Related
While I was outlining Juneberry Blue, I pondered these questions: Are forgotten kids allowed to have magic? Who decides who gets magic and who doesn’t?
Hand this to readers ready to get high school over with or those who just need a reminder that there are people in your corner (even if your corner is wedged in a storage room behind a locked door at school).
Teen Librarian Rachel Strolle shares middle grade and young adult books that take place at summer camp
Here's a look at some recently signed graphic novel deals—and what we can expect coming up!
Even if no deep, dark secrets are unearthed, they are bound to learn things – and maybe share things of their own – that will help them understand others, and maybe themselves, just a little bit better.
Together, with the help of each other and the adults in their lives, the kids learn that life is unfortunately full of lost things, but grief over those losses doesn't have to be carried alone. A really moving read full of humor, hope, and connection. A great read
From haunted camps to music camps to STEM camps, these 22 stories have a diverse range of characters and experiences, so all tween readers can find something to enjoy.
Well-chosen videos contribute a hard-to-ignore spark to educational lessons and add novelty and visual stimulation that young learners crave. No matter the topic, these videos are sure to engage classrooms and stimulate discussion with elementary, middle grade, and high school students.
As we find ourselves at the midway point of June, amidst the celebrations of Pride Month, it's an opportune time to reflect on the rich tapestry of narratives within the LGBTQIA+ community with 15 noteworthy graphic novels that can help us celebrate Pride this month, and year-round.
Happy Father's Day! We're highlighting my favorite daddy book of 2024 and talking about it (though I do get a little distracted by these creators' killer headshots).
Here's a look at some recently signed graphic novel deals—and what we can expect coming up!
PREMIUM
Hearts of Fire and Snow
Choose instead Aiden Thomas’s The Sunbearer Trials or Lani Forbes’s The Seventh Sun.
The steady, pleasing pace of plot and illustrations will complement most collections; its delicate message lands hard and is heartfelt.
Highly recommended for all public school librarians, teachers, and school administrators.
Inspired by Mo’s move from Hong Kong to the United States at the age of 10, this remarkable story about finding comfort in a new home by bringing along familiar traditions is a must-purchase for picture book collections and will resonate with any child who has struggled to fit in.
A must-read, this novel is full of charming dialogue, romantic-tension scenes, and heart-melting moments.
Although designed for young readers, this will appeal to older audiences and is a stellar first purchase for all libraries.
A clever and charming story of perspective, belonging, and finding oneself, this is a highly recommended for purchase.
A wordless picture book with so much to say, this is one for all children, and all collections.
PREMIUM
A Friend for Eddy
A captivating picture book that captures the feeling of loneliness and the need for friendship, ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
PREMIUM
Reggie: Penguin in Charge
This gentle title is an excellent choice for early readers and would be an engaging read-aloud for younger children. Fans of series like Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm’s “Babymouse” and Dav Pilkey’s “Cat Kid Comic Club” will enjoy this title.
Collections needing “silly” can file this one on the shelves, but it’s an additional purchase.
An essential purchase for middle/junior high school and teen collections. This may not be a high-circulation item, but it will be a lifeline for astute poetry lovers.
Despite cluttered formatting, this book provides excellent resources for employing a variety of engaging reading strategies that have wide applicability across K-8 contexts. Purchase for libraries with a focus on reading, explicit instruction, or a new curriculum.
PREMIUM
Touch the Sky
This lovely, dynamic picture book would be an excellent choice for libraries needing stories about the path of learning, step by step, the small joys along the way, and sharing in that joy with others.
PREMIUM
Roswell Johnson Saves the World!
A first purchase for libraries seeking adventurous science fiction mingled with facts about the universe.
PREMIUM
On a Summer Night
A sweet and serene seasonal story that will find a home in any collection.
PREMIUM
Don’t Be a Drag
This title can be skipped in favor of more engaging queer romance and more balanced representation of mental health journeys.
PREMIUM
Liar’s Test
An exciting fantasy tale of magic, friendship, and self-discovery, with poignant themes of colonization and cultural oppression that will captivate high school readers. Fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen and Marissa Meyer’s Cinder will be enthralled by this adventure of rebellion and the quest for freedom.
