Want to look at Cinderella through the mores of the 21st century? I suggest pairing yourself up with an artist that’s been dead for 80 years. Why it’s so crazy, it just might work.
Quick and to the point reviews of some recent YA titles, including one I admit to only skimming.
The phrase "best friends forever" takes on new meaning for Dino and his former BFF July, who is not-dead, in this really readable, engaging, strange, poignant, and funny journey through a relationship autopsy.
when the very nice people at Macmillan asked me if I wanted to do a bit of a cover reveal for Matthew Cordell's newest book, do you know what I said? I said yes, please, and thank you, because I am a polite soul. And heck, why not throw in a little interview with Mr. Cordell for spice?
As someone who spends a lot of time advocating for consent education, I can not in good faith recommend this book, even though I believe it will have a lot of teen appeal.
This morning's preview is a veritable Whitman's Sampler of defining moments from over seven decades of Archie and the Riverdale gang.
This young readers edition of Erica Armstrong Dunbar’s National Book Award–nominated title details the account of Ona Judge, who ran away from the household of George and Martha Washington. This "Classroom Bookshelf" lesson plan provides teaching ideas and digital resources to accompany what SLJ's reviewer called "a brilliant work of U.S. history."
The old Ant and the Grasshopper fable got the Lionni touch back in 1967 when the four time Caldecott Honor winner chose to put a new spin on an old classic. So how successful was this book in the end? Is it a product of its age (the tune in and drop out 60s) or something that stands the test of time?
Dark Horse announces 'Extraordinary: The Story of an Ordinary Princess,' Cassie Anderson's adaptation of M.M. Kaye's 'Journey with Princess Basil,' and the second volume of Anderson and Matt Mair Lowery's 'Lifeformed'
Three strong and exceptionally talented Black YA authors have hit the trifecta with books that are new releases or coming soon and reflect hip-hop culture.
In our preview of 'Scooby -Doo, Where Are You' #97, the gang get mixed up with gangsters when a routine trip to the bank collides with a ghostly heist.
In Joe Lansdale and Sam Glanzman’s graphic novel Red Range, African American vigilante Caleb Range and his young sidekick wreak vengeance on a murderous group of Klansmen and then are transported to another world where more dangers await. On the last page of that book, they stare out at a strange body of water filled […]
This week's new comics include a new 'Johnny Boo' and a new take on 'Little Women.'
Interviews? They're cool. But interviews between authors and illustrators in the form of a comic? Much, much cooler. Betsy Bird brings you Andrea Tsurumi and Gideon Sterer as they discuss their book Not your Nest.
This Week at TLT New books alert: Writing advice, Latinx teens on a road trip, Muslims in love, and so much more Fight the Power: Music as a Social Force, a guest post by Lisa Krok Cindy Crushes Programming: Hosting a Fortnite Party, by Cindy Shutts Feminist AF: The Amelia Bloomer Project, by Ally Watkins […]
Kwame Alexander’s words are grand. Kadir Nelson’s art soars. But when you put those two things together, and they work in tandem, they bring out the best in one another. Unrelenting, undeniable, unavoidable. Fail to read this book at your peril. I hope it is only the beginning.
Get out your reading lists! New titles coming soon from S.K. Ali, Sonia Patel, Claire Legrand, and so many others.
Colby: Amal Unbound is one of the most unforgettable middle grade novels of 2018. Sitting down with Aisha to talk about the book for The Yarn was so much fun. I hope you like the episode! Subscribe below to catch every episode.
A mixed group tries to form a sports team at an all-female drama college.
A mixed group tries to form a sports team at an all-female drama college.
What's the best joke book on the market for kids today? Here are some recent publications vying for the prize.
Post-It Note reviews are a great way to display books and offer a more personal recommendation than just the flap copy. This roundup also includes a historical fiction title dealing with race, a potentially murderous robot, and a new crop of babysitters.
This empowering and inspiring book did the impossible: it made me nostalgic for my own teen years as a young feminist.
