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2024 Staff Picks

No question about it—2024 was full of phenomenal reads across genres, formats, and age groups. We charged the RHCB School & Library team members with the near-impossible task of choosing one book each from the past year that won a special place in their hearts. Scroll down to learn more about our team’s top picks, as well as additional standouts from each category (because—let’s be real—it was impossible for any of us to choose just one favorite!).

ADRIENNE’S PICK: NOODLES ON A BICYCLE

“This beautiful and fun book was a great way to learn about some real-life history and a career that I wasn’t aware of. The demae were not only food delivery men but they were part acrobat and part athlete. The details in the illustrations work so well with the text to bring this story to life.”

—Adrienne Waintraub (Executive Director, School & Library Marketing)

Don’t miss the free storytime activities for Noodles on a Bicycle.

KATIE H.’s PICK: AHOY!

“Get ready to set sail for FUN. This charming picture book from a bestselling creator celebrates the joys of playing make believe using everyday objects. Pretend play is so important for growing minds and Ahoy! teaches young readers that there is no limit to what they can do when they use their imagination.”

—Katie Halata (Director, Library Marketing)

Get the free educators’ guide for Ahoy!

Discover More Amazing Picture Books

KATIE D.’S PICK: THE BIBSY CROSS SERIES

“I dare you to read even one of the Bibsy Cross books and not fall head over heels for this charming new series. I absolutely adore Bibsy’s bright, curious, empathetic personality and the way she always tries to make the best of a bad situation. Full of whimsical prose, relatable plot points, and multifaceted characters, these chapter books are accessible, joyful stories perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones, Dory Fantasmagory, and other lovable protagonists coming into their own.”

—Katie Dutton (Manager, School & Library Digital Marketing)

Learn more about the Bibsy Cross series.

Discover More Incredible Chapter Books & Early Readers

The Famously Funny Parrott: More Bird-Brained Than Ever!

The Magnificent Makers #9: Rolling Through the Rock Cycle

MICHELLE’S PICK: THE GRINCH TAKES A VACATION

“Like many readers, I’ve always been curious about what happens after the Grinch and the Whos become friends; The Grinch Takes a Vacation finally answers that question! Kaeti Vandorn’s art style whimsically complements Dr. Seuss’s classic character, capturing the Grinch’s grumpy yet lovable spirit perfectly. This is such a fun read-aloud with kids where you keep discovering new details in the illustrations with every read. Hand this to fans of Dog Man!”

—Michelle Campbell (Assistant Director, School Marketing)

Check out our free Dr. Seuss teacher resources.

JASMINE’S PICK: NEXT STOP

“On my first read, Next Stop left me in absolute tears; this beautiful tale of grief will hold you tight with warmth and humor along the way. Next Stop is a graphic novel that follows Pia as she ventures on a bus tour with a family friend, stopping at weird and wacky roadside attractions along the way. She hopes the final destination holds the rumored magical power to mend her broken family after losing her younger brother. I highly recommend it to readers looking for a new format to touch on tough topics like grief.”

—Jasmine Ferrufino (Associate, School & Library Marketing)

Learn more about Next Stop.

Discover More Gripping Graphic Novels

Nell of Gumbling: My Extremely Tiny Forest Adventure

NATALIE’S PICK: THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN

“I love a Big Feelings book, but perhaps no 2024 title hit me harder than The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman. This is a story about a sixth grader, Hank, who is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders after his single mom disappears. This moving middle grade from award-winning author Gennifer Choldenko portrays Hank’s rough reality as he searches for his mom, tries to parent his younger sister, encounters the foster care system, and ultimately finds healing and hope in found family. Since I finished reading it, I’ve been carrying Hank in my heart—he’s a character you won’t forget.”

—Natalie Capogrossi (Senior Manager, School Marketing)

Download the free educators’ guide for The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman.

Discover More Magnificent Middle Grade

Borderlands and the Mexican American Story

ERICA’S PICK: THE MONSTROUS KIND

“A mesmerizing and enchanting read, this atmospheric romantasy beautifully weaves the tale of two sisters fiercely defending their cherished manor against lurking, deadly monsters. The haunting ambiance and gripping storyline immerse readers in a world of tension and sisterly devotion, making it a captivating adventure that is hard to put down. Highly recommended The Monstrous Kind for those who relish a perfect blend of romance and fantasy!”

—Erica Stone (Manager, Library Marketing)

Learn more about The Monstrous Kind.

Discover More Stunning YA

Author Spotlight: Stephen Briseño

Stephen Briseño

Stephen Briseño is the author of The Notebook Keeper, which received the Pura Belpre Author Honor Award. He has taught middle school English for 15 years, and writes, reads, and drinks a ton of coffee with his wife and daughter in San Antonio, TX.

Tamales For Christmas By Stephen Briseño; illustrated by Sonia Sánchez

Before the first Christmas light is strung, Grandma is hard at work, making thousands of tamales to sell so she can buy gifts for her family! This heartwarming tale, based on a true story, explores a grandmother's boundless generosity, and the irresistible magic of tamales.

