Ryan La Sala joins us to talk about his debut novel REVERIE and how escapism can be dangerous and just a distraction, but also how it produces a functional blueprint for the ways in which our world could and should be changed.
The Young Adult Library Services Association has announced the finalists for the 2020 William C. Morris Award, which celebrates the best YA book by a previously unpublished author.
Author Andrew Clements is being remembered by educators, fans, and peers; the Library of Congress presents Rosa Parks through her own writings, photos, and memorabilia; Science teachers can earn a prize valued at $5,500 in an engineering contest; and more in this edition of News Bites.
In the last few years, there's been a rise in YA anthologies hitting shelves, and the trend isn't slowing down. Librarians weigh in on these books' popularity and how to use them in schools and public programming.
A joyful blend of mystery and fantasy, and another solid series installment by “Branches.”
This adorable story is a must-have for fans of the series, as well as a great addition to any early chapter book section.
A good choice for libraries that need more light, realistic mysteries for the early middle grade crowd.
Readers new to chapter books will love the unique diary format and vibrant illustrations. Perfect for early learners who love animals, and a wonderful wintry choice for any elementary school library.
A good choice for lower middle grade collections seeking fantasy adventure stories with strong female friendships.
Recommended for series fans and advanced readers with mathematical and scientific interests. For larger collections.
For fans of “Harry Potter” who don’t want to stray too far from Hogwarts but are in need of new adventures.
This standalone fantasy is perfect for fans of Cornelia Funke and those not yet ready for hefty, multivolume series.
Simone’s desire and drive to recover what she’s lost will resonate with readers. A recommended purchase for most libraries.
Fans of warm, quirky comedies will love this epic adventure and friendship story.
Readers will delight in this old-fashioned mystery, made fresh with intriguing places and people.
Fans of Barrows’s “Ivy + Bean” series and books about kids who often find themselves landing in trouble will appreciate this laugh-out-loud tale. For libraries where humorous realistic fiction is popular.
This magical adventure is a good fit for fans of Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven and Karuna Riazi’s The Gauntlet, as well as readers dealing with a home life like Henry’s.
While not as funny as many of Korman’s other titles, this is nevertheless a diverting read full of suspense and historical intrigue.
A harrowing, suspenseful follow-up for readers of Skrypuch’s earlier books or Ruta Sepetys’s Between Shades of Gray.
Purchase where there’s a need for realistic fiction dealing with family issues.
This lighthearted adventure story explores racial inequality and the complex nature of interracial relationships. This title is a good addition for school libraries seeking unconventional approaches to history.
With its enjoyable characters and wacky concept, this novel is sure to have wide appeal.
Upper elementary readers who like magical realism will enjoy this novel, as will younger readers at high reading levels. A strong addition to the fiction section.
Readers who are beginning to navigate more complicated emotions and personal boundaries will appreciate this story which deftly handles sensitive topics like inappropriate touching and body autonomy.
Recommended for libraries where hybrid contemporary and historical fiction is high in demand.
This accessible introduction to Banksy is a general purchase for large library collections or where middle grade books about art are popular.
A classic-themed picture book that will connect children with animals while sharing some basic facts about them.
A wonderful version of a classic legend and a welcome addition to holiday collections.
For silly books about empathy, pair this title with Mo Willems’s My Friend is Sad or Michael Ian Black’s I’m Sad. Recommended for most large collections.
A suggested general purchase, this title addresses those with insecurities, sadness, or depression and simply displays the success of teamwork for all ages.
A fun look at perspective, perfect for storytime sharing.
In addition to promoting the value of patience, Schmidt’s story will also be valuable for early study of changing seasons and teaching where food comes from. A fine choice for most collections.
A fun way to get children interested in cartography, this book lends itself to many lessons inside and outside of a classroom.
A rural European setting and lack of cultural insight limits the audience for this attractive tribute to childhood friendships. An additional purchase.
A clever and somewhat spooky introduction to famous artists and their signature works for early elementary students.
A book that encourages children to celebrate and embrace unique friendships of all kinds.
Though this book has beautiful illustrations, the text is too challenging and sophisticated for young audiences, yet might be off-putting to older readers.
This satisfying story of imagination and friendship would pair well with Mem Fox’s The Magic Hat, Lita Judge’s Red Hat, Jan Brett’s The Hat, Eileen Spinelli’s Do You Have a Hat?, and Brian Won’s Hooray for Hat!. A lovely addition to elementary library shelves.
This title will likely appeal to the pet-owning fans of The Invisible String and will find a place in collections in need of pet loss books.
This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating how a child’s imagination can turn any ordinary experience into a rollicking adventure.
Purchase wherever wordless picture books are popular.
A pleasant, romantized introduction to an impressive person, places, and time for young readers beginning to like stories about real people.
Readers of a variety of ages will appreciate this educational, beautifully designed homage to the many creatures who are affected by climate change around the world.
Highly recommended for public and school libraries. The creative illustrations will appeal to parents who struggle with keeping children in bed at night. This is also an excellent choice for a bedtime storytime or other programs.
This visually stunning story is as beautiful to see as it is to read; young readers will especially appreciate its message of friendship and encouragement as they begin to investigate their own big feelings.
The simple text in this gentle chronicle of years blazes with the power of family, determination, and perseverance.
Rhyming, minimal text coupled with fetching illustrations by Davenier expertly convey the exhilarating drama of entering into a snowstorm as well as the comfy feelings of being in a warm house while the weather is frightful. The fact that the text never explains who the guest is will allow for a nice discussion.
