomfortable, to learn from their mistakes and wisdom. This is a humorous coming-of-age romance, told from a fresh perspective, with characters you won’t stop thinking about.
Young Adult Graphic Novels
Age 16
Fung, Rosena
Annick Press
Nominated by: Rosemary Kiladitis
Spanning three generations of a family's history, Fung reminds readers that Age 16 isn't always sweet. Mei Laan consents to an arranged marriage in order to leave her rural China home in 1954. Lydia, her daughter, heads to Toronto in 1972 to escape her mother's harsh criticism. Roz struggles with her weight and self-image in 2000. Mei Laan visits her daughter and granddaughter, bringing years of frustration to a head. Flashbacks tell each woman's story at age 16 and conversations and character interaction peel away layers of emotion and trauma. Fung skilfully blends three individuals across three generations at a pivotal age to illustrate that key issues facing women never seem to change, while new challenges pop up all the time.
Ash’s Cabin
Wang, Jen
First Second Books
Nominated by: Sondra Eklund
In this gorgeously illustrated, earth-tones-hued graphic novel, sixteen-year-old Ash plots their boldest plan yet: to find their grandfather's secret cabin in the forest and to stay there forever. Trouble is, no one knows if the cabin exists or not, but Ash is determined to find it. Armed with wilderness skills gleaned from books and Grandpa's old journals, brave and resourceful Ash trades in the world in which they feel misunderstood for the unknown of the Great Outdoors. Ash's poignant story of survival and self-identity will captivate and inspire hope in anyone who has ever felt lost, ignored and disappointed by humanity.
Brownstone
Teer, Samuel, illustrated by Julia, Mar
Versify
Nominated by: Kristen
Coming of age is difficult enough without having to parent your own forgetful mother. But when Almudena’s white mother drops her off for the summer to live with the Guatemalan father she never knew while she is on a dance tour, turning 15 gets a lot more challenging. Her father, Xavier, is happy to have her with him. The two of them try to connect over the renovation of a brownstone that Xavier hopes will counteract the gentrification affecting his neighborhood’s rents. However, Almudena must navigate both language and cultural barriers that she is not used too. She has to rely on her father’s girlfriend to translate and feels out of place in the very close community that she now lives in. But as she gets to know and understand those in her father’s community, she realizes that one summer might not be enough time for the two of them to spend with each other. This is a hopeful story about navigating your cultural heritage, community and family when you feel like an outsider
Homebody
Parish, Theo, illustrated by Parish, Theo
HarperAlley
Nominated by: Tamara S
Homebody is a tender and introspective journey of self-discovery, following Theo as they navigate the often rigid and unspoken expectations of gender in high school. Through a mix of traditional comics and journal-like reflections, Theo’s story is personal but deeply relatable, offering comfort and affirmation to anyone questioning their identity or exploring new facets of themselves. Told with warmth and understanding, Homebody emphasizes that finding your true self is a process—one that’s allowed to shift, pause, and evolve and the idea that home can exist within us.
Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account
Saade, Ernesto, illustrated by Saade, Ernesto
Graphic Universe
Nominated by: Ry Ry
Just Another Story follows Carlos and his mother, Elena, as they make their way from El Salvador to the United States. While fictionalized, the story is based on the experiences of thousands of immigrants wanting to start a new life in the U.S. Facing many challenges and dangers, Carlos struggles with anger at his mother for choosing to make the journey. As Carlos shares his story with his cousin, Ernesto, readers get a reminder that each immigrant has a story to tell. Told through the powerful images and text, readers can't help but empathize with Carlos and his mother and their struggles. Just Another Story is an emotionally powerful story of resilience and hope despite seemingly impossible circumstances.
No Rules Tonight: A Graphic Novel
Hyun Sook, Kim and Estrada, Ryan, illustrated by Estrada, Ryan
Penguin Workshop
Nominated by: Jacob C.
Set amidst a repressive South Korean government that wasn't too long ago, readers gain insight on how the hopes and dreams of young people still thrive even under the hardest times in this companion novel to Banned Book Club. Kim Hyun Sook and her folk dance troupe travel to the mountains for their one night of “freedom” on Christmas Eve in this graphic novel.
