Reviews+

These three titles for fairly young children can be used in the context of LBGTQIA+ issues, or for everyone trying to find out who they are.

SLJ is publishing lists all summer long—from family stories to mysteries to teen reads. Here's some of our favorite picture book biographies, from inventors and engineers to scientists and artists. The individuals profiled in these captivating read-alouds will inspire young readers (and their grown-ups).

These picture books, with their exuberant illustrations and positive prose, offer portraits of Black joy, within and beyond the African diaspora.

Featuring vivid settings, relatable characters, and absorbing narratives, these moving titles will inspire readers to learn more about these eras—and to question whose stories still go untold.

The young people featured in these middle grade novels are intrepid, confronting racism, grief, queer identity, and more. They’re relatable teens and tweens, making mistakes and stumbling as they find themselves. Looking for more summer reading recommendations? SLJ is publishing lists all summer long—from family stories to mysteries to teen reads. 

Aimed at infants and toddlers through elementary school students, these titles introduce topics such as intersectionality and privilege, with explanations that are age-appropriate and honest.

These delightful beginning readers feature simple sentences, accessible design, and text features that strengthen emerging readers' decoding and comprehension skills. 

In honor of Eid, this Wednesday, May 12, SLJ rounds up several books that highlight both Ramadan, observed by Muslims as a month of fasting and reflection, and Eid, a holiday of celebration that marks the end of Ramadan.

With increasing Muslim representation in picture books, all readers can explore the diversity of Muslim communities, identities, and cultural backgrounds.