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Of all the 100 best selling books on Amazon, how many are children’s books? And which children’s books are they? That was my question, and I embarked on a keyboard journey to find out. Some of them I expected, others I’d never heard of, and the power of Easter certainly played a role. #98 #92 […]
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? Seriously, who thought this was a good idea to write, publish and distribute. Unfortunately we purchased it – must have been a patron request! How very sad someone actually thinks crayons (if they could talk) would be negative. Click […]
It’s time for another roundup for new and forthcoming YA (and sometimes not YA) books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters. Get ready to do some collection development!
April is National Poetry Month, so I thought it might be helpful to take a look at the poetry offerings of 2019. What did I miss? Let me know in the comments.
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon?
We order some of the books for our school library through Follett. On their Titlewave website they have something called Student’s Choice lists, showing the 50 most popular books for elementary, middle, and high school levels. The thing that I like about these lists is that they are created from the actual circulation statistics of […]
This look at the school experiences of LGBTQ youth in schools, the challenges they face, and the support they need should be required reading for anyone who works with students of any age.
So far we’ve looked at 2019 books from past winners of . . . Caldecott Newbery Geisel Sibert But today is for the CSK. Here are all books by previous Coretta Scott King Award Medal and Honor winners (including author, illustrator, and John Steptoe New Talent). What did I miss? Let me know in the […]
We’ve already looked at 2019 books from pervious Newbery, Caldecott, and Geisel winners – today is for nonfiction. Below are books publishing in 2019 from previous Sibert Award Medal/Honor winners. *Note* I tried to keep it nonfiction here (I like themes). So I didn’t include the couple instances of past Sibert winners with fiction books […]
Quick and to the point reviews of some recent YA titles. Post-it note reviews are a great way to display books in your library or classroom and an easy way to offer a more personal recommendation.
Want to create a cool glitch effect for your photos? There's an app for that.
A bunch of teachers at my school asked students to draw their favorite book and write a couple sentences about why they love it. They’re on display in the hallways. The pictures are so great I thought it would be fun to turn it into a challenge. Can you name the book based on the student […]
Let's talk about YA lit and teen programming! Share your program success stories and what's hot with teens right now.
Get out your TBR lists! New books starring a girl who must devour the energy of men in order to survive, a murderer, a boy with cerebral palsy, girls who summon a pair of ancient creatures, and so many other compelling characters.
Since it began in 2016, Illustoria magazine has been one of the coolest around. Billed as a mag “for creative kids and their grown-ups”, every issue is bursting with visual delights. Today the folks at Illustoria have some news to share: moving forward they will be published by McSweeney’s, the San Francisco publishing house founded […]
So you want to write about YA literature. What books are you using as your examples and why?
So you want to write about YA literature. What books are you using as your examples and why?
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? Totally all about how racial profiling is a good idea and justified by reality. “Subtle” nudges in the direction of traditional gender roles. Other than that, pretty cute. Click here for the answer. Why do I share these? Click […]
Author Hal Schrieve writes about the way that queer people and many others are seen as monsters; the threat of breaking violent systems through survival, solidarity, and love; and hir forthcoming novel, Out of Salem, a Teen Zombie Werewolf Witchy Faerie fantasy murder mystery.
The Other Half of Happy, Rebecca Balcarcel's debut middle grade novel, arrives on August 20th. I have the honor of debuting the cover today.
March's LGBTQIA+ new books include a graphic novel, a book for younger readers about Stonewall, a King Arthur retelling starring a girl, and a Teen Zombie Werewolf Witchy Faerie fantasy murder mystery.
Today Kathi Appelt's new YA book, ANGEL THIEVES, comes out. She joins us to share about the importance of Place when crafting a story and the multiple layers that only that particular place can hold.
I scoured publisher catalogs (can I borrow your Visine?) and I’m here to share 10 spring books that I’m excited about. Picture Books I Love My Colorful Nails by Alicia Acosta and Luis Amavisca, illustrated by Gusti April 2 | NubeOcho | Grades K-2 This one’s for all the boys who like to paint their nails. […]
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? It’s from a British author, it promotes witchcraft and sorcery amongst American children. It’s the 7th book that has done this very same thing. It shouldn’t be allowed to be sold in US bookshops or stocked in a school […]
STUDIO YUYI Want to see inside Yuyi Morales’ treehouse studio? Click here. TALKING ABOUT SEUSS The most must-read item of the week is one I think a lot of people would like to ignore: a report of the racism contained in the work of Dr Seuss. We all know about it in If I Ran […]
A must-have for U.S. history collections and social activism shelves.
