Worcester Public Library Children’s Librarians are on a quest to talk about all of our favorite books of 2025! Let’s look at all of the nonfiction books we loved this year.

Book of Questions: Selections by Pablo Neruda; translated by Sara Lissa Paulson

This is a striking poem of thought-provoking questions presented with both Neruda’s original Spanish and Paulson’s translation accompanied by beautiful illustration by Paloma Valdivia.

Frida Kahlo: She Painted Her World in Self-Portraits by Amy Guglielmo

This illustrated biography includes both vibrant imagery and illustrations that grab your attention. The text is inspirational, describing how Frida Kahlo celebrated her heritage and honored and persevered through her disabilities. This book includes artistic prompts, direct quotes from Frida Kahlo, and a selection of her works at the end.

Follow Chester: A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History by Gloria Repress-Churchwell

This book follows Chester Pierce, the first black football player to play in the south. It tells an inspiring true story about how unity makes change.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca

Told in rhyming prose, this book discusses Temple Grandin, an American scientist and inventor diagnosed with autism at a young age. This book depicts how Temple Grandin used her unique mind and visual thinking to help achieve her goals.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

This powerful, true story recounts the lives of four Black women who worked at NASA to help get people to space. It describes the adversity that these women faced including racism and segregation laws. The book includes biographies on Dorothy Jackson Vaughan, Mary Winston Jackson, Katherine Colman Goble Johnson, and Dr. Christine Mann Darden.

Phenomenal AOC: The Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by Anika Aldamuy Denise

This inspirational biography tells the story of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Puerto Rican woman who became the youngest congresswoman in United States history. Beautiful bright pictures capture readers’ attention while recounting a story of hard work, community, family, and determination.

The Extraordinary History of Witches by Hazel Atkinson

This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey from the ancient origins of witches all the way to how magic is viewed and practiced today.

Lost and Found: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes

This true story of a beloved family cat lost while his family was fleeing Iraq shows the kindness and determination of strangers to help reunite him with his family.

Dog on Board: The True Story of Eclipse, the Bus-Riding Dog by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent and Jeffrey Young

This book tells the true story of Eclipse, a registered service dog, and how she began to ride the bus to the dog park on her own. The book is co-written by Eclipse’s owner which adds a personal touch to their story.

Inside the World of Dungeons and Dragons by Susie Rae

This book is an excellent introduction to Dungeons and Dragons for tween readers. It features fun activities including a trivia quiz; information on famous characters, countries, and campaigns; and where to find information outside the actual game (such as podcasts and authors writing stories set in the world).

The Crane and the Keeper by Meeg Pincus

Walnut was a crane raised by humans and as a result she didn’t get along well with other cranes. Since Walnut was the only white-naped crane in captivity that was able to safely breed and pass down genes, so they had to find a way to help her hatch chicks. Her human keeper proved to be the answer.

I Am Gravity by Henry Herz

By personifying gravity, this book is able to show how important this force is, not just on our planet but in the entire solar system.

Kids' Guide to Learning the Ukulele: 24 Songs to Learn and Play by Emily Arrow

Musician and author Emily Arrow organizes each bright and colorful chapter in a way that is not heavy in text or daunting to readers. Her passion for the ukulele jumps off the page and is so infectious that it might just inspire you to learn to play the ukulele!

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog by Bonnie Kelso

This incredible, true story will melt the hearts of dog lovers everywhere! When Dexter gets into an accident and loses his leg, he finds his own way to follow his dreams no matter how impossible they might seem.

Battle of the Butts: The Science Behind Animal Behinds by Jocelyn Rish

This book is amazing for kids who love learning about the world around them with an extra helping of potty humor thrown in for prime giggles. From the turtle who breathes through its backside to the wombat who has cube-shaped poops, this book -with its parade of animals and the fun facts about their tushies-  is priceless!

Cocoa Girl Awesome Hair: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Styling Textured Hair by Serlina Boyd

From braids to Bantu knots this colorful how-to book is chock full of amazing hairstyles kids can do to show off their natural hair flair.

The B on Your Thumb: 60 Poems to Boost Reading and Spelling by Colette Hiller

Learning English can be a wild and confusing adventure! Luckily, author Colette Hiller delivers a creative approach through her creation of memorable poems and rhymes for kids (and grown-ups) to remember how to spell and say the trickiest sounds and words.

