Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best Best Kids Story Books

 

Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (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.

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

The Artivist. By Nikkolas Smith. Illus. by the author. Kokila, $18.99 (9780593619650)

Motivated by a sense of duty, a young boy utilizes his artistic talent to address the issues in his community and create change.

Beneath. By Cori Doerrfeld. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9780316312264)

While grieving a loss, a child and their grandfather go for a walk in nature and observe examples of things under the surface that cannot be seen.

Benita Y Las Criaturas Nocturnas. By Mariana Llanos. Illus. by Cocoretto. Barefoot Books, $9.99 (9798888590416)

Settling in for the night, Benita is visited by three monsters, whom she tames and turns into book lovers! (A Belpré Children's Author Honor Book)

Big. By Vashti Harrison. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9780316353229)

A young girl confronts the shifting meaning of being called “big” as she grows up, ultimately owning the adjectives that feel right and rejecting the hurtful ones. (The 2024 Caldecott Medal winner)

Cape. By Kevin Johnson. Illus. by Kitt Thomas. Roaring Brook Press, $18.99 (9781250840509)

In this story about processing the pain of grief, a young Black boy uses a cape to find courage.

Cicada Symphony. By Sue Fliess. Illus. by Gareth Lucas. Albert Whitman & Company, $18.99 (9780807511619)

This exuberantly illustrated book introduces the sounds and fascinating life cycle of the cicada.

Dim Sum Palace. By X. Fang. Illus. by the author.  Tundra Books, $18.99 (9781774881989)

A young girl dreams she visits the Dim Sum Palace, a magical place filled with delicious foods.

Elena Rides. By Juana Medina. Illus. by the author. Candlewick Press, $9.99 (9781536216356)

Elena the elephant learns to ride a bicycle in this rhyming tale of perseverance and gumption.

Evergreen. By Matthew Cordell. Illus. by the author. Feiwel & Friends, $18.99 (9781250317179)

Evergreen the squirrel faces her fears as she journeys through Buckthorn Forest to deliver soup to sick Granny Oak.

Fox Has a Problem. By Corey R. Tabor. Illus. by the author. Balzer+Bray, $17.99 (9780063277915)

Fox's attempts to free his kite from a tree create increasing problems for him and his friends. Can they work together to find a solution? (The Geisel Award Book)

Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur? By Helen Yoon. Illus. by the author.  Candlewick Press, $18.99 (9781536226256)

A young child with an invisible dinosaur laments about the struggle of finding something lost.

Henry, Like Always. By Jenn Bailey. Illus. by Mika Song. Chronicle Books, $14.99 (9781797213897)

When Henry is thrown off balance by a change to his routine, he learns strategies to cope and participate.  (A Geisel Honor Book)

Hornbeam All In. By Cynthia Rylant. Illus. by Arthur Howard. Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane, $18.99 (9781665924818)

With the help of his friends, Hornbeam, the lovable moose, learns valuable life lessons in three short stories.

I'm Going to Build a Snowman. By Jashar Awan. Illus by the author. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9781665938174)

Awakening to discover freshly fallen snow, a child joyfully heads outside to build the best snowman ever.

If I Was a Horse. By Sophie Blackall. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9780316510981)

In this book with detailed illustrations,  a  young child explores the possibilities of being a horse for a day! 

In Between. By April Pulley Sayre with Jeff Sayre. Photographs by the author. Beach Lane Books, $18.99 (9781534487819)

With crisp nature photography and gentle prose, this book highlights moving from one state of being to another.

In Every Life. By Marla Frazee. Illus. by the author. Beach Lane Books, $18.99 (9781665912488)

Precious and diverse life experiences, big and small, are captured in luminous illustrations and spare, evocative text. (A Caldecott Honor Book)

In the Night Garden. By Carin Berger. Illus. by the author. Neal Porter Books, $18.99 (9780823449866)

In this bedtime story a black cat explores the sights, smells, and  sounds of a cottage garden at night.

