You know what rules? Dogs. I sure do like them. Here are a few middle grade books featuring dogs, all approved by my rescue chiweenies, Charlie and Spot.
Critiquing how the military preys on low-income families with promises of education and employment does not sound like something that would be in a graphic novel targeted at children aged ten and up, but that is the message at the narrative’s core.
A hotel lobby, a marsh with hidden birds, and a midwestern farm are among the many evocative settings from this year's possible Newbery contenders. Will excellence in "delineation of setting" help to earn the 2025 Newbery Medal?
Tegan Quin, Sara Quin, and Tillie Walden return with the sequel to last year's Junior High, continuing the fictionalized story of Tegan and Sara's origin story.
There is a joy to asking questions and learning new things. It’s fun to explore, and to find the answer to a question. It’s exciting to learn that the world works in ways we did or did not expect.
Family members who collaborate talk about the dynamics (and ground rules) of their creative partnerships.
Today, we are premiering Aaron's book trailer for his upcoming board book Winter Light. Before we do, however, I felt inclined to hear from the man himself about why exactly, precisely, minutely, he likes board books as much as he does.
Let's think about our personal legacy, how we're living, and making decisions that affect others. What expectations do we have of our leaders in that regard?
In this week’s Wednesday roundup, we take a look at a tough topic with a tough Newbery crowd- poetry. Are there any major 2025 Newbery poetry contenders?
Shakespeare’s greatness can live on, but we can also give space to new voices - and both can happen at the exact same time with the power of a retelling.
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, Wen-yi Lee shares about The Dark We Know.
Take your mind off of politics with this utter ridiculous prediction post zeroing in on the potential ALA Youth Media Award winners.
The Donut Prince of New York isn't just about donuts or theater or football. It's about the revolutionary act of accepting yourself in a world that often suggests you shouldn't.
Author Gayle Forman is over on The Yarn podcast, taking us behind the scenes of her new middle grade novel NOT NOTHING
From puppy love to the latest collection from fan-favorite Junji Ito, these 10 new manga releases are bound to be a hit with readers of all ages.
We talk to today with two creators about their latest STEM-related picture book bio. Along the way I am literally gobsmacked by the author's explanation as to why she wrote this book. See what happens!
While we might not have the capacity right now to do the long-term work to relieve the sources of our current stress, we can do a few things to feel a little better in the short term, particularly at work, where we’ve been so careful about what we say.
Check out the list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Hilda and Twig Hide From the Rain from Nobrow - Flying Eye Books and Last Kids on Earth Volume 1 Graphic Novel from Viking Books for Young Readers.
It's time for the second round of nominations. Pick two titles you think are deserving of the 2025 Newbery. Medal.
Middle grade may not have been in my initial career plans as an author, but now I can’t imagine writing without it.
Families come in all sizes and shapes, warmly shown here; this book is recommended for libraries to add any shelves on ever-expanding inclusivity.
A fast-paced adventure that forces three children to make decisions about survival and come to terms with some grown-up issues.
An excellent story about Indigenous culture, and how communities can support each other when things are tough. A strong choice for any elementary library.
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
A must-read for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans.
A dreamy and mysterious tale about taking chances and traveling through time for the people you love, this is an excellent blend of a tense, high-stakes mystery and a relationship-driven, coming-of-age story.
An ideal holiday book for all, and essential Lunar New Year reading.
Readers of the “Raybearer” series will welcome the return to familiar territory.
For those needing a solid read-aloud for story times, consider this; despite some random elements, its message of love for nature is clear.
An excellent resource for those seeking an interactive story hour.
A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
Buy the book and the series. Kids need access to this diverse classroom of students who face everyday crises with their supportive friends, and this gentle read shows the goodness in the world without being overly sappy.
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
Despite a promising start, this underdeveloped title is not recommended for purchase.
A book that begs to be read in one sitting.
This book fulfills its purpose but count on another title to find the joy of Purim.
Bound to be a story time hit.
While not an essential purchase, libraries where holiday titles are popular may want to get their paws on this adorable book.
Mistaken identity and music leads to an adorable meet-cute in this edgy manga.
We're less than three months from the announcement of the 2025 Newbery Medal, and the excellent books just keep coming. Today we highlight recently published titles that should be part of this year's awards discussions.
Anne Shirley is right to be happy we have Octobers, but November through February sort of becomes The Great Blah around here. At least there are always new books to look forward to!
This thankful season, children can read all about dinosaurs, crayons, and even turkeys enjoying food, fun, and family.
A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library.
In honor of the day, we have two great picture book creators in brilliant conversation!
Here is a small selection of twenty books which score 8/10 or higher on my personal "Fear Factor" grading used in The YA Horror 400.
A feisty queer retelling of a classic, perfect for a teach-along or lesson enhancement.
A quick and riveting mystery with fantastic representation.
