JLG’s “Books to Read in the Snow” Reading List!

Introduction

Brrrrr! Have your students been giving reading the cold shoulder? Never fear, we have the perfect titles to help your library get through the winter! View our “Books to Read in the Snow” Reading List with corresponding professional book reviews from our sister company, School Library Journal. 

Winter 2024 Span Titles

Elementary

Togo to the Rescue: How a Heroic Husky Saved the Lives of Children in Alaska 

Nonfiction Elementary Plus (Feb 2025) 

Gr 1-2– Togo, a Siberian Husky born in Alaska in 1913, led a dog team in the historic serum-run to save the lives of children suffering from diphtheria in Nome in 1925. A brutal blizzard that year necessitated the use of 150 dogs to relay medicine from the capitol to Nome over the course of five days. Potter’s flat ink and watercolor illustrations place readers in the midst of the windswept snow plains and mountainous territory the teams of animals crossed under extraordinarily difficult conditions. The featured human in this story, musher Leonhard Seppala, a Norwegian immigrant, is centered in this historical narrative that takes place against a backdrop of whiteness. Diverse skintones do appear, but the illustrations do not indicate the fact that one-third of Nome’s population at the time was Indigenous, nor does the text acknowledge the existence of anyone other than Seppala and the governor of Alaska at the time of the event. The author’s note provides context and identifies fact and fiction without addressing the illustrator’s choice to represent the Togo’s eyes as icy blue. Togo’s eyes were recorded as having appeared brown.

• VERDICT With the stated shortcomings, this title will be of interest to collections where tales of animal heroics are popular.
• Reviewed by Jessica Fenster-Sparber , Oct 01, 2024
• Read full SLJ review here.

Up, Up, Ever Up!: Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains

Biography Elementary Plus (Feb 2025)

Gr 2-5– “Junko’s hill was her entire world” opens this biography of an amazing mountaineer. At age 10, after climbing Mount Chausu, Junko Tabei found her passion. As an adult in Tokyo, she joined a mountaineering club that accepted women and spent her weekends climbing. She married a fellow mountaineer, started her family, and continued climbing. Tabei also “knitted other women climbers together, just as a ridge joins mountain tops. Like her, they wanted opportunities above the clouds.” Tabei dreamed of climbing Mount Everest, and with careful planning, she and group of women set off to climb the tallest peak. Near the end of their climb, “a dragon’s roar shook the night. AVALANCHE!” They survived, but most of their supplies were gone, with only enough oxygen for Tabei and Ang Tsering Sherpa, her guide, to finish the ascent. They succeeded and Tabei became the first woman to ascend Everest. Tabei continued to climb, but also returned to Nepal to help clean up trash left by climbers, plant orchards, and advocate for protecting the environment. ­Shimizu’s stunning, traditional Japanese art style in muted colors draws readers in with surprising details and touches of whimsy—a young Tabei is shown with mountains and peaks in her hair. The ­language is poetic and descriptive. ­Author’s note, time line, glossary, sources, and ­bibliography are included.

• VERDICT Tabei’s life and ­accomplishments are ­succinctly delivered with engaging text and brilliant illustrations to celebrate this trailblazing woman. Strong first buy.
• Reviewed by Tamara Saarinen , Nov 01, 2024
• Read full SLJ review here.

A Stickler Christmas

Kindergarten Plus (Dec 2024)

