News & Features

Pluto, the main character of Melleby's How I Became a Planet, just wants to love things again like she used to. Depression changes her, but with a support system and time, Pluto knows she will be okay. 

Middle grade and YA authors including  Joy McCullough, Reem Faruqi,  and others discuss the power of verse to address emotional topics and craft innovative narratives.

While writing stories involving mental illness, the author of My Life in the Fish Tank strives to "still create fun, complex characters and entertaining plots that keep readers turning the pages." 

Authors Dhonielle Clayton and Julian Randall discuss creating magic from the margins in their highly anticipated middle grade debuts.

Starry-eyed characters follow their passions in three middle grade novels for kids excited about the Disney+ film adapted from Tim Federle's novel.

With empathy and wit, the creator of the graphic novel Living with Viola portrays anxiety as a malicious person who won't leave the main character alone. 

The Stonewall Award and Newbery Honor winner found the effervescent and humorous voice of his Different Kinds of Fruit protagonist in the unlikeliest of places.

In our May issue, you’ll find an 18-by-24-inch poster promoting the freedom to read. Famed artist Rafael López created the warm, hopeful image, which ­conveys the power of reading to open minds and hearts.

Here are 21 recent YA and middle grade titles that favor poetry over prose, perfect for sharing during National Poetry Month.