Notable Children's Books - 2025
According to ALSC policy, the current year's Newbery, Caldecott, Belpré, Sibert, Geisel, and Batchelder Award and Honor books automatically are added to the Notable Children's Books list.
According to the ALSC Notable Children’s Books Committee manual, these categories loosely represent the following: Younger Readers – Preschool-grade 2 (age 7), including easy-to-read books; Middle Readers – Grades 3-5, ages 8-10; Older Readers – Grades 6-8, ages 11-14; All Ages – Has appeal and interest for children in all of the above age ranges
YOUNGER
Abuelo, the Sea, and Me. By Ismée Williams. Illus. by Tatiana Gardel. Roaring Brook, $19.99 (9781250848772)
In this Cuban American family's immigration story, an abuelo shares stories of his childhood in Havana with his granddaughter as they spend time together visiting the ocean throughout the year. (Pura Belpré Illustration Honor Book)
Adela's Mariachi Band. By Denise Vega. Illus. by Erika Meza. Charlesbridge, $17.99 (9781623544447)
Adela longs to join her family's mariachi band but struggles to find where she belongs—until she discovers the perfect way to share her love of their music.
Ahoy! By Sophie Blackall. Illus. by the author. Random/Anne Schwartz, $19.99 (9780593429396)
A child and parent embark on a high-seas adventure without leaving their living room, celebrating the boundless possibilities of imagination.
Barnaby Unboxed! By Terry Fan, Eric Fan, and Devin Fan. Illus. by the authors. Tundra, $19.99 (9781774882436)
"Perfect Pet" Barnaby feels loving attention, jealousy, and heartbreak in this lost-and-found tale of resiliency and reunion.
Be Careful, Xiao Xin! By Alice Pung. Illus. by Sher Rill Ng. Crown, $19.99 (9780593812907)
Xiao Xin believes he is a fearless Red Fire Warrior, but his family thinks the world is too dangerous for him—can he inspire them to trust his bravery? A bilingual tale told in English and Chinese.
Being Home. By Traci Sorell. Illus. by Michaela Goade. Penguin/Kokila, $18.99 (9781984816030)
A young Cherokee girl eagerly moves with her mother from the city to their ancestral homeland, embracing family, nature, and the comforting rhythm of being home.
The Book That Almost Rhymed. By Omar Abed. Illus. by Hatem Aly. Dial, $18.99 (9780593406380)
An earnest boy's rhymes are hilariously hijacked by his little sister's unexpected twists, leading to a collaboration that proves two storytellers can make a tale twice as nice.
The Boy and the Elephant. By Freya Blackwood. Illus. by the author. Random House Studio, $19.99 (9780593707661)
In a bustling city, a young boy finds solace in a small patch of green space, where he imagines an elephant among the trees. When developers threaten his sanctuary, he takes action to protect it.
Built to Last. By Minh Lê. Illus. by Dan Santat. Knopf, $18.99 (9780593569177)
Two boys literally bump into each other while building with blocks, and a friendship is born. As they grow, their imaginative creations become increasingly elaborate until one fails spectacularly.
Chooch Helped. By Andrea L. Rogers. Illus. by Rebecca Lee Kunz. Levine Querido, $18.99 (9781646144549)
Chooch’s “help” frustrates his older sister, but her anger softens as she realizes her role in teaching by example and chooses to model love and patience. (Caldecott Medal Book)
Desert Song. By Laekan Zea Kemp. Illus. by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández. Holiday House/Neal Porter, $18.99 (9780823453924)
As the sun sets over the Texas desert, a family gathers on their porch to play music, harmonizing with the nocturnal creatures and connecting with their ancestors under the starry sky.
Dive, Dive into the Night Sea. By Thea Lu. Illus. by the author. Candlewick Studio, $19.99 (9781536234152)
Mixed-media illustrations, rich with texture and mystery, and creative lift-the-flap opportunities reveal wonders of the night sea.
Dog vs. Strawberry. By Nelly Buchet. Illus. by Andrea Zuill. Random House Studio, $18.99 (9780593643129)
A competitive but ungainly hound engages in an epic race against a strawberry across the living room, showcasing a delightful blend of humor and imagination.
