Notable Children's Books - 2025 under construction

Each year a committee of ALSC identifies the best of the best in children's books. According to the Notables Criteria, "notable" is defined as: Worthy of note or notice, important, distinguished, outstanding. As applied to children's books, notable should be thought to include books of especially commendable quality, books that exhibit venturesome creativity, and books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (birth through age 14) that reflect and encourage children's interests in exemplary ways.

Notable seal image


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


FINAL LIST - to be vetted
This is the 2025 list of notable books for children, selected by the Notable Children's Books committee. The list is currently being vetted, and annotations for award books are being added. When the process is complete, the "to be vetted" designation will be removed.

YOUNGER

Abuelo, the Sea, and Me. By Ismée Williams. Illus. by Tatiana Gardel. Roaring Brook Press, $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 (9781623543785)
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 for their music.

Ahoy! By Sophie Blackall. Illus. by the author. Anne Schwartz Books, $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 Books, $19.99 (9781774882436)
From the perspective of a toy, 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 Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9780593812907)
Told through two languages, 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?

Being Home. By Traci Sorell. Illus. by Michaela Goade. 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 Books, $18.99 (9780593406380)
An earnest rhyming brother's storytelling is hilariously hijacked by his little sister's unexpected twists, leading to a collaborative adventure 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. Alfred A. 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 more and more 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 with love and patience. (Caldecott Medal Book)

Desert Song. By Laekan Zea Kemp. Illus. by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández. Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $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 hound dog 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 palindrome picture book, 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 Books for Young Readers, $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. Rocky Pond Books, $18.99 (9780593462485)
Presenting two perspectives of a friendship story, Fox and Moose each experience the same day differently.

The First Week of School. By Drew Beckmeyer. Illus. by the author. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9781665940429)
A beginning of the school year story where 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 Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9780593525760)
A parallel story of migrants and monarchs 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. Greenwillow Books, $5.99 (9780063277953)
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 Press, $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 Press, $18.99 (9781536235463)
A child navigates the emotional landscape of a "gray" day, learning that it's okay to feel down sometimes, with the reassurance that brighter days are ahead.

Heatwave. By Lauren Redniss. Illus. by the author. Random House Children's Books, $18.99 (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 Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9781419768132)
A child’s exuberant greetings to the world’s wonders—squirrel, puddle, truck—teaches a hurried father to appreciate the small moments in this vibrant celebration of curiosity.

Hello Hello Colors. By Brendan Wenzel. Illus. by the author. Chronicle Books, $9.99 (9781797219950)
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)
A humorous and heartwarming picture book offering practical tips and playful advice for navigating the embarrassing moment of peeing your pants, reminding readers they're not alone.

If You Run Out of Words: A Picture Book. By Felicita Sala. Illus. by the author. Harry N. 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, $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 Books for Young Readers, $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. Alfred A. 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! haw êkwa! By Julie Flett. Illus. by the author. Greystone Kids, $18.95 (9781771646109)
A young Cree 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. Beach Lane Books, $18.99 (9781534469952)
Brimming with joy, a granddaughter cherishes weekends with her grandmother, learning to find beauty in life even amidst loss.

Lone Wolf Goes to School. By Kiah Thomas. Illus. by K-Fai Steele. Neal Porter Books, $16.99 (9780823457779)
Wolf just wants to enjoy his time alone but something always interrupts.

A Maleta Full of Treasures. By Natalie Sylvester. Illus. by Juana Medina. Dial Books, $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. Orchard Books, $17.99 (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. Nancy Paulsen Books, $17.99 (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. Candlewick Studio, $18.99 (9781536233391)
Rabbit Mr. Lepron, soup maker extraordinaire, dreams of becoming a famous chef, even as he prepares his family's meal. But, as the demands of growth and success rise, so does his anxiety level, until he rediscovers the joy of doing what really matters. (Batchelder Honor Book)

My Daddy Is a Cowboy. By Stephanie Seales. Illus. by C.G. Esperance. Abrams, $18.99 (9781419760815)
A father and child share a special early morning horseback ride through city streets, celebrating their bond with lyrical text and vivid illustrations. (Caldecott Honor Book)

My Olive Tree. By Hazar Elbayya. Illus. by the author. Anne Schwartz Books, $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 explore a forest and discover a vernal pool, observing 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 (978-0-593-11463-6)
With stunning collages, this picture book biography showcases the early life, career, and effects of the Iranian Revolution on legendary Iranian singer Googoosh.

