News & Features

The award-winning author talks to SLJ about his third novel; a story of welding, colorism, and PTSD that at its heart is a loving reunion of father and daughter.

There’s a new range of books hitting library shelves – and they’re a great way to introduce younger readers to a hobby they’re sure to love.

What is it you reach for on the shelves? If you’re an ardent fan of memoirs or mysteries, you’ll likely pass on the latest horror or historical fiction titles. Children select books in much the same manner, especially as they transition from having books read to them and they become independent readers. 

California Reading Association's 2019 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Book Award has awarded A Boy Like You the Gold Award & The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng an Honor Award. 

We offer seven books in various formats for middle graders and up that do not offer one-on-one substitutions for Ayn Rand's Anthem, but will certainly satisfy readers' dystopian cravings.

Those assigning Scott O'Dell's 1960 novel Island of the Blue Dolphins may want to look at these contemporary and historical works featuring coming-of-age themes and accurate depictions of Indigenous culture. 

If the prospect of Charles Dickens's Great Expectations for your students looks dim, the NCTE and SLJ has curated a list of books with similar themes that provide greater context or recast Pip's story into a more accessible format, such as the highly graphic manga version included here. 

Laura Ingalls Wilder's 1935 novel Little House on the Prairie features a young girl coming of age amid the homesteading movement. These suggested titles feature accurate portrayals of the period and of Indigenous communities, as well as works with themes of family bonds and migration.