Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares her thoughts on recent reports of the decline in YA book sales
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under featuring Ben Mortara and the Thieves of the Golden Table from Source Point Press and Batcat from Amulet Books.
To some readers—mostly adults, who are under some fallacy that teenagers will remain innocent so long as we shelter them from difficult themes—my book will be one giant red flag.
Building access and equity into her collection and programming has become Melissa Corey’s mission as media specialist at Robidoux Middle School in St. Joseph, MO.
Modernizing the library and creating a collection to match her community's needs has been key for Quilantan-Garza at Jaime Escalante Middle School in Pharr, TX, where most students are predominantly Spanish-speaking.
The librarian at Mount Vernon Middle School in Raleigh, NC, has created a welcoming and inclusive space while building a reflective collection and empowering academic-recovery students.
Julie Stivers’s library at Mount Vernon Middle School in Raleigh, NC, empowers academic-recovery students to “be brave together.”
We right a great wrong and tackle what might be arguably considered David Shannon's second most famous picture book.
Here's a look at some of the kids' graphic novels deals that were signed in February.
I decided to try something ridiculous. If the teens were going to come in like chaotic whirlwinds and leave destruction in their path no matter what we did…why not just encourage it?
The nature of Brynn and Skylar’s relationship doesn’t make Brynn or the book less queer. Giving Brynn a meaningful relationship that was neither romantic nor sexual was a very intentional move on my part.
An excellent graphic novel debut that elementary kids will eat up.
An exuberant follow-up to The Proudest Blue, this should join that one on the shelves.
A sensitive story infused with optimism and perseverance, this will encourage wholesome conversation with children of all socioeconomic backgrounds; it’s an essential purchase.
Artistically and emotionally compelling, this book shows how consideration of others can lead to peace within ourselves. A book for a wide range of readers, brisk enough for the very young and affecting enough for older ones.
Not recommended for purchase.
A solid purchase for collections wanting to augment their collections with books on divorce, change, family, and finding your story.
Most effective as a read-aloud, this dense history/myth doesn’t quite meet its stated goal of being a story about magic and growing up but does offer a whimsical and informative element to the folklore collections of upper elementary libraries.
A fun scientific romp with a Black girl protagonist; perfect for middle grade readers who need a chemistry review or a clever introduction to the periodic table.
A must-have addition to any collection that circulates graphic novels. Great for fans of Aaron Blabey’s “The Bad Guys” and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Highly recommended as an excellent and humorous read-aloud.
An appreciation of nature is sure to follow any reader who ambles through this tale.
Perhaps now more than ever, this book is an antidote for the anxiety that many are currently experiencing as a result of the pandemic. A worthy title.
Though it does not quite live up to the promise of its predecessor, this book will prove meaningful to children and families with connections to the history and continuing tradition of Pride.
A sweet sapphic rom-com, this book is a must for any teen graphic novel collection.
Highly recommended for all picture book collections.
A first purchase for picture book collections, this title will be a hit at story hours and for and classroom read-alouds, as well as a treasure for book lovers of all ages.
A vibrant #girldad story of patience, determination, and love makes this an easy purchase for all library collections.
Regardless of the illustrations, this is a good addition to the field of STEM biographies.
From developing vaccines to discovering dinosaurs, these women have left an indelible mark on the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.
The American Library Association offers a special fund for librarians whose jobs have been threatened or lost because they have fought against censorship; 'Olivia' author Ian Falconer dies at 63; Ezra Jack Keats Awards announced; and more in this edition of News Bites.
Remember Stuntboy, in the Meantime? Well it has a sequel and we're premiering it today along with a slew of interior spreads. Nice!
Once we let go of the concept that characters can only be inherently good or inherently bad, we can start creating complex book characters who are both and neither.
The Caldecott bump is real.
And at last we come to the end! It's the final Bologna post of titles I'd love to see published here in the States.
More news from Papercutz this morning: A new Smurfs Tales book is on the way!
Teen librarian Cindy Shutts shares her recent Teen Services Showcase
We need scientists, and we need diversity in science, and we need books for kids, and we need citizen science projects, but most of all…we need hope.
Amid harmful library legislation across the country, the Illinois secretary of state proposed a law that would punish schools and libraries that ban books. Meanwhile, news from Virginia, Ohio, Utah, and Arizona is not as book-positive.
Is a mix of ages better in a group, or one? Youth services staff make compelling cases for both approaches.
We’ve wrapped up some reviews for the newest installments in different YA series for consideration in your collection development. From fae courts to the fields of Troy, this list has something for every fan of YA.
