by Vashti Harrison

Ages: 3 to 5 years old

Genre: Picture Book, Fiction, Award Winner

Winner of the 2024 Caldecott Medal! A Coretta Scott King Award Author and Illustrator Honor book, a National Book Award finalist, and a New York Times bestseller! This profoundly moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance

Why read it?  With sparse text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can simultaneously stand out and feel invisible.  BIG Storytime Kit

by Katy Hudson

Ages: 5 to 8 years old

Genre: Picture book, Fiction, Social Emotional Learning

Sasha has one speed―fast. She loves to do many things simultaneously, as fast as possible. Mr. Sloth has one speed―slow. He loves to do things one at a time, at a nice, leisurely pace. Can Mr. Sloth’s mindful ways teach Sasha to slow down and enjoy life?

Why read it?  Well, for starters, there’s a sloth!  Bonus: it’s a mindful moment for parents and kiddos to read together.  Katy Hudson gently weaves a mindfulness theme into an unlikely friendship tale between an energetic girl and a sloth, encouraging children to stop, breathe, and be present in every moment.  

By Mo Willems

Ages: 3 to 100

Genre: Picture Book, Fiction

Yes, that’s right, you heard it here first!  Grab your caps, don your gowns, and raise your hands for The Pigeon’s biggest adventure yet!  Coming in March of 2025!  The Pigeon had better graduate! He did the work! He paid attention to the little details! He overcame some BIG obstacles! The Pigeon’s got this . . . Or does he? Look for this uplifting, hilarious, inspirational graduation picture book from three-time Caldecott honoree Mo Willems. It’s a PhD* in fun!  No need to sell this one…. It stars the Pigeon - we will read it!

By Christina Soontornvat

Ages 8 to 12 years old 

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle-Grade Chapter Book

Break out your pom poms! The highly anticipated, stand-alone companion to the instant #1 bestseller The Tryout promises even more cheer, higher stakes, and relatable middle-school drama. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier. STEP UP. COMMIT. FOLLOW THROUGH.

It’s eighth grade, and Christina and her besties are again going through the brutal trials of cheerleading tryouts. Christina feels more confident this year: She dresses in her own style and has amazing friends, even her first crush. But what if the girls don’t all make the squad? Worse than that, Christina learns her parents’ marriage is collapsing. Can Christina keep it together and still make her cheerleading dreams come true? This high-flying, heart-filled story will make you laugh harder, cry more, and cheer louder than ever!

Why read it?  If you enjoyed the Tryout, you will LOVE The Squad.  This graphic novel is about way more than making the team - Christina’s family, future, and identity are in total freefall. 

By Erin Entrada Kelly

Ages 10 to 12 (And anyone was alive in the 1980’s)

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Chapter book, Historical Fiction

Newbery Medalist and New York Times–bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly transports readers to 1986 and introduces them to the unforgettable Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas in this pitch-perfect middle-grade novel about family, friendship, science, and exploration. 

Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas are three siblings in seventh grade together in Park, Delaware. In 1986, as the country waited expectantly for the launch of the space shuttle Challenger, they each struggled with their anxieties. Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander but feels like she’s disappearing. Told in three alternating points of view, We Dream of Space is an unforgettable and thematically rich novel for middle-grade readers.

Why read it? This book opens many conversations about family dynamics, and it allowed this 40-something mom the opportunity to explain the many 1980s references to my 8-year-old when we read it together. I also appreciate the resources to learn more about the Challenger found at the end of the book. The tragedy and familial discord are handled perfectly and delicately for readers ages 8 to 12. Even if you don't have a kiddo to read it with, I have no doubt you will enjoy this beautiful novel.