The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic. By Jennifer Thermes. Illus. by the author. Viking Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9780593117729)

The tale of Irish seaman, Tom Crean, who made three dangerous voyages to Antarctica where his strength and determination proved crucial to survival.

Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider. By Jessica Lanan. Illus. by the author. Roaring Brook Press, $19.99 (9781250810366)

Detailed illustrations with various perspectives depict a day in the life of a backyard jumping spider which is able to jump five times their body length. (A Sibert Honor Book)

Later, When I'm Big. By Bette Westera. Translated by Laura Watkinson. Illus. by Mattias De Leeuw. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9780802856104)

While visiting an indoor waterpark, a child envisions future adventures as a series of increasingly daring scenes unfold through her fearless imagination, accompanied by vibrant illustrations and dynamic text. (A Batchelder Honor Book)

Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar: The Musical Story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Woman Who Invented Rock and Roll. By Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. Illus. by the author. Doubleday Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9780593571064)

Collage illustrations and easy-to-read text tell the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the inventor of Rock and Roll.

Maribel's Year. By Michelle Sterling. Illus. by Sarah Gonzales. Katherine Tegen Books, $19.99 (9780063114357)

Maribel experiences a year in a new country away from her father and discovers that no matter how far apart they are, love will always bring them together. 

Mi Papá Es Un Agrícola / My Father, the Farmworker. By J. Roman Pérez Varela. Illus. by José B. Ramírez. Lil’ Libros, $19.99 (9781948066754)

Told from a proud son’s perspective, this story conveys the dignity and humanity of the farmworker while illuminating the sacrifice and hardship one father bears for his family. (A Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)

Mr. S. By  Monica Arnaldo. Illus. by the author. Katherine Tegen Books, $19.99 (9780063003958)

This hilarious “back to school” book will keep kids giggling as they try to figure out who their teacher is.

Nat the Cat Takes a Nap. By Jarrett Lerner. Illus. by the author. Simon Spotlight, $17.99 (9781665918916)

All Nat the Cat wants is to take a nap, but is hilariously interrupted by the narrator of the story.

Nell Plants a Tree. By Anne Wynter. Illus. by Daniel Miyares. Balzer+Bray, $19.99 (9780062865779)

The past and the present of a family are connected by the planting and growing of a tree.

Okra Stew: A Gullah Geechee Family Celebration. By Natalie Daise. Illus. by the author. Henry Holt & Company, $19.99 (9781250849663)

This joyful picture book celebrates the Gullah Geechee culture and tradition as a father and son cook okra stew.

The Only Way to Make Bread. By Cristina Quintero. Illus. by Sarah Gonzales.  Tundra Books, $18.99 (9780735271760)

Readers will see themselves in this delightful book that shows the many ways to make bread.

Our Pool. By Lucy Ruth Cummins. Illus. by the author. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9781534499232)

This joyful picture book, filled with bright and colorful illustrations, brings summer alive at a community pool where everybody is welcome. 

Papa's Magical Water-Jug Clock. By Jesús Trejo. Illus. by Eliza Kinkz. Minerva, $18.99 (9781662651045)

Jesús learns there’s no shortcuts to a full day’s work when he spends a day with his landscaper father. (A Belpré Illustrator Honor Book and Belpré Children's Author Honor Book)

Peek-A-Boo Haiku: A Lift-The-Flap Book. By Danna Smith. Illus. by Teagan White. Little Simon, $8.99 (9781665926461)

This beautiful board book uses haikus to celebrate the changing seasons in nature.

A River of Dust: The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and the Amazon. By Jilanne Hoffmann. Illus. by Eugenia Mello. Chronicle Books, $18.99 (9781797211756)

Lush illustrations and lyrical prose follow the journey of the nutrient rich dust that travels from the deserts of North Africa to the Rainforest basin of South America each year.

Scroll. By Hui Li. Illus. by the author. Christy Ottaviano Books-Little Brown and Hachette, $18.99 (9780316340731)

A young girl’s grandfather introduces her to ancient calligraphy in this celebratory story where the Chinese characters come to life.

