Here's an update on recent graphic novel deals for books coming out in 2024-26.
If we as adults (and authors) can’t give our kids a world that makes any sense, the least we can do is let them play in one.
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
Ukrainian children’s books can help Americans understand the war in Ukraine and its impact.
Kid lit authors attending ALA Annual are ready to support and work with embattled librarians as they manage attacks on their work. SLJ spoke with Samira Ahmed, Jas Hammonds, Angela Joy, and Eliot Schrefer about the importance of spending time with librarians at the conference discussing books, censorship, and supporting young readers.
If you’re a school, children’s, or teen librarian going to Chicago for the American Library Association conference, these are just some of the sessions that may be of interest.
TLT contributor Riley Jensen shares some LGBTQIA+ books coming out in 2023 for Pride
This companion novel allows me to tell another one of those untold stories—uncovered through videos and memoirs and articles—of a young boy yearning to, one day, reunite with his father.
Recommended as a lyrical read-aloud and an informational text.
A charming introduction to the big idea of school, and an angle that will resonate: it’s not the building but the people that make up a school.
Highly recommended for public or school libraries. This gently exciting story will be enjoyed by adventure-loving children.
A completely unique and important narrative not to be missed; readers and teachers will come away with a new appreciation for the myriad contributions Indigenous people have made.
A catchy title and guaranteed audience, but the checkout versus recipes cooked may be disparate. Not recommended.
Despite a flawed text, the pull tabs and engaging illustrations will keep children returning to this book; it will not stand up to heavy use, but in limited circulation or story hour sharing, it will be a hit.
An enjoyable read and a first purchase, especially for collections in need of accessible books on jazz history for younger readers.
A delicious series of memories full of hope and human connections despite the hardships of immigrating to a new home.
This beautiful book is a wealth of knowledge on the wildlife that live in the incredibly diverse habitats of the United States; sure to be a popular selection with visual learners and young researchers.
This is a must for any collection where young readers have an interest in storytelling, as well as generally a good pick for fans of the author.
Even though board books are usually intended for very young children, it would also be appropriate to include this one in younger elementary school settings as part of a global awareness unit.
Another stunning title from a gifted pair of creators, this deserves a place in all collections as children will root for Cox and be inspired by her amazing accomplishments.
Overall a cute work, this might still be best suited where cookbooks and food writing among young readers are popular.
For fans of Jarrett Krosoczka’s Hey, Kiddo and Robin Ha’s Almost American Girl, this coming-of-age memoir will appeal to youth who are struggling with their identity. This engaging graphic novel is a recommended purchase for all libraries.
An overwhelmingly helpful and inclusive book that will benefit kids and grown-ups alike.
An impressive collection of data, smoothly told, with colorful artwork, just right for kindergartners.
An intriguing window into remarkable animal antics that may be part of larger discussions about endangered species, protecting the planet, and the care of wildlife.
A fascinating and browsable collective biography that will inspire further research. Recommended for women’s and film history studies.
A visually appealing and well-researched addition to biographical narratives, for use with the original Make Way for Ducklings or with the recent picture book biography Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards by Emma Bland Smith.
Should it stay, or should it go?
This month, I’m sharing some personal research combining two great passions: gardening and libraries. The culmination of my Master Gardener training, my capstone project explores how public libraries make ideal partners in promoting gardening and sustainable, organic practices.
The Margaret A. Edwards Award winner took over SLJ’s Instagram for a live Q&A that spanned his books, inspiration, censorship, and AI. Here's what he shared.
SLJ spoke with Skye Perryman and Megan Uzzell of Democracy Forward, a nonprofit organization that provides legal counsel to help people and communities defend core democratic principles.
Our latest video game reviews feature a vengeful god, a speedy bipedal hedgehog, a laser-wielding space bounty hunter, and a squishy pink puffball.
Which books work well as standalones, and which are best for series fans? Use our input to navigate whether to begin or expand these series selections at your library.
Three Arkansas parents are suing, alleging that the relocation of LGBTQ+ books in the public library is unlawful censorship. Meanwhile, book ban battles continue in New York, Connecticut, Alaska, and Washington.
More books coming out in the fall and winter! More! Our peek into the upcoming lists of smaller publishers continues unabated.
3 of my favorite posts from the past month.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares some fun Barbie movie inspired ideas
The story of The School Living Club continues in this special one-shot manga.