An enchanting examination of the pleasure reaped from cultivating imagination, friendship, and memory.
A fabulously illustrated tale, this fun and educational story is perfect for most young readers.
A whimsical story about how a little bravery and a strong sense of fashion can save the day and the night, suitable for the very young.
While not an essential purchase, this is an appealing read-aloud that can be used to generate discussion about classroom and playground dynamics.
This wonderfully executed concept book is a great holiday choice for younger readers.
Sweet and amusing, this modern Native intergenerational story is a good general purchase.
A fun and lively additional purchase for most libraries.
Perhaps a tad overly sweet, this is nonetheless an enjoyable read-aloud to be shared one-on-one or in a small group setting. Recommended.
Emerging readers will love the accessibility of this picture book as they increase their independence, while still in the arms of their parents.
Eye-catching and heartwarming, this is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to share the loving bond between parents and their children.
A quiet, gentle picture book that is also informative and naturalistic. Recommended.
Young readers are sure to enjoy this highly relatable picture book of youthful angst and unexpected camaraderie.
A handsome and helpful primer on self-reflection and a mirror to urban black and brown children, this joyous title could be well paired with Samantha Berger’s What if….
A welcome title for classrooms, libraries, and PFLAG and other support organizations’ collections.
Laughter is contagious, and there won’t be any stopping the silliness busting out when children and adults read this story together.
With such a child-friendly protagonist, children may be more inclined to absorb this lesson. Who wouldn’t want to “chill” in a frothy milkshake?
Not recommended for children who still live in blissful ignorance of the bullying they can experience once their classmates are given smartphones. This title could open up a discussion with older readers.
Created by a Chinese author and an Asian-Canadian illustrator, this #OwnVoices picture book is perfect for preschool storytime all year round.
The balance of adventure and whimsy expressed in text and watercolor collages creates a pleasing bedtime tale.
This story is sure to appeal to animal lovers and is a great example of a child willing to give up something she wants for the sake of another.
A delightful picture book to teach children about prepositions in a subtle, charming way. Recommended.
Published by the museum, this well-researched and engaging intergenerational picture book will encourage cultural, architectural, and archaeological curiosity.
Ironically, a herd of animals may be a smart way to humanize presidential elections for our young future voters.
Children will come up with their own suggestions and solutions for a happy duckling ending in this suggested general purchase for all libraries.
Lighthearted fun for nursery rhyme–themed storytimes and one-on-one sharing.
Kindness, empathy, compassion, and helpfulness are the main attributes expressed in this warmly inclusive picture book for elementary readers. A solid addition for most collections.
Recommended for true fans of Lewis Carroll’s original novel and of nontraditional wartime stories, though it may be too disjointed for casual readers to enjoy.
Teens will find comfort in this title that is hard to put down. A recommended purchase for all libraries serving teens.
Only purchase where readers request romantic sci-fi books.
Recommended for libraries where love stories and mythology-based fiction is popular.
Purchase for collections where books on Japanese culture are popular.
This book will interest those seeking tales of sisterhood and Viking stories from a feminist perspective.
A much-needed novel about steroid addiction from the point of view of a high school boy who’s the victim of bullying.
As usual, Mills delivers a charming romance with nuanced supporting characters and exceptionally good dialogue. Hand this to fans of Jenn Bennett or Brigid Kemmerer’s contemporary novels.
Young readers with complicated families, substance abuse, and questions about their sexual orientation will enjoy this story about teenagers in tough situations who move beyond them into a brighter future. Depictions of sexual violence make this more appropriate for older readers.
A poignant, quiet novel in verse that will appeal to teens seeking a meaningful story. A recommended purchase.
With topical references to state and national issues—including hijab bans, bathroom bills, and the subtle politics of meme culture
This emotional novel about grief and harmful relationships will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen and Emery Lord.
Fans of dark fantasy and magical atmospheres will anxiously await the sequel to learn Celia’s and Anya’s fate.
Readers will fall in love with the main characters, rooting for them to have their meet-cute.
Direct readers who enjoy retold fairy tales to Marissa Meyer’s “Cinder” series instead. An additional purchase for libraries where Chupeco’s other works are popular.
An exciting action tale set in a unique world. Hand this book to fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Readers will fall in love with the Logans, whether for the first time or again, with this important conclusion to a literary era.
Well-researched and thoughtful, this novel packs a lot into its emotional yet humorous story. Add to collections for fans of Emery Lord and Sara Zarr.
A wonderful addition to any library collection, especially where mystery novels like Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious is popular.
This soapy, slightly problematic romance is Jane Austen meets The Bachelor, told in space. A general purchase recommended for fans of Kiera Cass.
A solid pick for fans of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One looking for something a little more immediate to our times. A worthy purchase for communities where nerd and gaming culture thrive.
Fantasy readers will be enthralled. Purchase for libraries looking to expand their speculative fiction with a new stand-alone title.
This book is best suited for a collection for older teens who read Sarah Dessen and might have loved Twilight if they had been born a decade earlier. A romantic thrill ride with a wholly satisfying ending.
Fans of Karen M. McManus’s One of Us is Lying and Sara Shepard’s Pretty Little Liars will want to check this one out.
A lighthearted book about finding oneself and personal redemption.
A fantasy with relevant themes that will entice readers who love books like Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen.
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