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It's probably not wholly accurate to say that representation of trans and nonbinary characters seems more important than ever (again, it's always been important), but wow, does it sure feel extra necessary these days.
Losing anyone you love is a miserable, painful, and heartbreaking experience. But losing a friend is uniquely strange in the sense that the world isn’t really equipped to keep you in mind as you grieve.
A great book told in two standout voices that takes young people and their interactions in the world seriously. A really good read.
Archaeologists, by definition, must care about the past; we wouldn’t be in this line of work if we didn’t. To care about the past, we have to connect to it. And it’s imagination, whatever form it takes, that makes this connection possible.
In this popular Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Adina King shares about 'The House No One Sees' in this latest installment.
Our characters, Bee and Alice, talk about the same things middle-grade readers do: how the world works, bodies, queerness, and what is fair and right.
Cascarones are empty eggshells that are decorated, filled with confetti, and sealed. A Latinx Easter tradition involves breaking them over loved ones’ heads. Join in the fun with these two picture books.
A behind-the-scenes glimpse at humanity's very beginnings in a picture book form! I talk with Nikkolas Smith about the incredible The History of We.
Where are the very real depictions of us saying, “yes, we have the thing, and it sucks, but we can still have amazing lives anyway, even when the disability causes us hardship.”
What a great book. It's so full of love and joy and community, things that feel particularly needed considering the everythingness of everything these days.
PREMIUM
Wait ‘Til You’re Older
This book is a good addition to the scientific (and fun) section of the library.
PREMIUM
I Like You So Much: A Powerful Message of Celebrating Individuality and What Makes You Unique
In a time where too much of what children see is negative, a book like this in a library collection or being read-aloud to them is important. A great tool for both the library and SEL.
Hand to high school athletes looking for nonfiction sports stories that are as realistic as they are joyful.
A great purchase for libraries with fans of the series, or those seeking an inclusive Mother’s Day read.
Recommended where previous books in the series are popular.
PREMIUM
Meet Me at Blue Hour
For readers who like to consider and think about the effect of technology on social interactions and the idea of scientific studies mixed with a little romance. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Falling Star
A compelling reminder to readers that they do not have to be the brightest to be important. A good addition to any SEL collection.
A heartfelt contemporary novel for fans of Jennifer L. Holm’s Sunny Side Up and Gennifer Choldenko’s The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman.
PREMIUM
El globo
These Spanish picture books featuring the fun and curious adventures of a friendly cat would be excellent additions to Spanish-language children’s collections.
PREMIUM
Wish Upon a K-Star
A readable, charming, drama-filled story with relatable characters, this book will appeal to readers who like romance and K-pop combined into one fun tale.
A comforting story for families of all stripes, with an added educational bonus showing acceptance of all for younger elementary children.
A great purchase for libraries where the series is popular, or for those needing a Father’s Day read-aloud.
A lively addition to Spanish picture book collections, this is sure to be a hit with young readers.
PREMIUM
Dino-School
A terrific back-to-school read, perfect for classroom and library collections. With its blend of humor, heart, and prehistoric fun, this book is sure to be a hit with fans of dinosaurs, rhyming books, and school stories.
PREMIUM
Get Dressed, Belly Button!
Perfect for a range of ages and story times, this book is a delightful crowd-pleaser.
PREMIUM
Bad Influence
An enjoyable enough read for readers looking for a love story with a little drama. Includes language more suitable for older readers.
Fun, humorous, and realistic, with a great representation of students and an emphasis on learning language in a fun manner, this book is a must-have for both libraries and classrooms. This should be the next great read-aloud.
A charming addition to have on hand, though not an essential purchase for all collections.
PREMIUM
My Mother, Mi Madre
This bilingual board book is a perfect addition to children’s collections and a great selection for those searching for bilingual titles focusing on that special mother-child relationship.
PREMIUM
¡Es mío!
This hilarious picture book is a fun way to discuss sharing and a great choice for Spanish-language children’s collections.
A gorgeous first words book for bilingual collections.
