Staff Faves 2025: Kids Chapter Books, Graphic Novels & Nonfiction
Every year we ask our staff across the library system for their favorite books published in a given year. Enjoy this list of some of our favorite chapter books, graphic novels and nonfiction books for kids! Annotations are by staff, or as noted. (Created November 2025)
-
Will's Race for Home
CHAPTER BOOK. "William Samuels and his father leave their lives as sharecroppers in Texas to join the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush. An exciting adventure survival story, as Will and his father face the dangers of violence and racism at every turn." [Lauren]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Will's Race for Home -
Wish I Was A Baller
GRAPHIC NOVEL. In this graphic memoir by sports journalist Shah, a ninth grader pursues his passion in the face of familial expectations pushing him toward a medical career, while also navigating the perils of high school social life. [Kirkus]
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: Available
View Wish I Was A Baller -
Candace, the Universe, and Everything
CHAPTER BOOK. Thirteen-year-old Candace discovers a portal in her locker that connects her across time and space with two other women who also had the same locker as girls, and the three go on to investigate the origins of the portal. [publisher]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Candace, the Universe, and Everything -
Max, A Little Axolotl
GRAPHIC NOVEL. An uncertain amphibian receives an education. [Kirkus]
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: All copies in use
View Max, A Little Axolotl -
Don't Eat the Cleaners!
PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION. In Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and other coral reefs around the world, tiny cleaner fish and shrimp play a vital role, removing parasites and dead skin from bigger fish, which line up for the privilege. A striking demonstration of cooperation in the natural world. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Don't Eat the Cleaners! -
One Day in June
PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION. "Much like she does in the adult nonfiction book Marsha, Tourmaline tells Marsha P. Johnson's story but for younger audiences and contextualizes her legacy amidst today's movements for Black Lives and trans liberation. I needed tissues for this one!" [Nico]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View One Day in June -
Tana Cooks A Valentine Surprise
SHORT CHAPTER BOOK. Second grader Tana loves to cook and bake with her family, especially her father, who tells stories about their Choctaw heritage and traditional foods. For Valentine's Day, Tana struggles to come up with the perfect gift for each of her classmates and teacher. [School Library Journal]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Tana Cooks A Valentine Surprise -
Bad Badger
CHAPTER BOOK. An eccentric badger ventures out to find his missing seagull friend [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Bad Badger