One Day This Tree Will Fall. By Leslie Barnard Booth. Illus. by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. Margaret K. McElderry Books, $17.99 (9781534496965)
A tree’s life span is told from its inception as a seed through 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 papercut illustrations, takes the reader on an exploration of a new planet through the imagination of a child.

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. 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. Katherine Tegen Books, $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 Books, $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 Books, $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)
A father and son explore the city, with the child delighting in the elevated perspective from his dad's shoulders, discovering new sights and experiences along the way.

Up, Up, Ever Up! : Junko Tabei, A Life in the Mountains. By Anita Yasuda. Illus. by Yuko Shimizu. Clarion Books, $19.99 (9780063242418).
Vibrant artwork and lyrical text share the life and barriers of the first woman to summit Everest and her later advocacy for sustainable climbing. (Caldecott Honor Book)

Ursula Upside Down. By Corey R. Tabor. Illus. by the author. Greenwillow Books, $17.99 (9780063275560)
A catfish discovers she's been navigating the world upside down and, after attempting to conform, realizes she prefers her unique perspective.

Vacation. By Amy Dyckman. Illus by Mark Teague. Beach Lane Books, $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. Orchard Books, $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 Books, $18.99 (9781774882023)
After three aliens crash-land in Mr. Li's field, he and the community extend their hospitality to these curious creatures as they repair their ship.

The Yellow Bus. By Loren Long. Illus. by the author. Roaring Brook Press, $18.99 (9781250903136)
A school bus lives multiple lives as it serves unique communities in a small town over the passage of time.

MIDDLE

Beti and the Little Round House. By Atinuke. Illus. by Emily Hughes. Candlewick Press, $18.99 (9781536225181)
Beti and her loving family revel in living in tune with nature and the passing seasons in their little round house.

Bog Myrtle. By Sid Sharp. Illus. by the author. Annick Press, $19.99 (9781773218922)
A tale of capitalism run amok featuring sisters, spiders, magical thread, and sweaters.

Buffalo Dreamer. By Violet Duncan. Nancy Paulsen Books, $17.99 (9780593624814)
During a family visit, Summer learns about a nearby residential school where Indigenous children were forced to live, and she is convinced her strange dreams are 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. Calkins Creek, $18.99 (9781635928112)
This inspirational biography follows the Hall of Fame career of 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. Neal Porter Books, $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. Alfred A. 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, stopping 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)
The biography of renowned chef, instructor, and cookbook author, Fannie Farmer, who popularized standard measurements and revolutionized the science of cooking. Included are two of her original recipes.

Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge. By Elizabeth Partridge. Illus. by Ellen Heck. Chronicle Books, $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. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $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 Press, $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. Amulet Books, $19.99 (9781419774331)
Milo unexpectedly takes over as Ferryman to deliver souls to the Island of the Broken Tower. Pursuing him is a ship carrying a lord and magicians in this eerie tale about loss, hope and courage.

Johnny, the Sea, and Me. By Melba Escobar. Illus. by Elizabeth Builes. 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. Yonder: Restless Books for Young Readers, $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. G.P. Putnams’ Sons, $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. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9780593177006)
A tween girl living in Mexico City embarks on a magical adventure to save her sick little brother, by entering an enchanted world with the guidance of fantastical beings living in her garden. (Pura Belpré Children's Author Award Book)

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All. By Chanel Miller. Illus. by the author. Philomel Books, $17.99 (9780593624524)
Join Magnolia Wu in this charming story about friendship and community as she ventures to solve the mystery of the missing 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 Books for Young Readers, $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. By Irene Latham & Charles Waters. Illus. by Merce Lopez. Lerner, $18.99, (9781728492100)
This richly illustrated collection of poems explores the real-life mistakes made by twenty authors during their childhood and reassures the reader that no one is perfect.

My Antarctica. By G. Neri. Illus. by Corban Wilkin. Candlewick Press, $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 House, $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 & Friends, $17.99 (9781250908780)
Set 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. $18.99, Chronicle Books (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 Books, $18.99 (9780593697924)
Andrew’s just trying to make it through Picture Day. As one thing after another goes wrong, the kernel of worry gets hotter and hotter, until it threatens to pop and turn into a panic attack.

