From Spooky Lake Vostok in Antarctica to Ancient Inuit in Greenland, we have read many children’s books in 2024 and picked our favorites to share. We learned how to swing, say thank you, and what would it be like to be a fungus? Many stories dazzled us with dragons, witches and we were moved by coming of age stories with brave kids learn to use their voice.
The dedicated youth staff read a wide variety of books published in 2024 across genres, age ranges, and formats. Everyone shared their top contenders and we deliberated on what is worthy to be on the final list. We picked our favorites based on our knowledge of what makes a quality children’s book while also considering what is important to the Mount Prospect community. The books on this list hold a special place in our hearts because they speak to us as humans, or taught us about something in the world around us.
To find our whole list of titles (PDF) stop into the youth department and pick up a printed copy of the list. We hope that your family finds their new favorite book.
We read board books for our littlest infants and toddlers who love books with their sticky fingers. Our favorite board books include photographs of real kids, affirmations of love, and the topic of my first haircut.
We found picture books filled with stories to delight a wide range of readers. Picture books can be shared with energetic toddlers, curious 5 year old or older. Highlights from this list include stories of gratitude, family, art, imagination, and a big yellow school bus.
Early reader books this year embraced the science of reading with decodable text. Decodables are a type of reading material that help beginning readers learn to decode the words by using the phonetic code they have learned. We enjoyed early readers that featured high interest topics and graphic novel formats to encourage confidence in our readers who are just getting started.
See all 10 of our favorite books just right for early readers.
Transitional chapter books help our younger elementary readers gain confidence while reading a shorter book. Transitional chapter books typically have a bigger font and more white space on the page. They also might have illustrations throughout while keeping the book short in length. Our favorites centered on humorous animal stories and diverse realistic characters that readers can relate to.
Rocks, fungi, and dog poems are just some of the topics that our featured in our nonfiction picture books. These shorter informational books can be used in storytimes, classrooms, or as a lap-share with your favorite littles. Many picture book nonfiction titles bring facts and information to life with vibrant illustrations or photographs.
Older readers will devour some of our favorites in middle grade nonfiction. We were wowed by books in a variety of sizes and lengths to appeal to many older readers.
See all 8 of our favorite informational books for older readers.
Graphic novels have been a hot commodity with more choices than ever before. Our favorites included numerous realistic fiction stories that feature a diverse array of experiences. Staff also enjoyed jumping into fantasies with dragons, mermaids, and book characters who come to life.
Middle grade fiction was so extraordinary this past year that we couldn’t decide which ones to add, they were all so amazing. Books give readers a chance to see themselves in books, glimpse at a different perspective or take a walk in someone else’s story. The stories on our list are meant to help guide older readers to find new and exciting fiction they might want to read. If you are interested in novels in verse, look to “Deer Run Home” or “Lion in the Sky”. If you enjoy a shorter story that doesn’t skimp on plot, setting or character development, be sure to check out “Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All”, “Felix Powell, Boy Dog” and “Beti and the Little Round House”. Fantasies like “The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts” and “The Last Dragon on Mars” will take you to far off places, sailing the open seas or riding a dragon in space.
Becca is the Youth Collection Librarian and oversees the youth collection development process. You might find her on the youth desk recommending any of her favorite books, in story time singing about dinosaurs or wandering in the stacks. In her free time she loves baking, reading and attending comic conventions meeting authors and actors.
