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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has announced the finalists for the 2020 William C. Morris Award, which celebrates the best YA book by a previously unpublished author.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.
PREMIUM
The Stolen Slipper
A joyful blend of mystery and fantasy, and another solid series installment by “Branches.”
PREMIUM
Off I Go!
This adorable story is a must-have for fans of the series, as well as a great addition to any early chapter book section.
PREMIUM
The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane
A good choice for libraries that need more light, realistic mysteries for the early middle grade crowd.
PREMIUM
Pug’s Snow Day
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.
PREMIUM
Sisterland
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.
PREMIUM
The Mystwick School of Musicraft
For fans of “Harry Potter” who don’t want to stray too far from Hogwarts but are in need of new adventures.
PREMIUM
All the Colors of Magic
This standalone fantasy is perfect for fans of Cornelia Funke and those not yet ready for hefty, multivolume series.
PREMIUM
Hollow Dolls
Simone’s desire and drive to recover what she’s lost will resonate with readers. A recommended purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
Nessie Quest
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.
PREMIUM
The Best of Iggy
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.
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A Flicker of Courage
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.
PREMIUM
Notorious
While not as funny as many of Korman’s other titles, this is nevertheless a diverting read full of suspense and historical intrigue.
PREMIUM
Don’t Tell the Nazis
A harrowing, suspenseful follow-up for readers of Skrypuch’s earlier books or Ruta Sepetys’s Between Shades of Gray.
PREMIUM
The Peacock Detectives
Purchase where there’s a need for realistic fiction dealing with family issues.
PREMIUM
Clean Getaway
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.
PREMIUM
Middle School Bites
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.
PREMIUM
That’s What Friends Do
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.
PREMIUM
Dog Driven
Recommended for libraries where hybrid contemporary and historical fiction is high in demand.
PREMIUM
Me and Banksy
This accessible introduction to Banksy is a general purchase for large library collections or where middle grade books about art are popular.
PREMIUM
Sleep: How Nature Gets Its Rest
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.
PREMIUM
Doodle Cat Wears A Cape
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.
PREMIUM
What’s Up, Maloo?
A suggested general purchase, this title addresses those with insecurities, sadness, or depression and simply displays the success of teamwork for all ages.
PREMIUM
Almost Time
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.
PREMIUM
Camilla, Cartographer
A fun way to get children interested in cartography, this book lends itself to many lessons inside and outside of a classroom.
PREMIUM
Cherry Blossom and Paper Planes
A rural European setting and lack of cultural insight limits the audience for this attractive tribute to childhood friendships. An additional purchase.
PREMIUM
If Monet Painted a Monster
A clever and somewhat spooky introduction to famous artists and their signature works for early elementary students.
PREMIUM
The Friendship Book
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.
PREMIUM
Hiro’s Hats
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.
PREMIUM
Naughty Ninja Takes a Bath
This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating how a child’s imagination can turn any ordinary experience into a rollicking adventure.
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.
PREMIUM
Snowy Race
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.
PREMIUM
Pippa’s Night Parade
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.
PREMIUM
Iced Out
While not an essential purchase, this is an appealing read-aloud that can be used to generate discussion about classroom and playground dynamics.
PREMIUM
Chinese New Year Colors
This wonderfully executed concept book is a great holiday choice for younger readers.
PREMIUM
Johnny’s Pheasant
Sweet and amusing, this modern Native intergenerational story is a good general purchase.
PREMIUM
One Hug
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.
PREMIUM
Night Animals Need Sleep Too
Emerging readers will love the accessibility of this picture book as they increase their independence, while still in the arms of their parents.
PREMIUM
A Crazy-Much Love
Eye-catching and heartwarming, this is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to share the loving bond between parents and their children.
PREMIUM
You Are Home with Me
A quiet, gentle picture book that is also informative and naturalistic. Recommended.
PREMIUM
The Way Home for Wolf
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….
PREMIUM
Call Me Max
A welcome title for classrooms, libraries, and PFLAG and other support organizations’ collections.
PREMIUM
The Serious Goose
Laughter is contagious, and there won’t be any stopping the silliness busting out when children and adults read this story together.
PREMIUM
Straw
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?
PREMIUM
Ignore the Trolls
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.
PREMIUM
Dragon’s Hometown
Created by a Chinese author and an Asian-Canadian illustrator, this #OwnVoices picture book is perfect for preschool storytime all year round.
PREMIUM
The Girl and the Dinosaur
The balance of adventure and whimsy expressed in text and watercolor collages creates a pleasing bedtime tale.
PREMIUM
The Lost Kitten
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.
PREMIUM
Where’s Baby?
A delightful picture book to teach children about prepositions in a subtle, charming way. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Piece by Piece
Published by the museum, this well-researched and engaging intergenerational picture book will encourage cultural, architectural, and archaeological curiosity.
PREMIUM
The President of the Jungle
Ironically, a herd of animals may be a smart way to humanize presidential elections for our young future voters.
PREMIUM
Swim Swim Sink
Children will come up with their own suggestions and solutions for a happy duckling ending in this suggested general purchase for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Bonnie & Ben Rhyme Again
Lighthearted fun for nursery rhyme–themed storytimes and one-on-one sharing.
PREMIUM
Mr. Tempkin Climbs a Tree
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.
PREMIUM
Alice By Heart
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.
PREMIUM
We Used to Be Friends
Teens will find comfort in this title that is hard to put down. A recommended purchase for all libraries serving teens.
PREMIUM
Arrowheart
Recommended for libraries where love stories and mythology-based fiction is popular.
PREMIUM
The Weight of a Soul
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.
PREMIUM
Lucky Caller
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.
PREMIUM
We, the Wildflowers
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.
PREMIUM
Turtle Under Ice
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
PREMIUM
Only Love Can Break Your Heart
This emotional novel about grief and harmful relationships will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen and Emery Lord.
PREMIUM
Ink in the Blood
Fans of dark fantasy and magical atmospheres will anxiously await the sequel to learn Celia’s and Anya’s fate.
PREMIUM
Tweet Cute
Readers will fall in love with the main characters, rooting for them to have their meet-cute.
PREMIUM
Wicked As You Wish
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.
PREMIUM
Ashlords
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.
PREMIUM
What I Carry
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.
PREMIUM
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
A wonderful addition to any library collection, especially where mystery novels like Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious is popular.
PREMIUM
The Stars We Steal
This soapy, slightly problematic romance is Jane Austen meets The Bachelor, told in space. A general purchase recommended for fans of Kiera Cass.
PREMIUM
Don’t Read the Comments
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.
PREMIUM
Rebelwing
Fantasy readers will be enthralled. Purchase for libraries looking to expand their speculative fiction with a new stand-alone title.
PREMIUM
Echoes Between Us
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.
PREMIUM
All Your Twisted Secrets
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.
PREMIUM
Nameless Queen
A fantasy with relevant themes that will entice readers who love books like Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen.
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