Recently published books celebrating African American women and girls highlight their important contributions to the arts, activism, literacy, politics, science, and other fields too numerous to name.
Nature, childhood, family, community, and dreamers are just some of the subjects honored in these titles to share all year long.
Videogames provide a memorable way to present storytelling to students, offering visual and tactile experiences that leave them eager to explore related books and activities.
Now it’s party time, Archie style, with our exclusive preview of Archie 1000 Page Comics Party. This plump anthology hits the streets on February 13. Enjoy!
Let’s kick off this mid-February week with some previews! First up is World of Archie Comics Digest #89. We’ve got a look at the brand new lead story, plus an entire classic story. The digest goes on sale on Wednesday. Enjoy!
Winner of a 2019 Coretta Scott King Author Honor, The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson is part historical fiction novel, part mystery, full of masterful plot twists and clever riddles. The latest lesson plan from "The Classroom Bookshelf."
The 2019 Outstanding International Books list, developed by the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), represents literature from every continent.
Abrams Children’s Books has announced a new series of biographies for middle grade readers: First Names. Eight books are planned and will cover historical and contemporary figures in a highly illustrated format, with titles on Harry Houdini and Amelia Earhart due August 2019.
A lesson plan for Sophie Blackall's award-winning picture book.
One of my favorite picture biographies of last year, this book captures with seeming effortlessness the life and times of one of the world's greatest painters. His art seems tailor-made for children, and the story itself stands as a marvelous example of how to make a picture book biography at all. I got to ask Barb and Mary some questions and, in the process, get a little schooled on my own assumptions.
One of my favorite picture biographies of last year, this book captures with seeming effortlessness the life and times of one of the world's greatest painters. His art seems tailor-made for children, and the story itself stands as a marvelous example of how to make a picture book biography at all. I got to ask Barb and Mary some questions and, in the process, get a little schooled on my own assumptions.
This week First Second delves into some DIY while Humanoids Publishing looks at the silly side of science.
A roundup of 13 holiday selections, featuring books about Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Passover, Pride Day, and more.
February's LGBTQIA+ new books include a graphic novel retelling of Little Women, a summer romance, multiple fantasy titles, and a middle grade book with a genderfluid main character.
There’s the usual historical, factual stuff . . . and then there’s the pure science fiction. Books like We’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey. Unapologetically bold, it wears its little science fiction loving heart on its sleeve. Managing to also be funny and strangely poignant, this isn’t a book about “Why can’t we all just get along?” It’s about what happens when our differences are so glaring we have no choice but to acknowledge that they’re there at all.
Jack' dog Zero gets the spotlight in the first volume of this sequel to 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.'
I like it when familiar books get new covers. It’s an instant mystery: why did this book get a new cover? Sometimes it’s to appeal to a different audience. Other times to mark an anniversary. And occasionally a book might just use some sprucing up. I have six books that are being recovered in 2019, […]
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 In the Margins Book Awards honor the best books published over the preceding 18 months that appeal to the reading needs and wants of teens from marginalized backgrounds. The committee selected three top titles in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction, and Advocacy. They also released their full Top 10 list.
More than just another horse story, 'Grand Theft Horse' is about one woman fighting the horse racing system for the right to train her horse humanely.
This updated edition is a useful resource that is aimed at queer teens, but those seeking to provide a welcoming, affirming environment for LGBTQ youth will also find this indispensable.
BURN AFTER READING Ted Geisel’s thank you letter to a friend who stopped him from burning his first picture book manuscript is up for auction. Click here to read about it. BUT SRSLY Lauren Child thinks children’s publishing is getting the short end of the stick and is advocating for a change. Click here to […]
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.
Brian Michael Bendis' new Wonder Comics imprint from DC is off to a strong start with Young Justice #1, in which he and artist Patrick Gleason relaunch the seemingly unrelaunchable team of teenage superheroes.