PreS-Gr 1– In this follow-up to Stickler Loves the World, Stickler is back in a tender holiday tale about gift giving, friendship, low-stakes sacrifice, and celebration. Stickler, a bundle of sticks with a heart of gold, makes Christmas joyfully weird as it gives gifts—sticks, of course—to friends, including Rabbit, Snowman, Partridge, and Doug-the-Fir. Everyone is in good spirits, except for Doug, who is “not one bit jolly” about being the center of attention as a Christmas tree. Stickler finds a solution to help its friend by donning Doug’s decorations and singing “O Stickler Tree,” “Jingle Sticks,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Stick,” and “Little Drummer Stick,” to take the spotlight off of Doug. Smith’s mixed-media illustrations begin with a daytime palette that grows in contrast as night arrives with a showstopping reveal of Stickler draped in twinkle lights, garlands of popcorn, and ornaments. Emphasized facial features (googly eyes and squiggly, animated mouths) give characters emotional range, while fluffy snowflakes and winter landscapes wrap the story in seasonal cozy. Dynamic design adds interest to each page as perspectives zoom in and out and text placement moves; a playful font shift to Old English adds pizazz to Stickler’s singing of “O Stickler Tree, how lovely are my branches!”

• VERDICT Amid many holiday book options that retell the same stories, Stickler stands out as a fresh expression of Christmas spirit.
• Reviewed by Nora Clancy , Sep 01, 2024
• Read the SLJ review here.

Middle Grade 

Let It Glow

PG Middle Plus (Feb 2025)

Gr 5 Up– A tale of two girls from different families who meet and determine they are identical twin sisters. Aviva Davids has always known she comes from a blended family; she was adopted at birth by a Jewish mom and a Protestant father and enjoys an outgoing life with her two brothers. She feels closest to her Jewish grandmother and wishes her family celebrated more religious traditions—she even insists that her family celebrate Hanukkah this year. Holly Martin, who’s also an adoptee, lives with her overworked mom, elderly grandfather, and pet cat. She leads a quiet life, loving to read and write stories. She is looking forward to getting a Christmas tree and celebrating the holiday. When Holly and Aviva meet at a talent show rehearsal at a local retirement center, they are shocked at their similarities. They realize they must be twins and want to learn more about each other's traditions and family members. Aviva learns that families can be quiet and subtle, while Holly learns all about Jewish traditions. After a few days of living with each other’s families, the girls reveal their true identities at the talent show. Once the shock wears off, both families are delighted and surprised that they didn’t know that the daughter they adopted was a twin.

• VERDICT Meyer and Levy bring warmth and depth to the classic separated-at-birth trope with this gentle story. Recommended for tween fiction collections.
• Reviewed by Charla Hollingsworth , Sep 01, 2024
• Read the SLJ Review here.

Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival

Hi-Lo PG Middle High (Jan 2025)

Gr 3-7– This adventurous graphic novel follows the real-life story of Ilse Schweder, a young girl from Cree Nation whose story of survival inspired famous Canadian author Farley Mowat’s books about life in the North. In 1944, Ilse had to rely on her traditional Indigenous knowledge to survive being lost and alone on the Arctic tundra. Schweder and her family are checking traplines near their home in Windy River Trading Post (modern-day Nunavut) when a sudden, intense snowstorm separates her from the rest of her family, and she is forced to survive on her own for several days. Colorful illustrations in classic comic-book style help readers explore the challenging landscape. Rathgeber, who is Schweder’s granddaughter, and Pete provide cut-outs and sidebars with extra explanations and images of Arctic and Indigenous culture, clothes, and environment.

• VERDICT An excellent choice for a book report and a good addition to a children’s nonfiction collection.
• Reviewed by Meaghan Nichols , Aug 01, 2024
• Read the SLJ review here.

High School

Snow Drowned

Paperbacks High (Nov 2024)

Gr 9 Up– Welcome to Fall Island, MA. There is a saying on the island: if you’re not careful, the snow will get you. Gracie ­Hutchinson knows the saying well, ­having lived on the island her whole life. Fall ­Island’s storms have an uncanny way of causing people to go mad or making people disappear without a trace—just ask Jenna Grodonsky, who disappeared ten years ago. With a hundred-year storm approaching, many have fled to the mainland; however, Gracie is left behind while her mother and sister, Celia, are off island. Gracie and school acquaintance Joseph Wescott happen to come across the scene of a brutal ritualistic murder. Who could have done something so heinous? Was it Sister Francis, the creepy nun Gracie has been warned about, or some other stranger? Following another incident at her own home, Gracie seeks safety at the mysterious Wescott ­Manor. This lavish mansion seems too good to be true, and Gracie quickly begins to worry that the Wescotts and their devotion to an old religion are nothing more than a cult.