They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them. By Dan Paley. Illus. by Molly Mendoza. Chronicle Books, $18.99 (9781797214504)

Factual details and bold illustrations introduce the teams that protect people and wildlife from fires.

Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s Books. By Michelle Markel. Illus. by Barbara McClintock. Chronicle Books, $18.99 (9780811879231)

A picture book biography of Randolph Caldecott, who revolutionized children’s literature through illustration.

The Truth About Dragons. By Julie Leung. Illus. by Hanna Cha. Henry Holt & Company, $18.99 (9781250820587)

A biracial boy learns to connect to his two cultures and embrace his grandmothers through dragon stories. (A Caldecott Honor Book)

Tumble. By Adriana Hernández Bergstrom. Illus. by the author. Orchard Books, $18.99 (9781338828665)

This nonfiction picture book combines simple text with vibrant art to show the journey of a lone tumbleweed as it rolls through the desert.

What a Map Can Do. By Gabrielle Balkan. Illus. by Alberto Lot. Rise X Penguin Workshop, $18.99 (9780593519981)

A raccoon narrator introduces maps of all kinds, from houses, cities, stars and even the human body, and teaches how to read and create them.

When You Can Swim. By Jack Wong. Illus. by the author. Orchard Books, $18.99 (9781338830965)

Poetic text and inclusive illustrations celebrate swimming and the magic of spending time in the water.

Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends. By Kaz Windness. Illus. by the author. Simon Spotlight, $17.99 (9781665920018)

This lushly illustrated graphic novel celebrates the friendship between two friends. But how will Worm react to Caterpillar's metamorphosis? Humor and heartfelt conversations create a page-turning plot. (A Geisel Honor Book)

MIDDLE

Bea Wolf. By Zach Weinersmith. Illus. by Boulet. First Second, $19.99 (9781250776297)

The epic poem Beowulf gets a kid friendly graphic novel retelling where children are the heroes fighting against the forces of adulthood.

Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories From BIPOC Authors. Edited by Aida Salazar and Yamile Saied Mendez. Candlewick Press, $22.99 (9781536216349)

Periods are destigmatized in this short story compilation that shows a multitude of ways this rite of passage can be experienced and celebrated.

Chinese Menu: The History Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods. By Grace Lin. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9780316486002)

A delectable collection of tales that detail the history and origins of foods found on an American Chinese restaurant menu.

Elf Dog and Owl Head. By M.T. Anderson. Illus. by Junyi Wu. Candlewick Press, $18.99 (9781536222814)

This humorous and wondrous adventure of a boy and his magical dog is a timeless coming-of-age story marked by masterful world-building. (A Newbery Honor Book)

The Eyes and the Impossible. By Dave Eggers. Illus. by Shawn Harris. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9781524764203)

This artistically illustrated novel shares a hero's journey of Johannes, a free dog, as he learns about friendship and living in the wider world. (The Newbery 2024 Medal winner)

The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made of. By Kirsten W. Larson. Illus. by Katherine Roy. Chronicle Books, $18.99 (9781452172873)

Parallel journeys of a luminous point in the sky and Cecelia Payne, the astrophysicist who reshaped our understanding of stars, are depicted in this awe-inspiring book with excellent back matter.

Good Different. By Meg Eden Kuyatt. Scholastic Press, $18.99 (9781338816105)

In this novel-in-verse, Selah struggles to follow her self-made rules of being “normal” and learns it is okay to be different and advocate for her needs.

Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes. by Traci N. Todd. Illus. by Shannon Wright. Orchard Books, $21.99 (9781338305906)

This tribute to Jackie Ormes, the first syndicated Black woman cartoonist in the United States, presents an exuberant child who grows into the successful creator of comic strips featuring Black characters who confront prejudice and fear. (A Sibert Honor Book)

The House of the Lost on the Cape. By Sachiko Kashiwaba. Translated by Avery Fischer Udagawa. Illus. by Yukiko Saito. Yonder, $18.00 (9781632063373)

Helped by creatures from Japanese folklore, three generations of women create a found family in the wake of tragedy and defend their village from evil threats. (A Batchelder Honor Book)

How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee. By Carole Boston Weatherford. Illus. by Frank Morrison.  Candlewick Press, $18.99 (9781536215540)

Despite prejudice and discrimination, MacNolia Cox makes a name for herself in the world of competitive spelling. 

