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PREMIUM
Pick a Pumpkin
While this books focuses on making a jack-o’-lantern from beginning to end, it also covers the Halloween traditions of scary decorations and trick-or-treating. Perfect for storytime and a good addition to your Halloween books.
The two most recent editions of FROM THE DESK OF 100 SCOPE NOTES are out in the world. In August, I shared a bunch of drawings and writing from my sketchbook and notebook. This month, I share some of my favorite quotes about writing and creativity. Click here to sign up for FROM THE DESK […]
Gripping, heartfelt, thoughtful and fun, Remarkables will delight readers of both tween realism and time-travel fantasy.
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Bernard Pepperlin
A fun and intriguing read for strong younger readers and reluctant older readers who want a dash of adventure with their anthropomorphic characters. A great read-alike for fans of Roald Dahl, E.B. White, and Katherine Applegate.
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The Other Side of the Wall
A fun, if slightly predictable addition to Ephron’s middle grade series. While this title could be read as a standalone, Ephron makes frequent references to events of the previous titles. A recommended purchase for libraries with the first two books in their collections.
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Helen’s Birds
A moving story of friendship and grief, this book is a silent treasure for upper elementary and middle grade collections.
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The Bone Garden
Lovers of scary stories may enjoy the book simply for the setting and all the bones, but most readers will finish the book unsatisfied.
Run, don’t walk, to purchase this title. Readers will be thrilled with this amazing math-infused adventure. A first purchase.
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Two Tough Trucks
A fun twist on the back-to-school genre and an imaginative addition to the popular transportation genre. A recommended purchase.
Fans of fantasy novels will find this a good entry into the world of manga.
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Things That Fall
A character-driven mystery that would be a solid addition to high school libraries.
By thoughtfully and elegantly portraying the connection between personal experience and the creative process, this inspiring collection is perfect for readers who may have previously found art inaccessible or hard to understand. An additional purchase for art history and biography collections.
Recommended for high school and public libraries. While the book may be a better fit for adults due to the focus on Vernon’s marriage, divorce, and her career, it would certainly appeal to high school readers.
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The Tenth Girl
Recommended for older readers of prep-school stories who want to sink their teeth into something more sinister and paranormal.
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Grown-Ups Never Do That
A fun, simple, and goofy read for both adults and kids, and a must-have for fans of these creators’ other books.
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The Tasty Treat
A good series for children who love reading, science, and want to learn more on their own.
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The Moon is a Silver Pond
Board books don’t often get this level of artistic care. Highly recommended for board book collections.
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Ricochet
A strictly additional purchase that would be a better pick for those who are seeking a story that’s heavy on the action, but light on the logistics.
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Spur, a Wolf’s Story
While Robertson effectively engages readers’ emotions through empathy for Spur, this book will fit into collections that have more straightforward factual presentations about wolves, such as Mike Scout’s Wolves Work Together.
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Finding Grandma’s Memories
Used with other titles about memory loss, such as Phil Cummings’s Newspaper Hats, this gentle intergenerational story will be helpful for families in which the issues of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease need to be discussed with children.
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Proud to Be Latino: Food/Comida
Visually appealing and sure to pique the appetite of readers of varying ages. Recommended.
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Grandpa’s Top Threes
A tender story about grief, healing, and intergenerational families, this book can be used to open up conversations about how different people respond and react to loss. Recommended as a first purchase.
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How Do You Feel?
Purchase for library collections that need straightforward books about feelings and fodder for units on social emotional learning.
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Into the Crooked Place
Best enjoyed by undemanding devotees of fantasy who don’t mind construction and characterizations that are familiar but not engrossing.
This is a comprehensive and respectful resource regarding a little-known 19th-century explorer and naturalist, but a prosaic and fairly dull book to read through.
From the pair that celebrated the work of photographer Bill Cunningham (Polka Dot Parade, 2018), this picture book biography will please a similar audience. This unabashedly pink and sparkly title is an artful introduction to an innovative stylist.
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Walk This Underground World
Readers will be charmed by the surprises in this beautifully illustrated picture book. The flaps may fall victim to wear and tear, but the delight of the readers will be worth it. Highly recommended for elementary collections.
The finalists for the 2019 Kirkus Prize have been announced.
A well-executed sequel written with humor and empathy, set in high school but perfect for upper elementary and middle school readers already familiar with the series. New readers are recommended to read the first book to fully appreciate the nuances of Aven’s relationships.
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Stig & Tilde: Vanisher’s Island
A first purchase for libraries with robust graphic novel collections.
With so many cultures introduced in this pleasant picture book with lively comic-style illustrations, readers may be inspired to explore a particular culture in depth.
These two titles are requisite purchases given their pleasing, predictable narratives and delightful illustrations.
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A Boy Is Not a Bird
With its focus on the political evolution of the Soviet Union, this evocative tale offers insight into a history with which young readers may not be familiar. Additional research into Russia’s role in World War II and Siberian prison camps will help provide context for the novel’s core issues.