• VERDICT This YA horror novel is perfect for fans of Kendare Blake, Rin ­Chupeco, and Madeleine Roux. The narrative is fast paced, with plot twists to keep readers intrigued and wanting more.
• Reviewed by Linsey Milillo , Nov 01, 2024
• Read the SLJ Review here.

Blood Gone Cold

Hi Lo Mature (Feb 2025)

• Read the Kirkus Review here.

Previously Featured Titles  

Elementary

Who Will Make the Snow?

Independent Readers Plus (April 2024)

Gr 2-4– In this charming illustrated chapter book about woodland creatures, a family of moles is celebrating the birth of their 13th child, a daughter. The family follows traditional roles with the father working as a newspaper reporter and the mother caring for the large family. The mole children have many escapades through the seasons, such as hatching a hawk egg, discovering how to sled, and making jam. In roughly 250 words per page, and chapters that act more as vignettes than as stories that tie together, the story is mostly how the woodland creatures children play with each other and interact with adults throughout the community. The illustrations, done largely with layers of colored pencil shading, add depth to the pleasant world of the woodland creatures’ small town. Translated from Ukrainian, the language and the lifestyle in the book feel more small-town European than urban American.

• VERDICT Recommended for communities that enjoy slow-paced, slice-of-life stories about small-town community living.
• Reviewed by Vi Ha, Dec 22, 2023
• Read the SLJ review here.

Gingerbread Dreidels 

Religious Books Elementary (Oct 2024)

PreS-Gr 2– A unique look into a dual celebration of Christmas and Chanukah, which will occur on the same day in 2024. Sophie and Max celebrate both holidays with their family, but usually on two different days. This year they fall on the same day, and both sets of grandparents are coming over for dinner and festivities. Zalben and Phuong’s gentle book unites two different religious holidays through the love of family. They cook together and celebrate the holidays with food, lights, stories, and songs. Phuong’s illustrations are merry and light, detailing expressive faces and holiday warmth with blue hues and gold tones, perfect for the joyous occasions.

• VERDICT Not a mandatory purchase but nice to have to celebrate the uniqueness of Chanukah and Christmas sharing the same day in 2024.
• Reviewed by Cassie Veselovsky, Aug 09, 2024
• Read the SLJ review here.

Middle School

Frozen in Time: What Ice Cores Can Tell Us about Climate Change

Instructional Nonfiction Science Grades 6-8 (May 2024)

Gr 6 Up– Engaging, relevant, and informative, this book introduces the vital role ice cores play in understanding the Earth’s climate. The narrative follows a new breed of scientist—the paleoclimatologist—whose work not only dives deep into history but also provides solutions for our future. Through a blend of scientific insight and accessible language, it is revealed how these frozen time capsules hold thousands of years of atmospheric data, revealing patterns and changes that are crucial in the face of today’s climate crisis. Each chapter is thoughtfully crafted, featuring a “Cool Vocabulary” section that enhances understanding. Readers are taken on an adventurous ice core expedition, learning how scientists drill in extreme conditions, like Antarctica, while addressing practical matters, such as keeping warm and going to the bathroom. The book masterfully combines this real-world experience with photographs, diagrams, charts, and maps, alongside a conversational penguin who narrates interesting sidebars. The content is enriched by hands-on activities, and each chapter concludes with a meaningful science experiment or “science in action” section. These age-appropriate experiments sometimes require adult supervision. The inclusion of related math problems also helps with the understanding of scientific principles, making them applicable to everyday life. The closing chapter emphasizes the critical role of ice in the fight against climate change, tying together the book’s themes and inspiring a sense of agency in young readers. The back matter’s source list, photo credits, and index add to the book’s educational value.