We hope this list helped you find a new favorite for the New Year!

Worcester Public Library's Children's Librarians are excited to share our favorite books of 2025! Here is a list of great graphic novels that we read this year.

Hilo by Judd Winick

What happens when a boy falls out of the sky and has to learn everything about Earth? This funny series features friendship and adventure. Dav Pilkey, the author of Dog Man, says that Hilo is "fast paced, furiously funny, and will have kids waiting on the edge of their seats."

Tegan and Sara: Junior High by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin

This graphic novel is a fictionalized memoir of twin musicians, Tegan and Sara, as they start middle school for the first time. The story and art beautifully convey the emotions of such an important time in young adolescents' lives.

Buzzing by Samuel Sattin

This graphic novel follows Isaac, a middle schooler who was recently diagnosed with OCD, as he starts playing a Dungeons-and-Dragons-like role playing game while juggling his home and school life with his mental health. This fantasy-filled book is warm-hearted and hopeful. 

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega

Marlene, a young Dominican American girl, hates going to the salon, but according to her mother, having “good hair” is essential. This graphic novel follows Marlene as she learns to love her curly hair. The story tackles themes of internalized racism, anti-blackness, bullying, grief, and self-acceptance.

Doña Quixote: Rise of the Knight by Rex Ogle

Lucia has known all her life that she wants to be a knight like her Abuelo, and when she finds her Abuelo’s armor in the attic, she starts seeing paranormal creatures. This fun, adventure-filled graphic novel follows Lucia on her path to becoming a knight as she encounters figures from Mexican lore and struggles with balancing life as a knight with school, family, and friends.

Just Roll with It by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie

Maggie Sankhar is worried about starting sixth grade, but things start well when she joins a club for her favorite role playing game and makes a new friend. However, she also discovers new struggles, like bullies and fears of making mistakes. This book is full of adventure, friendship, and lessons about being true to yourself.

Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanos

This historic graphic novel has very few words. It tells its beautiful, empathy-building story mainly through pictures that use color as a powerful tool. The story follows Marisol, who has to leave her home in Cuba in 1961 for safety, as she builds a life in New York.

We hope this helps you find a new favorite book!

-Worcester Public Library Children's Librarians

Worcester Public Library Children’s Librarians are on a quest to talk about all of our favorite books of 2025! Let’s look at all of the chapter books we loved this year.

Medusa by Katherine Marsh

After a terrible day at school, Ava and her brother, Jax, are sent to Venice to attend a boarding school, Accademia del Forte. There, Ava discovers that she and all of her classmates are descendants of the monsters from Greek Mythology. This is a brilliant, feminist twist to the classic myth of Medusa, and it is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson.

Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar

Set in 1960s New York City, Ruthie is stuck in bed in a full body cast after a car accident. While she knows she is lucky to be alive, she is also lonely; Ruthie begins collecting stories from her Jewish grandparents, from her friends, and from her Mexican neighbor, who teaches her about Frida Kahlo. This poetic and insightful novel is engaging despite mainly occurring within the confines of Ruthie’s bedroom.

Tagging Freedom by Rhonda Roumani

Cousins Samira and Kareem were raised in different worlds: Samira is from Massachusetts and Kareen is from Syria. When Kareem is sent to live with Samira, they do not understand each other at first but find common ground in their love of art. This is an inspiring story about activism, family, and art.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

Eleven-year-old Ellie Montgomery-Hofstein has created her unspoken “Fat Girl Rules” from her experience being bullied both at school and at home. Through support from her new neighbor, her father, and her therapist, Ellie finds the strength to stand up for herself. This is a powerful novel-in-verse about acceptance and self-advocacy.

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

In this timely and charming novel interspersed with illustrations, Pocket leads the Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where discarded toys are given an opportunity to be loved by Elizaveta and her daughter, Dasha, refugees from Ukraine. The story addresses the importance of friendship, themes of loyalty and survival, and the concept of war though an accessible lens.

The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri

This beautifully crafted historical novel introduces readers to a lesser-known front of World War II, Iran. Recently orphaned thirteen-year-old Babak and his younger sister, Sana, decide to retrace their father’s path as a teacher among the Bakhtiari nomads. The story offers readers a profound lesson in the power of communication, cross-cultural understanding, and kindness.