PREMIUM
Call Forth a Fox
With its enchanting atmosphere, captivating plot, and unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for any fantasy fan.
Li’s YA debut is a hopeful coming-of-age story with a cozy New England setting.
PREMIUM
Otherworldly
Fans of Greek mythology will appreciate the nods to some memorable characters and stories.
There is nothing pedestrian about this fantastic supernatural thriller. A modern classic with ties to the monsters that came before.
PREMIUM
My Towering Tree
A strong addition to the shelves and an accessible title to add to nature lessons or even story hours about mindfulness, with its emphasis on simplicity and an appreciation of nature.
A lively and essential addition to every folklore collection.
COLBY: I cannot believe it took us this long to have Abby Cooper on The Yarn. Her middle grade novels are SO popular in my 5th grade classroom. I had so much fun talking to Abby about ‘True Colors’. Stick around to the end of the episode because Abby reveals her next book project! Subscribe […]
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. In the latest installment, Freddie Kölsch shares about Now, Conjurers.
"...all joy, genius, and play." Not a bad way of describing today's book and interview with its author, the illustrious Lulu Miller.
Cartoonist Vera Brosgol's latest graphic novel is a classic adventure story...and an insightful look at the importance our culture places on appearances.
They don’t have all the answers. They make mistakes. There’s no sugar-coating their pain or flaws here. And there shouldn’t have to be. Give me all the unlikeable girls.
The authors talk wrestling, Orange Julius, kayfabe, identity, grief, and more.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under featuring Detective Sweet Pea Volume 1" The Case of the Golden Chew Bone from First Second Books and Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic from Viking Books for Young Readers.
We've added eight new titles to our list of possible Newbery Medal contenders this month. Four books have received more than ten suggestions from readers so far, as the list of excellent 2024 children's books keeps expanding. Check out the full list of 44 titles here.
We've added eight new titles to our list of possible Newbery Medal contenders this month. Four books have received more than ten suggestions from readers so far, as the list of excellent 2024 children's books keeps expanding. Check out the full list of 44 titles here.
Camp Prodigy stars Tate and Eli as nonbinary violists, like me, and both are frequently misgendered by those who don’t know them, like me!
A cover reveal for the upcoming picture book by John Schu and Holly Hatam
New readers can feed their minds as they read these books about feeding their bellies.
SPONSORED
Since 2004, Flashlight Press has published picture books that explore and illuminate different social and family situations. The Brooklyn-based publisher’s in-demand books are available in hardcover, eBook, and paperback, and have appeared 73 times on 33 state award lists and been translated into 19 languages.
True-crime podcaster Fran Frazier investigates a new mystery and Veronica gets small in our latest Archie Comics preview.
When we’re missing new books specifically targeted to middle grade readers, we’re failing to meet their needs. Specifically, we can’t help them navigate their deepest, most anxiety-provoking concern: the mucky, heart-wrenching terrain of being in or out of the club.
The book’s unique style comes at the expense of storytelling clarity, making this book a difficult recommendation for young readers, but a valuable historical record.
Highly recommended for high school students, this would make a great reading group book to discuss.
PREMIUM
The Different Tree
A worthy addition to a collection frequented by nature lovers, and a book that takes an unusual and welcome approach to the seasons.
Come for the culinary competition, stay for the incisive take on social issues. Recommended for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Wild Dreamers
An engaging novel in verse that touches on serious issues but is uplifting and hopeful. Recommended for middle and high school libraries.
This delightfully chilling romp with a brave and clever orphan is a Halloween tale with heart, that would be a splendid read-aloud at Halloween.
PREMIUM
The Darkness Rises
Suspense stories are in high demand with teens and this one won’t disappoint. Readers will be left with their jaws hanging open when all is revealed.
PREMIUM
Just Another Epic Love Poem
A love affair among poetry, Iranian culture, and teenage angst is happily fused in Akhbari’s debut.
PREMIUM
Do I Have to Go to the Party?
A winning series continues targeting young readers who need help processing emotions, making this an essential purchase.
PREMIUM
Ruby René Had So Much to Say
An empowering and inspiring story that encourages young readers to pursue their passions and make their voices heard.