PREMIUM
Billions to Burn
This novel’s blend of Black history exploration with action-packed puzzles around every corner will appeal to readers seeking adventure and mystery.
The hope is that LGBTQ+ teens can see that positive change is doable, even in difficult conditions, and that although it may not feel like it sometimes, it matters. They matter.
In these three novels, the pace and proximity of small-town life play a vital role in characters’ disparate journeys that are ultimately bids for safety, recognition, and belonging.
Along with the best books in kid lit, this month's stars also include adult books for teens and professional reading.
I talked with Jing Jing Tsong about her excellent 2024 graphic novel Fake Chinese Sounds. In the episode Jing Jing talks about how the book was inspired by a real-life event, and how she went about turning that event into her author/illustrator debut. Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
Looking for bunnies? Looking for eggs? Whatever your young readers are looking for this Easter season, these tactile and interactive offerings will take them on a fun-filled journey.
Starred reviews are always good news, for what they mean and for what happens next.
Here are five new releases to read while sitting outside in the sun!
PREMIUM
Creaky Acres
While barn life is at the core of this story, it is also about seeing and being seen beyond first impressions and outward appearances. A first purchase for middle grade graphic collections.
An absolute must-purchase powerhouse of a hybrid illustrated novel packed with humor, storycrafting lessons, and a great rivals-to-teammates tale.
PREMIUM
Candle Island
A worthy purchase for library shelves that would also serve well as a selection for group discussions.
This title will be valuable to report writers, and those with an interest in the Bill of Rights will find it an informative read; selectors in school and public libraries should consider.
PREMIUM
Climate Is Just the Start
Purchase where there are already initiated environmental activists. Those in need of a more practical how-to should look elsewhere.
An engaging read for tweens and teens.
A quality text that should be considered for purchase in large collections with high circulations of animal books, as it can fill a hole in most collections’ animal behavior section. For libraries with limited space, this could be skipped in favor of more animal-specific titles.
PREMIUM
Dinosaur Pie
This book pulls readers into an entertaining narrative while illustrating what inclusivity looks like in the process, whisking even the most wayward students into a hilarious world of inquiry, adventure, and acceptance.
PREMIUM
Gus
A first purchase. This endearing tale of lasting friendship will not only appeal to young readers, but it also provides a positive depiction of aging.
PREMIUM
The Floating World
An interesting folklore-inspired fantasy with shades of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone and Final Fantasy. Recommended for larger collections.
A deeply moving portrayal of contemporary teens living complex lives with dignity and courage, this should find a home in any library serving middle and high schoolers.
Required reading for fans of the original trilogy. A must-have in all collections.
Fun and unexpected, this charming back-to-school book lovingly supports children who are preparing for their first day of school.
PREMIUM
I Don’t Want to Go to School
This unique story is a good fit for home library collections, especially those with children for whom school attendance is a struggle.
PREMIUM
Beasts
A simple yet effective monster story that will appeal to fans of postapocalyptic fiction.
PREMIUM
Night Owl and Early Bird
A sweet story about embracing one another’s differences and compromising; highly recommended for all libraries serving emergent readers.
Recommended for most upper elementary and middle school collections; hand to fans looking for a quick, satisfying paranormal adventure.
A must-purchase title for any library serving teens, though still relevant for younger readers. Hand to fans of tender explorations of young masculinity like Kenneth M. Cadow’s Gather, Shifa Saltagi Safadi’s Kareem Between, or Alicia D. Williams’s Mid-Air.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares some YA book recommendations inspired by the emotion themed characters in Disney's Inside Out movies
Personally, I love poetry, but it can be a hard sell to kids. Many readers do not naturally gravitate to poetry books. Left to their own devices, teens and tweens are not stampeding to the poetry shelf. But if you can find a gateway, a poetry resource or activity that engages students deeply and gives […]
These three books poignantly explore characters whose relationships to the past heavily influence their present.
A fantastic addition to any early reader collection, Bear and Bird’s latest adventures are sure to keep young readers entertained while encouraging the growth of their reading skills.