How Old is a Whale? Animal Life Spans From the Mayfly to the Immortal Jellyfish. By Lily Murray. Illus. by Jesse Hodgson. Big Picture Press, $21.99 (9781536229752)

From mayfly to immortal jellyfish, this book explores the lifespans of animals, focusing on what each creature achieves during their time on Earth.

The International House of Dereliction. By Jacqueline Davies. Clarion Books, $18.99 (9780063258075) 

As Alice fixes up an abandoned house she discovers ghostly inhabitants and makes it her mission to help them become happily settled in the afterlife.

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter. By Aida Salazar. Illus. by Molly Mendoza. Scholastic Press, $19.99 (9781338283419)

This picture book biography tells the story of Jovita Valdovinos who, defying her father's and society's rules, joined the fight for religious freedom in Mexico’s Cristero Revolution. (A Caldecott Honor Book)

Lasagna Means I Love You. By Kate O'Shaughnessy. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9781984893871)

When her nan dies, Mo goes into foster care and discovers the power of food and found family through cooking and sharing recipes.

LOL 101: A Kid's Guide to Writing Jokes. By David Roth and Rinee Shah. Illus. by  Rinee Shah. Chronicle Books, $15.99 (9781797213927)

Hilarity ensues in this funny instructional guide to creating jokes. The comedian authors teach joke mechanics with laughable examples. Simple illustrations add to the joy!

Love is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement. By Sandra Neil Wallace. Illus. by Bryan Collier. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, $18.99 (9781534451032)

This picture book biography tells the story of Diane Nash and her work in the Civil Rights Movement, beginning in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams. By Daniel Nayeri. Illus. by Daniel Miyares. Levine Querido, $21.99 (9781646143030)

With the hope of attaining his own freedom, a servant boy saves his master’s life multiple times as they travel the Silk Road. (A Newbery Honor Book)

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir. By Pedro Martín. Illus. by the author. Dial Books, $24.99 (9780593462287)

In this graphic novel memoir, Pedro embarks on a family road trip to Mexico in a Winnebago, and shares the complexities of belonging to two cultures. (A Newbery Honor Book, the Belpré Illustrator Award book and Belpré Author Award book)

Not an Easy Win. By Chrystal D. Giles. Random House Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9780593175217)

When Lawrence is expelled, his neighbor takes him to the local rec center where he learns to play chess, gains self-esteem, and builds friendships.

Parachute Kids. By Betty C. Tang. Illus. by the author. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338832693)

When her parents return to Taiwan after a family vacation, Feng-Li and her siblings  must remain in America and navigate everyday life without parental guidance until the family can be reunited.

Remember Us. By Jacqueline Woodson. Nancy Paulsen Books, $18.99 (9780399545467)

For Sage, it was a Brooklyn summer of basketball, fire, and loss, but also a time for friendship and growth.

Search for a Giant Squid: Pick Your Path. By Amy Seto Forrester. Illus. by Andy Chou Musser. Chronicle Books, $14.99 (9781797213934)

In this hilariously illustrated choose your own adventure book, readers form a science research plan to find a living giant squid.

Something Like Home. By Andrea Beatriz Arango. Random House Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9780593566183)

In this novel-in-verse, Laura navigates her relationship with her aunt and the foster system, befriends a stray pup, and plots to reunite with her parents in rehab. (A Belpré Children's Author Honor Book)

Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport. By Caren Stelson. Illus. by Selina Alko. Carolrhoda Books, $19.99 (9781541598683)

The true story of 669 Czech and refugee children, who were part of the Kindertransport, and Nicholas Winton, the man who rescued them from the Holocaust.

