A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
Inspired by his own life, Dan Santat’s A First Time for Everything is the 2023 National Book Award Winner. This transformative coming-of-age tale is perfect for young people on the cusp of all of their big adolescent firsts — as well as adults wishing to reminisce on their own. Grades 4-6
Berry Song by Michaela Goade
On an island at the edge of a wide, wild sea, a girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth. Through the seasons, they sing to the land as the land sings to them. Brimming with joy and gratitude, in every step of their journey, they forge a deeper kinship with both the earth and the generations that came before, joining in the song that connects us all. Berry Song is a Caldecott Honor Book. Preschool-grade 3
Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
In this Caldecott Honor–winning picture book, The Twilight Zone comes to the carrot patch as a rabbit fears his favorite treats are out to get him. This hilarious picture book that shows it’s all fun and games…until you get too greedy. Preschool-grade 3
Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
This Newbery & Coretta Scott King Award Winner is set against the backdrop of the American South. Freewater is a poignant tale of courage, survival and strength. Debut author Amina Luqman-Dawson has seamlessly woven fiction into reality with the story of a young boy working to free himself and his family from slavery. Grades 5 and up
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
The winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal offers fluid art and lyrical text that have the soothing effect of waves on sand. Author Doug Salati shows us how to find calm and carry it back with us so we can appreciate the small joys in a day. Preschool-grade 3
How to Eat a Book by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod
A whimsical picture book for kids written by a debut wife and husband team. This irresistible book about books—and the way they make us feel—is set in a world bursting with charm and character. The book is a finalist in The Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards. Preschool-grade 3
Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango
This powerful story written in lyrical, bilingual verse gives a voice to young people navigating school, family, and friendships while living with mental health challenges. Andrea Beatriz Arango’s debut navigates mental health, finding your voice, and discovering that those who really love you will stay by your side no matter what. Grades 5-9
Let Me Call You Sweetheart by Mary Lee Donovan
What do you call the ones you love the most? Shortlisted for The Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Award, this playful, sometimes silly, and always cozy picture book features more than fifty terms of endearment from around the world. Perfect for bedtime, for building vocabulary, for baby showers, and for gift-giving all year long. Preschool-grade 3
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