The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall

Following in the footsteps of many McKinnon women before her, Gwen finds her purpose in the children's room of the library named after her family as she helps tiny creatures called Lahdukan relocate when their home is threatened. In this work of magical realism, readers will enjoy the mystical world of the Lahdukan and find a special connection in how the small creatures can only be seen by children. 

Once for Yes by Allie Millington

The narrator of this unique, lyrical novel is an old apartment building, the Odenburgh, whose residents—including 11-year-old protagonist Prue—are working to save it from demolition. Prue mourns her sister’s death and carries unanswered questions about the accident that took her life. The story explores themes of loss, connection, and community.

The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell

In the second volume of the Impossible Creatures illustrated fantasy series, Christopher Forrester and Princess Anya work together to help save the ancient dragons who are dying in the Archipelago and free Anya's father, who has been imprisoned after being accused of poisoning the king. Although part of a series, this exciting, sweeping story can be read as a stand-alone book. 

Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner

In this powerful novel-in-verse, sixth-grader Bea, who uses a wheelchair, survives a school shooting. Bea must figure out how to navigate a world where she no longer feels safe and turns to equine therapy to try to heal. The author does not downplay Bea's experiences and emotions, and the verse format aids readers in processing the story piece by piece. 

It’s December already! That means 2025 is coming to a close, and librarians here at Worcester Public Library have been reflecting on our favorite books that we read this year. Here are some of our favorite picture books that we read in 2025. Make sure to check back soon for lists of our favorite chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction books.

The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle

Ember isn’t like other dragons: he is not scary enough to steal gold. After meeting a baker in the village, Ember learns that baking gold is much better than stealing it. Both this book and its sequel, The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake, are adorable with beautiful messages.

Snow Kid by Jessie Sima

As always, Jessie Sima knocked it out of the park on their most recent release! Snow Kid follows Twig as they grow and change and become. This is a beautiful story, both in its pictures and in its message. Make sure to check out Jessie Sima’s backlist as well for amazing tales like Not Quite Narwhal and CookieTime.

Sounds Like Joy by Yesenia Moises

This is a fun, beautiful book about music and friendship. It follows a mermaid named Joy as she finds and later tries to recreate a charming musical instrument. The last page of the book includes a craft where you can make your own musical instrument.

I Was Born A Baby by Meg Fleming

This fun and rhythmic picture book highlights countless adorable baby animals and their different names.

Twinkle Twinkle Winter Night by Megan Litwin

This peaceful, rhyming picture book perfectly depicts the joy and light of winter, from the moon reflecting off the snow to houses glimmering with holiday lights.

Paint with Ploof by Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser

This engaging picture book asks readers to help Ploof, a personified cloud. Readers become an integral part of the story as they are prompted to interact with Ploof.

Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan

This fun picture book follows Mabel on her Monday morning routine as we learn why Monday is her favorite day of the week. The bright colors and attention-grabbing onomatopoeia make this a fun read for everyone.

Capybara is Friends with Everyone by Maddie Frost

This colorful and silly book about friendship will resonate with all kids and teach important lessons about friends and boundaries.

I Know How to Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely

When Ms. Rio is impressed with her student’s ability to draw an owl, her student, Belle, does not want to explain how she learned. Belle is unhoused and has spent long nights in her mother’s car listening to the haunting soundtrack of an owl hooting. This impactful story features beautiful artwork that provides space for the reader to process the tale.

Marley’s Pride by Joëlle Retener

Marley has always wanted to join their Zaza at Pride, but they are always too nervous. They are determined to join in on the fun this year, and they do join their grandparent at their first Pride celebration. This book effortlessly incorporates many inclusive elements, such as they/them pronouns for both Marley and Zaza, Marley practicing mindfulness and using fidgets and noise-canceling headphones, and the diversity of the characters at Pride.

The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore

Cora’s story of wondering “what if…” resonates with everyone who struggles with anxiety. Kilgore personifies ‘whatifs’ as their own characters on the page always hovering around Cora. The story shows a new outlook through Stella’s perspective of her own ‘whatifs’ with a positive spin that helps Cora.

Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder

This book features beautiful and inclusive drawings. The repeating refrain that “bodies are cool” helps illustrate that all bodies-no matter what they look like-are cool!

 

We hope this list helps you find a new favorite too!

-Worcester Public Library Children’s Librarians