Drawn Onward. By Daniel Nayeri. Illus. by Matt Rockefeller. HarperAlley, $19.99 (9780063277168)
In this picture-book palindrome, a grieving boy embarks on a fantastical quest, discovering that those we love are never truly gone.
The Dream Catcher. By Marcelo Verdad. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown, $18.99 (9780316330664)
As Miguelito works with his abuelo selling dream catchers and coconuts, he dreams of being with his parents and ultimately finds beauty in the here and now. (Pura Belpré Illustration Award Book)
Exactly as Planned. By Tao Nyeu. Illus. by the author. Penguin/Rocky Pond, $18.99 (9780593462485)
Cleverly presenting two perspectives, this friendship story shows how Fox and Moose each experience the same day differently.
The First Week of School. By Drew Beckmeyer. Illus. by the author. Atheneum, $17.99 (9781665940429)
At the beginning of the school year, Pat, the class pet, is the only one who notices the new student might be a bit out of this world.
A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration. By Cynthia Harmony. Illus. by Devon Holzwarth. Viking, $18.99 (9780593525760)
A parallel story of migrants and monarch butterflies, told from the perspective of a young girl as she waits for her father to return home.
Fox versus Fox. By Corey R. Tabor. Illus. by the author. HarperCollins/Balzer+Bray, $17.99 (9780063277939)
Can there be more than one Fox? Red Fox puts a white Arctic Fox to the test, resulting in a budding new friendship. (Geisel Honor Book)
Go and Get with Rex. By David LaRochelle. Illus. by Mike Wohnoutka. Candlewick, $17.99 (9781536222067)
Jack, Jill, and their dog Rex play a game of "Go and Get," fetching items that start with specific letters, but Rex's unconventional choices add a humorous twist to this alphabetical adventure.
Gray. By Laura Dockrill. Illus. by Lauren Child. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536235463)
A child navigates the emotional landscape of a "gray" day, learning that it's okay to feel down sometimes and receiving reassurance that brighter days are ahead.
Heatwave. By Lauren Redniss. Illus. by the author. Random House Studio, $19.99 (9780593645949)
The intensity of a scorching summer day in the city and the relief brought by a cooling rainstorm is captured through vibrant red and blue illustrations.
Hello Day. By Charlie Mylie. Illus. by the author. Abrams, $18.99 (9781419768132)
A child’s exuberant greetings to the world’s wonders—squirrel, puddle, truck—teaches a hurried father to appreciate the small things in this vibrant celebration of curiosity.
Hello Hello Colors. By Brendan Wenzel. Illus. by the author. Chronicle, $9.99 (9781797219950)
In this board book, simple rhythmic text invites children to greet a wealth of endangered creatures in a rainbow of colors, fostering early learning and environmental awareness.
Home in a Lunchbox. By Cherry Mo. Illus. by the author. Penguin Workshop, $18.99 (9780593661345)
A young Chinese girl adjusting to a new life in the U.S. finds comfort and connection through the familiar flavors packed in her lunchbox, bridging cultures and forming new friendships. (Caldecott Honor Book)
How to Pee Your Pants: The Right Way. By Rachel Michelle Wilson. Illus. by the author. Feiwel and Friends, $18.99 (9781250910172)
Humorous and heartwarming, this picture book offers practical tips and playful advice for navigating the embarrassing moment of peeing your pants and reminds readers that they're not alone.
If You Run Out of Words: A Picture Book. By Felicita Sala. Illus. by the author. Abrams, $18.99 (9781419766886)
A young girl's series of "what if" questions are answered by her father, whose whimsical stories assure her of his infinite love.
Joyful Song: A Naming Story. By Lesléa Newman. Illus. by Susan Gal. Levine Querido/Arthur A. Levine, $18.99 (9781646143702)
As Zachary and his two moms walk to the synagogue for his baby sister's naming ceremony, they invite curious neighbors to join their joyful procession, culminating in a heartwarming community celebration.
Just What to Do. By Kyle Lukoff. Illus by Hala Tahboub. Dial, $18.99 (9780593462942)
A child struggles to find "just what to do" when people in his world experience loss. He learns that people find different things comforting and that asking is important.
The Last Stand. By Antwan Eady. Illus. by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey. Knopf, $18.99 (9780593480571)
Highlighting the efforts of black farmers, a young narrator describes the work he and his grandfather do to keep their produce stand open to provide for their community.
