Best Of

In this overview of SLJ's 2023 starred titles to date, grief, intergenerational bonds, and other key topics are trending topics.

June's starred reviews include nonfiction by Lesa Cline-Ransome and Ruta Sepetys, along with Spanish language books, holiday titles, and music.

Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro's middle grade adventure receives a star this month, as do a Jarrett Lerner early reader and the Nintendo game Metroid Prime Remastered. 

This year, members of the committee recognized 12 excellent books of poetry and six novels in verse as 2023 Notable Books. Picks include a range of formats—lively nonfiction, reflective verse, and moving verse novels—written by familiar poets and debut authors.

A manga title makes the starred list, as well as two Kwame Alexander audiobooks, the latest Brian Selznick novel, a Joy McCullough title in both audio and print, and more.

From John Schu's latest picture book to an Ibram X. Kendi adaptation of a Zora Neale Hurston story, March's starred titles all shine.

February's starred titles include professional reading and reference books, along with a range of fiction and nonfiction for young readers of all ages.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2023 Youth Media Awards.

Every year I look forward to the Youth Media Awards, and this time is no different. Last year had several strong standouts that I hope were considered by the Printz committee.