A must-purchase for libraries, as this book will resonate with teen readers who live with depression or other mental illnesses, as well as teens who identify as LGBTQ+. Readers familiar with Hutchinson’s fiction will see many themes from his novels inspired by his lived experience.
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Cracking the Bell
This vivid story is for fans of John Coy’s Crackback and Tommy Greenwald’s Game Changer.
As with most anthologies, the quality and impact of the stories are a bit uneven but the book will most certainly be embraced by Jewish teens, especially those who rarely find themselves portrayed in mainstream YA fiction, as well as by readers of all backgrounds who enjoy sophisticated contemporary short stories with a lot of heart.
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The Bravest Man in the World
Polacco’s fans will be pleased with this new tale, and so will young Titanic enthusiasts.
I can’t read/review every book I get, but it’s fun to be able to sift through boxes and see what grabs my attention, and to see what books will find loving new homes with the right reader. Here's what has arrived in the past few weeks.
In case you missed it! The National Book Award long lists are out. Which books made the cut in the Young People’s Literature category? The long list will be pared down to the finalists on October 8th, and the winner will be announced on November 20th.
Be ready to lose a day once you start reading; Mabel and Agnes will draw you into their worlds and not release their grip on you even after the last page. A lovely story that is sad and hopeful all at once.
We live in a country where gun violence is shockingly normalized. Award-winning author Michelle Roehm McCann tackles the topic of gun violence through a community and national lens in this excerpt from her new book, Enough Is Enough: How Students Can Join the Fight for Gun Safety.
Who Wet My Pants?By Bob SheaIllustrated by Zachariah O’Hora Little, Brown ISBN: 9780316525213$17.99Grades K-2Out September 17, 2019 *Best New Book* Find it at:Schuler Books | Your Library When I was in first grade I peed my pants at school. It happened near the end of the day, and I managed to sneak out of school […]
Among these 10 titles include Laurie Halse Anderson's memoir, historical fiction from Laura Ruby, and a collaboration between Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson.
A YA debut novel and two works in verse are among the books longlisted for the 2019 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.
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!
These 10 autumnal titles, while featuring ghosts and goblins, are also full of funny and tender moments that celebrate harvests, families, and child-friendly fun. All are perfect for Halloween sharing.
Guts doesn't need a review to let people know they should read it - fans of her past work are chomping at the bit. But when it's this good, I can't help myself.
Jen Wang's childhood experiences and eye for detail informed Stargazing, her new graphic novel about an unlikely friendship.
Although not necessarily modelling ideal parenting, this title is sure to please children whether or not they want a pet of their own. Readers will find Ginny’s adventures and the tone of the text a hoot.
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The Itty-Bitty Witch
A Halloween-themed mixed-bag about being different and using that difference to win the big race. Purchase as needed.
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Oscar Seeks a Friend
This is a delightfully unique and heartwarming story about friendship that is excellent for any library serving young children.
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Ghastly Ghosts
Bateman plays with the frightening horror tropes of isolation and creepy old cabins but gives them a child-friendly spin in the end. Recommended for anyone who wants an eerie tale with a cheery ending.
A collection of creepy stories perfect for children who want a good scare!
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Pumpkin Orange, Pumpkin Round
A safe bet for libraries looking for autumnal and Halloween-themed picture books for the youngest patrons.
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Give Me Back My Bones!
For preschool and kindergarten students curious about the inner workings of the human body, this is an engaging seasonal introduction to one aspect of it.
This change to the traditional ending adds a warm element of familial acceptance. Recommended for a Halloween storytime.
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Giracula
Rough around the edges, but possibly appealing to fans of giraffes, vampires, or protagonists with a sweet tooth.
I usually keep news about the The Yarn over on The Yarn blog, but when you hit the 100 episode mark, it must be shared everywhere. So how do Colby and I make the 100th episode special? How about a podcast all about what goes on behind the scenes of the podcast? We spill the […]
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? I was very disappointed in the language of this book: “Cats go meow,” and “George went meow.” I am fighting against this ungrammatical usage of the words, “go” and “went” constantly. I can’t believe the editor let this slip, […]
As a fun way to learn about the universe and its various parts, this book makes for an excellent first purchase.
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If Elephants Disappeared
Readers will learn the important roles that elephants play in their ecosystem, while also becoming more aware of the need for the protection and conservation of one of the largest land mammals. A solid, resonating addition to Williams’s series.
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Friend or Fiction
This contemplative fantasy has plenty of character development and touches of magical realism. Offer to fans of Kate Messner and Sarah Weeks.
A great introduction to the photography of Dorothea Lange; a must-have for your Dust Bowl units.
A first purchase, this picture book and cookbook mashup celebrates community, food, and culture.
