Best Of

This month's star-studded list is filled with a healthy serving of graphic novels, a couple of recommended DVDs, and books by David Levithan, Kyle Lukoff, Anastasia Higginbotham, Emily X.R. Pan, and more.

Powerful women artists, poetry choices, and riveting historical fiction are featured in this month's starred works.

The NCTE Excellence in Children’s Poetry Award Committee has recognized 21 exceptional books of poetry and nine novels in verse in their annual list. Read and evaluated by each member of the committee, these books published in 2021 are notable for their use of language, poetic devices, and their application to children ages three to 13.

Music recommendations for the classroom, transitional books, and a lovely read for Mother's Day are included in this month's 41 starred reviews, spanning picture books, chapter books, middle grade, YA, and more.

Excellent audiobooks, stories to support social-emotional learning, and a handy guide to anime and manga are among this month's 26 starred reviews, spanning picture books, chapter books, middle grade, YA, and more.

SLJ's roundup of reviews for the winners and honorees of the 2022 Caldecott, Newbery, Printz, and more.

The Dead End in Norvelt author talks about why he reads history, his inspiration for Miss Volker, and how "the facts nourish free will."  

Moving poetry, thought-provoking nonfiction, and an adorable Valentine's title are among this month's 25 starred reviews, spanning picture books, chapter books, middle grade, YA, and more.

Fascinating adult books for teens, informative professional reading, and gorgeously illustrated manga are among 38 of this month's starred reviews, spanning picture books, middle grade, YA, and more.