Best Contemporary Books April 2025

The Tiger Rising

Rob’s world is shattered when he discovers a caged tiger in the woods behind the motel where he lives. As he grapples with his mother’s illness and bullying at school, the tiger becomes a symbol of hope and freedom. With the help of a spirited new friend, Sistine, Rob finds the courage to confront his fears and unlock the tiger’s cage. DiCamillo’s poignant tale weaves themes of loss, friendship, and self-discovery into a touching story that will resonate with readers long after the final page.

Here in the Real World

Ware’s summer takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon an abandoned church. Inside, he meets Jolene, a tough-as-nails girl with a passion for art. As they transform the space into their own secret kingdom, Ware discovers a world where imagination reigns supreme. But reality threatens to intrude, forcing him to confront his fears and stand up for what he believes in. A poignant tale of friendship, creativity, and finding one’s place in the world, this book will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

Pax

Twelve-year-old Peter’s world crumbles when his father enlists in the military and forces him to return his beloved fox, Pax, to the wild. Devastated, Peter embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with Pax, while the fox struggles to survive alone. Their parallel adventures, filled with heartache and hope, explore the unbreakable bond between a boy and his pet. Pennypacker’s poignant tale reminds us of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of war and loss.

Wishtree

Red, a wise old oak tree, has watched over the neighborhood for generations. As the town’s “wishtree,” people tie their hopes and dreams to Red’s branches. But when a new family moves in and faces intolerance, Red takes an unprecedented risk. With the help of animal friends, Red embarks on a heartwarming mission to foster acceptance and bring the community together. Applegate’s touching tale reminds us of the power of kindness and the importance of embracing diversity, all through the gentle wisdom of a beloved tree.

Crenshaw

In this poignant tale, Applegate weaves a touching story of friendship, imagination, and resilience. Jackson, a young boy facing homelessness, finds solace in the unexpected return of his childhood imaginary friend, Crenshaw—a giant, talking cat. As Jackson grapples with his family’s struggles, Crenshaw’s whimsical presence offers comfort and hope. Applegate’s gentle prose and heartfelt exploration of poverty’s impact on children make this a powerful, unforgettable read that will resonate with both young and adult readers alike.

The Thing About Jellyfish

Suzy’s world crumbles when her best friend Franny drowns during a summer swim. Refusing to accept it as a simple accident, Suzy becomes obsessed with jellyfish, convinced their sting is the real culprit. As she dives into scientific research, her grief manifests in silence, pushing away those who care. Through her quest for answers, Suzy learns about life, loss, and the delicate balance of nature. A poignant tale of a young girl’s journey through heartache and healing.

The One and Only Ivan

Ivan, a silverback gorilla, has spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure at the Big Top Mall. Resigned to his captivity, he rarely thinks about his past in the jungle. But when Ruby, a baby elephant, arrives, Ivan’s world changes. Through art and friendship, he finds the courage to confront his own history and fight for a better future. A touching tale of hope, resilience, and the power of unexpected connections.

Finding Audrey

Audrey’s world shrinks to the four walls of her home after a traumatic incident at school. Anxiety becomes her constant companion, dark glasses her shield. But when her brother’s charming friend Linus stumbles into her life, Audrey finds herself slowly emerging from her cocoon. With gentle humor and raw honesty, Kinsella captures the messy, hopeful journey of a teen learning to face her fears and rediscover the world. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and root for Audrey every step of the way.

Breathless

In “Breathless,” Jennifer Niven weaves a poignant tale of self-discovery and first love. Claudine, reeling from her parents’ divorce, finds solace on a remote island where she meets the enigmatic Jeremiah. As their connection deepens, Claudine grapples with her own identity and desires. Niven’s lyrical prose captures the raw emotions of adolescence, painting a vivid picture of summer romance and the bittersweet journey to adulthood. This tender, introspective novel will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost and found themselves in unexpected places.

Holding Up the Universe

Libby’s world crumbles when her mom dies, leaving her feeling lost and alone. Jack’s life is a constant struggle to hide his face blindness, a condition that makes recognizing people impossible. When these two broken souls collide, they find unexpected solace in each other’s company. Through late-night conversations and shared secrets, they learn to see beyond appearances and embrace their true selves. Niven’s poignant tale reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful connections are forged in the darkest moments, and that love can help us find the strength to face our deepest fears.