Let's Go! By Julie Flett. Illus. by the author. Greystone Kids, $18.95 (9781771646109)
A young boy learns to skateboard with his mother's old board, building confidence and finding community along the way.
Life Is Beautiful. By Winsome Bingham. Illus. by Molly Mendoza. Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane, $18.99 (9781534469952)
Brimming with joy, this account of a girl who cherishes weekends with her grandmother follows the granddaughter as she learns to find beauty in life even amidst loss.
Lone Wolf Goes to School. By Kiah Thomas. Illus. by K-Fai Steele. Holiday/Neal Porter, $16.99 (9780823457779)
Wolf just wants to enjoy his time alone but something always interrupts.
A Maleta Full of Treasures. By Natalia Sylvester. Illus. by Juana Medina. Dial, $18.99 (9780593462423)
Dulce is excited for her abuela’s visit from Peru and all the treasures Abuela carries along in her suitcases. Maybe Dulce can send Abuela home with special items to remind the family in Peru of the U.S. relatives? (Pura Belpré Illustration Honor Book)
Millie Fleur's Poison Garden. By Christy Mandin. Illus. by the author. Scholastic/Orchard, $18.99 (9781339023274)
Millie Fleur’s love for unusual and poisonous plants enlivens her dull neighborhood and cultivates a community of plant enthusiasts.
Monster Hands. By Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan. Illus. by Dion MBD. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen, $18.99 (9780593532294)
Communicating with sign language, Milo and his friend face his fear of the monster under his bed.
Mr. Lepron’s Mystery Soup. By Giovanni Zoboli. Illus. by Mariachiara Di Giorgio. Tr. by Denise Muir. Candlewick Studio, $18.99 (9781536233391)
Rabbit Mr. Lepron, soup maker extraordinaire, dreams of becoming a famous chef. But, as the demands of growth and success rise, so does his anxiety—until he brings joy and creativity back to the kitchen. (Batchelder Honor Book)
My Daddy Is a Cowboy. By Stephanie Seales. Illus. by C.G. Esperanza. Abrams, $18.99 (9781419760815)
Lyrical text and vivid illustrations celebrate a father and child's bond as they share a special early morning horseback ride through city streets. (Caldecott Honor Book)
My Olive Tree. By Hazar Elbayya. Illus. by the author. Random/Anne Schwartz, $18.99 (9780593810224)
A young Palestinian girl learns about the resilience of olive trees from her grandfather, and together with their community, they plant new trees symbolizing hope and peace.
The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool through the Seasons. By Linda Booth Sweeney. Illus. by Miki Sato. Owlkids, $18.95 (9781771475310)
Children exploring a forest discover a vernal pool and observe how it sustains diverse life forms through changing seasons.
Noodles on a Bicycle. By Kyo Maclear. Illus. by Gracey Zhang. Random House Studio, $18.99 (9780593706084)
This lively historical picture book showcases Tokyo's bicycle food-delivery men who balance towering trays of steaming noodles while navigating crowded city streets. (Caldecott Honor Book)
The One & Only Googoosh: Iran's Beloved Superstar. By Azadeh Westergaard. Illus. by the author. Viking, $18.99 (9780593114636)
With stunning collages, this picture-book biography showcases the early life and career of legendary Iranian singer Googoosh, including how the Iranian Revolution impacted her.
One Day This Tree Will Fall. By Leslie Barnard Booth. Illus. by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry, $18.99 (9781534496965)
A tree’s life span is detailed from its inception as a seed to its decomposition, focusing on the impact it has on the ecosystem.
One Giant Leap. By Thao Lam. Illus. by the author. Owlkids, $18.95 (9781771475990)
This wordless picture book, filled with eye-catching, cut-paper illustrations, takes the reader into a child's imagination as a snowfall transforms the world into a new planet to explore.
A Pinecone! By Helen Yoon. Illus. by the author. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536226263)
Walking the dog turns into an adventure when a curious child picks up a plethora of pinecones in this whimsical tale.
Rising. By Sidura Ludwig. Illus. by Sophia Vincent Guy. Candlewick, $17.99 (9781536225495)
A day of quiet beauty unfolds as a young child and their mother make challah and celebrate Shabbat with close family and friends.
