Today's list combines the best parts of traditional storytelling and modern mores. Come and enjoy the old and the new together.
The X-Men get the manga treatment in this retelling of the animated series.
Take a look at the 15 titles that made the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List for 2025. We will discuss these titles in depth- Dec. 28- Jan. 14th.
A few more great books to round out your reading year!
Today we're giving a shout out not simply to the translated books that make to American shelves, but also to the hardworking translators who are so good at what they do.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Being vulnerable on the page hasn’t been easy. Opening myself up to judgement—both good and bad is terrifying.
New planets, secret headquarters, extraterrestrial creatures, and other cosmic delights fill the pages of these works for elementary through high school readers.
I LOVE photography. I feel it's the great unsung, untapped genre of children's books and is vastly deserving of more attention. 2024 had some true photographic beauties and we're going to experience them firsthand, right now!
Today we have a preview of the final arc of James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas' fantasy tale Wynd.
Several journals and libraries have announced their "Best Children's Books of 2024." How do their choices compare to the possible Newbery contenders on our Heavy Medal nominations list?
A behind-the-scenes look at how THE LAST ZOOKEEPER was made.
Caregivers can read these poems to children to help them on their journey to slumber.
This year, we're going to talk about the usual slew of "message" books, while also taking some time to consider those titles that look at social and emotional learning.
This sweet graphic novel about a girl with dyslexia will help readers understand not only their own challenges, reading or otherwise, but also those that their friends may be facing.
Math! It's beautiful, isn't it? The perfection of it. Its logic. Cadences. Sublime applications. Today we celebrate it when it's put into children's books brilliantly. Don't be scared. Math is for everyone.
View the final nomination list of 57 Mock Newbery contenders and vote in a poll to help determine our final book list.
Enjoy both books where two different languages appear in the same title, and books of translation from one language to another. It's a celebration of all things bilingual today!
These three chapter books feature lovable, quirky animal sleuths solving wacky mysteries and getting into plenty of high jinks along the way.
Cree, Sioux, and Ojibwa are featured in these picture books across fiction and nonfiction categories. Among them are an old favorite, vastly updated, plus a biography about the hero of the drum.
While from a sales perspective picture book reprints are risky things, today we are highlighting those rare titles that get a second chance at life.
For more than 40 years, book supplier Children’s Plus, Inc. has been helping librarians do their jobs more effectively. Now, Children’s Plus has rebranded as Libraria and launched a new website that will make getting the right books into the hands of readers even easier.
What precisely is a "Caldenott"? Any book where the illustrator is inconveniently from a country other than America. Today, we look beyond rigid classifications to celebrate artists deserving in every possible way save location.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Are you a serious children's book reader who loves to discuss the best of the best? Now's your chance to volunteer for the Heavy Medal Award Committee. Participants will take part in in-depth book discussion and a live webcast leading to the selection of our Mock Newbery winner. Apply online by December 12th.
As always, the one thing that makes life tolerable is escaping into fiction. And for all my hatred of actual winter, I love books set in winter. Here are a few you might like, too!
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
Funny books? They're difficult to create. Today we look at a slew of books that are doing it right. From parrotfish and hilarious Iranians to science fiction, nonfiction, and more, there's something here for every humor lover on your list!
The friendship of two stray cats is explored in this adorable, yet realistic, manga.
If you need a holiday gift for that childhood friend you always traded books with, look no further.
Books in translation are a great resource to enrich young minds and library shelves. Here, SLJ rounds up 7 recent titles for the middle grade set.
Today we celebrate the successful rhymers! These are the books that scan beautifully and give us good reasons for loving that particular type of tricky verse.
Save the date for our 2025 Mock Newbery webcast Friday Jan 24th at 1 pm EST.
Today on this list you're going to see titles about Eid, Mexican Independence Day, Día de Muertos, Passover, and more.
From historical works to books influenced by personal history to those with characters who must examine the past to move forward, these five titles are strong Printz contenders.
From board books that invite the littlest readers to hippity-hop to anthologies that encourage older readers to explore deep themes in narratives, these 11 titles celebrate the Festival of Lights in a variety of ways.
These three teens know each other so well! In Constellation they are each facing situations and decisions that are difficult for them individually and impossible collectively.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
This Thanksgiving season, I’ve been thinking about all the ways libraries have influenced my life.
It can be difficult to understand how truly praiseworthy simple picture books and their basic texts are, and how much good they do for the youngest of readers. Today, we celebrate those rarities.
It was a huge week in the movie world this Thanksgiving, as Wicked and Gladiator II continued their streaks and Moana 2 premiered to huge numbers. So I thought, while listening once again to the Wicked soundtrack, why not recommend books that I think fit some of the characters from these huge films? After all, […]
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Powerpuff Girls Winter Snowdown Showdown from Dynamite Entertainment and Flavor Girls #1 Return to the Mothership from Boom! Studios Archaia imprint.
The December Nomination period is now open. It's the last chance for Heavy Medal readers to identify two more titles that could be contenders for the 2025 Newbery Medal. Nominate your two books by December 7th.
Both November episodes featured Mac Barnett.