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels. By Beth Lincoln. Illus. by Claire Powell. Dutton Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9780593533239)

In this British country house mystery, Shenanigan Swift must solve a murder at a family reunion.

Things in the Basement. By Ben Hatke. Illus. by the author. First Second, $22.99 (9781250836618)

In this imaginative graphic novel, a lost sock prompts an amazing journey through a dream-like world in the basement.

The Windeby Puzzle: History and Story. By Lois Lowry. Clarion Books, $19.99 (9780358672500)

This blend of history and fiction reimagines the events that might have led to the mysterious Windeby mummy’s death.

The Worlds We Leave Behind. By A.F. Harrold. Illus. by Levi Pinfold. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $17.99 (9781547610952)

After accidentally injuring a young girl, Hex meets a mysterious old woman who offers him a deal to alter the world, but his friend must deal with the consequences.

OLDER

Alebrijes. By Donna Barba Higuera. Illus. by David Álvarez. Levine Querido, $18.99 (9781646142637)

Leandro and his sister are barely surviving in a dystopian city. When Leandro is exiled to the wilderness, he finds his courage to become a leader. (A Belpré Children's Author Honor Book)

Aniana Del Mar Jumps In. By Jasminne Mendez. Dial Books, $18.99 (9780593531815)

This novel-in-verse tells the story of twelve-year-old Aniana, her struggle with Juvenile Arthritis, and dream to become a competitive swimmer against her mother's wishes. (A Belpré Children's Author Honor Book)

Buzzing. By Samuel Sattin. Illus. by Rye Hickman. Little, Brown Ink, $24.99 (9780316628433)

In this graphic novel, Isaac struggles to navigate his OCD and difficult family dynamics, until he finds community and relief from his intrusive thoughts through role playing games.

Courage to Dream: Tales of Hope in the Holocaust. By Neal Shusterman. Illus. by Andrés Vera Matínez. Graphix, $24.99 (9780545313476)

Five short stories in graphic novel form are filled with magical realism and show young readers the horrors of the Holocaust, but also the hope and resilience of the Jewish people.

Eagle Drums. By Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson. Illus. by the author. Roaring Brook Press, $18.99 (9781250750655)

In this retelling of the First Messenger Feast, a young Inupiaq boy is captured and taken to the home of the Eagle People where he is taught cultural skills that ultimately unite his people. (A Newbery Honor Book)

A First Time for Everything. By Dan Santat. Illus. by the author. First Second, $22.99 (9781626724150)

In this graphic novel memoir, Dan Santat recalls his life-changing trip to Europe as a middle schooler where he experienced events that helped him gain confidence and cope with bullying.

Hands. By Torrey Maldonado. Nancy Paulsen Books, $16.99 (9780593323793)

Twelve year old Trev takes up boxing to protect his family, but learns his greatest strength is his community.

Houses With a Story: A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly Mansion, a Library of Lost Books, and 30 More Amazing Places to Explore. By Seiji Yosida. Illus. by the author. Translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash. Harry N. Abrams, $24.99 (9781419761249)

The book introduces more than 30 delightfully detailed dwellings and their inhabitants through intricate architectural illustrations with sidebars and descriptions that introduce residents both human and supernatural, from the past, present, and future. (The Batchelder Award Book)

Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe. By Steve Sheinkin. Roaring Brook Press, $19.99 (9781250265722)

The story of two Slovakian teenagers, one imprisoned in Auschwitz, the other in hiding, who struggle to survive and stop the Nazis’ “final solution” by exposing their atrocities.

The Labors of Hercules Beal. By Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion Books, $19.99 (9780358659631)

Hercules Beal tackles a seemingly impossible school assignment connected to his mythical namesake and in the process works through the grief of his parents' deaths.

