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Here's a look at some recently signed graphic novel deals—and what we can expect coming up!
Grade-schooler Měi Yīng's life seemed happy enough until she got to fifth grade and encountered a relentless bully who made fun of every aspect of her life. Can the examples of her mother and grandmother help her find the inner strength to deal with it?
History is boring to most kids—totally unfair to history, BTW. But it’s true: students often rank my subject, social studies, as their least favorite.
Talking today about what it takes to make a great food-related picture book readaloud. We discuss pasta, Bee-bim Bop, and more! Warning: This Q&A may make you hungry.
Centering dignity and equity, authors strive to normalize the topic of menstruation and show how different people experience it.
Two authors, who met via social media in 2017 and have been friends since, both published books centering children who happen to be disabled. Here they are in conversation about the need to call disability what it is, and to allow those with disabilities to have the same story lines as everyone else.
Talking today about what it takes to make a great food-related picture book readaloud. We discuss pasta, Bee-bim Bop, and more! Warning: This Q&A may make you hungry.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Kindgom Races from IDW Publishing and Summer Vamp from Random House Graphic.
For readers feeling their own haze all around them, Mackenzie's story will show that complicated realities will always be better than empty fictions.
The updated Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list features 36 excellent children's books that could be contenders for the 2025 Newbery Medal. Check out the full list here; and we'll add more titles each month.
To celebrate this unexpected milestone I thought I’d reflect on the six most interesting facts about this weird, bittersweet, wild ride of a story.
From going to work in faraway or dangerous jobs to walking with their kids around the neighborhood or reading bedtime stories, these fathers offer support and encouragement and set an example for their kids. As Father's Day approaches, or all year long, share these titles with little ones and families to recognize the important role Dad plays in their lives.
In their follow-up to Measuring Up, Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu send a very reluctant young girl to Taiwanese-American summer camp to get in touch with her heritage and grow closer to her sister—will the experience help her learn to be herself, or will she continue to strive to fit in on others' terms?
By choosing books that combine the thrill of a mystery with a unique setting, educators can review geography, address differences in the ways people live and work, and still engage young readers.
When kids at school say there are "no good books" to read, I send them to two places: graphic novels or the list of short books/books under 250 pages.
PREMIUM
A Web of Christmas Love
In a field of seemingly infinite Christmas picture books, both Christian and secular, this title does not stand out. Recommended as an additional purchase for religious Christmas collections.
Originally published in Russian, this is a beautiful addition to nonfiction collections looking for books on the subject, and those seeking more translated works.
PREMIUM
The End of Always
Coming of age isn’t easy, especially when you’re trapped in a survivalist camp. A first purchase for readers of realistic fiction.
PREMIUM
La verdad sobre el sofá
This meta–picture book will be a favorite for kids with its animal protagonists, laugh-out-loud plot, and character interactions.
Recommended for high school libraries as a memoir that may offer words of encouragement to those ailing, grieving, or seeking inspiration.
PREMIUM
Every Time You Hear That Song
A vivid queer romance whose characters and plot will captivate readers. A strong purchase.
This gentle story is written in a Spanish that sounds like home with familiar themes and images of family, root countries, and a love that spans distances; children will wait in line to have a turn to share it with their families.
A secondary purchase for most school libraries.
PREMIUM
This Night Is Ours
Recommended for high school collections, this is sure to be a hit for fans of whirlwind romances such as those by Nicola Yoon and Rachel Lynn Solomon.
PREMIUM
Mr. Katz and Me
An inspiring story of intergenerational friendship, recommended for libraries everywhere.
PREMIUM
Right Here, Right Now
This title will prove intriguing, both for high school students taking physics and fans of romance. A thought-provoking read for those who like realistic fiction with a scientific twist.
A book that deserves both its own anime adaptation and a spot on the shelves of any library with fantasy-loving teens.
PREMIUM
Linus and Etta Could Use a Win
The message of trans acceptance is front and center in this realistic fiction title; Huntoon creates meaningful and authentic conversations around topics important to trans youth and allies, while also maintaining a lighter tone that is more accessible for the middle school reader. Recommended.
Practical and entertaining, this is a worthy resource for budding story writers.
PREMIUM
The Little Christmas Tree
Young kids may find the fir trees particularly amusing in this amiable Christmas story.
