Provo Library Children's Book Blog

A Sea of Lemon Trees By Maria Dolores Aguila New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2025. Fiction. 272 pages. I will be recommending this book to anyone and everyone! It's a gorgeous novel in verse, based on true events in an agricultural town in California in the early 1930s. Some in the community were in favor of segregation and planned to send all of the Mexican American children to a separate school. However, many in the community knew segregation was wrong and they put their own plans in place to resist segregating the schools. This decision to oppose segregation required the sacrifice, persistence, courage, and bravery of community members young and old.  Roberto Alvarez, a 12-year-old will become the lead plaintiff in the court case fighting school segregation. Roberto believes in the power and strength of community, and knows that even though he is young, he can make a difference by standing up for what he believes in. I loved reading about Roberto's determination and willingn...

  Wilderness Hacks By Joslin Brorsen New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2026. 327 pages. Sadie Hahn hasn't spent much time outdoors since her father, who taught her everything she needs to know about camping and outdoor survival, died. Her younger brother Silas, however, leaned in the opposite direction. He focused all of his energy on learning more about outdoor survival—particularly from his favorite YouTuber, Radley Shaw. So when Radley opens up a contest to kids who live the Rockies encourage them to show him around their local spots, Silas convinces his sister to cook and eat grubs as part of their entry. When Sadie unexpectedly wins the contest, she brings Silas with her to meet Radley. Unfortunately, Radley isn't what he appears to be on their channel, but when an earthquake breaks open the dam and floods the river that they are traveling, Sadie and Radley will have to work together to survive. For kids who love survival stories like Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain but are ...

Worm on the Job Written by Maureen Fergus Illustrated by Paul G. Hammond  Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2026. Picture Book.  Worm is on the hunt for a new job after he tires of being the head librarian at his local library. After considering and rejecting several different options (lifeguard, window washer, etc.), he decides to apply to be the newest security guard for the Invention's Convention building. At first, the hiring manager doesn't quite believe in Worm's abilities, but once Worm is given a chance, he proves that you don't have to be big to make an impact.  This book was so much fun, and all the worm facts throughout were a welcome bonus to all of the absurd and hilarious hijinks that Worm got up to. Preschoolers and early elementary school kids who love humorous picture books will definitely love Worm! Adult readers will also get a kick out of the story, making this a perfect book for read-alouds. 

One Whole Hippopotamus By Carter Higgins San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 2026. Picture Book. Counting, sorting, parts and wholes! This book is a science and math primer disguised by a bouncy rhyme. One Whole Hippopotamus  explores similarities and differences by showing two shapes, and asking how they are the same and how they are different. Some are speckled, differently sized, or in pieces. Back matter gives ideas on how to read this book with different age groups. I love a Carter Higgins book. Her illustrations have a classical feel, similar to Eric Carle, and the bright colors help kids answer the questions the narration asks. This book is a fun bouncy story to read straight through and it will be fun to methodically go through the pages with a child. This discussion provoking title is sure to help teach concepts of similar, different, parts, and builds vocabulary to describe patterns (e.g. speckled, checkered). All over, a delightful read for multiple ages.

Found Sound By Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek New York: Dutton Children's Books, 2026. Fiction. 212 pgs.  Every July, Felix and his family abandon their cramped apartment in New York for Blissfield, Massachusetts. Ordinarily, Felix and his younger brother Miles participate in a summer camp for gifted kids. But this year, there's no camp for Felix, and he's already dreading a summer with nothing to do in the middle of nowhere. Reluctantly, Felix befriends his 11-year-old neighbor named Marigold Tanizaki-Weathers. With her multicolored hair and combat boots, Marigold isn't a typical friend for Felix, but before long they stumble on a field recorder in Felix's closet and begin a wild scavenger hunt around town. The puzzles, all sound based, start simple but quickly reveal deeper, cryptic messages. Could they be meant for Felix in particular? Could they somehow be connected to his older brother Dylan, whose relationship with Felix is strained?  This book is an audio-fir...

Children often wonder whether their ideas matter, especially when they are quiet, young, or unsure of themselves. These five picture books celebrate the courage to speak with kindness, showing that even small acts of bravery can inspire meaningful change. Together, they encourage conversations about confidence, empathy, community responsibility, and the power of using one's voice to make a positive difference. Little Helper By Regina Linke New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2026. Little Helper  tells the story of young Ah-Fu, who discovers that paying attention, speaking up, and offering ideas can help solve problems that affect everyone around him. As he grows in confidence, Ah-Fu learns that even a quiet voice can make a meaningful difference. This beautifully illustrated picture book encourages readers to recognize the value of their own voices and reminds them that thoughtful words and actions can strengthen a community. My Sister, Goose Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli Ill...