A Sleepless Night. By Micaela Chirif. Illus. by Joaquín Camp. Tr. by Jordan Landsman. Transit Children’s Editions, $19.95 (9798893389050)
A toddler’s seemingly endless crying episode upends the lives of apartment residents until Grandmother’s unexpected remedy saves the day. (Batchelder Honor Book)
Spider in the Well. By Jess Hannigan. Illus. by the author. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen, $19.99 (9780063289475)
In the town of Bad Göodsburg, a young boy investigates the sudden malfunction of the wishing well, uncovering a clever spider's scheme and revealing the true nature of the townspeople's wishes.
Touch the Sky. By Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic. Illus. by Chris Park. Carolrhoda, $18.99 (9781728460451)
Vern longs to swing high enough to touch the sky, and with encouragement from a new friend, he learns to pump his legs and soar.
Towed by Toad. By Jashar Awan. Illus by the author. Tundra Books, $18.99 (9781774883488)
Toad, a tow-truck driver always at the rescue, learns that sometimes even helpers need a little help. (Geisel Honor Book)
Two Together. By Brendan Wenzel. Illus. by the author. Chronicle, $17.99 (9781797202778)
A cat and dog embark on an epic journey through nature, experiencing adventures as they find their way home together in this dual-perspective narrative.
Up High. By Matt Hunt. Illus. by the author. Nosy Crow, $18.99 (9798887771090)
As a father and son explore the city, the child delights in his elevated position atop his dad's shoulders, which lets the boy make exciting new discoveries as they walk.
Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains. By Anita Yasuda. Illus. by Yuko Shimizu. Clarion, $19.99 (9780063242418).
Vibrant artwork and lyrical text impart the life and accomplishments of the first woman to summit Everest, including her later advocacy for sustainable climbing. (Caldecott Honor Book)
Ursula Upside Down. By Corey R. Tabor. Illus. by the author. HarperCollins/Balzer+Bray, $19.99 (9780063275560)
A catfish discovers she's been navigating the world upside down and, after attempting to conform, realizes she prefers her unique perspective.
Vacation: Three-and-a-Half Stories. By Ame Dyckman. Illus by Mark Teague. Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane, $17.99 (9781665930444)
When friends Bat, Cat, and Rat decide to take a vacation, they discover they have work to do and decisions to make. Will their getaway turn into a "staycation"? (Geisel Award Book)
Volcanoes. By Nell Cross Beckerman. Illus. by Kalen Chock. Scholastic/Orchard, $19.99 (9781338874679)
Expressive language and mesmerizing artwork present the drama of volcanic eruptions on land, under the sea, and in space.
We Are Definitely Human. By X. Fang. Illus. by the author. Tundra, $18.99 (9781774882023)
After three aliens crash-land in Mr. Li's field, he and the community extend their hospitality to these curious creatures while they repair their ship.
The Yellow Bus. By Loren Long. Illus. by the author. Roaring Brook, $19.99 (9781250903136)
As time passes, a school bus lives multiple lives as it serves a small town's unique and changing communities.
MIDDLE
Beti and the Little Round House. By Atinuke. Illus. by Emily Hughes. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536225181)
In their little round house, Beti and her loving family live in tune with nature and revel in the passing of the seasons.
Bog Myrtle. By Sid Sharp. Illus. by the author. Annick, $19.99 (9781773218922)
This smart, macabre graphic novel spins a yarn of capitalism run amok featuring sisters, spiders, magical thread, and sweaters.
Buffalo Dreamer. By Violet Duncan. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen, $17.99 (9780593624814)
During a family trip, Summer (Cree) learns about a nearby residential school where Indigenous children were forced to live, and she is convinced she's been dreaming about a real girl who escaped from the school.
Call Me Roberto!: Roberto Clemente Goes to Bat for Latinos. By Nathalie Alonso. Illus. by Rudy Gutierrez. Astra/Calkins Creek, $18.99 (9781635928112)
This inspirational biography follows the career of Hall of Famer Clemente, a Puerto Rican baseball player who battled racism and paved the way for Latin American ball players. (Sibert Honor Book)
City of Leafcutter Ants: A Sustainable Society of Millions. By Amy Hevron. Illus. by the author. Holiday/Neal Porter, $18.99 (9780823453184)
This informative picture book explores the complex social structure of leafcutter ants, comparing their colony to a bustling human city with each ant performing specialized roles essential for the community's survival.
Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera. By Deborah Hopkinson. Illus. by Nik Henderson. Knopf, $19.99 (9780593426814)
The story of how Dr. John Snow traced the source of a cholera outbreak in 1854 London to a neighborhood water pump and stopped the spread of the disease.
The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America's Cook. By Emma Bland Smith. Illus. by Susan Reagan. Calkins Creek, $18.99 (9781635926125)
Vintage-style illustrations set the tone for this scrumptious picture-book biography of renowned chef, instructor, and cookbook author, Fannie Farmer, who popularized standard measurements and revolutionized the science of cooking. Recipes included!
Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge. By Elizabeth Partridge. Illus. by Ellen Heck. Chronicle, $19.99 (9781452135144)
The seemingly impossible construction of the Golden Gate Bridge is shown through the eyes of two children living in San Francisco.
Home. By Isabelle Simler. Illus. by the author. Tr. by Vineet Lal. Eerdmans, $18.99 (9780802856203)
This stunning book of poetry takes readers on a tour through animal homes from treetop bedrooms to holes in cacti. (Batchelder Honor Book)
The Hotel Balzaar. By Kate DiCamillo. Illus. by Júlia Sardà. Candlewick, $17.99 (9781536223316)
Young Marta hears stories from a strange guest at the hotel where she and her mother are living while her father is away at war.
Island of Whispers. By Frances Hardinge. Illus. by Emily Gravett. Abrams/Amulet, $19.99 (9781419774331)
In this eerie tale about loss, hope, and courage, Milo unexpectedly takes over as Ferryman, delivering souls to the Island of the Broken Tower—but can he evade the dangerous ship that pursues him?
Johnny, the Sea, and Me. By Melba Escobar. Illus. by Elizabeth Builes. Tr. by Sara Lissa Paulson. Enchanted Lion Books, $16.95 (9781592704095)
On a vacation to a Caribbean island, Pedro, a young boy obsessed with pirates, becomes lost and then found, learning to trust his strength and resilience and gaining new friends along the way. (Batchelder Honor Book)
John the Skeleton. By Triinu Laan. Illus. by Marja-Liisa Plats. Tr. by Adam Cullen. Yonder, $19.95 (9781632063700)
This quirky and tender tale of an Estonian family and John, a retired classroom skeleton, explores life and death through humorous text and folk art. (Batchelder Award Book)
Kareem Between. By Shifa Saltagi Safadi. Putnam, $18.99 (9780593699263)
Seventh-grader Kareem navigates middle school challenges, football aspirations, and family responsibilities, while his mother is unable to return from Syria due to a travel ban.
Lola. By Karla Arenas Valenti. Illus. by Islenia Mil. Knopf, $17.99 (9780593177006)
With the help of fantastical beings dwelling in her garden, Lola, a tween girl living in Mexico City, embarks on a magical adventure on which she enters an enchanted world to save her sick little brother. (Pura Belpré Children's Author Award Book)
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All. By Chanel Miller. Illus. by the author. Philomel, $17.99 (9780593624524)
Join Magnolia Wu in this charming story about friendship and community as she ventures to solve the mystery of the socks left behind in her parents’ NYC Laundromat. (Newbery Honor Book)
Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II. By Adam Gidwitz. Dutton, $18.99 (9780593112083)
Sent to London in the Kindertransport, Max trains to become a spy in order to return to Berlin and rescue his parents.
Mistakes that Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets. Ed. by Irene Latham and Charles Waters. Illus. by Mercè López. Carolrhoda, $18.99, (9781728492100)
This richly illustrated collection of poems explores the real-life mistakes made by 20 authors during their childhood and reassures the reader that no one is perfect.
My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More. By G. Neri. Illus. by Corban Wilkin. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536223323)
An author shares his experiences during a two-month stay in Antarctica, observing the land, people, and animals.
One Big Open Sky. By Lesa Cline-Ransome. Holiday, $18.99 (9780823450169)
Seeking independence through the Black homesteader movement, 11-year-old Lettie, her mother, and a young teacher journey westward. (Newbery Honor Book)
Onyx & Beyond. By Amber McBride. Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 (9781250908780)
During the height of the civil rights movement, a young Black boy grapples with his mother’s early-onset dementia and the changing world around him.
