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Checking in on potential Newbery/Caldecott contenders on Goodreads.
Caldecott Honor artist Cindy Derby joins us today to discuss her latest title, her process, the empowerment of creativity, and small bugs in blue berets.
Author Tina Athaide asks middle grade readers why middle grade books matter
In today's Wednesday round-up, we look at a genre that seldom receives Newbery glory, easy reader and early chapter books.
I’m never going to be a marine biologist at this point in my life. But writing about sharks. . . educating kids about them, about why we need them, why we need to care about their declining populations . . . that I can do.
What happens when teen influencers and streamers famous for their social #content end up dead or the main suspect in a murder case? These timely, topical YA thrillers will keep readers guessing.
Starting with a book about The Nightmare Before Christmas and ending with a book based on the same popular Halloween movie, this list for children of all ages includes titles to joyfully delight the youngest readers and give older readers a thrill.
Are you ready to repair the world or maybe just improve it and make it right? Ruth Spiro drops by to talk about her latest, as well as the concept of tikkun olam in today's society.
Librarian Jackie Eagleson shares middle grade books that talk about cryptids
When we write, research, and even read about things that truly excite us, the job is suddenly fun. In fact, it’s no longer a job. It is a joy.
Beatrix Potter meets Brian Floca in this latest title from the extraordinary Torben Kuhlman. I premiere his latest book cover in this one-of-a-kind reveal.
These guides compassionately provide support, resources, and coaching for young people navigating death and loss.
Beatrix Potter meets Brian Floca in this latest title from the extraordinary Torben Kuhlman. I premiere his latest book cover in this one-of-a-kind reveal.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring The Night Mother Volume 1 from Oni Press and Monster Locker from First Second Books.
32 unique titles were chosen in the first round of Heavy Medal nominations.
These authors show readers that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to adapt to, to work through. It’s OK to not know how to feel, what to do, or what to say.
What I really loved about this book is that it shows a really good, healthy, positive relationship steeped in friendship, respect, and support.
Why, hello, funniest graphic novel of 2024 for kids!
Unlike the Newbery and most other ALA awards, the National Book Awards share their longlists and shortlists of finalists. The first ten for Young Peoples Literature were announced in September and now there are five remaining: BUFFALO DREAMER- Duncan (no current suggestions) THE GREAT COOL RANCH DORITO IN THE SKY- Galarza (teen book, no suggestions) […]
I remember going to the local library, getting my first library card, and piling the car with books. I couldn’t believe it—I could take them home? We didn’t have to pay for them? And I could bring them back and then get more? It was the greatest thing ever!
Ah, October. Hoodie weather. Pretty leaves. Apple and pumpkin everything. Impending long, cold, dark winter. Needing to get out my Happy Light. Okay... maybe I should stop listing things fall brings. But it does bring a nice batch of new books!
In the book, Mendel is convinced he's been cursed, and it might be true. But I think it's safe to say we, cursed or not, all have aspects of ourselves we find troublesome.
PREMIUM
Wildfire Rescue: A Branches Book
A good addition about natural disasters for chapter book collections.
PREMIUM
We Are Big Time
A focused and rewarding sports story that will leave readers cheering for the inspiring Peace Academy team, and a great recommendation for sports fans or new students worried about finding their place.
Gritty and gripping; give to fans of Courtney Summers and Mindy McGinnis immediately.
PREMIUM
Who We Are in Real Life
Hand to teens who like reading about role-playing games with a side of romance.
PREMIUM
Jill and the Killers
While the nostalgic teen detective storyline and unique subscription box premise holds promise, unsteady execution prevents this graphic novel from reaching its potential.
An introspective coming-of-age novel in verse that is a must-have for young adult collections.
PREMIUM
If Anything Happens to Me
Hand this to fans of Karen M. McManus or students looking for a thrill without the gore. Recommended as an additional purchase.
PREMIUM
I Felt Myself Slipping
Highly recommended. In narrative construction and sequential art, this story of athleticism, the fragility of confidence, and teen friendship unfolds with the grace and power of the sport of gymnastics itself.