Today, we celebrate the books that can enrapture in mere moments thanks to the power of words and images (and your own vocal chords) alone.
With these titles, young readers can see some of the many different ways people celebrate Christmas around the world.
Board books for the youngest of young. We've the greatest 2024 titles for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers on display. Be the star of the next baby shower you attend and give some of THESE!
November's starred offerings include nonfiction by Kwame Alexander and Andrea Davis Pinkney, as well as a professional reading title about Judy Blume.
The mysterious octopus is explored in-depth through its evolution and ecology in this young readers adaptation, targeting engaged and patient tweens.
Although this book occasionally slips into didactic territory, it is a clear, child-friendly explanation of how money works and the different ways it can create a better world.
A strong overview of a wide range of Asian American icons who have helped, and are helping, to shape the world; recommended for juvenile nonfiction collections, and as a research jumping-off point.
For collections requiring more on the hijab and its importance to devout Muslim women, this book is an ideal addition; those seeking comprehensive biographical information on female Muslim athletes will need to look elsewhere.
While this book is not recommended as a first purchase due to its disorganized formatting, it will circulate well in children’s collections where books on unique animals are popular and desired.
An attractively designed fact book that stumbles in its execution; purchase only where the series is popular.
Inspired by true events, this heartfelt memoir touches on deep issues of religion, mental illness, and family estrangement and is a must-buy for all libraries with YA graphic novel collections.
An excellent mentor text for either poetry or science, this book is also an elegant way to compare and contrast different kinds of wind in a toddler or preschool setting. A first choice for any library.
A fascinating and well-told look at a little-known African animal. Recommended.
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
A rich array of science terminology is woven into this visually appealing book, designed to challenge upper elementary readers with advanced syntax and introduce meteorological phenomena.
Keleti’s life experiences will captivate new generations of readers while simultaneously teaching important history lessons.
A fun book that would be great in the hands of readers who want to learn more about where their food comes from but aren’t ready for in-depth information.
This is a wonderful STEM book to add to any collection; the witty, lighthearted format will engage readers across a broad age range.
For music collections, biography, or even Americana, this book lends itself to story hours and certainly as an icebreaker for conversations on style, substance, and marching to the beat of a different drummer.
Perfect for young marine biologists, this title uses humor and fascinating facts to capture the imagination and remind readers that new discoveries are being made every day.
This serves as an accessible introduction to a civil rights hero, regardless of flaws, and is worth an add to larger collections.
Suited for classrooms and browsers, this is an excellent choice across the curricula and a winner across the board.
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
This series is a solid purchase, offering access for younger readers while providing new knowledge for older ones.
Henry will help many children feel better about their worries, making this a good choice for early elementary collections in need of contemporary graphic novels.
An amiable chapter book that illuminates the daily life of a child on the autism spectrum while providing information on dogs. An unnecessary fantasy element adds little to the storytelling.
A touching story of overcoming social fears, perfect for early chapter book readers or those younger to read with a loved one.
A feel-good graphic novel about doing what you love and being flexible. Recommended for readers who enjoy some facts with their fiction adventure stories.
Sure to please young nature-lovers transitioning to longer chapter books.
A relatable story for young readers on the ups and downs of friendship in elementary school.
A fast-paced adventure for confident readers willing to tackle unfamiliar words.
Early readers will be looking forward to reading Lucy’s next adventure.
A chapter book about friendship and SEL that will be a great fit for children’s collections.
Nothing groundbreaking, but fans of the movie will forgive the formulaic plot.
A fresh look at the early reader superhero genre with unbeatable art that pushes boundaries.
An enchanting story that is recommended for readers across a wide grade range.
This warm tale about self-realization and growth is recommended for picture book collections.
A solid read-aloud with themes of venturing out and dealing with anxieties.
This is a good choice for libraries in need of SEL.
The illustrations and the author’s use of rhyme work wonderfully together in a lovingly crafted story of diversity.
A heartwarming celebration of life’s milestones captured in a fun read that will come in handy during story hours.
This celebration of food is a rare thing, a truly essential board book.
A sweet story of hard work, enthusiasm, and ultimately finding the right audience.
A lovely tale of finding courage when embracing new adventures, just right for the early elementary shelves.
A sweet book with beautiful illustrations but an additional purchase.
A day with forest friends is a day well spent; put this on the “baby’s first nature encounters” shelf and mingle with more fanciful titles on the subject.
An excellent addition to those needing informational texts about travel for children.
Funny and simple, this book will be a story hour hit with children, as well as an option for early independent reading.
An uplifting message of positivity about culture, and a first choice for elementary level libraries.
A fun book that requires a sense of story and an attention to detail.
A sweet story for dogs who love to be read to and the middle schoolers who love them.
Readers will devour this middle grade cli-fi adventure with excellent characters and a fascinating concept.
This graphic novel about friendship and identity is a must-have for libraries serving elementary and middle school readers.
Intended readers are more likely to suspend disbelief and gloss over credibility issues as they tear through the text to see what happens to Maddie and her community.
A realistic fiction story about persisting through fear and the power of friendship that is marred by weak characterization and a troublesome portrayal of mental health support.
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