An important read about standing up for yourself and others, about getting help, and about enduring. I'm so glad I didn't miss this book.

The post Book Review: Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

The fine arts bring joy to the soul, and these women creators have produced works that do just that. Corita Kent is profiled twice, and readers are also treated to a behind-the-scene tour of how art exhibits are put together.

Dad BakesWritten and Illustrated by Katie YamasakiPublished by Norton Young Readers, October 2021ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1324015413Grades PreK and Up Dad Bakes is for “[a]ll of the families impacted by incarceration who I’ve painted with through the years” writes muralist and book creator Katie Yamasaki. Illustrated in bright, saturated colors, this tender story begins with four muralistic […]

The post An Ode to Dads and Daughters: Dad Bakes appeared first on The Classroom Bookshelf.

Teen Librarian Karen Jensen highlights 5 titles that hit the sweet spot for readers in between middle grade and young adult

The post Take 5: Great Reads for Younger YA, or Upper Middle Grade – whatever it is we are calling 12-14 year olds these days appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

I am so glad that not only are we seeing so many more middle grade stories that address mental health concerns, but that we're seeing these stories presented in a variety of ways. The graphic novel format is well-suited for this story as readers will see the impact of what it's like to have a mental illness tagging along beside your every move.

The post Book Review: Living with Viola by Rosena Fung appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

This short book is a hopeful look at moving forward through mental illness and the importance of mental health concerns being taken seriously.

The post Book Review: Home Home by Lisa Allen-Agostini appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Three sci-fi novels for teens who love the latest film adaptation of Dune.

Not only is the story a total hit (and such a necessary depiction of a young Black boy navigating anxiety), but the format itself and all of the art make this exceedingly appealing.

The post Book Review: Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Raúl the Third appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Malinda Lo’s National Book Award-winning Last Night at the Telegraph Club, the blockbuster Blackout, and Angie Thomas’s latest are just some of the 25 YA titles that made our Best Books of 2021.