2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Reading List

Check out the 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet reading list, developed by the Texas Library Association to encourage reading for pleasure for students in grades 3-6.

Plano Public Library has all 20 Bluebonnet books available for checkout, and you can visit a library location for information on Texas Library Association reading lists and to browse our Texas 2×2’s, Lone Star, and Bluebonnet titles.

Caves by Nell Cross Beckerman, illustrated by Kalen Chock. A masterful exploration of one of nature’s most curious ecosystems, Caves is a magical journey into subterranean wonders perfect for fans of Jason Chin. Print / eBook.

The Cursed Moon by Angela Cervantes. A boy tells one scary story too many and must find his way to a happy ending—or else. Print / eBook.

Daybreak on Raven Island by Fleur Bradley. From the critically acclaimed author of Midnight at the Barclay Hotel comes a thrilling new middle grade mystery novel inspired by Alcatraz Prison. Print / eBook / eAudiobook.

The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla. Neurodivergent Maudie is ready to spend an amazing summer with her dad, but will she find the courage to tell him a terrible secret about life with her mom and new stepdad? Print / Playaway / eBook / eAudiobook.

The Ghost of Spruce Point by Nancy Tandon. A young boy must unravel a curse to save his family’s beloved Maine motel. Print / eBook.

How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd. My Side of the Mountain meets How to Steal a Dog in this high-stakes and heartfelt middle-grade story of a young boy and his dog surviving on their own in the woods. Print / eBook.

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, illustrated by Keith Mallett. Discover the inspiring story of Augustus Jackson, an African American entrepreneur who is known as “the father of ice cream,” in this beautifully illustrated picture-book biography. Print / eBook.

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter by Aida Salazar, illustrated by Molly Mendoza. The remarkable true story of Jovita Valdovinos, a Mexican revolutionary who disguised herself as a man to fight for her rights! Print / eBook / eAudiobook.

Ketanji: Justice Jackson’s Journey to the U.S. Supreme Court by Kekla Magoon, illustrated by Laura Freeman. From two Coretta Scott King Honor winners comes this uplifting picture book biography about Ketanji Brown Jackson, who is making history as the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. Print / eBook.

Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Kevin Hong. From two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat comes a compelling new young middle grade fantasy series for readers who love stories about animals, magic, and kids like them embracing their power to change the world. Print / eBook / eAudiobook.

The Mystery of the Monarchs by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Erika Meza. Based on the true story of a scientist who solves the mysteries of monarch butterfly migration-with the help of schoolchildren! Print / eBook.

New Dragon City by Mari Mancusi. Set off on a high-stakes, action-packed adventure in this story about friendship, survival, and fighting for ones you love, perfect for fans of Wings of Fire and How to Train Your Dragon. Print / Playaway / eBook / eAudiobook.

Odder by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Charles Santoso. A touching and lyrical tale about a remarkable sea otter. Print / Playaway / Large print / eBook / eAudiobook.

A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga. The One and Only Ivan meets The Wild Robot in this unique and deeply moving middle grade novel about the journey of a fictional Mars rover, from the Newbery Honor-winning author of Other Words for Home. Print / Playaway / eBook / eAudiobook.

Shermy & Shake, The Not-So-Nice Neighbor by Kirby Larson, illustrated by Shinji Fujioka. Will summer break be a drag or a blast for meticulous Shermy when rambunctious Shake moves in next door? From Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson comes a bighearted chapter book about two boys’ friendship. Print / eBook / eAudiobook.

Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango. A moving novel in verse in which a lost dog helps a lonely girl find a way home to her family… only for them to find family in each other along the way. Print / Playaway / eBook / eAudiobook.

Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport by Caren Stelson, illustrated by Selina Alko. This powerful story is told from the collective perspective of the children who were rescued from Czechoslovakia on the eve of World War II, as Hitler’s campaign of hatred toward Jews and political dissidents took hold. Print / eBook / eAudiobook.

Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen. In her poignant debut graphic novel inspired by her own life, Emily Bowen Cohen embraces the complexity, meaning, and deep love that comes from being part of two vibrant tribes. Print / eBook.

You Are Here: Connecting Flights, edited by Ellen Oh. A powerful and engaging exploration of contemporary Asian American identity through interwoven stories set in a teeming Chicago airport. Print / Playaway / eBook / eAudiobook.

Yuck You Suck! Poems about Animals That SIP, SLURP, SUCK by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Eugenia Nobati. Sixteen slurpy poems from Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple introduce a suction-filled selection of animals, and spectacularly sticky illustrations from Eugenia Nobati spotlight these stupendous suckers. Print / eBook / eAudiobook.