Change renders the facades of what’s loved into something else.
I’m a sucker for a good happily ever after. I believe that most people deserve one, and deserve to see people like themselves have one. Which is one of the reasons I wrote Rhythm & Muse, to fill a void that I wasn’t finding at the time. A black, teenage boy finding his.
You are given a chance to ask a conservative activist a question about book banning (which he supports) on a debate show. Do you do it?
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under featuring Extincts Volume 2: Flight of the Mammoth from Amulet Books and Jurassic Jeff: Space Invader from Random House Graphic.
This is my love letter to all the equestrians who haven’t seen themselves on the page. I’m going to need your help and support to get my books into the hands of kids who want and need them, so I hope you go on this ride with me.
Growing up, I loved fairy tales and Greek myths. As a young queer person, I was keenly aware of how LGBTQIA+ characters never appeared in these stories.
Since June 19th became a national holiday in 2021, the list of books about Juneteenth has been growing! Here is a handful of the latest titles for children.
ABCs. 123s. The first year of school has come to an end, and it’s graduation time. These seven titles are the perfect picks for celebrating this monumental milestone.
What is the worst case scenario for a website that isn't renewed? If you create books for kids in any way, please listen to today's warning.
Listen to our first-ever SPEED ROUND episode of The Yarn podcast!
Colby and I decided to try out a new idea: speed round-only episodes of the podcast. Today is the first one.
With a single photograph you get a truly great picture book pairing and the start of a beautiful collaboration. To life! To joy! To books!
Esther checks out the new Spider-Man manga from Viz, Spider-Man: Fake Red.
Author Robin Alvarez discusses mermaids and her YA novel, When Oceans Rise
Crilley talks about writing and illustrating a novel paying tribute to Taiwan more than 30 years after living there to teach English.
With roots in Mesoamerican mythology, this fantastic tale will charm any reader. Its connection to history and tradition makes it wonderful for teaching while being entertaining with its adventure.
An engaging novel for younger teens that centers around a relatable heroine and a fascinating history.
An ambitious and convoluted adventure that misses the mark; not recommended for purchase.
An authentic journey for adoptees who are not allowed to feel sad but thrust into a stance of gratitude for a life they were given and for all readers who, after a loss, are reconstructing their identities.
A wholly original Spanish-language novel for young people.
A graphic novel recommended for teens interested in stories about social justice and the importance of family roots.
A love letter to Taiwan that is visually stunning, but lacks in character development. Purchase where realistic fiction graphic novels are popular.
Xie’s sparse fabrication of real events never successfully achieves the admittedly difficult task of visually depicting how music can touch the spirit. Small human moments abound, but the story’s attempts to portray more sweeping emotions fall short.
An excellent, effective introduction to why saving the Earth is important.
A welcome choice for picture book collections, especially where nature and animal books are in high demand.
A simple story of friendship and love between a child and a dog.
This is a great educational resource for elementary collections, and could serve as a powerful conversation starter for classroom discussions on the environment. Recommended.
A realistic portrayal of familial bonds for general purchase.
A silly celebration of play, imagination, and devoted fathers that would enhance a Father’s Day program or display. Recommended for first purchase.
A great addition to graphic novel sections of libraries and classrooms in middle schools.
An ambitious effort that misses the mark for the intended age. Purchase for a public or school library where students show a great interest in science and engineering.
This quiet, heartwarming story is a lovely tribute to nature’s rhythms. Ideal for a weather-themed story hour or a cozy read-aloud at bedtime, this title is a welcome addition to any picture book collection.
While the story is far from unique, this book ably retells it, while showcasing a lot of diversity.
A lawsuit that might change the book-banning trajectory.
SLJ columnist Pat Scales will receive the 2023 Roll of Honor Award; 2021 School Librarian of the Year Amanda Jones is writing a book about her experience standing up to book banners; Follett to host ReadingCon 2023; and new offerings from Gale and EBSCO in this edition of News Bites.
A raw coming-of-age story that illustrates the multi-faceted nature of grief and growing up.
A ruminative novel that might be difficult for some adolescents to follow. Experienced readers of Spanish might find this more accessible.
Even if the road ahead is scary, we’re optimistic for the future and grateful for how far we have come. TIME OUT, ultimately, is filled with that optimism.
A conversation (& cover reveal) with Sydney Smith about his upcoming picture book, DO YOU REMEMBER?
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