I struggled for several years to find a way to do “Goblin Market” justice, while still respecting my audience.
So good, we had to make two parts.
By taking three photographers that shot the incarceration camps of WWII in three different ways, in today's book we get a well-rounded portrait of a government desperate to sell a bad idea to the American public under the guise of openness.
These titles center on young girls’ experiences during World War II, with one excellent for middle grade readers and the other recommended for teens.
We can’t always understand the things that scare us, but scary stories are the safest places to experience our fears again and again, as many times as it takes for them to become comfortably familiar.
Come with me, way back to 2018. Such a simpler time (ha). I open up my Publishers Weekly Rights Report and what do I see? This: John Schu and Lauren Castillo – two of my favorite people in children’s literature – teaming up for a picture book: This Is a Story. Now, let’s return to […]
Today I interview the fella behind the InvestiGators series. Why? Because right now its fandom is growing by leaps and bounds, so get in on it fast!
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga and graphic novel releases featuring Dewdrop from Oni Press and Peach and Plum Here We come from Little Brown Books.
The weeks of summer vacation are winding down and one of the things I will miss most when I head back to school is not being home to immediately open all the great book mail that shows up at my house. I have a whole system for the massive amounts of books that appear here: […]
A young soccer player joins an unique training program designed to create the world's greatest egotist striker.
Today I’m sharing with you new and forthcoming titles from Wednesday Books.
Colorfully appealing if superficial art isn’t enough to overcome mediocre text. Pass on this unexceptional offering.
The positive intentions of this commercial tie-in fail to elevate its lackluster execution.
The length and complexity of the text, combined with a meandering plot, will require older readers with a deep well of patience. Recommended for libraries only where the first book was wildly popular with patrons.
Although it might be a cute stocking-stuffer, this book does not add anything to a library collection.
A lighthearted way to introduce Krampus to toddlers. Recommended for collections looking to broaden their Christmas horizons beyond traditional Santa titles.
A recommended addition to library collections in need of new titles on winter and snow.
This unexceptional joke book might fill a hole in Jewish collections desperate for Jewish-themed jokes. All others can pass on this uneven and pedestrian offering.
Bursting with color and joy, this book vibrantly shines with life, hope, and diversity. Recommended for purchase.
Not recommended for libraries. This quick read is a novelty gift for Richard Simmons fans.
Though not an essential purchase, this title is recommended for libraries looking to freshen up their holiday picture books with a positive message.
A compelling novel that covers an important time in Chinese history while also giving readers an enjoyable teen romance. Recommended for all libraries.
Recommended for all public and school libraries, this novel will appeal to a wide audience who are attracted to post-apocalyptic literature. It will help bring together kids of all identities who love this genre and want to see themselves, and others, represented.
A fast-paced thriller, told in multiple perspectives that will have readers on the edge of their seats until the conclusion and murderer are revealed. A perfect summer read for teens.
Laugh-out-loud funny illustrations will have devotees of the series hoping that Pig hasn’t really transformed and will send new readers looking for previous titles to enjoy the exploits of this unforgettable character.
Brilliantly hued illustrations capture a forest tale of self-acceptance and bravery. This title would be useful for launching a discussion about going beyond mere acceptance and tolerance to true celebration and appreciation of the diversity in our world.
The message may not translate to the preschool crowd and will require further conversation about death, but this book will find a ready home in public library and elementary school library shelves in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, and anywhere looking to expand picture book knowledge of Indigenous cultures.
Any picture book collection tackling the Civil Rights Movement has to start here. Highly recommended for all shelves, this exemplary title for history and biography collections shows how the events of the world impact our youngest citizens.
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
With several other make-your-own menorah stories already crowding the Hanukkah bookshelf, this one may not stand out. See Karen Fisman’s Nonna’s Hanukkah Surprise, Lauren L. Wohl’s The Eighth Menorah, Jamie Korngold’s Sadie’s Almost Marvelous Menorah, and Marissa Moss’s The Ugly Menorah.
Listeners who like superheroes, fantasy, and adventure will want to pick this one up. Recommended for libraries where alternate superhero worlds are popular.