The Lost Year. By Katherine Marsh. Roaring Brook Press, $17.99 (9781250313607)

Matthew uncovers a deep family history of secrets, tracing back to the Holodomor in Ukraine, when he is forced to stay inside with his great-grandmother during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity. By Nicholas Day. Illus. by Brett Helquist. Random House Studio, $19.99 (9780593643846)

This fast-paced nonfiction thriller tells how the Mona Lisa was stolen, the investigation techniques used and ultimately how it was recovered. (The Sibert Medal Book)

Pardalita. By Joana Estrela. Illus. by the author. Translated by Lyn Miller-Lachmann. Levine Querido, $21.99 (9781646142552)

Told through graphic illustrations, this poetic coming-of-age story explores Raquel’s blossoming crush on her classmate Pardalita and her growing self-awareness as she navigates a new peer community and her increasing independence. (A Batchelder Honor Book)

Shipwrecked!: Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean Floor. By Martin W. Sandler. Astra Young Readers, $24.99 (9781662602047)

The excitement and mystique of sunken treasure and underwater archaeology are expertly captured in this exploration of shipwrecks and their excavations across the globe. (A Sibert Honor Book)

Simon Sort of Says. By Erin Bow. Disney Hyperion, $16.99 (9781368082853)

In this humorous novel, Simon copes with PTSD and trauma as he endeavors to reinvent himself in an offbeat, internet-free town that does not know the secret about his past. (A Newbery Honor Book)

What Happened to Rachel Riley? By Claire Swinarski. Quill Tree Books, $19.99 (9780063213098)

The new kid in school is determined to find out why Rachel Riley went from being the most popular girl in school in the 7th grade, to a social outcast in the 8th grade. 

ALL AGES

An American Story. By Kwame Alexander. Illus. by Dare Coulter. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9780316473125)

This lyrically written book tells the story of slavery through the perspective of a teacher and their students. The text is complemented by powerful mixed-media art.

Animals in Pants. By Suzy Levinson. Illus. by Kristen Howdeshell and Kevin Howdeshell. Cameron Kids, $17.99 (9781951836627)

A charming, illustrated collection of poems that feature animals wearing various styles of pants in hilarious ways.

The Book of Turtles. By Sy Montgomery. Illus. by Matt Patterson. Clarion Books, $19.99 (9780358458074)

This fact-filled, gorgeously illustrated book celebrates the wonderful details about turtles around the world. (A Sibert Honor Book)

Bridges. By Marc Majewski. Illus. by the author. Harry N. Abrams, $19.99 (9781419756818)

This introduction to types of bridges around the world has information that can be scaffolded for readers of different ages and reading abilities.

Butt or Face? By Kari Lavelle. Sourcebooks eXplore, $14.99 (9781728271170)

Can you tell whether you are seeing a butt or a face? This hilarious animal guessing book gives you the chance to test your skills.

Dear Yesteryear. By Kimberly Annece Henderson. Lettering by Ciara LeRoy. Dial Books, $18.99 (9780593529249)

This unique look at Black history features archival photographs alongside a poem and includes informational backmatter. 

Fungi Grow. By Maria Gianferrari. Illus. by Diana Sudyka. Beach Lane Books, $18.99 (9781665903653)

This exuberant and lyrical book takes readers on a visual journey of mushroom discovery. From edible to poisonous and even medicinal, fungi grow all around!

My Head Has a Bellyache: And More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups. By Chris Harris. Illus. by Andrea Tsurumi. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9780316592598)

From the dedication to the index, a roller coaster ride of laugh out loud poems paired with bright green illustrations create a joyous reading experience worth sharing again and again.

My Powerful Hair. By Carole Lindstrom. Illus. by Steph Littlebird. Harry N. Abrams, $18.99 (9781419759437)

This celebration of heritage and resiliency showcases the power of hair and how it connects Indigenous culture across generations.

Once Upon a Book. By Grace Lin and Kate Messner. Illus. by Grace Lin. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9780316541077)

A girl finds herself swept up into the pages of a story in this vibrant tale about the power of books.

