Does your collection include this year’s critically acclaimed books? See what Booklist, School Library Journal, Kirkus, Horn Book, Publishers Weekly, and more, say about the top reviewed books of 2026 for kids and teens!
Click the tabs below to view more books in each age category.
The Rare Bird by Elisha Cooper
On Sale February 24th!
Come celebrate Ramadan with Malak and her family in this delicious picture book!
★ FOUR STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “Pure imagination.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A seamless, creative progression worthy of study and repeated readings.” — Booklist, starred review
★ “[A] lovely gem of a picture book.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
★ “A resounding tribute to the power of reading and make-believe.”— Horn Book Magazine, starred review
How a Bear Became a Book: The Collaboration That Created Winnie-the-Pooh by Annette Bay Pimentel; illustrated by Faith Pray
On Sale March 31st!
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh with this gorgeous picture book about the creation of the World’s Most Famous Bear!
★ THREE STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “A thoughtful, beautifully crafted title that honors a literary classic on the eve of its centennial and introduces “The Best Bear in All the World” to a new generation.” —School Library Journal, starred Review
★ “A thoughtful, beautifully crafted title that honors a literary classic on the eve of its centennial and introduces “The Best Bear in All the World” to a new generation.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred Review
★ “Bay Pimentel and Pray highlight the importance of teamwork, pulling back the curtain on the creators who produced the Winnie-the-Pooh books.” —Publishers Weekly, starred Review
Change Is in the Air: The Hidden Discoveries of Eunice Newton Foote, the First Climate Scientist by Rebecca Donnelly; illustrated by Mercè López
On Sale Now!
This fascinating picture book biography tells the story of the trailblazing woman who first discovered our climate was changing.
★ THREE STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “A decidedly tardy tribute to a brilliant 19th-century scientist and suffragist…A nuanced portrait of a woman who was ahead of her times in more ways than one.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Donnelly and López celebrate the acumen of American scientist and suffragist Eunice Newton Foote in this engaging account of the subject’s work.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Young scientists, feminists, and historians will be inspired by Foote’s revolutionary discoveries.”—Booklist, starred review
Bartleby by Matt Phelan
On Sale March 3rd!
From New York Times-bestelling and award-winning creator Matt Phelan, Bartleby is a whimsical, yet powerful new modern classic picture book for fans of The Rabbit Listened that follows a dapper polar bear who learns the power of staying true to himself.
★ TWO STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “Bartleby will win the hearts of children and grownups alike.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “[A] clever picture book… a compassionate work that offers a thoughtful message of acceptance.” —Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
Into the Wilderness by Haven Iverson; illustrated by August Zhang
On Sale March 24th!
Into the Wilderness is a celebration of the outdoors and the lessons and strengths we gain from spending valuable time in nature — inspired by the Rocky Mountains. Perfect for fans of Hike and Wonder Walkers, and fans of national parks!
★ TWO STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “No matter your age, after reading this, you can’t help but think that the world would be better if we all went out in the wilderness more. Break out the backpacks.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “[A] luminous picture book about a child whose family backpacking trips become both physical milestones and emotional anchors.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
Suuban’s First Day: A first day of herding story by Shugri Salh; illustrated by Àlàbá Ònájìn
On Sale Now!
In the Somali desert, a girl eagerly awaits the day she can herd the goats by herself. But her grandmother won’t allow her into the wilderness until her two front teeth fall out.
★ TWO STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “An utterly enticing tale of independence, growth, and familial bonds.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A child grows into new responsibilities around the rhythms of the natural world in this captivating tale…based on the author’s childhood in the deserts of Somalia.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
Upside-Down Iftar by Maysa Odeh; illustrated by Nadine Issa
On Sale Now!
Come celebrate Ramadan with Malak and her family in this delicious picture book!