A must for fans of McManus’s previous books and anyone who enjoys unconventional murder mysteries. Teens will devour this thriller with its nonstop action and constant revelations.
Not recommended for purchase.
A cute, not too scary, addition to library Halloween collections. Recommended.
Fantasy, mystery, and magic fans will want to pick this one up. Recommended for libraries where fantasy is popular.
A special live episode with two award-winning authors.
The Sea Knows My Name asks how our stories shape us. It asks us what happens when all our stories are about Zeus rather than Leda; Apollo rather than Daphne; Ajax rather than Cassandra.
What's yummier than a book trailer reveal? An interview with its creators of course. Open wide and take a big bite out of today's talk.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the things Hazmat has taught me, I don’t think I want to: I love thinking of book plots (and life!) without a beginning, middle, and end…but, instead, seeing moments and days as a wild quilt flashing by, a horizon that keeps opening and expanding …on and on.
Part of We Are Kid Lit Collective's 2022 Summer Reading selections, this YA booklist features a range of authors, formats, and subjects.
Guojing returns with an almost wordless tale of two girls separated by time and the flamingo that connects them. We talk of birds and more.
In Yu-Gi-Oh! creator Kazuki Takahashi's Secret Reverse, Iron Man and Spider-Man find themselves at a Japanese gaming convention, ground zero for an extra-dimensional invasion.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen discusses the upcoming Carrie inspired The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson, one of the leading writers of YA horror for today's teens
Hand this one to social justice-minded readers who will be inspired by the actions of these incredible kids.
A quick look at the Goodreads Mock Caldecott and Newbery lists
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels featuring The Ghoul Agency from Action Lab Entertainment and Tales of Great Goddesses Gaia Goddess of Earth from Amulet Books.
You know what I liked best about this book? I didn't know where it was going. I wasn't sure what decisions the characters would make or if things would work out. At points, I wasn't even sure what "work out" meant for these characters.
This roundup includes picture books for older readers, works that celebrate family and friendship, and inspirational tales for children that you'll want to add to your Spanish-language collections.
These 10 Spanish-language and bilingual early readers are perfect for early elementary kids starting to read independently.
Seven new titles were suggested in August. The top three titles are very different genres (dual voices/verse, fantasy, historical) which doesn't happen very often.
Recommend to readers who are established fans of the survival genre.
While the premise is alluring, this might be best for a collection where crime and thrillers are in demand over a general purchase.
Instead of a story with characters readers can cheer for and believe in, this book relies on simplistic tropes and stereotypes.
With its simple, predictable text and bold illustrations, this book is great for teaching a Christian perspective on Christmas.
A manga that promises a sweet romance, beautiful boys, an appealing main character, and enough unique touches to find its own niche in the fantasy romance pack.
With less focus on Santa and more on people coming together for the holiday, this is a lovely read for libraries to add to their Christmas collections.
Most public libraries will want to add this title to their collection of materials for emergent readers.
Here's what's trending on SLJ.
Among pearls of knowledge, there are a few problems, but the idea of animal best friends may prove irresistible to children.
Perfect for teens making the transition from middle grade to young adult books, although older readers are likely to desire more emotional complexity from both the romance and central plot.
Recommend to teens who enjoy A Little Princess and The Secret Garden but have their expectations kept to a medium.
SLJ has proudly partnered with We Are Kid Lit Collective to share and promote the group's annual summer reading recommendations. These 21 middle grade titles include nonfiction, fiction, graphic novels, and even workbooks and theater scripts. A PDF of the full list is also available for download.
From the food to the clothing, the weather to the history, this is a book worth discovering and adoring. Go on. Read it. You’ll feel lucky that you had.
This week's Archie preview is a futuristic take on a day at the carnival.
While I wish I could say that burnout can be solved by writing a book, it can’t. But it was a good start and helped me realize how much I love education and teaching. It helped me find my way back to what I love.