Lessons for the classroom and library based on 2019 Geisel Honor book Fox+Chick and Other Stories by Sergio Ruzzier, from a critical literacy exercise on unlikely friendships and reader's theater to Fox+Chick as mentor text.
There’s nothing quite like a charming meet cute or the ups and downs of first love. Check out these contemporary YA romances that teens will fall in love with in the next few months.
Travis: And the most popular episode of The Yarn in 2018 was . . .
Travis: And the 2nd most popular episode of The Yarn in 2018 was . . .
Travis: And the 3rd most popular episode of The Yarn in 2018 was . . .
This week Capstone Press looks at some historical moments in sports and Houghton Mifflin Company introduces a classic story to a new audience.
The announcement of the 2020 Newbery Medal is just 362 days away! Here's a brief look ahead to some titles that might be early contenders.
A new app and database from YALSA lets users access nearly 4,000 YA titles, plus awards, a new children's imprint, and more in NewsBites.
I’ve had a copy of this book sitting on my desk, read, and ready to review for sometime. But given that this title received so much attention during this year’s book award season, I had to prioritize this review.
"Animal exploitation at its finest, it’s like 12 Years a Slave for Penguin[s]." Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon?
A bit of art, a bit of text, this title typifies picture books at their best. Bold and small and gutsy and quiet. A title you could easily miss, but why would you want to?
On March 12 of 2019, Laurie Halse Anderson will release her newest book Shout, a moving biography that seeks once again to highlight the very real truths of sexual violence in the life of teens - and in her own life.
Find all of SLJ's 2019 YMA stories, interviews, and reviews in one place.
Travis: And the 4th most popular episode of The Yarn in 2018 was . . .
The popular and acclaimed Witch Boy series by Molly Knox Ostertag will continue!
What do you get when you combine a Bird with a Santat? You get a cover reveal of their very first picture book together, that's what! And what the heck. We'll throw in an interview with lots of funny photos as well, just for kicks.
January has always been an exciting time of year in the book world. Monday of ALA’s annual midwinter conference is dedicated to the Youth Media Awards. In addition to the many well-known honors, such as the Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz Medals, there are many other awards and selection lists that a tireless team of librarians work to compile. The work is exhaustive and exhilarating. Keeping up with the review copies and the non-stop reading is intense.
Get out your reading lists! New titles coming soon from Shaun David Hutchinson, Stacey Lee, Abdi Nazemian, Katie Henry, and so many others. Also, this batch of new books features some exceptionally awesome covers, including a girl in a hot dog suit.
The YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens list has a top ten.
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.
Celebrating the 2019 ALA Youth Media Awards, along with other notable children's and young adult book awards, we've curated links to the recipients we've blogged about over the past 2 years.
Celebrating the 2019 ALA Youth Media Awards, along with other notable children's and young adult book awards, we've curated links to the recipients we've blogged about over the past 2 years.
Live updates from the Youth Media Awards in Seattle, where the winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal (and many other awards) will be announced. Follow the news and share reactions on Heavy Medal
MERCI SUAREZ CHANGES GEARS won the 2019 Newbery Medal! Heavy Medal readers share reactions to the Newbery results, as well as the announcements of other award winners.
At TLT, we like to hear what teens have to say about YA Lit. The Teen has been doing a lot of reading lately, so it's time for another round of Kicky's Post It Reviews.
How did Holmes go about illustrating the creation of the universe for THE STUFF OF STARS? It began with marbleized paper.
Teaching ideas for Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina, winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal.
SLJ's reviews of the Youth Media Award winners (YMAs) announced at a press conference at the American Library Association’s midwinter conference 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.
A selection of picture books that represent a panorama of people working and playing together while respecting differences and honoring similarities.
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.
