Tran, Trang Thanh. They Bloom at Night. Bloomsbury, 04/2025. 262pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5476-1111-9. GRADES 9–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL. When a hurricane in Mercy, Louisiana brings a mysterious red algae that causes mutations in living creatures, [continue reading]
Cranky, Crabby Crow Review
Tabor, Corey. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World). Corey Tabor, Illus. Harper Collins, 05/2025. [34]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-337358-7. GRADES Kindergarten–1. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Crow is an undercover agent, guarding Earth from incoming asteroids. While [continue reading]
Peach Thief Review
Smith, Linda Joan. Peach Thief, The. Candlewick, 03/2025. 374pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5362-3778-8. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL. In this impeccably researched, sensory-rich, and well-paced historical novel, it’s 1850s England, where almost-teen workhouse-orphan-turned-street-urchin Scilla has landed [continue reading]
Beginning Readers
2025 Beginning Readers Titles featuring Black, Indigenous, or People of Color are marked with this symbol: & Newer titles in Bold. Helpful Websites: Geisel Award and Honor Books (ALA): geisel-medal-honor-books-to-present (ala.org). Beginning Reader Graphic Novels [continue reading]
Welcome ACL Helfeld Scholars, Part 2!
Pedro Perez Hello I’m Pedro Perez . I’m from San Pablo California! I’ve worked in libraries since 2008. I’ve always been fascinated by children’s literature, children’s programming, and storytelling. I enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, but I [continue reading]
This Makes That with Annemarie Review
Brunetti, Ivan. This Makes That with Annemarie. Ivan Brunetti, Illus. Toon, 05/2025. [36]pp. Reader. Trade $13.99. 978-1-6626-6556-1. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Annemarie (previously featured in Brunetti’s Shapes and Shapes with Annemarie, 2023) and her classmates [continue reading]
Roman Soldiers Review
Evans, Tegen. Roman Soldiers: Discover the World of the Ancient Roman Army. Tom Froese, Illus. Nosy Crow, 05/2025. 28pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 979-8887771540. GRADES 5–8. ADDITIONAL. Using a brief, simple text, this describes the life [continue reading]
Orson and the World’s Loudest Library Review
Gehl, Laura. Orson and the World’s Loudest Library. Stephanie Roth Sisson, Illus. Astra, 04/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6626-0208-5. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. After undergoing renovation the local public library reopens, but to Orson’s [continue reading]