With the first “normal” school year in two years about to start, educators, librarians, parents, and—of course—children, are looking forward to it with some trepidation. The major spikes in the pandemic seem to be in the rearview window, and the prospect of an uninterrupted school year appears more assured. That doesn’t mean that it won’t be without its challenges.
JJK delivers an unforgettable TED talk.
Fuuta discovers the joys and mysteries of owning a cat in this hilarious manga.
During the middle school years, kids are in different phases of development, navigating puberty, exploring their identities, and transitioning from childhood into young adulthood. To say a lot is going on would be an understatement.
Add these five Spanish-language works of fiction and nonfiction to your children's and YA collections.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen reviews the upcoming middle grade novel ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES by Amy Sarig King
School Library Journal has proudly partnered with We Are Kid Lit Collective to share and promote the group's annual summer reading recommendations. Check out their 28 picture book selections. A PDF of the full list is also available for download.
School Library Journal has proudly partnered with We Are Kid Lit Collective to share and promote the group's annual summer reading recommendations. These 18 beginning readers and chapter books are just right for kids starting to read on their own. A PDF of the full list is also available for download.
Celia C. Perez joins us today to talk about her latest middle grade, as well as luchadores, family, and her childhood obsession with Kevin Von Erich.
A live episode of The Yarn with Christina Soontornvat and Meg Medina
Read any great children's book lately? If so, and if they're eligible for the 2023 Newbery Medal, now is the time to add them to our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list. August suggestions are open through Saturday, Augusts 6th, and we'll share the updated list right after that.
This will be a popular series for elementary and middle school age kids who love humor, science fiction and fun.
Well-paced chapters and captivating characters will keep readers entertained and may also inspire some writing.
A delightful romp through a magical world of fangs and flannel sure to keep young readers on their (twinkle) toes.
This colorful story where the true monsters are the humans will appeal to young graphic novel fans who enjoy cartoony styles and fantasy elements. A suggested purchase for collections where graphic novels circulate well.
A recommended purchase for tween collections where swimming, mysteries, and summer romances are popular.
A fun new entry in the field of magical mysteries, this action-packed tale will keep readers engaged and leaves room for a sequel.
An atmospheric fantasy novel recommended for readers who appreciate paranormal romance and exploration of mental health themes.
The dual narratives of Ayesha and Mira provide readers with a contemplative juxtaposition recommended for high school teens.
Recommended for fans of romance and fantasy, and where the first book was popular.
Recommended for secondary collections where fantasy stories are popular.
A first purchase for all professionals serving older teens who seek to diversify their collection.
This impassioned ride toward the truth, based on a true story, will make readers think about the media bites they consume and white youth’s easy access to radicalization.
Fans of the romance genre will recognize tropes including hate-to-love, there’s only one bed, and more in this cozy and engrossing story about second chances and new beginnings.
This adventurous quest and its unlikely crew will provide an enjoyable escape for readers of all types of fantasy novels.
A satisfying conclusion to Lin’s duology, and teens will be clamoring for more.
A sparkling and powerful exploration of grief, gender roles, and escaping the strong grip of expectations, this is a must-purchase for all libraries serving teens.
An optional purchase: this book is obviously setting the stage for the series, introducing characters, conflict, and suspense with tidbits of more to come. When the next book comes out, hand both to students. The full series might hook readers of time travel and mystery and ultimately turn into true page-turners.
A must read for slasher fans, and sure to delight any readers looking for a thrill.
Put into the hands of readers looking for a dark fantasy with a hint of mysterious intrigue.
For fans of magical adventures with hints of LGBTQIA+ romance.
Reminiscent of Natasha Friend’s The Other F-Word and Robin Benway’s Far From the Tree. Highly recommended.
Realistic teen characters, hypnotic writing, and an honest portrayal of adolescence make this debut a perfect choice for fans of Sarah Zarr, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Phillippe Diederich.
If funds allow, this is a good addition to larger collections.
A clever and empathetic work of speculative fiction that examines the power and fragility of memory, recommended for general purchase. Cinematic writing, teen sleuthing, and a nostalgic setting make this book a great recommendation to fans of Stranger Things.
articles