PREMIUM
Uni and the Dolphin
Bright pictures and familiar characters will appeal to those who enjoy a story about magical creatures and helping the environment.
PREMIUM
Maker Girl and Professor Smarts
A wonderful complement to any Makerspace or STEAM program and a strong addition to graphic novel collections, especially with a bit of booktalking to point out the book’s unique elements.
The eighth book in this easy reader series features a beach party filled with fun; purchase where need dictates or where "Really Bird" books are popular.
PREMIUM
Art’s Art
Give to patrons who are eager for an compelling story as well as a book to develop their vocabulary.
PREMIUM
Rosey Stink Badger
While not an essential addition to collections, this title’s gentle resolution suggests that reputations are not necessarily to be believed.
A delightful and relatable read, this book is a must-have for libraries and a sure hit with young readers.
Popular sea creatures like sharks and mermaids may not be enough for this to become a favorite. A secondary purchase, it may connect with Disney fans or where fairy tales frequently circulate.
PREMIUM
Good Boy
Guts meets PAWS in a graphic novel about anxiety and agility that will be popular in all graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
Rainbow Fair
A solid purchase for libraries seeking more diversity in Asian experiences as well as Muslim representation.
A delightful addition to the shelves, highlighting the power of friendship and overcoming obstacles, both big and small.
PREMIUM
Family Week
An engaging, introspective read that balances humor with heartfelt emotion, capturing the joy, pain, and uncertainty of adolescence in a way that will resonate with young readers navigating their own paths.
A resonant tale of a tween struggling to adapt to change; a must-buy for all middle grade collections.
A satisfying tale of magic gone wrong, this title has appeal for fans of fantasy and realistic fiction alike. A welcome addition to large graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
Band Nerd
A moving and ultimately uplifting story, this is a must-read for middle school libraries.
A strong continuation of a Korean folkloric mystery series.
PREMIUM
Carousel Summer
Perfect for fans of Kayla Miller, this thoughtful graphic novel is a must-have for libraries serving upper elementary and middle school readers.
PREMIUM
A Day at the Beach
This multi-viewpoint narrative highlighting tween interactions among family and friends will be enjoyed by many readers.
PREMIUM
Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology
A sweet and fun romp through a magical countryside, steadied by a strong message of finding what truly makes one happy.
PREMIUM
Creature Clinic
This imaginative tale will delight middle grade readers, making it a fun addition to all library collections.
PREMIUM
The Girl in the Walls
For fans of Anne Ursu’s Not Quite a Ghost, an eerie, emotional exploration of the way family haunts us and—with luck and care
PREMIUM
Dreamslinger
Readers who like Rick Riordan titles, Korean culture, fantasy, and adventure will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
The personal is profoundly political, and a specific experience feels universally meaningful in this fantastic graphic novel, highly recommended for all middle grade readers.
PREMIUM
The Forgotten Summer of Seneca
Give to readers who liked Marie Arnold’s The Year I Flew Away and kids seeking a gentle read with a big heart as well as important themes.
PREMIUM
Camp Frenemies
A well-developed friendship story with strong middle grade appeal and a lot of heart, this title will be a welcome addition to any graphic novel collection.
PREMIUM
The Garden Just Beyond
An intriguing premise and solid characters can sell this story despite some plotting problems.
PREMIUM
Astronautical!
A great option for fans of the “First Cat in Space” series and those readers who enjoy a healthy dose of strong character development.
PREMIUM
Nightmare Hunter
A dark and fun foray into the horror comedy genre for young graphic novel readers.
PREMIUM
Unboxing Libby
Readers will likely find they have much in common with these Robot Dolls of the future, while considering what the future may have in store for who remain behind on Earth.
A must-buy for middle grade collections, especially where contemporary mysteries circulate well.
PREMIUM
The Kite Collector
A charming story exploring sibling relationships around toys and each other; it’s a fun book, especially when James finally lets go of his ideas of how things should be and allows them just to happen.
PREMIUM
Under Anna’s Umbrella
A moving and beautifully illustrated picture book, recommended for addressing themes of grief and healing with young readers.
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