Safe Passage
Neri, G., illustrated by Brame, David
Tu Books
Nominated by: Richetta
Safe Passage by G. Neri is a powerful graphic novel that uses its artwork to vividly depict the harsh realities of gang violence in south side Chicago. The story explores the difficult choices the young protagonists face, as well as the ways people within these communities strive to bring about positive change despite the overwhelming challenges. The book highlights the resilience of individuals who, through small acts of courage and solidarity, work to carve out safe spaces and fight for a better future amidst the chaos.
Young Adult Speculative Fiction
Blood at the Root
Williams, LaDarrion
Labyrinth Road
Nominated by: Richetta
Magical school readers are about to be tripped up on this journey to Caiman University, where the magical community is far from perfect. Malik has found family after his mother has been missing for ten years, leaving him with unexplainable powers and a stream of foster homes that only left him with one good thing, a little brother to take care of. Readers will enjoy the rich history of Haitian magic while rooting for Malik as he finds his place in a new world that is not without its faults. Through love, loss and found family, Malik will need to find out for himself what roots him and his magic.
Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear
Wasley, Robin
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Alexis
Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear by Robin Wasley is a magical-zombie-apocalyptic novel that will have readers laughing, swooning, crying, and nail-biting. An “ordinary” adoptee MC, layered and diverse side characters (including Chad the cat) as well as a unique community-centered magic system makes this book one of a kind.
Hearts Still Beating
Archer, Brooke
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Leah
In Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer, Rory and Mara, former best friends with a fractured bond, must find a way to work together in a world devastated by a virus that turns people into monstrous Ticks. With complex family dynamics, morally grey characters, and a shared fight against rogue soldiers, their journey challenges everything they thought they knew about survival and loyalty. Fast-paced and filled with the “enemies to lovers” and “it was right in front of you all along” tropes, this story offers heartfelt LGBTQIA+ representation while exploring resilience, redemption, and the messy beauty of human connection and forgiveness.
Otherworldly
Lukens, F.T.
Margaret K. McElderry
Nominated by: Kristen
Set in a world like ours but where the supernatural is accepted as normal, nonbinary teen Ellery is disillusioned with the goddess, because their region of the country has been in perpetual winter for years. Then they meet Knox, a servant of the goddess who didn’t go back to the Otherworld after the contract he was helping with got fulfilled. Knox has no power without an active bargain, so Ellery and Knox make a bargain between themselves - Ellery will help him experience a list of fun things from the human world, and Knox will find out from supernatural sources why the winter doesn’t end. This bargain ends up more complicated than either of them imagine, involving more supernatural beings, great danger, and high stakes. The humor sprinkled throughout this book, the many queer characters whose queerness is never an issue, the slowly growing romance, and the plot line with universal themes but plenty of surprises, kept us eagerly reading.
The Hedgewitch of Foxhall
Bright, Anna
HarperTeen
Nominated by: Sondra Eklund
This historical fantasy set in medieval Wales has themes surprisingly relevant today. The three viewpoint characters – Ffion, the hedgewitch who makes sure she bears the own cost of her magic, and princes Dafydd and Taliesin – are beautifully filled out, with each their own emotional wounds and private goals. The princes have been challenged to a contest by their father to bring magic back to Wales, and when the huge coven at Foxhall refuses to help Tal, he turns to Ffion, despite her unconventional but more sustainable methods. Some surprises bring all three paths together, and we have the delight of watching friendships build and trying to predict which will bud into romance. Wonderful writing combined with themes of sustainability, self-determination, and responsible use of power make this book a stand-out.
The Invocations
Sutherland, Krystal
Nancy Paulsen Books
Nominated by: Gary Anderson
In this beautifully crafted piece of high energy, captivating, gruesome, YA horror/fantasy, three young women’s lives cross when a serial killer begins hunting down magic users in a way that has police scratching their heads. Only the talent, intelligence, and determination of these very independent but deeply connected individuals may be able to stop these gruesome deaths, but at what cost? With body horror, found family, slow burn romance, and diverse representation, this new masterpiece of the genre just doesn’t quit!
We Mostly Come Out At Night
Rob Costello
Running Press Kids
Publisher/ Author Submission
We Mostly Come Out at Night is the perfect anthology for anyone who has ever found it easier to relate to the villains and monsters because they were more likely to be queer than the heroes. Whether it’s Mothman encounters, living with extra shadows, or transforming into a monster, the queer teens in these stories learn to embrace the monstrous and live as their truest selves.