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Contrary to what most historical novels depict, people from marginalized groups have existed throughout the ages, and their stories were not solely ones of hardship. These authors are correcting that representation in historical fiction.
With the words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," Neil Armstrong, along with Buzz Aldrin, secured their place in history as the first people to walk on the surface of the moon. These recent nonfiction titles unpack the details of our lunar legacy.
Brigid Alverson will write SLJ’s manga column, including coverage of various genres, and what’s popular and why, with recommended titles for tweens and teens.
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? In essence, the child learns that her mother has lots to spend for her own things but not for toys, and that she does not need her parents’ approval on what or whether to buy anything as long as […]
Top titles reviewed in our July 2019 issue include a new Brian Pinkney picture book, an autobiography by NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, and the graphic novel adaptation of Kwame Alexander's The Crossover.
Our reviews team looked over the piles and piles of titles we’ve received so far this year and have compiled and annotated some of the most appealing and eclectic offerings.
This book is well suited for readers who want to dip their toes into technology but don’t know where to start.
PREMIUM
Serafina and the Seven Stars
A strong addition to an addictive series that features a brave heroine who triumphs over the evil forces that threaten to destroy her home.
PREMIUM
What’s the Matter with Newton?
Ultimately, this feels like a tale told many times before, with little to reinvigorate the narrative. A very large collection might find a place for it, but most can skip.
PREMIUM
Superman of Smallville
A fun introduction to Superman for superhero fans, newcomers, and reluctant readers.
PREMIUM
Cassandra Steps Out
A good match for readers who enjoy stories about animals or psychic powers.
PREMIUM
Survival
With vibrant colors and facts about each animal species, this book will encourage awareness about conservation efforts. An additional purchase for elementary libraries where animals are popular.
Author Griffin and illustrator Player touch upon social issues gracefully. The dynamic fusion of graphics and chapters makes this a perfect bridge between picture and chapter books.
PREMIUM
The Monster Squad
Purchase if there is a strong demand for early chapter books or if books for young scouts are needed.
A pleasantly spooky supernatural mystery. Fans of Mimi McCoy’s “Poison Apple” series or Trenton Lee Stewart’s “The Mysterious Benedict Society” will gravitate toward this selection.
PREMIUM
The Book of Space Rockets
An absolutely adorable addition to anyone’s collection. Great information and high interest perfect for the youngest reader.
PREMIUM
Little Juniper Makes It BIG
Pair with Marianna Coppo’s Petra or Qin Leng’s I Am Small for a storytime focused on self-acceptance.
PREMIUM
Pirates in Class 3
Pirate picture books abound, and this one isn’t likely to be discovered as any kind of hidden treasure among the lot.
Youngsters will have fun pointing out the various nursery rhyme characters and will be anxious to learn of Goldilocks’s fate.
Offering plenty of fun along with insightful commentary on topics such as environmentalism and the power of storytelling, this graphic novel is a must.
PREMIUM
Rise
Fans of Kendare Blake’s “Three Dark Crowns” books and Morgan Rhodes’s “Falling Kingdoms” series will enjoy this duology, as will readers who are looking for dark fantasy without lengthy and ongoing installments.
PREMIUM
Her Royal Highness
This will likely not be chosen by readers as a stand-alone novel. Purchase where the companion novel was popular.
PREMIUM
Before I Disappear
There aren’t many YA science fiction novels about string theory out there, and while this debut has its flaws, readers will still be drawn into Rose’s story.
PREMIUM
Girls of July
Flinn tackles tough subjects that elevate this beach read; a solid purchase for most libraries serving teens.
PREMIUM
Happily and Madly
Recommended for readers who enjoy the machinations of complicated family and romantic relationships; mystery and thriller fans can skip it.
PREMIUM
Hold My Hand
A delightful and important addition to collections serving teens, whether or not the first book is held.
PREMIUM
Island
Rather than the history of Rad’s family that is conveyed, readers will be left wishing for the side of the story they do not receive.
PREMIUM
How the Light Gets In
Readers will be taken along this journey of grief, loss, and healing. Recommend to fans of realistic romances.
Purchase where contemporary romance, particularly the author’s other books, are popular.