★ “What begins as a traditional family recipe becomes a reflection of love and compromise…ideal for young readers, especially those interested in learning about family traditions, Ramadan, or the joy of preparing special meals together.”—School Library Journal, starred review
Venus! Fierce and Fabulous by Stacy McAnulty; illustrated by Stevie Lewis
On Sale Now!
Prepare for a dazzling encounter with the solar system’s most glamorous resident in VENUS!—the latest stellar “autobiography” in the OUR UNIVERSE series from the dynamic duo of Stacy McAnulty and Stevie Lewis!
★ “Venus’s interesting features, combined with her well-deserved spunkiness, will delight both casual readers and those fans of planet facts looking for a closer peek at the second planet from the sun. . . libraries should definitely give Venus her well-deserved spot on the shelves. Highly recommended”—School Library Journal, starred review
Bread Is Love by Pooja Makhijani; illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
On Sale Now!
Join a mother and her adorable children for their weekly baking ritual in Pooja Makhijani’s touching story, with warm, tender art by Lavanya Naidu. Bread Is Love celebrates the act of baking and eating bread, and sharing it with family.
★ “[A] satisfying picture book portrait of a family ritual that feeds bellies, minds, and spirits. ” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
Dad by Christian Robinson
On May 12th!
From Christian Robinson, #1 New York Times bestseller, Caldecott Honoree, and one of the most recognizable picture book creators of this generation comes a loving tribute to all kinds of dads.
★ “Robinson outdoes himself…. For all its simplicity, this colorful book is laden with meaning, depicting fathers as vulnerable, imperfect, gentle, and empathetic—in a word, deeply human. A powerful affirmation for all dads—the good, the flawed, and those doing the best they can.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred Review
The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker; with art by Jon Klassen
On Sale Now!
The acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an historical novel about an orphan during WWII who discovers unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the Resistance.
★ FIVE STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “A beautiful tribute to bravery in its many forms and the power that children and women can wield.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “A page-turning and ultimately triumphant tale of heroism.” —The Horn Book Magazine, starred review
★ “Richly descriptive writing and steadily building suspense make for a genuinely satisfying read.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Compassionate and complex.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Through Lucas’s eyes, readers experience terror and heroism in a time of war, and the prose gallops along with authenticity and incredible suspense….Pennypacker’s work of historical fiction that seems all too real will intrigue reluctant readers from the first startling chapter. Highly recommended.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks
On Sale March 31st!
A new tween graphic novel by bestselling author Faith Erin Hicks. Perfect for fans of Sweet Valley Twins and Ride On! Twin sisters Ash and Sloane are headed to animation camp—where their courage, drive, and sisterly bond will be put to the test!
★ THREE STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “Hicks has crafted a poignant graphic novel that touches on themes of feminism, courage, and the bittersweet struggle of pursuing—and sometimes changing—one’s dreams.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “A resonant, richly drawn story about confronting obstacles, asking courageous questions, and forging your own path.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “It’s at once a love letter to creativity and the bonds of sisterhood as well as a clear-eyed glimpse into the highs and lows of being a working artist and a woman in a male-dominated field.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Eureka by Victoria Chang
On Sale Now!
For fans of Inside Out and Back Again, Other Words for Home, and A Place to Hang the Moon — Eureka is a gorgeous and emotionally resonant novel-in-verse by multiple-award-winning poet Victoria Chang that sensitively and lyrically renders the tragic events surrounding the 1885 expulsion of Chinese Americans from Eureka, California.
★ TWO STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “The lyrical free verse transports readers into the vividly realized historical setting… This resonant story will endure for its specificity, poignancy, and metaphorical yet accessible verse.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Powerful… a welcome addition to any middle school historical fiction collection and will surely attract readers drawn to impactful stories told through lyrical verse.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Run Home: A Graphic Memoir by Alyssa Bermudez
On Sale Now!
This heartrending graphic memoir by Alyssa Bermudez (Big Apple Diaries) is a moving and unforgettable story about inner strength, healing, and finding hope.