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The House at the End of the Road
A sweet intergenerational story with gorgeous illustrations. The message that it is necessary to look past first appearances is one that is sure to resonate with parents and caregivers.
Teachers in a variety of disciplines could easily use this title as a jumping-off point for a similar project that would encourage students to explore themselves and their relationships with others.
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Life Is Short and Then You Die: Mystery Writers of America Presents First Encounters with Murder
While all of the selections are well written and interesting, there are few surprises in these short stories.
Vivacious, reader-friendly, and openhearted, Anderson’s spirited fairy-tale spin-off beckons legions of unwittingly extraordinary fans.
Based on the animated series, this brand-building venture nonetheless carries a lot of humor, heart, and positive messages for young superhero fans.
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Curse of the Dead-Eyed Doll
Part of the “Haunted States of America,” this title isn’t a very engaging contribution to a potentially intriguing series. Readers who really want a scare could check out books by Mary Downing Hahn or Betty Ren Wright.
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Running Wild
With a plot and character traits akin to Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, Scott O’Dell’s Island of the Blue Dolphins, and Julia Alvarez’s How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, this would be an excellent addition to middle grade libraries.
This book board duo is a great addition to collections everywhere.
Though a bit of a disappointment, I still think this is worthwhile to have in collections just for the fact that it makes history accessible to readers who may otherwise give it a pass and because it does a worthy job of educating readers' on this awful pandemic.
StargazingBy Jen WangColor by Lark Pien FirstSecond (Macmillan) ISBN: 9781250183880$12.99 (PBK)Out September 10, 2019 *Best New Book* Find it at:Schuler Books | Your Library Sometimes friendships don’t make sense from the outside. Think about your friends from when you were a kid. Sure there are the pals who were a lot like you, but I’m […]
Grandparents loom large in young children's lives, and storytimes featuring these beloved family members are especially welcome as Grandparent's Day (September 8) nears.
Sharon Robinson is more than just the daughter of famed baseball player Jackie Robinson. The author of Child of the Dream (A Memoir of 1963) hopes to "inspire a new generation of activists and empower children to lift their voices against the injustices in their lives."
Tate’s sprawling work is a fascinating guide that belongs in all middle school, high school, and public libraries. This resource will help tweens and teens looking to better understand death and dying for personal or academic purposes.
PREMIUM
Life: The First Four Billion Years: The Story of Life from the Big Bang to the Evolution of Humans
Libraries who choose to purchase this book will want to make sure they have shelves to accommodate its large trim size (11 7/16” x 13 7/8” in) or create space on a table where it can be easily browsed. A useful purchase for libraries that want to spruce up their science nonfiction collection in a giant way.
A formidable introduction for a middle schooler interested in philosophy and a reference book that offers more than Wikipedia. Strongly recommended for middle school libraries looking for high quality nonfiction reference books.
The attached mini-projects are a weak link, but upper elementary grade STEM students will benefit from this wide-angled overview of modern and future technology.
Eltahawy is thought-provoking and uncompromising. Young women who especially respond to Eltahawy’s voice can use the author’s ideas to create their own brand of feminism.
There is no way this book could make everyone happy as its topics are so contentious and so broad, but Doeden tries by presenting well-researched and thoughtful facts that serve as a starting point for readers. A worthy purchase that will serve as a good first stop for school projects.
After a somewhat shaky start where Dr. Murray seems uncertain of her direction, the forensic scientist and educator gains strength and focus, producing a true crime story which should fascinate young readers. Recommended for all middle, high school, and public library collections.
This powerful anthology creates an important discourse celebrating body diversity, leaving readers feeling inspired to seek their own form of self-acceptance. Recommended purchase for all libraries, especially for those seeking engaging essays promoting body positivity for teens.
A depiction of the civil rights movement that exudes honesty and composure from a remarkable voice who tells her story with grace and pride. Readers will be moved and inspired.
Ultimately, this collection is an additional purchase because of the quality of the writing, not because of the significance of the topic and stories that lie within. Without consistency, the stories feel scattered with the only binding element being the teens’ geographic location.
Sheinkin’s thorough research and attention to detail make the era come alive for readers. Fans of Keith O’Brien’s Fly Girls will greatly enjoy this book. Highly recommended for all middle school libraries.
Johnson’s casual descriptions of horrifying tales will delight middle grade readers while he successfully lures them to grander-scheme ideas. A must-have for middle school libraries and those whose readers seek out the creepy and the scary.
A terrific look at middle school culture, and a compelling sequel to a fabulous middle grade graphic memoir. This authentic, important book will mean a great deal to many kids and empower those who are happier following their own inclinations than in going along with the group.
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Everyone Counts
Kids will enjoy poring over the artwork and the charming end pages, which are replete with silly number puns told by the bugs.
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Bruce’s Big Storm
Always a blast, Bruce and his grumbling are sure to please in this stormy adventure.
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Fly!
The beautiful illustrations will have readers talking and laughing throughout the entire book.
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