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These books all share anxiety as a theme, but in conversation with each other they feel like they are capturing something essential about the power of middle grade books.
A deep dive into a paean to mangos and all they can mean to folks. Bonus: Three mango facts I guarantee you've never heard before.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Double Booking Volume 1 The Tail of the Mummy Cat from Papercutz and Surviving The Wild: Rainbow the Koala from Henry Holt.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen outlines a poetry themed album release party for Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department
Librarian Angela Frederick discusses graphic novels perfect for foodies and those who like to cook, or eat, food
Time for some Sunday funnies with an Archie preview that includes a full Little Archie story by famed creator Bob Bolling.
Thanks to Slugfest, Korman has penned a book so enticing, so fun, so downright enjoyable, and so unapologetically sportsy, that it is impossible to resist. The book, quite frankly, that we’ve all been waiting for.
The sequel to Go With the Flow introduces romance to the four girl friends.
The First Amendment's Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses create a constitutional balance: the government cannot establish a state religion nor impede individual religious practices. This delicate equilibrium has posed challenges for public schools, which must remain religiously neutral while not infringing upon personal religious expression. Historical Supreme Court rulings have defined this balance by prohibiting school-led religious activities, while recent decisions have leaned towards protecting individual religious expressions, such as personal prayer, even in public school settings.
Just in time for National Poetry Month, check out these novels in verse!
Let’s take a look at twelve titles that deserve an encore.
With rich character development and a fast pace, this book was a great read built around a world (mariachi) I knew nothing about. Just beware: know where your local panaderia is and be ready to get some treats to keep you company as you read!
It's been an embarrassment of podcast riches over on The Yarn recently. Here are five recent episodes for your listening pleasure.
From S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, considered the first YA novel, to George Orwell's 1984, classics are barred from circulation in some school libraries for lack of a professional review. SLJ and NCTE have partnered to provide them.
Teamwork, competition, and the glory of team sports drive these graphic novel stories for elementary through high school readers.
"You can cut everything except the feeling." Nicholas Day is here to discuss the process of writing nonfiction for kids, using the youngest of formats.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen reviews the upcoming April Henry wilderness survival thriller STAY DEAD
A girl leaves her grief-stricken family behind to take a bus tour to a magical lake in this complex story of friendship, grief, and healing.
This well-developed mystery is a solid read with a satisfying conclusion. Here's to hoping Simon, who has had plenty of adventure just while in their new city, finally gets the stable and permanent home he longs for!
These YA novels pair a lyrical verse format with engaging narratives of teen girls coming of age.
In the latest Adult Books for Teens roundup, find 10 titles published for adults with strong crossover appeal to teens.
The award winning author has a new book on the horizon and we're getting the info early. It's a deep dive into libraries, Kalamazoo, writing by the seat of your pants, and more.
BOOM! Studios is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Lumberjanes with a Kickstarter to fund a new Library Edition.
Two children bounce through history, from the plague to the crusades to Einstein and relativity, in this new volume collecting three of the Magical History Tour stories.
The Newbery Honor-winning author joins us today to discuss writing in the voices of boys, verse novels and their challenges, and more.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Blood City Rollers from Labyrinth Road and Cupcake Diaries Volume 5 Katie Batter Up from Simon Spotlight.
Our Heavy Medal list of Mock Newbery suggestions now includes 21 recommended kids' books, with characters ranging from ghosts and spies to time travelers and typewriters.
Isabel in Bloom will be my fourth middle grade novel (my first one in verse). When I began writing it, a few intriguing images had come to me: a girl on a plane, a dried-up school garden, and a balikbayan box.
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Publishers have long been dedicated to creating books that appeal to struggling and reluctant readers. Even before the pandemic, two-thirds of fourth graders were reading below grade level, according to the National Assessment of Education Progress. Now, the need for such books is even more crucial.
The dog book that none of us knew we needed, has arrived.
Here's a look at some recently signed graphic novel deals—and what we can expect coming up!
Betty and Veronica get into some sticky-sweet messes in this week's Archie Comics preview!
Author Davide A. Robertson discusses his hockey themed book THE KODIAKS: HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
These Take Five lists can help you with collection development, displays, reading lists, and more
A wonderful addition to library collections; this book is perfect for budding historians and those who enjoy learning new facts on a range of subjects.
This fun, easy-to-follow Kawaii drawing guide will have wide appeal among kids and tweens.
PREMIUM
Tree. Table. Book
A sweet story of friendship across generations about a timely and tough topic, with broad appeal.
PREMIUM
Compass and Blade
A solid romantasy purchase for any collection and ideal for fans of Lauren Roberts and BookTok trending books.
The tone and content may not be entirely suitable for this book’s intended audience, and the execution leaves much to be desired and misses the mark in delivering a delightful holiday read.
PREMIUM
Sky’s End
Not a priority purchase, but a fun addition to collections serving teens in their vintage dystopian era.
PREMIUM
The Atlas of Us
This romance, with gentle but explicit sex scenes, deals realistically with teens’ denial after the loss of a loved one. Recommended for mature YA audiences of all collections.
Share these two picture books, which present two different interpretations of the same tradition, with young readers who are gearing up for Passover.
Fifteen outstanding books of poetry and seven novels in verse have been recognized as 2024 Notable Books. Selections include a range of formats—lively nonfiction, fantasy, and moving verse novels—written by familiar poets and debut authors.
Orr’s latest will delight middle grade readers searching for escape and home simultaneously. Highly recommended for middle grade fiction collections.
This picture book is a perfect model of text and illustrations coming together to produce a stunning final product for children. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Speak
This modern classic about sexual assault, bullying, and mental health is for everyone, and a must in every collection. Libraries should also include the recent graphic novel adaptation.