We're counting down some of my favorite books I saw at Bologna this year. Let's hope someone brings them to the States1
This Is a Story, written by pals John Schu and illustrated by Lauren Castillo, was published yesterday. It’s a beautiful, beautiful book. Today, I’m giving away three copies. Enter before 11:59pm ET TODAY to be eligible. Click here to enter the THIS IS A STORY giveaway
Evan Minto and Abbas Jaffery talk about their digital manga service, Azuki.
This raw, emotional, experimental story is a powerful read. In turns melancholy, brutal, and funny, this is an innovative look at loneliness and sexuality.
I grew up knowing that books could take us places. Outer space. California. Narnia. What if I wrote a book that could take readers to my home, Honduras?
A roundup of 2023 books from previous Geisel Award and Honor winners.
Announcing the decision to appeal, Jones said she is "committed to going the distance and fighting for my right to a fair trial against those who have sought to destroy my good name."
In the mood for something scary? Today we premiere the story by fifth grader Clara J. that won the R.J. Stine Stinetinglers contest for kids.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Hoops from Candlewick Press and Bea Wolf from First Second Books.
Sixteen titles have been suggested as Mock Newbery 2024 contenders. Keep reading and we'll open suggestions again in April.
I first watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind almost twenty years ago, and I’ve rewatched it countless times since. My understanding and appreciation of the film has grown with me, and I love that it’s provided such comfort and inspiration all these years later.
I'm giving away all the secrets in my newsletter.
Here is a look at the strategies and messaging in eight states with recent bills to remove the prosecution exemption for librarians and educators in current obscenity laws.
Three author/illustrators were particularly celebrated at this year's Bologna Children's Book Festival. One of them is Italian. One of them is Korean. And one of them is dead.
COLBY: Have you read the 2023 Newbery Medal winning book Freewater? Amina Luqman-Dawson’s book is unforgettable. As soon as I finished reading the book, I knew that we had to have her on The Yarn. A HUGE thank you to Victoria Stapleton and Little Brown Books for Young Readers for making this interview happen. I […]
One thing I value and believe in is the role of stories in helping readers to experience new perspectives. To see other sides. To think critically.
Can you name these 3 books by their LEGO-fied covers?
An easy-to-read book for dog lovers who enjoy independent reading.
An extraordinary picture book biography about an extraordinary pioneer in comics and journalism that deserves a spot on every shelf.
This story will have wide appeal, reaching tweens interested in mysteries, the environment, and ocean life. While some elements may feel out of place, middle graders will still be charmed.
With its sensitive portrayal of loss, and its carefully researched depiction of a devastating time in American history, this lyrical novel is highly recommended.
Photography always gets a raw deal when it comes to book awards. Now in Bologna the inaugural photography prize has revealed some truly stunning books. I have the inside scoop.
This Ramadan isn't going so great at school for the Nayra of Iasmin Omar Ata's great new graphic novel Nayra and the Djinn, but then she meets an actual djinn online and her familiar world takes on a whole new dimension.
I asked my mom a question I was given for a blog interview: “What the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?” My mom looked at me for a moment, then said, “Ah, how about the fact you couldn’t read until fourth grade!”
Many books published around the world never make it to America. And here's a list of titles that DEFINITELY never will, for different reasons.
Children's laureates abound in other nations. In this program seven of them presented and I've got a video from it that's gonna knock your socks off!
IBBY, the International Board on Books for Young People, mobilizes when countries are in crisis. This year they talk about their work and I am here for it.
A first look at the trailer for THE CROSSOVER, based on the book by Kwame Alexander.
Governor Ron DeSantis accuses critics of creating a false narrative around school book removal in Florida; parents want books pulled in Maine; and news from South Carolina, Tennessee, and Iowa.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen walks us through a DIY tutorial of a bookshelf silhouette, inspired by Whole Foods commercials
Author Kip Wilson talks about historical women in YA literature for Women's History Month
A roundup of 2023 unicorn books.
From a collection of short stories for children to a novel about a high school senior facing Islamophobia in a big city, these six titles center Ramadan and Eid for young readers.
Three American children's book publishers (two of whom are the actual friggin' presidents of two of the "Big Five" companies), a rep for Portugal, a rep for Germany, a Professor from Italy and an author (who is also one of those publishers) gather to discuss censorship. This is going to be interesting.
These 13 recent and upcoming books combine relevant contemporary stories with simple vocabulary and streamlined sentences and dialogue.
Looking for information on buying, curating, and learning more about zines in the U.S. and internationally? This list provides it.
March 14th is Pi Day. From early readers who are still learning how to count to middle graders who might be ready to recite the first ten digits of this irrational number, Pi Day is a fun opportunity to get young readers excited about math. Here are 14 books to help mark the occasion.
As censors attack, administrators issue directives; getting ahead of Moms for Liberty; a parent bars his son from the debate team.
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