★ TWO STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “A heartfelt, reassuring, and emotionally intelligent page-turner.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “[A] heartfelt and touching exploration of identity, loss, friendship, and family that offers hopeful messaging about turning to loved ones for support, developing positive coping mechanisms, and being open to any and every opportunity for personal growth.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga
On Sale March 3rd!
From the Newbery Honor-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Rover’s Story comes the moving story of a cheetah who forms a friendship with a rescue dog—a bond that will change their lives forever. Perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Rosanne Parry.
★ TWO STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “An endearing, deeply moving story of healing.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “An uplifting and heartwarming story about friendship and the way it can change lives for creatures great and small; sure to leave an impact long after the last page. Hand to fans of Katherine Applegate’s One and Only and Rosanne Parry’s Voice of the Wilderness series.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Sashimi by Dan Santat
On Sale April 14th!
A new graphic novel series from bestseller and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat.
★ TWO STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “Santat is a master, with a wide variety of titles to his name, and this latest madcap adventure shows off the uproarious side of his decades of skill and talent. Dog Man fans looking for their next favorite series will line up for this.” –Booklist, starred review
★ “Slapstick adventure, middle school hijinks, and churlish humor drip from this literal fish-out-of-water tale by Santat (Thick as Thieves)…. [A] laugh-out-loud graphic novel series opener, which features a steady stream of jokes and bitingly funny asides” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
Wrong Friend by Charise Mericle Harper; illustrated by Rory Lucey
On Sale Now!
What happens when your BFF is no longer forever? A fresh and honest graphic novel about friendships lost and found.
★ “Perfect for readers of Shannon Hale and Raina Telgemeier!” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Eowulf: The Creature Connection by Mike Cavallaro
On Sale Now!
The second volume in an action-packed graphic novel series starring an iconic new heroine who is a descendant of a legendary monster hunter!
★ “A pitch-perfect tale of friendship and fantastical foes.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Breakout by Christina Wyman
On Sale March 3rd!
From the USA Today–bestselling author of Jawbreaker and Slouch, Breakout is a fresh and funny middle-grade novel about a girl with chronic acne figuring out how to feel good in her own skin.
★ “Wyman expertly captures the tween voice and struggles with Ellis as she navigates eighth grade. While her issues with acne are a focal point of the story, her relationships with her friends and family are also at the forefront. The topics discussed are handled with honesty and humor and don’t downplay that their importance for middle schoolers . . . A realistic fiction title worthy of any middle school and public library shelf.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Monster Locker: Nine-Tail Trouble by Jorge Aguirre; illustrated by Andrés Vera Martínez
On Sale April 21st!
What happens when a mischievous nine-tailed fox goes toe-to-toe with a colossal golem? What happens when Japanese and Jewish folklore collide? Pablo and his friends are about to find out, in this hilarious and action-packed graphic novel.
★ “Pablo and friends’ latest super-cool, madcap adventure continues the frenetic, fourth wall–breaking fun. Monster-banishing at its finest.” —Kirkus, starred review
Diamond Fever!: A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin; with art by Jon Chad
On Sale May 12th!
A fun, high-stakes true crime story story set in the Wild West, featuring spot art and comics throughout. Perfect for fans of MONA LISA VANISHES!
★ “A rollicking—and well-researched—adventure story… A sparkling accomplishment. ” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A Wish with Wings by Sarah Guillory
On Sale May 19th!
A tender tale of courage, hope, and holding onto yourself even when everything around you seems to be falling apart — perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Barbara O’Connor.
★ “A masterfully written and intensely absorbing story of a girl who discovers there are many ways to be brave.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Queen of Faces by Petra Lord
On Sale Now!
A desperate girl at a cutthroat magical academy faces a choice between life and death: become an assassin for the enchanted elite or watch her decaying body draw its last breath.
