BLOGS > SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
Keep students reading all year long by sprucing up your classroom’s library with these top titles from Orca!
By Joanne Levy
Audience: Upper Elementary
In this story about loss, protagonist Ruthie finds herself in a park where she meets an older woman who’s also grieving. They form an unlikely friendship, and Ruthie realizes there’s comfort to be found in the memories of those you’ve loved, and in expressing your grief.
By Tanya Boteju and Bithi Sutradhar
Audience: Middle School
This book teaches young readers how to work through realistic scenarios that show allyship in action and develop tools to become the best allies they can be to their peers.
By John Lekich
Audience: Middle School
After the death of a mutual friend, a boy and a talking dog team up to solve a mystery and take down criminals! Can they solve the mystery of his murder, or will they be next?
By Lana Button and Suharu Ogawa
Audience: Lower Elementary
Brianna is supposed to be “Helper of the Day,” but when a substitute teacher doesn’t know anything about it, her hopes are dashed. Readers join her on a journey to learning there’s more than one way to be helpful at school!
By Christopher Gudgeon
Audience: Upper Elementary
As experts in human body language and expressions, dogs understand humans better than any other animal! In this book, readers travel around the globe and through time to learn all about the story behind man’s best friend.
By Rachel Kehoe and Meegan Lim
Audience: Upper Elementary
From the development of ancient Greek ciphers to today’s CRISPR technology, codes and codebreakers have changed the course of history. In this title, readers explore why humans keep secrets and learn all about coding heroes like the Navajo Code Talkers from World War II.
By Leona Prince, Gabrielle Prince, and Sara General
Audience: Lower Elementary
This lyrical picture book reminds young readers of their cultural roots, the wisdom of their ancestors, and their own potential. Perfect for classroom discussions, it fosters a deep sense of belonging and pride by celebrating Indigenous heritage.
By Sara Cassidy and Julie McLaughlin
Audience: Lower Elementary
Humans need words to communicate, whether they are spoken, written, signed, or even sung. But what exactly is a word, and why does the way we use words continue to change? Learn how language came to be and explore the ways words reveal a whole new impression of the world around us.
Why Home Libraries Matter: How Books at Home Improve Student Reading Achievement
March 4, 2026
Reading growth doesn’t only happen during the school day. One of the most effective, research-backed ways to support literacy is ensuring students have consistent access to books at home. When students can read outside the classroom – during evenings, weekends, and...
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How to Supercharge Your Summer Reading Program
February 23, 2026
For years, Follett Content has been a leading supplier of books for school libraries and classrooms. With our rich tradition of outstanding service, we’ve fully embraced the opportunity to serve public libraries and are forging ahead by providing essential resources...
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2026 ALA Youth Media Award Winners: Find the Best Children's & YA Books of the Year
January 26, 2026
On their 150th anniversary, the American Library Association (ALA) revealed the ALA YMA 2026 winners and honorees on January 26, 2026, honoring the year’s most exceptional books and media for children and teens. Recognized globally for their impact and excellence, the...
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An Author Interview with Jennie Wood
January 9, 2026
From non-binary author Jennie Wood, creator of the acclaimed graphic novel series Flutter, comes I Didn't Ask For This, which follows a group of kids who share one thing in common: their parents are social media influencers who’ve shared their...
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An Author Interview with Don Everts
December 17, 2025
What peculiar thread connects secret superpowers, chicken farming, Victorian architecture, and the impossible awkwardness of being 14? Debut middle grade author Don Everts weaves it together for us in this conversation about his new book, Oscar and the Mystery of...
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An Author Interview with Sara Amini and Illustrator Shadia Amin
December 17, 2025
Author Sara Amini and artist Shadia Amin team up for this charming, semi-autobiographical middle grade graphic memoir that explores evolving friendships, puberty mishaps, and finding a place to belong. Navigating life as a multiracial girl has never been more hilarious...
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