Best for audiences already introduced to the Tiny Chef.
PREMIUM
And Then There Was Us
A well-written, thoughtful, and sympathetic deep dive into understanding and surviving an abusive parent.
PREMIUM
Out of Blue Comes Green
Queer teens and allies will appreciate a book with a trans protagonist and enjoy the read, even with the major plot holes.
Creepiness abounds, but not enough for readers to fully set sail aboard this ship.
An engaging and insightful biography of an American hero
PREMIUM
Pieces of a Girl
An authentic window into the lives of adolescents with grit and heart, likely for a niche audience.
PREMIUM
Get Ready for Halloween
This delightful Halloween-themed story would be a wonderful addition to any library’s collection, perfect for sparking excitement and enthusiasm about the spooky season.
It officially came out in 2023, but now U.S. audiences will be able to watch ROBOT DREAMS.
This picture book explores the complex topic of immigration through the lens of a small child in a meaningful way. Children will appreciate the authentic experience of Mevan while relating to her struggles and joy in receiving a simple gift like a bicycle.
PREMIUM
El nuevo mundo
Recommended as an additional purchase where Castilian Spanish is popular or short chapter books are sought.
PREMIUM
La danza del cuentaconmigo
Recommended as an additional purchase where Castilian Spanish is popular or short chapter books are sought.
A highly readable biography about an inspiring man, this is a first pick for all libraries.
PREMIUM
The Dare
Readers willing to suspend disbelief will be treated to a solid murder mystery; this is a fantastic bridge into the world of adult thriller.
PREMIUM
10 Things I Hate About Prom
Teens will enjoy this title with its comedic plot twists, U.S. high school drama themes, and the friendship-to-love relationship between two realistic Latinx teens.
PREMIUM
El carrito de churros
Purchase this celebration of family, culture, and hard work for all Spanish-language picture book collections.
A breathtaking, bilingual offering that can be used with countless themed story times and read-alouds. Shelve alongside Carole Lindstrom’s My Powerful Hair.
PREMIUM
How Mom Met Mama
While this type of gentle queer representation in storytelling is valuable, the story and the artwork are too unpolished to recommend for purchase.
Every Happily Ever After is going to look a little different. Stories, in any form, can be an escape. But within unfamiliar settings and struggles we see the truth of the world around us.
This isn’t just A werewolf book for kids. It is THE werewolf book for kids.
Just like art, coming up with the ideal discussion questions involved a lot of trial and error. As I get ready for my next career phase with the upcoming launch of my YA book, TAKE ALL OF US, I’ve decided to take a look back at what ended up being the five worst and five best library whiteboards overall.
This comprehensive digital resource provides accurate, thoughtful representation and digestible lessons on North American Indigenous nations.
Stories of children with parents behind bars are as diverse as the millions of real-life kids familiar with the experience. These 19 fiction and nonfiction titles may offer an empathetic, metaphoric hand for young readers to hold.
Monster Cats, the latest super-cute cat manga from Pandania, introduces us to cats who are also monsters.
It's time for rapid-fire Q&A with Peter Brown, Dashka Slater, Chris Baron, and Jarrett Lerner!
They are politicians and artists and athletes. They are young people, and people with a few years of life under their belts. And their stories can inform and encourage young readers in June and throughout the year. These books can change lives—and even save them.
Nyasha Williams is on hand to discuss Hoodoo, daily rituals, and a keen watermelon and orange salad.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Rune Tale of a Thousand Faces from Flying Eye Books and Sink or Swim from Random House Graphic.
I knew I wanted to convey insights into Jamaican life with YOUR CORNER DARK and now with BETTER MUST COME. So, when it came to showing YOUNG PEOPLE how economic policies, the issues of abandonment, police brutality, and others affected the island nation, I had to make the stories EXCITING!
We have 36 titles on our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list, but we need even more. It's time to add June suggestions to the list: recommend up to 5 Newbery-eligible titles between June 3rd - 8th and we will share the updated list next week.
It started with the title—Past Present Future popped into my head one day, and I couldn’t ignore it. I’m a sucker for parallelism.
There's a new documentary about Reading Rainbow on Netflix.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