★ TWO STARRED REVIEWS! ★
★ “Thrilling action, escalating stakes, and avalanching plot twists.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Fantastic.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Freddie and Stella Got Hot by Maggie Horne
On Sale Now!
Jenny Han meets Mean Girls in Freddie and Stella Got Hot, Maggie Horne’s YA rom com about getting revenge and falling in love.
★ “Fresh and funny . . . Freddie’s journey from “quirky sidekick” to seizer of the day (and the girl)—narrated in her breezy, fantastically facetious voice—steals the show, transforming the love-to-hate-’em mean girls into can’t-help-but-root-for-’em protagonists in this snarky and tender love story.“ —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Her Name in the Sky by Kelly Quindlen
On Sale Now!
From the bestselling author of SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY comes the rerelease of HER NAME IN THE SKY, the beloved YA sapphic romance—now with foil on the jacket and a new bonus chapter!
★ “Quindlen is a master at portraying the teen experience. The setting is vivid and atmospheric, the dialogue is genuine, and the characters are believable teenagers full of paradoxical traits: thoughtful and impetuous, determined and uncertain, kind and cruel. . . .A must-purchase for any library’s YA romance collection.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow
On Sale Now!
The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.
★ “Written in engaging prose, this enchanting cozy fantasy with adult crossover appeal has it all—creative worldbuilding, well-developed characters, and a sweet, swoonworthy romance. … The story, which captures the essence of Brandy’s Cinderella, features refreshingly realistic relationship development—no glass slippers here!—while honoring fairy tales’ world-changing magic and emphasizing a message of kindness and care. … Unmissable.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis by Meera Subramanian with Danica Novgorodoff; illustrated by Danica Novgorodoff
On Sale March 3rd!
A Better World Is Possible is a comprehensive and graphic novel guide on climate change and what you can do about it.
★ “Novgorodoff’s watercolor style is absolutely perfect for this topic, showcasing both the power of visual comics metaphors and the beauty of the natural world.” —Booklist, starred review
One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram
On Sale March 17th!
Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community after a school assembly is disrupted by a shouted slur.
★ “Khorram impresses with this searing, deeply felt dual-POV novel. . . . Urgent second-person narration expertly nails both teens’ insecurities and self-perception. The result is a powerfully relevant and affirming story about trying to connect with oneself while navigating homophobia, misogyny, and toxic masculinity.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Until We Meet Again by Lily Kim Qian
On Sale April 21st!
A poignant and vividly illustrated graphic memoir about a young woman’s search for belonging as her immigrant family moves between Canada and China.
★ “The saturated, limited color palette of this visually stunning work underscores the heavy emotions. Particularly affecting is Qian’s pronounced use of black, which replicates the recurring absences that marked her young life.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
As I Dream of You by Jennifer Lee; illustrated LeUyen Pham
On Sale May 5th!
Franny and Sam are each other’s entire world. So what do you do when your world ends? Frozen’s Jennifer Lee and Lunar New Year Love Story’s LeUyen Pham deliver a tour de force young adult romance with a supernatural twist.
★ “A striking and viscerally affecting tale of love, loss, and letting go.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
We Could Be Anyone by Anna-Marie McLemore
On Sale May 26th!
Two teen con-artists must execute an almost impossible scam at an exclusive mansion in this thriller that’s White Lotus meets Mexican Gothic – for teens.
★ “McLemore’s latest novel for young adults may be their best, elegantly weaving together the threads that define their work: magical realism, mythology, and queer acceptance… McLemore crafts a story rich with allusion to mythical tales of metamorphosis and transformation.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Everything in Color: A Love Story by Stephanie Stalvey
On Sale April 28th!
Interrogating her own upbringing in an evangelical community, Stephanie Stalvey weaves a story of faith, alienation, romance and acceptance, in this beautifully painted graphic memoir.
★ “In her luminous debut, Stalvey meditates on her separation from fundamentalist Christianity and how she found love despite questioning her faith.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review