PREMIUM
These Witches Don’t Burn
Great for fans of Supernatural and the story of the Salem witch trials.
Fans of Jack Kerouac and the Beat Generation should dig the language, and those looking for a refreshing, normalized treatment of a triumphant lesbian love story may enjoy this tale of two true-blue betties reunited.
PREMIUM
Castle of Concrete
There is a definite need for books with Jewish protagonists. Unfortunately, this one, which lacks transitions and has the feel of a fictionalized memoir, falls flat.
A good choice for academics or teachers or school librarians interested in research. Otherwise, not recommended.
A must-have for young readers with any type of behavior difficulty and their caregivers.
Dylan Meconis takes a playful approach to history in her graphic novel Queen of the Sea, which represents the diversity of female experiences in the 16th century.
Once again, it’s the game that’s sweeping the country. I used this website to (virtually) create 3 LEGO book covers. They’re listed from least challenging to most challenging – see how many you can name. #1: Answer #2: Answer #3: Answer How’d you do? Previously . . . Name That LEGO Book Cover! (#1) Name That […]
The beauty—and fragility—of our oceans and the variety of life that they support are highlighted in these recently published, abundantly illustrated titles.
There are mysteries, family stories, and along with the requisite beach reading, a few novels that tackle more serious issues, but summertime raises the temperature in all of these recently published middle grade and high school titles.
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? Do not read this book to your children. What a condensing little miscreant. He is like a judgmental little rich kid who has everything he needs and doesn’t have to work for anything. Click here for the answer. Why […]
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo has had an incredible year. It’s been a New York Times bestseller. It’s won all the awards. Now the cover of the book is causing a stir. It appears that the cover image was plagiarized. Appears? Make that WAS: This is so disappointing/maddening/illegal. Now it’s in the hands of […]
TLT teen contributor Elliot shares their post Pride thoughts.
The music and lives of four jazz greats in words and pictures.
Dark Horse announces a new original graphic novel, 'Jia and the Nian Monster,' based on a Chinese legend.
A series debut that may not break new ground but will engage readers with its fantastical mystery and honest depictions of relationships with family and friends
PREMIUM
Bad Hair Day
A tale of wild science packed with plenty of tongue-in-cheek puns that will earn a chuckle from emerging chapter book readers
PREMIUM
Awesome Dog 5000
Full of irreverent humor, this is made for reluctant readers and fans of the zany humor of Andy Griffiths and Dav Pilkey
With its impeccably developed characters and hard-hitting narrative, this is an essential purchase for teen and new adult collections.
Recommended for library collections where realistic fiction centering issues of family, friendship, and self-discovery are popular
PREMIUM
The Spinner of Dreams
Highly recommended; a great title for middle grade book clubs and school and public libraries
PREMIUM
The Oddmire, Book 1: Changeling
A must-buy for any collection and a title that will lead readers to other classic titles used as source material.–Wayne R. Cherry, Jr., St. Pius X High School, Houston, TX
PREMIUM
Taming of the Shoe
Filled with references to other fairy-tale characters and middle school humor, readers of cheesy tween romance will fall in love
While there are a number of titles on this topic, this one offers a unique and valuable perspective and will have a place on most library shelves. Report writers will find this engaging and accessible.–
PREMIUM
Skulls!
The carefree tone and tidbits of humor, such as the girl’s love of grilled cheese sandwiches, make this an amusing introduction for young students of the human body
A celebration of Cleary, literacy, and the pursuit of ambitious dreams, this charming picture book will enhance any biography collection
PREMIUM
You Are Awesome
While this enthusiastic book offers entertaining anecdotes and helpful and concrete suggestions, librarians and educators may have to convince readers to recognize its potential. Buy if motivational books with up-to-date pop culture references and examples for middle school students are needed
Hoffman offers an accessible biography about a little-known athlete and Holocaust hero; a much-needed addition to historical collections
The balance of the fantastical story with scientific and historical facts makes this a good title to recommend to fiction and nonfiction readers alike. A solid addition for medium to large collections
PREMIUM
Our World Is Relative
For children just learning about measurements, this stunning title can help illuminate a complex topic
Recommended for libraries that carry other books in the series and those looking to add to their parent-teacher or tough topics sections
PREMIUM
Animal Skins
The photography is outstanding; however, the book’s overall layout is text-heavy and lackluster. This is an extra purchase or one to fit a science curriculum
PREMIUM
George and the Ship of Time
This kid-friendly dystopian satire’s gentle action, humor, and provocative questions about the future will engage readers familiar with and new to the series
PREMIUM
Beverly, Right Here
This is not a lighthearted book, but it is heartwarming and touching. Highly recommended
The book is well-named, as it is full of vivid characters and settings that are odd, curious, but full of delights
PREMIUM
Filigree’s Midnight Ride
This first in a new series is fun and accessible for readers who aren’t quite ready for Alison Hart’s “Dog Chronicles.”