The Remarkable Rescue At Milkweed Meadow. By Elaine Dimopoulos. Illus. by Doug Salati. Charlesbridge Publishing, $17.99 (9781623543334)

When a young rabbit breaks the rules and befriends a baby robin, he learns doing the right thing is not always easy. Life in the meadow will never be the same.

Remembering. By Xelena González. Illus. by Adriana M. Garcia. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9781534499638)

A family gathers photos, toys and other items as they create an ofrenda for their beloved dog for Día de los Muertos. (A Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)

The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale. By Jon Klassen. Illus. by the author. Candlewick Press, $19.99 (9781536223361)

In this reimagined Tyrolean folktale, a girl encounters a castle inhabited by a talking skull. The skull is afraid of something in the night. Can she save them both?

The Story of Gumluck the Wizard. By Adam Rex. Illus. by the author. Chronicle Books, $14.99 (9781797213231)

Helvetica, a wise raven, narrates a week in the life of Gumluck, the friendly wizard, whose help is often sought yet rarely appreciated by the townspeople.

Stranded!: A Mostly True Story from Iceland. By ÆVar þÓr Benediktsson. Illus. by Anne Wilson. Barefoot Books, $17.99 (9781646869916)

A narrator recounts the story of his grandfather who got stuck on a volcanic island. Can you figure out which part is false?

There Was a Party for Langston. By Jason Reynolds. Illus. by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey. Atheneum Books, $18.99 (9781534439443)

Inspired by a found photograph, lyrical prose and illustrations full of words pair to depict a joyous celebration of Langston Hughes. (A Caldecott Honor Book)

Two New Years. By Richard Ho. Illus. by Lynn Scurfield. Chronicle Books, $18.99 (9781797212814)

A Jewish and Chinese family celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year. Extensive backmatter provides a deeper understanding of the two traditions. 

Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem. By Melissa Stewart. Illus. by Rob Dunlavey. Random House Studio, $18.99 (9780593380604)

When a whale dies, it slowly and quietly sinks to the ocean floor, becoming a life sustaining gift for deep-sea creatures.

What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions about Moths and Butterflies. By Rachel Ignotofsky. Illus. by the author. Crown Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9780593176573)

Discover the fascinating world of butterflies and moths in this lushly illustrated exploration of some of the planet's most well-loved flying insects.

2024 Notable Children's Books Committee

April Roy, Chair, Kansas City Public Library, Missouri
Kate Carter, Multnomah County Library, Oregon
Rebecca Levitan, Baltimore County Public Library, Maryland
Jennifer Longee, Durham Academy Middle School, North Carolina
Jennifer Minehardt, Perrot Memorial Library, Connecticut
Emily Snodgrass, Rogers Public Library, Arkansas
Melissa Sokol, Dayton Metro Library, Ohio
Patrick Tierney, Barrington Public Library, Rhode Island
Cassandra Welch, Charleston County Public Library, South Carolina
Julie Williams, Sanford Middle School Library, Maine
Julia Wright, San Mateo County Libraries, California
Katy Punch, NCB Administrative Assistant, Wake County Public Libraries, North Carolina

Other ALA Awards

We’re living in a golden age of young-adult literature, when books ostensibly written for teens are equally adored by readers of every generation. In the likes of Harry Potter and Katniss Everdeen, they’ve produced characters and conceits that have become the currency of our pop-culture discourse—and inspired some of our best writers to contribute to the genre. To honor the best books for young adults and children, TIME compiled this survey in consultation with respected peers such as U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate Kenn Nesbitt, children’s-book historian Leonard Marcus, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the Young Readers Center at the Library of Congress, the Every Child a Reader literacy foundation and 10 independent booksellers. With their help, we’ve created two all-time lists of classics: 100 Best Young-Adult Books and 100 Best Children’s Books. Vote for your favorite in the poll below.

See 17 authors’ favorite books for young readers.

Read about how author Meg Wolitzer was inspired by Sylvia Plath’s Bell Jar.

It’s your turn:

By the editors of TIME, with reporting by Daniel D’Addario, Giri Nathan and Noah Rayman.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled Kenn Nesbitt’s name.