A lesson plan for Sophie Blackall's award-winning picture book.
The author and teacher talks about her debut novel, a sensitive yet honest look at a girl grappling with colorism, internalized self-hatred, and parents she can't always count on.
The author's new graphic novel, about a black student enrolling in a predominantly white private school, tells powerful truths about racism and alienation with humor and heart.
Elizabeth Acevedo, whose debut novel won over the publishing world, critics, and award committees in 2018, continued her streak as The Poet X nabbed the Michael L. Printz Award and the Pura Belpré Author Award at the 2019 Youth Media Awards ceremony on Monday.
The picture book about "everything in life" follows her 2016 Caldecott-winning Finding Winnie.
The Youth Media Awards provided surprises, a diverse list of winners, and some committee decisions to debate.
Teaching ideas for Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina, winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal.
The Poet X wins the Printz and more, at the 2019 Youth Media Awards, announced today at the American Library Association's Midwinter meeting in Seattle.
The 2019 Newbery Medal-winning author talks about her reaction to the phone call, writing about Latino families at this time in our country's history, and the power of the award.
In Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan's stunning new book, the authors introduce readers to two budding activists who challenge the status quo at their school.
The author of The Music of What Happens had an annual award named after him after he spoke out against a bigoted panelist at the NCTE conference in November and talked about the incident emotionally a couple of days later. He is quick to admit, however, that he doesn't have all the answers when it comes to the right way to combat hatred and bigotry.
The debut YA author talks about her path to publication, the “soupiness” of her characters, and what she’s working on next.
On April 4th, Lantana Publishing will release Maryam al Serkal’s tale about a little girl that wishes her curly hair were straight like her mama’s. Filled with vibrant art and images, it’s about embracing your natural hair, no matter where you’re from.
The Faithful Spy is the next finalist up for discussion.
The Heavy Medal Newbery discussion begins today. In the next 24 days, 18 books selected as “Heavy Medal Finalists” will be discussed by the 19 members of the Heavy Medal Award Committee, culminating in Mock Newbery balloting on January 25th. Discussion opens with “The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge.”
Colby Sharp is counting down his Top 10 episodes of the year.
The acclaimed author, oral historian, and photographer talks about the undocumented teens who shared their stories and her book's uneven road to publication.
Submit two Newbery-eligible titles in the comments section below.
Asorrowful story with a reluctantly resilient heroine, Kate DiCamillo's latest is a favorite of nominators.
Here are some poetry collections worth considering for the Newbery.
The author talks about how one of the most beloved picture books in recent memory—Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut—came to be.
A popular nomination by readers, does Ghost Boys really deserve Newbery consideration?
Acevedo received the award for her debut novel The Poet X, written in verse.
The author has brought back the beloved Jewish family from New York's Lower East Side for a Hanukkah book for a new generation.
Nominations for Newbery consideration are pouring into Heavy Medal this month.
How much do authors’ reputations drive book challenges?
Two excellent—but different—books about girls who navigate abusive situations.
Check out the recording of Acevedo’s 2018 SLJTeen Live! keynote, in which she talks about her path to publication, the importance of literacy and seeing yourself books, and more.
Discussing National Book Award finalist and possible Newbery contender The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge with its inventive storytelling and extended sequences of illustrations.
Jacqueline Woodson's picture book The Day You Begin may have more of a Newbery chance than her middle grade title, Harbor Me.
Recent titles address various privileges among young people. Ultimately, a lot of folks realize it doesn’t feel good to cause harm.
Authors Renée Watson, Ibi Zoboi, and Ellen Hagan joined Cicely Lewis to discuss Woke Books and their own novels.
Author Adam Gidwitz discusses the evolution of himself as a writer and of his "Unicorn Rescue Society" series.
There was a lot to take in on the first day at SLJ's Leadership Summit, which was full of moving speakers, inspiring panels, and breakout sessions with ideas for attendees to take back to school and implement.
The actor and activist inspired a room of educators with an opening keynote address at the SLJ Leadership Summit.
A check of the Newbery criteria and guidelines before digging into these two co-authored possibilities.
Colby Sharp speaks with the author of Stella Díaz Has Something to Say.
A definite contender for the Newbery with an #OwnVoices element to discuss.
So, basically, we’re talking Whale Rider meets The Dragonriders of Pern, right?
Best Friends has the same creative team and will be released August 27, 2019
A light touch to the writing makes plot details feel mostly appropriate, supported by strong development of character and themes.
Today we have something special. Our past two Caldecott Medal winners, Javaka Steptoe (Radiant Child) and Matthew Cordell (Wolf in the Snow) interviewing each other about their lives, work, and how the most prestigious award in picture books has changed their lives.
This graphic novel is getting a lot of attention. It is a National Book Award finalist and absolutely a title with Newbery possibilities.
Jonker reveals things he has "never said to another human" in this episode.
Smith, who famously raised a black-gloved fist in protest on the medal podium in 1968, has teamed up with award-winning Crown author Derrick Barnes for a graphic memoir.
Saturday morning cartoons meet Sunday evening monster trucks.
The title duo appear as characters in classic fairy tales
Giulio Macaione makes his U.S. comic debut in this beautifully illustrated graphic novel about forced empathy and having to learn more about others whether we want to or not.
It's the first graphic novel based on Nancy Springer’s Enola Holmes YA novels.
The five finalists chosen for the National Book Awards are all in "Newbery range."
A look at Meet the Sky, Girl CEO, and more.
Judy Blume, Laurie Halse Anderson, and LeVar Burton are among candidates to be 2019 ALMA laureate.
Mark Pett takes readers through the process of illustrating the new picture book.
Pssst (and shhhh)....Besty Bird doesn't blindly love everything Maurice Sendak did.
Take a look at the books that received the most votes in the initial nomination submissions.
The authors and friends took the stage in Cleveland Heights, OH, to discuss these important issues and share moments from their own lives.
The shortlist for the 2018 National Book Awards for Young People's Literature has been announced! Here are our reviews.
Award-winning author teams up with Follett to curate titles and get "All Books to All Kids."
Fans of the Smile author have two reasons to look forward to 2019.
Recently published graphic memoirs illustrate that the genre is pushing the format to new heights.
The author/illustrator of the “Lunch Lady” and “Jedi Academy” series opens up about his graphic novel memoir.
Some titles from Native writers in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Heavy Medal is ready for readers' first three titles to kick off Newbery nominating season.
Magic, mythology, astronomy, and J.K. Rowling's beloved universe come together in an exhibit now on display in the United States.
A Native main character encounters racism, ignorance, and microaggressions in this recommended title.
Read a chapter from Jeff Kinney's latest in this exclusive look at Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown.
This continuation of Thrash's critically acclaimed memoir Honor Girl brings her devastating honesty and humor to the before and after of depression.
Bobby Kennedy's speech announcing Martin Luther King Jr's death inspired the author to research and write her new nonfiction title.
Writing about being twins was life changing for Ashley and Leslie Saunders.
Librarian Natalie Korsavidis curated a list of classics retold.
The author of Another Kind of Hurricane created a service project for students to aid others by sending clothes and handwritten messages of kindness.
The author of The Tea Dragon Society returns with a graphic novel bound to satisfy her audience.