15 Best May Books for Young Readers

by Lesléa Newman ; illustrated by Susan Gal

A soaring ode to community, tradition, and family. Full review >

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by Naomi Shihab Nye

Beautifully written poetry about the butterfly effect of human experience. Full review >

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by Traci Sorell ; illustrated by Michaela Goade

An evocative, heartwarming testament to the power of home and community. Full review >

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by Jin Wang with Tony Johnston ; illustrated by Anisi Baigude

Rich with affection, wit, and joy, a captivating peek into Chinese village life. Full review >

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by Paula Yoo

A nuanced and necessary narrative. Full review >

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by Beth Anderson ; illustrated by Jeremy Holmes

A delightfully enlightening account and a welcome antidote to our own time’s precarious truthiness. Full review >

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by Rebecca E.F. Barone

Rock-solid history and science, high-octane action, and vivid descriptions—the book will inspire as much as it entertains. Full review >

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by Isabel Greenberg ; illustrated by Isabel Greenberg

Quirky, fresh, and full of humor. Full review >

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by Jas Hammonds

A gut-wrenching story that honestly explores the normalization of alcoholism. Full review >

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by Kevin Henkes ; illustrated by Laura Dronzek

Found objects sometimes yield the simplest pleasures. Consider this book one such example. Full review >

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by Shivaun Plozza

A worthy read about a short life brimming with possibility. Full review >

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by Mamle Wolo

A powerful look at human suffering and the will to survive. Full review >

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by L.D. Lapinski

Excels at being educational without sacrificing charm, humor, or excitement. Full review >

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by Michael Boulware Moore ; illustrated by Bryan Collier

A moving tale of triumph that brings the past to life. Full review >

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by Alki Zei ; translated by Karen Emmerich

At once evocative of times past and more cogent than ever. Full review >

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