Let’s wrap it up with one more preview: Here’s a sneak peek at Scooby-Doo Team-Up #46, featuring a team-up with Black Lightning: High school principal Jefferson Pierce is used to teenagers acting like monsters—but not when they start turning into actual monsters! Even Scooby and the gang might have their hands full with an entire […]
Let’s kick back and enjoy some more comics previews! Here’s an early look at Looney Tunes #247: Marvin the Martian is poised to conquer the Earth from his orbiting UFO when a knock on the hatch announces the arrival of Charlie Dog, on his never-ending quest for a home. But Marvin already has his own […]
287 Heavy Medal readers voted. 127 of you are new Heavy Medal Readers and 160 are returning readers. Here are the results: The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge: 22 (7.7%) The Book of Boy: 24 (8.4%) The Faithful Spy: 5 (1.7%) Front Desk: 37 (12.9%) The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: 4 (1.4%) Hey, Kiddo!: 26 (9.1%) The […]
I’ve done a number of cover reveals here over the years, but today is something a bit different. Dare I say an innovation in the realm of cover reveals! Today we are revealing a cover online, just as it is being revealed in the real world in Seattle at the American Library Association Midwinter. The book […]
After two more rounds (via email and ballot forms) of voting, the 2019 Heavy Medal Award Committee finally came to consensus and picked the winning title published for children in 2018.
Readers, stay tuned. We are still in the process of our Third (and might not be the Last) Round of Balloting. As evident from yesterday’s whirlwind of comments (more than two hundred before we closed the comments for the two posts,) our 17 Heavy Medal Award Committee members are taking this task of picking a […]
Readers, stay tuned. We are still in the process of our Third (and might not be the Last) Round of Balloting. As evident from yesterday’s whirlwind of comments (more than two hundred before we closed the comments for the two posts,) our 17 Heavy Medal Award Committee members are taking this task of picking a […]
Apocalypse Taco is a wholly new creation in more ways than one. It opens the door for more kid-friendly horror. I mean, it’s got everything! Tooth monsters. School lockers full of goo. Brigadoon. You name it!
These forthcoming books from Penguin Random House will keep you busy this spring and summer. Novels about grief, secrets, guilt, breaking free, and so much more. Get ready to add a bunch of new titles to your TBR list!
DEAR ZOO: WHERE ARE THE FEMALE ANIMALS? You ever notice how in Dear Zoo, there are no female animals? This blog did. And now, for some reason, people are mad that the blog called it out??? Where’s an eye-roll emoji when you need it? (Related note: A couple weeks ago Brian Lies wrote an excellent post […]
Last night, all 17 (including myself) members of the Heavy Medal Award Committee cast our votes for the first time. And we have not yet selected a winner. Here are the guidelines to determine a winning title. A. Each member must cast three separate votes. One each for First Place, Second Place, and Third Place. B. A […]
This are the results of our second round of voting. A few more books are OFF the table: Front Desk, Just Like Jackie, The Night Diary, Poet X (This one kills me!), and Small Spaces. So, we are left with the following titles to further examine: [The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge] First x 3 Second x 1 […]
These titles jump-start important conversations about online conduct, safety, and ethics.
Sisters Kit and Cat Seaton transform an obscure old fairy tale into a engaging new fantasy in Norroway, a sort of Beauty and The Beast by way of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The first book in the series kicks off an epic adventure in which an unlikely pair face curses and the forces of fate.
Jonathan Auxier's SWEEP is the final book in our Heavy Medal Finalists discussion. Heavy Medal Committee member DaNae notes that the author "deftly builds instant empathy. He exposes just enough vulnerability to open an itch of dread, yet overlies it with a wisp of hope, assuring us that our hearts are in good hands."
This August Little Bigfoot Books is kicking off a picture book biography series called Growing to Greatness starring people from the Pacific Northwest. And what's their very first title in said series? Just Like Beverly: A Biography of Beverly Cleary. The very first picture book biography of the lady to date.
A new book is announced to follow Sunny Side Up and Swing It, Sunny.
A new Star Scouts book is coming later this year to finish the series.
Two new Maker Comics are coming this fall from First Second.
Readers who like really complex relationships will love this book about best friends Sophie and Peter and what happens after Sophie donates a kidney to Peter. Life never really goes as planned, does it?
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