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Shirley and Jamila are both in danger of losing their summers to camps neither has any desire to go to, but by joining forces they are able to save their own summers...and those of several other neighborhood kids in Gillian Goerz's fun take on the kid detective genre.
Thank goodness book mail is starting to appear again at the Minnesota branch of TLT!
A review of debut graphic novel Beetle & the Hollowbones
by Eliza Layne
Who can draw a mean imitation of Bone, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Calvin & Hobbes, Garfield, Dog Man, and so many many more? Who harbors a deep-seated love of Muppet Babies? I interview R. Sikoryak about his latest, greatest, endeavor.
Teen contributor Riley Jensen walks us through some basics about doodling, a great way to pass the summer pandemic
Two teens who find themselves unable to sleep join forces and address old childhood issues as they tray and solve the mystery of what's happening at the abandoned house next door.
Check out this week's new comics, manga, and graphic novel releases featuring titles from Dial Books and IDW Publishing.
Our list of suggestions for 2021 Newbery Award contenders continues on Heavy Medal. Add your favorite authors and titles from 2020 to our growing list by August 9th.
When we consider classic Latinx picture books that would qualify as #ownvoices, only a few have been covered on this show. Today's book seeks to add to the canon of children's literature.
A thought-provoking look at American democracy today, examining how it was broken and what we can do to fix it.
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
You know who I appreciate? My public library and their curbside pickup. Check out these short reviews of recent titles.
There have been Black picture book biographies coming out for years and years and years. Often their publishers either wouldn't or couldn't put the marketing dollars behind them that they so clearly deserved, and so these books would sink from view and be forgotten. Today, I want to revisit some of these books, just in case someone had a hankering to rediscover them.
Colby: Interviewing someone like Jeff Kinney is a little nerve-racking. The guy has sold more than 250,000,000 million books. That is a lot! I have seen so many kids develop of love of reading within the pages of Jeff’s books, so all I wanted to do with my 20 minute conversation is thank him. Thanking […]
These are revolting times, so librarian Christine Lively is sharing some tips to help teens cope with the year that is 2020.
Teen Contributor Morgan Randall talks about developing healthy habits.
Kerry strays from the path and gets lost in a dark and haunted forest, but that's where the similarities to most fairy tales end in Andi Watson's surprise-filled new graphic novel.
Gorgeously wrought and tenderly rendered, this feels like a labor of love that will snuggle itself deep into the hearts and minds of kids everywhere. Regardless of whether or not you even like cats, you will find much to admire and love (not necessarily in that order) in this gutsy little book.
Over the summer, I’ve been picking up a few little tools to add to my existing kit for enhancing online teaching and learning. Here are a couple of my current faves. What’s nice about these and so many other recent tools we are introducing in schools is that they present real-life functionality. They introduce the […]
In my YA romantic comedy Today Tonight Tomorrow, the characters don’t kiss until around the 90 percent mark. Now that I've written a few more slow burns for future books, I wanted to share what I’ve learned along the way.
A WICKED MAGIC is about Dan and Liss, closer-than-sisters best friends who’ve transformed themselves into witches. As the book begins, we learn three things about them: one, just after Dan had her first kiss with a boy named Johnny, Liss began dating him; two, Johnny’s missing; and three; Dan and Liss aren’t speaking. If that […]
Teen contributor Riley Jensen interviews prolific YA author April Henry.
Check out this week's new releases with a bunch of middle grade graphic novels including titles from First Second and Oni Press.
Shows based on children's books that are streaming right now.
Between its shiny Sydney Taylor Book Award on its cover and a storyline that has aged magnificently over the last 32 years, Kate and I discuss one of Patricia Polacco's best known works.
I never attended a real sleepaway camp as a kid. Truthfully? I didn’t really want to. But the end result was that I never had the experience of so many other teens of being a camp counselor. Well, that STOPS today! Meet your new counselor Ms. Bird. It’s all part of Camp Candlewick, an online […]
It's rare when I run guest posts on the blog. But this post, by author Phil Bildner, is one I am happy to share.
Today I sit down with James Bird (no relation) to talk about his latest middle grade novel, screenwriting vs. novels, and what he's up to next.
This Week at TLT Book Review: Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon Morgan’s Mumbles: Game Recommendations, by teen contributor Morgan Randall ‘You wrote an action-thriller?’ a guest post by Tiffany Rosenhan A Banjo as a Bridge, a guest post by Erica Waters Murder Books, by teen contributor Riley Jensen A Great Big List of […]
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
Naomi Klein has written a book for kids, so sit back and enjoy an excerpt from the book's Introduction and a cover reveal to boot.
Lun Zhang was part of the Chinese pro-democracy movement of the late 1980s, and a participant in the events leading up to the Tiananmen Square massacre. With comics creators Adrien Gombeaud and Ameziane, he tells the story to a new generation in the form of a graphic novel.