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More than 47 percent of the titles targeted [for book bans] represent LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices and experiences. Publishers are responding to book challenges by endorsing Right to Read acts, contributing book résumés to the Unite Against Book Bans initiative and continuing to prioritize titles representing LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
Among this month's standouts are the latest graphic novel co-authored by Gender Queer's Maia Kobabe, a picture book from Kyle Lukoff, and a video adapted from Carole Boston Weatherford's book about Mary Hamilton.
Somehow, Ursu has managed to write a legitimately scary ghost story (sorta) that’s also about accusations of hysteria, invisible illnesses, and issues in middle school.
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and though Pearl by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie won’t be released until the summer, why not celebrate its upcoming release with a review?
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and though Pearl by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie won’t be released until the summer, why not celebrate its upcoming release with a review?
Miami is unreal. That’s why it was the inspiration for in my newest YA novel, Death’s Country.
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Just a few years removed from a global pandemic that saw the intense politicization of public health initiatives, the U.S. public’s faith in science has declined. Books that help students understand complex issues and inform them about important scientific advancements and the critical role that STEM plays in our society can help produce more informed citizens who support the need for scientific investment.
These early readers and chapter books will be just the thing for independent readers looking to meet new characters and engage with fun stories during the summer months.
Today we talk with a man who slowly, methodically, carefully, and with great love, churns out some of the smartest books for kids today.
Full of humor, memorable characters, great dialogue, and more wrestling than maybe any other book I've read before, this empathetic and meaningful look at grief makes it clear that there's no wrong wrong to do it, even if that means living with the voice of a professional wrestler in your head.
I started making up this story with my brother when I was in middle school, and it’s taken all these years to finally finish it.
Checking in on the 2025 Mock Newbery and Caldecott lists on Goodreads.
Hi-Lo titles are high-interest stories written at a lower reading level for striving readers. These 24 books, in genres ranging from romance to horror, are sure to grip readers with relatable main characters and contemporary coming-of-age themes.
Two high schoolers are drawn together by the power of the number 8 in this one-shot manga.
Here’s the thing that took me awhile to learn: suppressing our feelings, or berating ourselves for having them in the first place, only makes those difficult feelings worse.
Cape Verdean books for kids may be rare in America, but there's at least one author out there working to fill the gaps. Today we talk with Janet Costa Bates about her latest early chapter series.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Anzu and the Realm of Darkness from Viking Books for Young Readers and Action Dude from Silver Dolphin Books.
This great read is a real page-turner and will especially appeal to readers who love family stories and readers who (like me) like their fantasy to be quite grounded in reality. An absolutely smashing read that everyone should pick up this summer!
It's time to add May suggestions to the growing Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list. Readers can submit up to five titles that might be considered as possible contenders for the 2025 Newbery Medal.
Everyone—children, teens and even adults—need safe outlets to explore their emotions, fears and unspoken curiosities. Whether you’re writing a book or reading a book, stories can be that safe harbor.
STEM comes to life for beginning readers in these stories, which can be used to complement science, math, or reading instruction.
Today's Archie Digest preview focuses on the hazards of high school sports.
We are lucky to live in a time where there is just so much wonderful middle grade coming out. There's no reason to hear a middle schooler say "I'm bored" this summer.
I’ve finally been able to reach into that drawer and grab some panache. CJ and the soccer-princess-sprite deserve a lot of thanks for that.
PREMIUM
The Storyteller
A fresh selection to offer to young children experiencing the loss of a loved one; a good choice for the grief or intergenerational shelves.
PREMIUM
The Blue Pickup
A beautiful celebration of the bond between a grandfather and his grandchild, and the importance of preserving the past through storytelling.
PREMIUM
Nana in the Country
This heartwarming tale of intergenerational connection, complemented by its inviting artwork, is a delightful addition to any library or collection.
PREMIUM
Peg Gets Crackin’
Simple text could make for a fun read-aloud, but stronger titles are available about both chickens and anxiety: the human baby in Fran Manushkin’s Baby, Come Out! faces a similar dilemma and the suspense is all but unbearable and so satisfying.
PREMIUM
Kenya
A simple yet well-crafted story, as text and illustrations depict activities familiar to children everywhere as well as introduce language and facts about life in Kenya.
Quintero’s words speak to bonds of care, while the glorious illustrations sing of bodies round and safe. In this must-purchase, there is bounty of feeling, respect for physicality, touch, and sensation, wrapped in a picture book pocket.
A fable wherein the courage of the lion was in the girl all along. Jackson imbues what could have been a tired concept with depth, breadth, and power. Great for reading aloud in a group or individual sharing and an excellent addition to all collections.