Uprooted: A Memoir about What Happens When Your Family Moves Back. By Ruth Chan. Illus. by the author. Roaring Brook Press, $14.99 (9781250855336)
This graphic memoir follows 13-year-old Ruth as she is uprooted from the only home she’s known to move to Hong Kong where she doesn’t feel like she belongs.

We Are Big Time. By Hena Khan. Illus. by Safiya Zerrougui. Alfred A. Knopf, $17.99 (9780593430477)
After moving from Florida to Milwaukee, Aliya enrolls at an Islamic school and becomes co-captain of an all-girl, hijab-wearing basketball team, navigating high school pressures while 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 Press, $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. Nancy Paulsen Books, $17.99 (9780593323403)
Told from the perspectives of four girls from the same Sephardic family, the novel chronicles each’s search for freedom and safety, spanning from Spain in 1492 to Miami in 2003. (Newbery Honor Book)

Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renee Watson. Illus. by Ekua Holmes. Kokila, $18.99 (9780593461709)
A semi-autobiographical collection of poems and vibrant collages 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 Books for Young Readers, $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. Lerner Publishing Group, $19.99 (9798765608500)
A summer of new responsibilities and experiences leads Cruzita on a journey of self-discovery as she finds 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 ten young women who left their homes during WWII to work in secret at Bletchley Park in England, intercepting German communications, breaking their codes, and helping end the war. (Sibert Honor Book)

The First State of Being. By Erin Entrada Kelly. Greenwillow Books, $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. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, $17.99 (9780593526668)
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 and Bethany Strout. Illus. by Sammy Savos. Roaring Brook Press, $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 Books, $15.99 (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 Press, $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. Caitlyn Dlouhy/Atheneum, $17.99 (9781481465830)
Isaiah has big plans to spend the summer with his friends, but when one is killed in a tragic accident, Isaiah must learn to process his grief in unexpected ways with help from unfamiliar faces.

Murray Out of Water. By Taylor Tracy. Quill Tree Books, $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 House Graphic, $13.99 (9780593425183)
Pia takes a bus tour on her own to see a magical glowing lake with a wish to make her family whole again.

Pearl. By Sherri L. Smith. Illust. by Christine Norrie. 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. 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 Children's Books, $17.99 (9781547608508)
Twelve-year-old Sharkita "Kita" Hayes must decide whether to continue covering for her alcoholic mother to keep her siblings together or seek help from trusted adults, risking their separation.

Sona and the Golden Beasts. By Rajani LaRocca. Quill Tree Books, $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. Alfred A. Knopf, $17.99 (9781524718923)
After waiting for his unreliable mother to come home, eleven-year-old Hank seeks out his grandmother’s friend to care for him and his toddler sister. He finds unexpected hope and support along the way.

The Things We Miss. By Leah Stecher. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $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-grade girl, but she discovers skipping ahead has consequences.

Ultraviolet. By Aida Salazar. Scholastic Press, $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? By Steven Weinberg. Illus. By the author. Roaring Brook Press, $19.99 (9781250833419)
Science, history, and art converge in a vibrant and playful exploration of color.

The Wrong Way Home. By Kate O’Shaughnessy. Alfred A. 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 The Ranch 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. Christy Ottaviano Books, $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 Press, $19.99 (9781636551128)
Through stunning illustrations, 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. Orchard Books, $18.99 (9781338849974)
A compelling and beautiful story of African life before the slave ships arrived and the people’s power within that guides the future.

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 Books for Young Readers, $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 Press, $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 Books for Young Readers, $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 Books, $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 Books. $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 Books for Young Readers, $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 Press, $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. Neal Porter Books, $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. Anne Schwartz Books, $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 Press, $24.99 (9781776575190)
A guide to simple scientific exploration that helps readers unleash the power of observation and discovering what’s hiding in plain sight.

We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America. By Joanna Ho. Illus. by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. Orchard Books/Scholastic, $19.99 (9781338846652)
A poetic ode vibrantly illustrated celebrates the richness and diversity within the 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 Books for Young Readers, $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 Books for Young Readers, $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

to come soon

Other ALA Awards