• VERDICT Guaranteed to inspire young scientists and environmentalists eager to learn how the past can guide us to a sustainable future. Highly recommended for the middle school library and classroom.
• Reviewed by Lynne Stover , Oct 04, 2024
• Read the SLJ review here.

Puzzleheart

Upper Elementary and Middle Plus (Aug 2024)

Gr 4-7– Twelve-year-old Perigee has a plot to restore their dad’s enthusiasm for life, which includes reuniting him with his mother after many years of estrangement. Their grandparents’ mansion was meant to be an Escape Room–themed bed and breakfast, but it was never completed after their grandfather’s fatal car accident. Perigee meets Lily Ishioka, the daughter of a volunteer mountain rescuer and survivalist. Lily’s resilience and pragmatism are a good match for Perigee’s optimism and sense of adventure. The duo become embroiled in puzzles tucked into the mansion designed by Perigee’s late grandfather. Meanwhile, their dad sets about correcting the House’s structural damage but is waylaid by arguments with his mother. In alternating chapters, Perigee and the House narrate. Things spiral out of control as the House revolts, determined not to reveal its secrets. Windows open and shut, hallways shift, and people are injured. The tweens come dangerously close to being swallowed up by the House until Perigee unearths a clue that is pivotal to freeing their family from its clutches. Perigee’s friendship with Lily will ring true to young readers, as will their desire to make their dad happy again. The complicated nature of families in comparison to the House is a captivating way to move this smooth-flowing mystery along. Hand to fans of Ellen Raskins’s The Westing Game or Chris Grabenstein’s Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.

• VERDICT A wily 12-year-old, painful family secrets, and an eerie possessed house—this twisty mystery is great for genre fans.
• Reviewed by Julie Shatterly, May 01, 2024
• Read the SLJ review here.

High School

Only for the Holidays

Young Adults (Oct 2024)

Gr 9 Up– Quincy Parker’s family runs a luxury guest farm in a wealthy rural community, and they are about to be the first Black family to host the town’s generations-old Winter Ball. Their head chef just quit, and the pressure is mounting. Having just been through a painful breakup, Quincy lies to his family about having a date for the event, knowing his single status is an added stress on the event planning. Enter Tia Solanké, a beautiful, slightly prissy girl from London, who is visiting the farm with her family for the holidays. Tia is looking for a way to sneak back to London for her sort-of boyfriend’s birthday party, and Quincy needs someone to bring to the ball, to save face for his family and to show his ex he’s over her. The two strike a deal to help each other out, and the sparks fly. Quincy and Tia are easy to root for, and their warm and thoughtful families ground this light holiday romance. An abrupt ending might leave some readers wanting more, but they will have had fun getting there.

• VERDICT A quick and cozy story to curl up with when the weather gets cold.
• Reviewed by Beth McIntyre, Sep 01, 2024
• Read the SLJ review here.

Love in Winter Wonderland

Young Adults Plus (Dec 2023)

Gr 9 Up– Popular Trey seems to live a charmed life at school, but at home, he sees his family struggling to hold on to Wonderland, their independent Black-owned London bookstore founded by his great-grandfather. He barely knows his classmate Ariel, until his mother hires her despite their financial woes after Trey’s father is sidelined from work after an unfortunate accident. Grateful Ariel needs the job to help fund her dreams of attending the same art school as her late father. The teens initially seem to have nothing in common, until they realize they really, really do. Actor Smith (he’s also Zadie Smith’s brother!) is an easygoing fit for Trey, smoothly shifting between detached, vulnerable, and earnest. Okoye, who shares Bello’s Nigerian background, provides a lilted, invitingly emotive delivery, as Ariel learns to claim well-deserved attention.

• VERDICT Cue the charming British accents in Bello’s swoony he said/she said YA debut.
• Reviewed by Terry Hong, Jan 01, 2024
• Read the SLJ review here.

Learn more about JLG's professional book review offerings here.