This book exceeded my expectations. A total delight.
A first look at the cover for Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins and Lavanya Naidu.
It’s a mystery. It’s a game. It’s filled with puzzles and riddles and clues. It’s funny, and it’s deadly serious. Parts are evocative and parts are heartfelt and parts are completely unforgettable. Having a rough day/week/month/year? Cuddle up to this. Challenging enough to intrigue you. Enticing enough to keep you.
Colby: During this pandemic, I’ve been thinking a lot about supporting small businesses. When I saw a lot of book creators talking about Bookshop, I got curious. It is pretty darn easy to purchase books from Amazon, but I know that the money I spend with them doesn’t support my community. Learning that Bookshop sends […]
Teen Contributor Morgan Randall shares some of her favorite table top games for library fun
A deep dive into the world of the picture book parody.
"Fancy monster foods inspired by 1950s recipes." Today I share Sarah Lynne Reul's new behind-the-scenes video on the complex creation of her latest picture book, Nerp!
Check out this week's new comics and manga releases featuring titles from BOOM! Studios and Magnetic Press.
Tiffany Rosenhan embraces contradictions and answers, "Why not me?" when asked when why she wrote a thriller.
I first got the idea for Ghost Wood Song, my debut YA novel about a girl with a ghost-raising fiddle, from a spooky experience of my own.
What kind of confidence does it take to get through this cruel cold world? I interview T.L. McBeth about his newest character : An overly self-confident horsey.
Today we have an exclusive preview of 'Encyclopedia Lumberjanica,' a look at the real-life hard-core lady types that inspired the Lumberjanes.
Teen contributor Riley Jensen, a hopeful forensic scientist, shares a list of nonfiction titles that may be of interest to others interested in, well, murder. But not committing them, solving them.
A massive list of collection development resources
Today Kate and I dig deep into a book that certainly contains the world's most short-sighted escape plan. The Great Escape, this is not.
This month, Teen Librarian Toolbox is celebrating 9 years of talking about teen librarianship, young adult literature, and the world at large. It’s been an amazing experience and I am so happy that we’re still here doing this thing that I love. But also, what a weird time to be celebrating anything. The world is […]
This Week at TLT How Writing Jennifer Strange (Quite Literally) Saved my Life, a guest post by Cat Scully Cindy Crushes Programming: Virtual Programming Failures, Tech Issues and Tips, by Cindy Shutts Book Reviews, Thrillers Edition: Little Creeping Things and Nobody Knows But You Morgan’s Mumbles: Sustainable and Ethical Switches by teen contributor Morgan Randall […]
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
Cover Reveal & Interview – Leah Henderson’s We March: 25 Protest Movements That Marched into History
Twenty-five groundbreaking protest movements in one book? You won't be able to take a look at it until January of 2021. Fortunately I have author Leah Henderson on hand to answer some questions, and a cover of her latest book to reveal.
Twenty-five groundbreaking protest movements in one book? You won't be able to take a look at it until January of 2021. Fortunately I have author Leah Henderson on hand to answer some questions, and a cover of her latest book to reveal.
Today Esther reviews one of the first graphic novels in First Second's new History Line.
"I did not know that I was dying," writes Cat Scully. Find out how her quest to get published grew more complex thanks to undetected heart failure.
You can hand today's book to a kid learning to read, absolutely. Just be warned that their read may be punctuated with interjections of a highly voluble nature. In other words, this is laugh-out-loud funny.
Today, Johanna reviews 'The Black Mage,' a story about the first Black student at a magical academy.
Like many others, librarian Cindy Shutts is struggling to navigate virtual programming. Today she shares some failures and tips to help you avoid those failures.
In a pandemic reading slump? Maybe a good murder will help.
Like many teens, TLT teen contributor Morgan Randall is working to help combat climate change. Today she shares ethical swaps for creating a sustainable planet to share with tweens and teens in our libraries.
A review of TWINS by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright.
If you're anything like me, 2020 hasn't been a great year for reading. That's okay. This isn't a great list for predicting (but it's fun). See what may or may not win big in 2021!
AASL just released the very helpful School Librarian Role in Pandemic Learning Conditions. Part of a larger group of Pandemic Resources for School Librarians, this much-needed tool supports us in framing some of our thorniest upcoming challenges as professional opportunities. AASL’s Chart & Resources focus on the five roles of the school librarian established in […]
The somewhat whimsical cover makes it seem like the book may be lighter than it is. In reality, it's a fairly nuanced and painful look at rape culture, toxic masculinity, sexual assault and harassment, and consent.