Poetry Comics. By Grant Snider. Illus. by the author. Chronicle, $18.99 (9781797219653)
Poetry is interspersed with charming and whimsical graphic panels in this yearlong journey through the seasons.
Popcorn. By Rob Harrell. Illus. by the author. Dial, $18.99 (9780593697924)
Andrew’s just trying to make it through school picture day. As one thing after another goes wrong, his kernel of worry gets hotter and hotter until it threatens to pop into a panic attack.
Uprooted: A Memoir about What Happens When Your Family Moves Back. By Ruth Chan. Illus. by the author. Roaring Brook, $14.99 (9781250855336)
This graphic memoir follows 13-year-old Ruth as she is uprooted from the only home she’s known in Canada to move to Hong Kong where she doesn’t feel like she belongs.
We Are Big Time. By Hena Khan. Illus. by Safiya Zerrougui. Knopf, $21.99 (9780593430484)
After moving from Florida to Milwaukee, Aliya becomes co-captain of her new Islamic school's all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team while also navigating high-school pressures and challenging misunderstandings about being Muslim.
We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court. By Mia Wenjen. Illus. Victor Bizar Gómez. Red Comet, $19.99 (9781636550879)
Asian American Simon Tam takes his battle to reclaim a derogatory term all the way to the Supreme Court.
OLDER
Across So Many Seas By Ruth Behar. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen, $17.99 (9780593323403)
Told from the perspectives of four girls from the same Sephardic family, the novel chronicles each girl’s search for freedom and safety, spanning from Spain in 1492 to Miami in 2003. (Newbery Honor Book)
Black Girl You Are Atlas. By Renée Watson. Illus. by Ekua Holmes. Penguin/Kokila, $18.99 (9780593461709)
Vibrant collages adorn Watson's semi-autobiographical collection of poems that explores growing up as a Black girl and celebrates the strengths of the Black women in her life.
The Bletchley Riddle. By Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin. Viking, $18.99 (9780593527542)
While working at Bletchley Park during WWII, siblings Lizzie and Jacob try to find out what happened to their mother after she disappeared in Poland when the Nazis invaded.
Cruzita and the Mariacheros. By Ashley Granillo. Carolrhoda, $19.99 (9798765608500)
A summer of new responsibilities and experiences leads Cruzita on a journey of self-discovery as she explores what it means to her to be Mexican American. (Pura Belpré Children's Author Honor Book)
Deer Run Home. By Anne Clare LeZotte. Scholastic, $18.99 (9781339021904)
In this novel in verse inspired by an actual court case, a deaf girl finds the courage to speak up about her isolation and abuse.
The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II. By Candace Fleming. Scholastic/Focus, $19.99 (9781338749571)
The true story of 10 young women who left their homes during WWII to work in secret at Bletchley Park, intercepting German communications, breaking their codes, and helping end the war. (Sibert Honor Book)
The First State of Being. By Erin Entrada Kelly. Greenwillow, $19.99 (9780063337312)
Y2K becomes the least of Michael’s worries when he meets Ridge, a boy from the future. (Newbery Medal Book)
The Ghostkeeper. By Johanna Taylor. Illus. by the author. Putnam, $24.99 (9780593526675)
A near-death experience as a child left Dorian with the ability to communicate with ghosts, which he now uses to counsel wayward and unhappy spirits.
The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival. By Estelle Nadel, Sammy Savos, and Bethany Strout. Illus. by Sammy Savos. Roaring Brook, $17.99 (9781250247773)
This unflinching and accessible graphic memoir tells the extraordinary true story of Nadel’s survival in Nazi-occupied Poland and her journey of resilience after the war. (Sibert Honor Book)
How It All Ends. By Emma Hunsinger. Illus. by the author. Greenwillow, $25.99 (9780063158153)
Thirteen-year-old Tara’s overactive imagination fuels her anxiety and fear over skipping eighth grade and starting high school early, but after making friends and learning to be true to herself, she enjoys a good year.
Impossible Creatures. By Katherine Rundell. Illus. by Ashley Mackenzie. Knopf, $19.99 (9780593809860)
Christopher and Mal must work together to save the last magical place on Earth, the Archipelago, and all the mythical creatures that inhabit it from destruction.