PREMIUM
Not Perfect
An sweet narrative promoting resilience and embracing imperfection, this is an amiable addition to the shelves.
PREMIUM
Boba Emotions: A Bilingual Book in English and Cantonese with Traditional Characters and Jyutping
Recommended for a slightly older age group than the usual board book audience, but still, quite a find.
A great choice for collections in need of books with diverse family composition.
A well-researched account of an essential historical account of the U.S. labor movement. Highly recommended for middle school readers and beyond.
PREMIUM
Stay Dead
Perfect for fans of What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson or Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis.
PREMIUM
Icarus
A poignant exploration of family, identity, and self-discovery, offering late teens a thought-provoking journey as they navigate the complexities of emerging into new adulthood.
PREMIUM
What Monstrous Gods
While billed as a loose interpretation of the “Sleeping Beauty” tale, this dark fantasy is more akin to Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin with its religious musings about duty, love, and purpose.
PREMIUM
Not Like Other Girls
This strong debut belongs on library shelves, especially where mysteries are popular.
PREMIUM
Cancelled
This ode to feminism belongs on shelves where similar works are popular and also makes an excellent title for discussion.
An evocative novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, history, and psychology, this is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking puzzle that explores the lasting impacts of war. Highly recommended for any collection but particularly for libraries where Alan Gratz or Elizabeth Wein books are popular.
PREMIUM
The Ballad of Darcy and Russell
This look at the realities of what comes after love-at-first-sight is worth a read, especially for those who enjoyed Nicola Yoon’s The Sun Is Also a Star and Jennifer E. Smith’s The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.
PREMIUM
Off With Their Heads
An additional purchase for collections where retellings circulate well, and a further recommendation that the book will likely resonate with fans of Chloe Gong and Rin Chupeco.
An excellent addition to nonfiction collections for young readers.
A love letter to Muslim children at a time when it is needed most. A recommended first purchase for school and public libraries.
Providing necessary AANHPI representation, humor, and instant middle school appeal, this novel is a first purchase.
PREMIUM
10 Things I Love About Hanukkah
With nothing new presented, this an additional purchase unlikely to stand out on the overcrowded holiday bookshelf.
A basic counting book for babies that is mildly Halloween-themed.
Not only a survey of various animals, this will resonate with little ones who see themselves reflected in the mongoose, needing an outlet for its energy before settling into the family burrow and falling fast asleep.
An engaging and bright treatment of a Mexican sculptor that will inspire burgeoning artists, purchase this bilingual book for elementary collections.
PREMIUM
How Starling Got His Speckles
This modern fable that combines science with storytelling will find a home complementing early nature and science instruction.
PREMIUM
Marley’s Pride
A sensitive work, based in bittersweet lessons, this is also a practical guide to overcoming anxiety with the help of others.
PREMIUM
Book, Beast, and Crow
A good starter suspense tale for middle schoolers, but older or more experienced mystery readers may find it lacking in depth.
PREMIUM
A Whisper in the Walls
A spectacular sequel in an exciting fantasy series and a must-purchase for all libraries serving high schoolers.
A nice guide to keep at the desk or to use in school rooms.
The Cat in the Hat comes back again, this time in the very first in a new line of graphic novels starring Dr. Seuss' characters and created by cartoonists working in their own distinct styles.
In 1999, almost everyone was worried about a computer flaw or bug nicknamed Y2K for year 2000. Now Erin Entrada Kelly has put the subject in a middle grade novel, The First State of Being.
From the Caldecott-winning Big by Vashti Harrison to a bilingual counting book in Mi’kmaw and English, these illustrated works are guaranteed to engage young readers during summer break and all year around.
What do The Joy Luck Club and Holes have in common? Both inspired Nedda Lewers' newest MG Egyptian-American inspired fantasy series for kids!
PREMIUM
Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
An important message about overcoming anxiety is muddled in a busy plot. Purchase for larger collections.
PREMIUM
Lucky Scramble
A fun, feel-good look into the world of competitive speed cubing that will surely inspire young readers to pick up a cube for themselves.
An important novel for every library to have. Readers will find they’re not alone in dealing with a loved one’s addiction, as an estimated one in eight children have a parent dealing with substance abuse.
It’s not a perfect summer at the beach, but Winnie’s feelings are perfectly real, and the resolution is satisfying and hopeful. Highly recommended.
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