PREMIUM
The Outsiders
This timeless classic is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Be sure to have multiple copies in any library that serves middle and high schoolers.
PREMIUM
Jane Eyre
An archetypal Gothic romance with a refreshingly modern air, this one is a shoo-in for libraries serving middle and high schoolers.
PREMIUM
Things Fall Apart
A key document of African identity and decolonization that comes within a propulsive, eye-opening hero quest, strongly recommended for all high school libraries.
PREMIUM
1984
Due to the complexity of topics and discussion of sexuality and torture, this book is recommended for older teens.
There is so much to be gained in the classroom by integrating more fantastical tales.
Three poetry books are starred this National Poetry Month, as well as biographies of Mae Jemison and Chadwick Boseman.
Today Renee reviews the new shojo manga Tales of the Tendo family and interviews editor Eric Margolis about the story.
It's a quiet story, but one that makes it clear that Cecil is seen, that kids like Cecil are seen. I look forward to more from Jonathan Todd.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. In the latest installment, Vanessa Le shares about The Last Bloodcarver.
For her third "Club" book, the ever-prolific Elise Gravel turns her attention from mushrooms and bugs to the bizarre, alien (and perhaps even cute?) microorganisms that live invisibly among us.
If AI becomes capable of writing unique novels, just for you, that are better than anything you've ever read before, what would become of the shared experience of a beloved book?
From poems about planets and trees to poems about LGBTQIA+ heroes, young readers from elementary through high school will find something to enjoy here. Share these titles for National Poetry Month and all year long.
Here's a look at the middle-grade comics and graphic novels being released this week.
Author Jenni L. Walsh talks about the impact of animals in middle grade fiction and her latest book, Operation: Happy
What are your favorite children's books of 2024 so far? If you've read any Newbery-eligible titles, please add your suggestions as we continue to build our Mock Newbery reading list on Heavy Medal.
The concept of liminality plays a crucial role in Otherworldly, and as such, many of the important moments happen in liminal spaces.
PREMIUM
King Cheer
This graphic novel will fit nicely into the collection that already has graphic novels with LGBTQIA+ characters and where the previous volume is popular.
An excellent addition to poetry collections, this volume will excite and engage, and—most importantly
PREMIUM
No Escape
A great example of an escape room thriller, tailor-made for a teen audience. Not only will it “escape” your library shelves often, but it may lead to a desire for escape room programming.
PREMIUM
I Bug You
Interesting illustrations crawling with bugs will be enjoyed by budding entomologists.
Learning to stand tall and live their truths are lessons all teens need; this glimpse into a world of music and friendship will resonate with many readers searching the library for unique stories to fit them, or suit anyone who desires to express themselves, but finds the challenges of life getting in the way.
A book that starts simple and ends with complicated notions of identity, scaled to children’s own questioning, ever-evolving minds. Perfect.
PREMIUM
Hearts Still Beating
A riveting, unique, and delightfully queer adventure. Recommended for all libraries.
Tender and affectionate, with enjoyable illustrations and lovely figurative language, this book will bond caregivers to children and make story hours a riot.
A powerful graphic novel memoir that gives readers an authentic account of life with OCD; for collections that include Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka and A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner.
PREMIUM
Sophie’s Monster Goes to Shul
Recommended as a read-aloud for preschoolers and a warm introduction to one joyful aspect of Jewish life.
PREMIUM
Roy Is Not a Dog
An eccentric conversation about self-identity, recommended for school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
Shine
This attractively illustrated picture book about bravery is a secondary purchase for most collections.
PREMIUM
Hush, Little Dozer
Story hours with a lead-in to naps can take a cue from this weary crew; here’s one for the bedtime shelves that carries the subtle message that after industry comes sleep.
PREMIUM
Song of the Six Realms
A beautifully detailed Gothic fantasy that explores how ignorance and deceit can crumble a community.
PREMIUM
Maxine Gets a Job
A charming story whose social media star makes this an endorsed but optional purchase where demanded by circulation trends.
An excellent purchase for collections, especially where food manga and fantasy romances are in high demand.
A decent addition to nonfiction collections seeking more books about the ocean and marine ecosystems.
Recommended for poetry collections, although it is best suited for guided reading.
PREMIUM
Giant On The Shore
As parable or otherwise, this is too subtle and undeveloped for young readers. Not recommended.
PREMIUM
Bad Like Us
Fans of Karen M. McManus will find much to enjoy here. Recommended for thriller/mystery collections.
A fun and vocabulary building edition of the can-do spider. Recommended.
A witchy series book that can easily be enjoyed as a standalone.
A flat-out stunner, this book is a loving ode to strength and potential, enthusiastically recommended for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Piper Chen Sings
SEL at Broadway levels, this is recommended for collections needing a boost in stories about processing difficult emotions.
PREMIUM
Cooking with the Sneetches
A humorous and fun-filled story, and an excellent shared reading experience likely to resonate with the youngest learners.
Fans of Karen M. McManus will love debut author Lundy’s well-developed mystery with plenty of thrills.
A first chapter book that combines pets, potions, and a happy ending; perfect for readers who enjoy lighthearted mischief and canine cuddles.
PREMIUM
Leo the Lazy Lizard
A small dose of SEL set in a lizard’s ordinary day, this book gives children permission to switch off and stretch out. Make it a story hour favorite.
Multiple artists have passionately brought to life a great story that adds another element for members of the game’s base—and those new to it
For older board book audiences, this is informative and entertaining. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Snowglobe
Purchase for collections serving high schoolers where there is a love of dystopian mysteries.
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