Gr 10 Up–Horan’s second contemporary queer YA novel is a fantastic and much-needed ace romance...
Recommended for collections where titles like Tom Ryan’s I Hope You’re Listening or Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder circulate well.
An emotionally gripping debut novel that shines with hope, even through its traumas and trials.
A timely and engaging read for all ages, sure to be popular with teens and adult readers of YA.
Highly recommended and appropriate for all YA collections, especially where diverse romance stories featuring women of color are popular.
A basketball tome for die-hard fans of sports fiction.
An excellent purchase for school and public library collections.
A professional purchase for most school libraries.
A good resource that offers detailed insights and practical examples on how to strengthen advocacy and collaboration through ecosystem thinking.
A scholarly work more at home in academic libraries for those studying the impact of classic children’s literature and for superfans of Montgomery’s work.
A necessary purchase for elementary professional collections; the read-aloud experiences included provide a wealth of ideas to utilize across content areas and grade levels.
The love of the work and artist is evident, but the magic is lost in translation.
School libraries will find this a helpful addition to a well-used professional collection.
A crucial title for all academic libraries; this should be required reading in graduate library science, education, and higher education programs across the U.S.
A lovely purchase, this warm bedtime story is laced with love of music and close family feelings.
A sweet tale about overcoming fears that uniquely merges the insect and medieval worlds. Recommended for picture book collections.
Compelling as this is in concept, it misses the mark and is not recommended for purchase.
A thought-provoking and beautiful discussion about what makes up a face, but an optional purchase for most libraries.
Highly recommended; this is a compassionate look at how to support a friend overwhelmed by emotions.
This sweet and charming book shows children how to connect emotions and memories through simple, repetitive language and softly colored illustrations.
A story with a clear message about owning up to one’s mistakes that is sure to inspire discussion.
This hopeful work on a subject treated all too infrequently in picture books would be a sensitive and welcome addition to any library.
A wonderful book that showcases what the imagination can do, and to shelve right next to Crockett Johnson’s original.
This gorgeously illustrated poem celebrating and elevating brown girls is a solid choice for picture book collections.
A stunning book, this may have difficulty finding the right audience; a limited first buy.
A lively look at opposites that is a useful teaching tool and an examination of the many animals in a busy forest. A recommended purchase.
In charming and expressive imagery, readers will find a journey that requires courage, reasoning, and newfound maturity. A worthwhile purchase.
A breathtaking trip through one boy’s imagination, this beautiful picture book is highly recommended for school and public libraries.
A gentle reminder that everyone possesses the golden commodity of time when it comes to showing courtesy, compassion, and care for others.
This tribute to roti is a solid purchase.
A twist on the animal-in-the-library story that is both perfect nonsense and informative.
A great introduction to the wonderful world of science, this book can be used across many grade levels.
Recommended for communities with Vietnamese families and for building out collections of folktales from the world.
A quick yet joyous read, this is a sweet addition to libraries looking to expand any inclusive picture book section.
This combination of cheerful drawings and omniscient narrative, plus joyful dogs, will appeal to young readers. The book works for both story time or independent reading. A strong first buy.
An excellent option for a food-themed shared reading.
The detailed illustrations and the dual layers of text make this a versatile and informative addition to collections.
Despite the playful presentation and the problems inherent in a “tear-out” section in a library, this is polished nonfiction; irreverently fun and informative, it’s an excellent selection.
A wonderful volume that gives insight into the powerful source of joy and intention; Powder’s dedication to her teachings extends into the next generations with every turn of the page.
Enticing glimpses of both a country’s troubled history and of a cultural icon who will be new to most young audiences.
This first children’s book about an important trailblazer “abzuglutely” belongs on the shelf of every library alongside other portraits of leading Jewish women, such as I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, Goldie Takes a Stand!: Golda Meir’s First Crusade by Barbara Krasner, and Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty by Linda Glaser.
An excellent resource for children who are experienced in the outdoors, those new to it, or teachers and classroom staff prepping students for an excursion.
With the wish for young cooks to “seek out global flavors,” this team has created a beautiful and informative cookbook that will inspire children to find connections with cuisines and cultures around the world.
A valuable republication of a book that presents the Sioux to young readers.
This beautifully written homage to a great American writer is a must-purchase for picture book collections.
Tabei’s life and accomplishments are succinctly delivered with engaging text and brilliant illustrations to celebrate this trailblazing woman. Strong first buy.
An additional purchase for schools or libraries needing a read-aloud alphabet book, this is for children who already know their letters.
A strong entry in the family and friends graphic novel genre. Give this to fans of Raina Telgemeier, Shannon Hale, Varian Johnson, and Nathan Fairbairn.
A lighthearted read for any child nervous about the start of school.
Fans of “Hilda and Twig” will love this fantastic new outing, which also works perfectly as a standalone or an introduction for those new to the series.
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