PREMIUM
Tree of Dreams
An enchanting novel that raises valuable real-life questions while reminding readers to recognize the magic that connects all life.
PREMIUM
The Size of the Truth
Though it fails to reach its full potential, this is a feel-good story with a quirky edge that will leave readers with a smile.
For fans of Humans of New York and for shelves in search of positive and authentic Muslim representation.
Fresh and funny, fans of the author's "Claude" series will be delighted to meet Mr. Penguin and companions in this new series opener, originally published in England.
PREMIUM
Far Away
A compelling coming-of-age tale that delicately approaches the complex topics of psychic mediums and grief.
PREMIUM
Soar High, Dragonfly!
This title could be used on many levels: very young audiences will enjoy as a picture book, while budding scientists will appreciate the narrative and informational text together. An excellent addition.
A suspenseful yet poignant science fiction novel that deftly weaves scientific theories with the equally complex relationship between two very different sisters.
PREMIUM
Angryman
This child-centric look at a tough topic that will be a useful tool for counselors and therapists looking to start conversations.
Young writers will devour this fun and engaging guide to the creative process.
PREMIUM
Izzy + Tristan
A combination of a tale-as-old-as-time doomed romance and ripped-from-the-headlines action. A solid choice for medium-size collections.
PREMIUM
Lift Every Voice and Sing
This updated tome is a stunning addition to the narrative legacy of African American history and an introduction to a remarkable art form.
A fun and serviceable retelling that will work well as a read-aloud.
Share this exquisite offering as an introduction to the sleep habits of different animals, an imagination-stirring example for poetry writing, or a soothing bedtime story to inspire sweet dreams.
The author effectively explores the complexities and controversies of the topic in a way that high school students will find accessible. Consider where primary and secondary source documents are needed.
An excellent tale about supporting friends and being happy for them when they succeed.
This tale based on the real life of a young activist, supported by extensive back matter, belongs in all collections serving young teens.
PREMIUM
Serving LGBTQ Teens
School and public libraries are often a safe space for LGBTQ youth, making this an excellent guide for librarians who work with young adults, regardless of their level of practice.
PREMIUM
When You're Scared
Relevant issues, such as emotional resilience, good stewardship, and challenging oneself, together with the thoughtful illustrations, make this a worthy purchase for libraries.
School librarians will be inspired to try new techniques in their pursuit of developing lifelong readers.–Jackie Gropman, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, VA
PREMIUM
If You're Out There
A great addition to high school library collections aiming to supply readable, engaging books for students navigating evolving relationships.
A solid choice for most libraries, particularly those supporting hands-on science learning.
PREMIUM
My Mommy Medicine
A warm and fuzzy offering for sick days on the couch or everyday reading. A recommended purchase.
PREMIUM
The Three Vikings
A pleasing tale of individuals who use their unique strengths—might, bravery, and musical talent—in just the right way.
PREMIUM
Last of the Name
An excellent addition to any historical fiction collection; recommended for fans of Little Women or A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.
Recommended in part because there are no other books about Esperanto or Zamenhof for this grade range. Especially useful for adults interested in the language who want to share their enthusiasm with their students or children in their lives.
PREMIUM
Beast Rider
Told directly and effectively, this story gives readers an opportunity to be present for one young man's harrowing journey as an immigrant to the U.S.
PREMIUM
When the Sky Fell on Splendor
Teens who enjoy films like E.T., Stand by Me, and The Goonies and those who devour quirky TV series like Stranger Things and Riverdale will be drawn to this novel. A worthwhile purchase for YA collections.
PREMIUM
Nikki on the Line
This accessible coming-of-age story comes alive in its descriptions of basketball and the game's resulting life lessons. Recommended for most collections.
PREMIUM
My Happy Year by E. Bluebird
An excellent addition to library nonfiction sections that provides an enjoyable option for emerging readers who prefer reading more factual literature.
Accessible to college and upper-level high school students, this work provides convenient access to, and clear objective analysis of, selected documents essential to our understanding of U.S. history
While the premise of the series is enticing, this first entry has trouble finding its voice. Hand readers Eoin Colfer's "Artemis Fowl" series instead.