PREMIUM
The Friendship Lie
Though all the elements of a good story are present, they don’t add up to a satisfying one
An exciting adventure about friendship overcoming the occult that gives voice to a forgotten historical figure, but stumbles in fully realizing part of the protagonist’s identity
PREMIUM
The Drone Pursuit
An entertaining fantasy debut that will appeal to sci-fi fans and reluctant readers alike
PREMIUM
Monster Club: Hunters for Hire
Gr 3-7–Best friends Tommy, Spike, and Karim are itching for an adventure, and they’re about to find one: their town has been overrun by gremlins, basilisks, and other dangerous and pesky monsters...
A beautiful but slow-moving novel that will appeal most to patient, mature readers of historical fiction
PREMIUM
Cape
Fans of fast-paced action adventures, computer science, and confident main characters will enjoy this series debut that is sure to fly off the shelves
PREMIUM
The Battle
Fantasy featuring people of color is sorely needed, and while this adventurous sequel could be read on its own, it’s recommended to buy both novels for kids who love action-packed science fiction
PREMIUM
Unstoppable Me
Parents and teachers of “kids who just can’t sit still” like Joyner’s own (she provides an author’s note at the end explaining her perspective) will likely find humor and camaraderie in the story, but actual energetic children will appreciate books that allow them to be involved in the story, to jump, play, and showcase their unique and awesome abilities
PREMIUM
Bunny in the Middle
This creative team parents three girls and here shares insights honoring the child who’s sometimes overlooked
PREMIUM
The Whale, the Sea and the Stars
Idyllic and soothing, this is a perfect choice for an older storytime or for one-on-one bedtime sharing
PREMIUM
Stop! Bot!
Yang depicts a group of people from different backgrounds working together to complete a task in this eye catching text; a solid title on teamwork and unity.–
PREMIUM
Vlad the Rad
Vlad’s dedication to skateboarding will inspire kids to commit to pursuing their own passions even in the face of possible challenges.–
PREMIUM
The Don’t Worry Book
Anyone working with young children will appreciate this gentle exploration of a challenging emotion
PREMIUM
Let’s Scare Bear
While the story line is slim, the arresting visuals and nicely cadenced text make this an excellent candidate for storytimes. Most libraries will want to add it to their shelves
PREMIUM
Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend!
From the author of The Rabbit Listened, this suggested first purchase title speaks to social emotional learning, views the passage of time and change through the eyes of a child, and allows a glimpse at the ups and downs of growing up. For young readers in all libraries.–
PREMIUM
One Dark Bird
A tool to teach both early science and math concepts, this picture book will be useful both in and out of the classroom
PREMIUM
Save Your Friends!
An interactive story to help teach young ones some creatures of the sea and how to help others
PREMIUM
Seraphin
Fans of stories like Up will enjoy this depiction of two people whose imaginations are big enough to carry them away from the mundane, predictable world
PREMIUM
What’s Your Favorite Food?
Highly recommended for public and school libraries to be used in programs and for circulation. This vibrant and fresh title is a winner
PREMIUM
Not Quite Snow White
A fast, feel-good read that affirms anyone can be a princess regardless of size or race, and, in particular, supports and empowers young black girls.–
PREMIUM
The Great Pumpkin Contest
This is an enjoyable and lighthearted story of friendship and collaboration for young children
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