PREMIUM
Pizza for Birds
A strong follow-up to the first book and an absolutely delightful choice for story time or an elementary school classroom read-aloud.
This is a lovely depiction of a parent sharing their culture with their child in a way that will feel refreshingly new and happily familiar.
This is a buoyant look at inspiration from those who have come before, and it’s a good choice for libraries needing books about artists and inspiration.
While readers will find interesting tidbits, they will come away wishing for fewer words and more recipes.
Buy this one ASAP. This honest and compassionate dealing of a common occurrence in preschool and elementary school reminds kids to be kind to each other when accidents happen.
Until there is a more informative book about this unique celebration, this works in large collections.
PREMIUM
The Zebra’s Great Escape
A perfect recommendation for fans of animal adventure stories of all stripes in the mood for a thrill and a laugh.
This would be a good choice for picture book collections needing books about nature that have high-level vocabulary, even if they are coupled with adorable scenes that make the book read younger.
PREMIUM
Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival
This holiday story is perfect for fans of the series and for libraries looking to build their Lunar New Year collections.
PREMIUM
Christmas Cheer Is Everywhere
Not an essential purchase, but a charming interactive board book to bring Christmas cheer nonetheless.
PREMIUM
A Mouse Family Christmas
This story teaches a positive lesson about working together to complete a task and spread holiday cheer. A lovely choice for holiday shelves.
PREMIUM
Spooky, Scary Skeletons
This well-loved tune, now in book form, is a perfect addition to any Halloween collection.
Purchase to fill a hole in coverage of international celebrations and for readers who enjoy a good scare.
PREMIUM
Buster and the Christmas Parade
Race car and holiday fans will enjoy this befitting story for picture book collections.
A potentially popular addition to elementary library collections. Readers will likely enjoy Betty’s enthusiasm and excitement around the Christmas holiday.
An additional purchase for collections where Hanukkah stories are popular.
PREMIUM
What Jewish Looks Like
In a world where anti-Semitic violence has steadily risen since 2016, this book delivers a reminder that Jewish people are musicians, athletes, activists, religious leaders, and just like everyone else
Guaranteed to inspire young scientists and environmentalists eager to learn how the past can guide us to a sustainable future. Highly recommended for the middle school library and classroom.
A great resource for research projects and nature enthusiasts, recommended for middle grade science collections. Finally, some good news about the future of honey bees!
With its unique blend of science, humor, and visual appeal, this is a must-read for anyone curious about the natural world.
A worthy addition for collections looking to broaden coverage in their religions representation.
PREMIUM
Chomp! The Truth About Sharks
A delightful first buy, full of fun and interesting facts and photos that will appeal to shark fanatics and the merely curious.
PREMIUM
Hello, I’m a Sloth
Warm presentations of vulnerable species will appeal to young animal lovers in these read alouds.
Full of humor and heart, this is a must-buy for any school or public library. Hand to readers who love a good laugh but will also benefit from a quick lesson.
PREMIUM
The Diamond Explorer
A lovely fiction pick for readers who don’t often see themselves represented in fiction, those interested in learning more about Hmong spiritual beliefs, or seeking a fantasy genre not often explored for this age group.
For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.
PREMIUM
The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah
With important themes, and careful crafting, this is worth considering for most libraries.
For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.
A middle grade graphic novel that explores family relationships in the most stressful of times.
Charlotte was my student in a university fiction course during the pandemic. A couple years later, I was delighted to find out that my publisher had chosen Charlotte to illustrate my cover!
The National Book Award finalists have been announced!
Chris Raschka joins us today to talk about his latest middle grade novel, process, writing, editing, cactuses, and more!
Cartoonist Kaeti Vandorn is the latest to take a crack at adapting classic Dr. Seuss characters into new graphic novel adventures, here sending the Grinch and Max on a series of vacations.
Ruth Chan talks about her graphic novel memoir, UPROOTED
This week's Wednesday Roundup looks as several excellent novels in verse. Several books in this form have been recognized by Newbery Committees in the recent years. Will the 2025 Newbery list include this unique format again?