Caldecott Honor winner Juana Martinez-Neal has a new book on the way – Zonia’s Rain Forest. Publishing in March 2021. Today we get a first look at the cover, but first, I had a few questions for Juana: Travis: What was the spark that led to Zonia’s Rain Forest? Juana Martinez-Neal: Hi, Travis! Thank you […]
Caldecott Honor winner Juana Martinez-Neal has a new book on the way – Zonia’s Rain Forest. Publishing in March 2021. Today we get a first look at the cover, but first, I had a few questions for Juana: Travis: What was the spark that led to Zonia’s Rain Forest? Juana Martinez-Neal: Hi, Travis! Thank you […]
"While I don’t want queerness to always be relegated to the shadows, overhead lighting doesn’t do anyone any favors, either." Kyle Lukoff tells us tales of Frogs and Toads, secret rooms, and the longstanding tradition of queer values in children's literature.
AASL just released the very helpful School Librarian Role in Pandemic Learning Conditions. Part of a larger group of Pandemic Resources for School Librarians, this much-needed tool supports us in framing some of our thorniest upcoming challenges as professional opportunities. AASL’s Chart & Resources focus on the five roles of the school librarian established in […]
Check out this week's list of new comics and manga releases, including graphic novels from Graphix and Papercutz.
Making grab and go craft kits for tweens and teens? Never underestimate the joy of mixing and playing with DIY playdough. Yes, even for tweens and teens.
Teen contributor Riley Jensen shares some anime that are popular with teens
Over 200 "Suggestions" have been contributed by Heavy Medal readers as we try to identify the most likely contenders for the 2021 Newbery Medal. Check out the titles and totals through July.
A Public Service Announcement from Shel Silverstein and Friends
If you were born in the late 70s or early 80s, the odds are good that somebody you know read today's book to you. This all ties in quite closely to current discussions of picture books with racist elements that sit blithely on shelves in children's rooms anywhere.
What - or who - are we sacrificing if we re-open our school buildings in the fall during a pandemic?
This year, National History Day is open as a virtual showcase. The thoughtful project-based research of students around the country is up for display and for study and for inspiration. The 2020 NHD theme was Breaking Barriers in History. And, this year, the celebration broke a few barriers itself. NHD Executive Director, Dr. Cathy Gorn, […]
This Week at TLT For Teens Making a Difference: A Twist on Gun Violence By Alex Richards Book Review: Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron Morgan’s Mumbles: YA is Great, but it Isn’t the Only Game in Town Writing Your (Hidden) Self, a guest post by Jessica Pennington Riley’s Post It Note Reviews: Bent Heavens, […]
When Stars Are Scattered and Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed offer two quite different looks at the refugee experience, while Donut The Destroyer and Young Justice Vol. 2 offer two quite different takes on teenage superheroics.
A first look at the trailer for Agent Moose, by Mo O'Hara and Jess Bradley
The true story of the man responsible for keeping key American documents out of the hands of the invading British in 1812. A book about the rescue of ideas put to paper.
Author Alex Richards shares a different point of view in the gun violence debate with her latest YA novel, ACCIDENTAL
The trailer for the film version of The One and Only Ivan was released today. Let's watch:
Cinderella is Dead is a twisted tale that will challenge, delight and thrill readers.
Teen contributor Morgan Randall talks about teens reading outside of YA and why the freedom to choose what you read and not be shamed for it is important.
When it comes to picture book parodies, there is one source that rules them all . . .
Today we are pleased as punch to announce that we are adding two additional women to our Niblings group. Meet them for yourselves!
The Newbery Award winning author returns with a book set in ancient Greece full of snarky gods and fearsome goddesses, slaves and masters, mothers and philosophers. And I have the cover reveal.
I write books about girls like me: Type-A, focused, self-conscious, anxious, driven, emotionally guarded, a little too serious sometimes, and absolutely worthy of love.
Check out this week's list of new comic and manga releases featuring graphic novels from IDW Publishing and Knopf Books for Young Readers.
We're halfway through 2020, and the number of excellent children's books from the year continues to grow. Heavy Medal invites readers to add "Suggestions" to our running list of potential contenders for the 2021 Newbery Award.
In spite of the fact that I didn't really want to have a whole conversation with Kate about owls' elongated eye tubes, that's the price you pay when you talk about Martin Waddell's best known book. But is it a "classic"?
A tween reviews several recent graphic novels including Click, Camp, The Breakaways, Snapdragon and Be Prepared
Teen Riley Jensen reviews Bent Heavens, Harrow Lake and Five Total Strangers in this YA thriller round up.
The sequel to 'Bolivar' is a puzzle book in which a young girl goes on a culinary tour of New York City with the dinosaur who lives next door.
Wearing masks helps prevent the spread of Covid-19. Here are some ways that libraries can help normalize tweens and teens wearing face masks.
Johanna looks at three graphic novels about a pair of sloths with very different personalities.
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
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