PREMIUM
You Are New
A perfect lapsit read-aloud or a good pick for older children who have recently welcomed a new sibling into their home.
Recommended for school and public libraries serving tweens and teens.
Succinct and engaging, this coming-of-age story is a necessary addition to library collections.
This book is a poignant example of the important contributions of even the smallest creature, but it's better than that—it's a science lesson as well. Freedman subtly explains the delicate balance of nature and each creature's role in maintaining it. Carl is an endearing protagonist.
PREMIUM
Chomp: A Shark Romp
A strong choice for early elementary nonfiction shelves and a vibrant exploration of different types of sharks.
An excellent choice for libraries needing new eating disorder resources, especially those serving middle schoolers.
An excellent choice for social studies classes, literature circles, and libraries. Extensive back matter enriches understanding of this historical narrative.
PREMIUM
Beware the Night
Finely tuned and masterfully written, this is a must-purchase for all fantasy shelves.
PREMIUM
Twinchantment
On the surface, this first book of an intended series may seem like a simple fairy tale, but its colorful detail and complicated characters will leave readers eager for the next installment.
PREMIUM
The Chickens Are Coming!
This bright and funny read-aloud will enliven any storytime. Chickens rule the roost.
A good upper level nonfiction text to round out the animal rescue section of elementary school libraries.
PREMIUM
The Beauty of the Moment
Fans of Nicola Yoon's The Sun Is Also a Star will enjoy this bicultural romance. A strong purchase for most YA collections, especially where contemporary romance is in demand.
An inspirational read-aloud for units on plants, the environment, or Earth Day.
PREMIUM
The Biggest Puddle in the World
This lovely book honors the relationship between children and grandparents and encourages reverence for the natural environment.
PREMIUM
Star Wars: Queen's Shadow
A fascinating perspective into the backstory of a beloved and well-known character within the "Star Wars" universe, this is a must-have for reluctant readers or for fans of the franchise.
PREMIUM
Nature All Around: Trees
Classroom teachers, school librarians, and fans of Hickman's previous books will enjoy this lovely, informative volume.
With its simple illustrations and accessible text, this title will delight young readers and help them to appreciate their friendships in new and exciting ways.
With its rhyming text and stylized illustrations, this wonderful read-aloud possibility for an elementary school science unit will fascinate readers while conveying the importance of the saguaro in the desert ecosystem.
A thought-provoking resource for teachers and librarians seeking to foster their students' critical thinking.
PREMIUM
When You Are Brave
The quiet text will likely find an audience in parents and teachers looking to introduce bravery, but the real impact here lies in the gorgeously detailed, textured, and glowing illustrations, which make it rise above average. Most libraries will appreciate this lovely addition.
There is something for everyone here. A good choice for graphic novel collections.
Colorful and filled with great solutions for connecting kids to the natural world; highly recommended.Julia M. Reffner, Richmond, VA
An important title with first-rate storytelling and beautiful use of color and design. Pair with David A. Robertson's Will I See?? for timely accounts of the systemic violence impacting Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people and their families and communities.–Kelley Gile, Cheshire Public Library, CT
A dynamic, fact-filled offering for teens curious about musical history.
Though niche, this delightful guide shines in its slice-of-life moments. Indispensable for those exploring professional animation.
The two-time Caldecott medalist again delivers "awws" with this festival of fathers. Perfect for one-on-one sharing, side by side.
A popular choice for libraries serving older elementary or middle school students.–Allison McLean, Elkhart Public Library, IN
PREMIUM
Form of a Question
Not an essential purchase, but a strong choice for contemplative young adults.
An excellent purchase for elementary collections with a need for more books on scientific inquiry.
Overall, Cooney's compelling writing about the ancient world outweighs her overly simplistic use of contemporary politics. Recommended for large high school and public library collections that feature ancient history and women's studies titles.
Available in both English and Spanish, this contemporary biography is excellent for conversations about the power of words, resilience, and the ability of one person to inspire meaningful change.
PREMIUM
Polaris Rising
A series starter for those who enjoyed Melissa Landers's "Staflight" series or Sharon Shinn's Shattered Warrior. Purchase for teens who prefer more mature themes and off-planet action.
A breathtaking tale full of suspense and action that is sure to inspire the imaginations of readers. Highly recommended for all Spanish collections for children.
PREMIUM
Forest
A strong purchase for schools and libraries to encourage connection with the natural world.
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