Louder Than Hunger. By John Schu. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536229097)
Inspired by the author’s own experiences, this novel-in-verse follows 13-year-old Jake as he battles anorexia and confronts his inner voice while in an inpatient program.
Mid-Air. By Alicia D. Williams. Illus. by Danica Novgorodoff. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy, $17.99 (9781481465830)
Isaiah has big plans to spend the summer with his friends, but when one is killed in a tragic accident, Isaiah learns to process his grief in unexpected ways and accept help from unfamiliar faces.
Murray out of Water. By Taylor Tracy. Harper/Quill Tree, $19.99 (9780063326811)
When a hurricane forces Murray and their family to evacuate to their uncle's house, they navigate complicated family dynamics while discovering new facets of their identity.
Next Stop. By Debbie Fong. Illus. by the author. Random/RH Graphic, $21.99 (9780593425206)
Pia takes a bus tour on her own to see a magical glowing lake and hopes that it will grant her wish for her family to be whole again.
Pearl. By Sherri L. Smith. Illust. by Christine Norrie. Scholastic/Graphix, $24.99 (9781338029437)
Traveling alone to care for her ailing great-grandmother in Hiroshima, a Japanese-American girl struggles with her identity and loyalty when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and she is forced to translate for the Japanese military.
Red Bird Danced. By Dawn Quigley. Illus. by Carla Joseph. HarperCollins/Heartdrum, $18.99 (9780063223622)
In this emotional novel-in-verse set in the present day, two Ojibwe neighbors, Ariel and Tomah, struggle with the disappearance of Ariel’s aunt while raising awareness for missing Indigenous women.
Shark Teeth. By Sheri Winston. Bloomsbury, $17.99 (9781547608508)
Twelve-year-old Sharkita "Kita" Hayes must decide whether to continue covering for her mother, who struggles with alcoholism, in order to keep her siblings together or seek help from trusted adults, risking their separation.
Sona and the Golden Beasts. By Rajani LaRocca. HarperCollins/Quill Tree, $19.99 (9780063295407)
After finding an orphaned golden-eared wolf pup, Sona and Raag embark on a quest to find the other sacred beasts of Devia, hoping to fulfill a prophecy and save their homeland.
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman. By Gennifer Choldenko. Knopf, $17.99 (9781524718923)
After waiting for his unreliable mother to come home, 11-year-old Hank seeks out his grandmother’s friend to care for him and his toddler sister, and he finds unexpected hope and support along the way.
The Things We Miss. By Leah Stecher. Illus. by Anna Kuptsova. Bloomsbury, $17.99 (9781547613021)
When J.P. discovers a door that can send her forward in time, she begins avoiding all the worst parts of being a seventh-grader, but she discovers skipping ahead has consequences.
Ultraviolet. By Aida Salazar. Scholastic, $18.99 (9781338775655)
Elio shares his churned-up feelings as he navigates falling in love, male posturing, and his changing body. (Pura Belpré Children's Author Honor Book)
Weirdo. By Tony Weaver Jr. Illus. by Jes and Cin Wibowo. First Second, $22.99 (9781250772862)
In this graphic memoir, 11-year-old Tony, embarks on a journey of self-acceptance to become the hero of his own story as he struggles with mental-health issues and bullying.
What Is Color? The Global and Sometimes Gross Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art. By Steven Weinberg. Illus. By the author. Roaring Brook, $19.99 (9781250833419)
Science, history, and art converge in this vibrant and playful exploration of color.
The Wrong Way Home. By Kate O’Shaughnessy. Knopf, $17.99 (9780593650738)
Confused by her mother’s decision to flee across the country, 12-year-old Fern tries to find a way back to the commune where they once lived, uncovering disturbing truths about it along the way. (Newbery Honor Book)
ALL AGES
Almost Underwear: How a Piece of Cloth Traveled from Kitty Hawk to the Moon and Mars. By Jonathan Roth. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano, $18.99 (9780316525541)
The true story of a piece of unbleached muslin and its journey from a factory, to the Wright brothers’ first flight, to the 1969 moon landing, and finally to Mars.
Aloha Everything. By Kaylin Melia George. Illus. by Mae Waite. Red Comet, $19.99 (9781636551128)
Stunning illustrations draw in readers as a young Hawaiian girl learns about her island's history, ecology, and culture through hula and deepens her connection to her homeland.
Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence. By Maisha Oso. Illus. by Candice Bradley. Scholastic/Orchard, $18.99 (9781338849974)
This compelling, beautiful account of African life before slave ships arrived reaffirms Black people’s incredible—and continued—cultural contributions and powerful inner strength.
Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber. By Sarah Albee. Illus. by Eileen Ryan Ewen. Charlesbridge, $18.99 (9781623543792)
An informative look at the history, science, and unique qualities of rubber.
Brave Baby Hummingbird. By Sy Montgomery. Illus. by Tiffany Boziac. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman, $18.99 (9781665918497)
This beautifully illustrated picture book details the early life of hummingbird siblings.
The Dictionary Story. By Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston. Illus. by the authors. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536235500)
When Dictionary brings her words to life, chaos ensues—until her friend Alphabet helps restore order in this clever and hilarious tale.
Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis. By Lesa Cline-Ransome. Illus. by James E. Ransome. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman, $18.99 (9781534496620)
Compelling text and illustrations tell the story of John Lewis and his transformative work as a civil rights activist.
Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller. By Breanna J. McDaniel. Illus. by April Harrison. Dial, $18.99 (9780593324202)
Augusta Baker's legacy of libraries and storytelling is told through lyrical text that is matched with larger-than-life illustrations.
The Iguanodon's Horn: How Artists and Scientists Put a Dinosaur Back Together Again and Again and Again. By Sean Rubin. Illus. by the author. Clarion, $21.99 (9780063239210)
Since the discovery of the first dinosaur bones in 1822, scientists and artists have continued to adjust their ideas of how these creatures looked and behaved.
I'm Sorry You Got Mad. By Kyle Lukoff. Illus. by Julie Kwon. Dial, $18.99 (9780593462911)
Through a series of handwritten letters, Jack attempts to apologize for hurting Zoe’s feelings and gradually learns the importance of making true amends.
The Last Zookeeper. By Aaron Becker. Illus. by the author. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536227680)
In this futuristic wordless picture book, a robot cares for animals in an abandoned zoo as the ocean slowly rises.
Life after Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall. By Lynn Brunelle. Illus. by Jason Chin. Holiday/Neal Porter, $18.99 (9780823452286)
A detailed picture-book explanation of the ecosystem that develops during the 150 years after the death of a blue whale. (Sibert Medal Book)
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic. By Candace Fleming. Illus. by Deena So’Oteh. Random/Anne Schwartz, $18.99 (9780593377789).
Journey with a narwhal pod through a year of migration, jousting, hunting, and survival. Poetic text and striking illustrations capture the beauty and challenges of life for the world’s smallest whale.
Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions. By Giselle Clarkston. Illus. by the author. Lerner/Gecko, $24.99 (9781776575190)
A guide to simple scientific exploration that helps readers unleash the power of observation and discover what’s hiding in plain sight.
We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America. By Joanna Ho. Illus. by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. Scholastic/Orchard, $19.99 (9781338846652)
This vibrantly illustrated poetic ode celebrates the richness and diversity within Asian American identity, serving as a reminder of self-worth, legacy, and destiny.
Why We Dance: A Story of Hope and Healing. By Deidre Havrelock. Illus. by Aly McKnight. Abrams, $18.99 (9781419756672)
An Indigenous girl overcomes her nerves to perform the Jingle Dress Dance at a powwow, embracing her heritage and the dance's healing power.
Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills. By Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman. Illus. by S. D. Nelson. Little, Brown, $19.99 (9780316373487)
This free-verse picture-book autobiography relays the challenges and triumphs of Native American Olympic gold-medal runner Mills. (Sibert Honor Book)
2025 Notable Children's Books Committee
Tom Bober, Chair, RM Captain Elementary School, Clayton, MO
Brittany Adams, Ph.D., The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Dr. Becki Bishop, Campbell Court Elementary School, Bassett, VA
Kate Carter, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Carla Larsen, South Washington County Schools, Retired, Cottage Grove, MN
Rebecca Levitan, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore, MD
Anne M. Link, Bristol Elementary School, Webster Groves, MO
Jennifer Longee, Durham Academy Middle School, NC
Jennifer Minehardt, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT
Katy Punch, Wake County Public Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Cassie Welch, Charleston County Public Library, SC
Other ALA Awards
