Booklists

SLJ is ringing in the New Year with this January Popular Picks list! This month includes a story about a badger who realizes his obsession with cleanliness has gone too far; the return of Aaron Blabey's "Bad Guys"; a stunning graphic novel about Artemis, the goddess of the hunt; and an autobiography by soccer star Carli Lloyd, recently voted FIFA's Best Women's Soccer Player.

Ben Clanton, author of Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea, an SLJ popular pick, discusses this new graphic novel series, why narwhals are having a moment, his love of puns, and more.

In need of programming ideas?

With red herrings, suspects, and plenty of clues, mysteries hold tons of appeal for readers of all ages. These novels have all the twists and turns that make the genre so captivating, but all are tween-friendly. From the latest “Glimmer Girls” installment to the tale of a mystery prankster to a book about a disappearing toddler, these are intriguing yet age-appropriate stories that are bound to inspire budding gumshoes.

The stage life isn’t all glamour, as the teens in these diverse titles discover. Whether they’re performing for a few spectators at a high school auditorium or for thousands of screaming fans at a stadium-size arena, these young singers and actors learn to balance everyday concerns about family, friends, and romance with the high-stakes drama of life in the spotlight.

There’s something magical and transformative about a winter storm, whether you live in a city or in a more rural locale. Weeks of gray skies and nippy weather mean nothing to kids as long as they can hold out hope for at least one blissful humungo snowfall to enjoy with their friends.

Featuring a tale about a rooster who refuses to stay silent, a new graphic novel series about a narwhal and his jellyfish companion, and a middle grade Cyrano de Bergerac, this month's Popular Picks are bound to fly off shelves.

This month’s Popular Picks features favorite authors such as Emma Chichester Clark, Deb Lucke, and Kimberly and James Dean.

Deb Lucke's sequel to "Lunch Witch" was just named an SLJ Popular Pick. She reveals what's next for Grunhilda.