Best Beginning Readers of 2025

by Lana Button ; illustrated by Suharu Ogawa

A flawed but sympathetic character worthy of readers’ love. Full review >

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by Kate DiCamillo ; illustrated by Carmen Mok

Sensitive and quietly enthralling. Full review >

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by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve ; illustrated by Steph Littlebird

Infused with tenderness, this family story is simply lovely. Full review >

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by Donna Barba Higuera ; illustrated by Juliana Perdomo

Beware the cucuy? Not when he’s this undeniably cool. Full review >

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by Aaron Reynolds ; illustrated by Peter Brown

Extraordinary introductory terror, beautiful to the eye and sure to delight younger horror enthusiasts. Full review >

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by Shifa Saltagi Safadi ; illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

A winning series starter with layers of depth. Full review >

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by Kiah Thomas ; illustrated by K-Fai Steele

Another can’t-miss outing with an irresistible, introverted antihero. Full review >

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by Maryrose Wood ; illustrated by Giulia Ghigini

A tender friendship tale with a luster all its own. Full review >

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