With a mother who grew up in Istanbul and a father who grew up in Montana, I spent much of my childhood traveling between those settings, figuring out how to exist in both, and grappling with questions of identity and belonging.
Dog's story is not an easy one or one that quickly turns hopeful and positive. It's rough ride. But in Hautman's ever-capable hands, it's a rough ride full of adventure, suspense, emotion, and a feeling that the path Dog is on, and maybe even the path Evan is on, is a profound one, that their connection will change their lives.
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A summer at the camp at Brooks River comes with constant contradiction. The more beautiful and interesting something is, the more likely it is to be dangerous. Nothing embodies that more than Brooks Falls. The Falls is an historical fiction adventure set in Alaska in 1953 for ages 10 and up.
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It’s a well-known phenomenon: some adults lose their sense of wonder about the natural world when they age out of the science fair years. But grownups who write STEAM books for kids are a special breed: Meet Laura Perdew!
SPONSORED
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, many school libraries in the United States are looking for high-quality books in Spanish to share with students and their families. But as the population of Spanish-speaking people in the U.S. continues to grow, there is increasing demand among school libraries for Spanish-language content year-round.
Celebrate the Jewish New Year by sharing these board and picture books.
In these 18 YA horror titles, inclusivity across race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, mental health, physical ability, and more are highlighted, reflecting the diverse lives and needs of young adults.
What does cold fish have to do with picky eating? We're talking with Jacob Grant today about his latest title and an ode to adventurous palates!
Spooky month is here, and not only am I thrilled for the fall breezes and pumpkin decor, but I’m also excited for so many incredible YA releases that arrive this month. And there are so many. I cut this list down at least four times, and we’re still at 16 books! So here’s the 16books […]
Tiffani Carter believes this is what libraries do: they provide space to bring people together, connecting one resource, one service, one child, with another.
Scary stories allow us to explore the dangers inherent in the world from a place of safety. Kids need this—we all do.
I wondered why, after writing twenty-five books for young readers, I had never addressed the bond between a child and an animal.
A highly recommended addition to collections. This compelling novel leaves it up to Bella alone to admit she needs help and is an education—and a warning
PREMIUM
Zodiac Rising
This fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy will certainly leave readers begging for the next installment. Recommend it to fans of Cassandra Clare and Tracy Deonn.
PREMIUM
The Bitter End
A gripping, fantastically twisty mystery for fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson.
PREMIUM
For She Is Wrath
Hand to romantasy fans looking for an Arya Stark–esque heroine. This standalone is recommended for most collections.
In this exciting addition to YA shelves, Ali’s characters leap off the page. Highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
Stronger at the Seams
This must-read book for teens with chronic illness has universal themes for all readers about the importance of self-advocacy, family, and friendship.
PREMIUM
Red in Tooth and Claw
All the gritty violence of a Western melds with a dark mystery to great effect. A definite purchase for most collections.
A well-researched and excellent addition to STEM classes and library collections.
PREMIUM
The Wolfpack Way
The illustrations carry this book; readers will enjoy seeing recognizable characters who express their individuality, which may be enough to offset the unwieldy text.
With the stated shortcomings, this title will be of interest to collections where tales of animal heroics are popular.
This collection will draw Ito’s loyal fans and horror enthusiasts; an additional purchase for libraries where his other work is popular.
PREMIUM
Last Quarter, Vol. 1
This supernatural mystery comes with moments of intensity, but nonetheless makes for an interesting read.
This is a quality guide on manga iconography, and due to its niche nature, it is recommended mainly for systems that serve large populations, or those that prioritize the arts.
Though it has elements of garden variety romance, this manga tosses some surprises into the mix, making it a more interesting option for readers to check out.
PREMIUM
Pupposites Attract, Vol. 1
While this manga won’t be for everybody, its art and subject matter are unquestionably delightful; a light title that will keep readers smiling.
PREMIUM
Fool Night, Vol. 1
Readers of The Summer Hikaru Died will appreciate this delve into a well-crafted body horror story.
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