A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

When the weather changes, but way before the Christmas tree is decorated, Grandma begins her preparations. With so many children and grandchildren in her family, she finds a way to put gifts under the tree-- she sells as many tamales as she can! Masa in one hand, corn husks in the other, Grandma’s just getting started. 15 dozen tamales. As Halloween passes, and Thanksgiving, Grandma is still toiling away in the kitchen: 150 dozen tamales, 700 dozen tamales, 850 dozen tamales. When it’s time to string the lights for Christmas, she’s inching closer to 1000 dozen tamales! Enough to give some to those in need and enough to sell to earn money for Christmas gifts.

Based on the author’s own grandmother, who was the heart of the familia, here is a warm story about Christmas, generosity, and, yes, tamales.

Tamales para Navidad (Tamales for Christmas Spanish Edition) By Stephen Briseño; illustrated by Sonia Sánchez; translated by Maria Camila Correa

Antes de que se encienda la primera luz navideña, Abuela está en la cocina, preparando miles de tamales para asegurar regalos para su familia. Este cuento conmovedor, basado en una historia real, explora la generosidad ilimitada de una abuela y la irresistible magia de los tamales.

Cuando llega el frío, pero mucho antes de que se decore el árbol de Navidad, la abuela se prepara. Con tantos hijos y nietos en su familia, encuentra una manera de poner regalos debajo del árbol: ¡vendiendo tamales!

Con masa en una mano y hojas de maíz en la otra, la abuela comienza. 15 tamales. Cuando pasa Halloween y el Día de Acción de Gracias, la abuela sigue trabajando duro: 150 tamales, 700 tamales, 850 tamales. Cuando llega el momento de colocar las luces, ¡ha hecho casi mil tamales! Lo suficiente para ayudar a los necesitados y además llenar el árbol con regalos para sus seres queridos.

Basada en la propia abuela del autor, quien era el corazón de la familia, esta es una cálida historia sobre la Navidad, la generosidad y, sí, los tamales.

Before the first Christmas light is strung, Grandma is hard at work, making thousands of tamales to ensure gifts for her family. This heartwarming tale, based on a true story, explores a grandmother's boundless generosity, and the irresistible magic of tamales.

When the weather changes, but way before the Christmas tree is decorated, Grandma prepares. With so many children and grandchildren in her family, she finds a way to put gifts under the tree-- she sells as many tamales as she can! Masa in one hand, corn husks in the other, Grandma’s just getting started. 15 tamales. As Halloween passes, and Thanksgiving, Grandma is still toiling away in the kitchen: 150 tamales, 700 tamales, 850 tamales. When it’s time to string the lights for Christmas, she’s inching closer to 1000 tamales! Enough to give to those in need and pack the tree with gifts for her loved ones.

Based on the author’s own grandmother, who was the heart of the familia, here is a warm story about Christmas, generosity, and, yes, tamales.

The Notebook Keeper By Stephen Briseño; illustrated by Magdalena Mora

Based on true events, this inspiring story follows a mama and her daughter who are denied entry at the U.S. border, and must find the refugee in charge of “the notebook,” an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the U.S.

Before, the sun drenched the yard. Our neighbor's laughter danced in the streets. Now, the streets are quiet. Papa is gone, and we are no longer safe here. We are leaving, too.

In this moving and stunningly-illustrated picture book, Noemi and Mama flee their home in Mexico, and head for the US border. There, they look for "The Notebook Keeper"-- the person in charge of a ledger for those waiting to cross, and they add their names to the book. As the days turn into weeks, and hope dwindles, the little girl looks for kindness around her-- and inside herself. One day, when the Notebook Keeper's own name is called to cross, Noemi and her Mama are chosen--for the generosity in their hearts-- to take her place.

La guardiana de la libreta By Stephen Briseño; illustrated by Magdalena Mora; translated by Polo Orozco

Una edición en español de LA GUARDIANA DE LA LIBRETA, la historia inspiradora de una mamá y su hija que han sido negadas entrada en la frontera estadounidense y tienen que conseguir una refugiada a cargo de «la libreta», un registro no oficial de todos aquellos que esperan a cruzar hacia los Estados Unidos.

Antes, el sol bañaba el patio. Las rizas de los vecinos danzaban por las calles. Ahora, solo hay silencio. Papá se ha ido, y ya no estamos seguras aquí. Nosotras nos vamos también.

En este libro impactante y bellamente ilustrado, Noemí y su mamá huyen de su hogar en México y viajan hacia la frontera de los Estados Unidos. Ahí, buscan «la guardiana de la libreta», una refugiada que escribe los nombres de las familias que buscan asilo, y añaden sus nombres a la lista. Mientras los días pasan a ser semanas, y la esperanza se desvanece, la niña busca la bondad alrededor de ella, y dentro de sí misma. Un día, cuando el nombre de «la guardiana de la libreta» es llamado para cruzar, Noemí y su mamá —por la generosidad de sus corazones— son elegidas a tomar su lugar.