This Thanksgiving season, I’ve been thinking about all the ways libraries have influenced my life.
It was a huge week in the movie world this Thanksgiving, as Wicked and Gladiator II continued their streaks and Moana 2 premiered to huge numbers. So I thought, while listening once again to the Wicked soundtrack, why not recommend books that I think fit some of the characters from these huge films? After all, […]
Both November episodes featured Mac Barnett.
Book mail continues to trickle in as we get ready to wrap up 2024!
I am very grateful for the books here that managed to hold my wandering attention and pull me into their fictional worlds.
I am essentially making comfy nests where other tired hearts can rest, books with arguably naive but stubborn resilience against tough odds, and books with kind power in them.
Whether portraying a humble farming community, a home in the south of Korea, a synagogue filled with love and hope, or a neighborhood where more than small things are mended, the best picture books of 2024 celebrate how those working together are the models for humanity we want our children to witness.
After a busy bookish September and October, we’re combining the posts for November and December! Here’s 10 fabulous titles that release before the end of 2024. The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis Sequel to: The Davenports by Krystal Marquis The Davenports Pitch: The Davenports live in 1910s Chicago, one of the few Black […]
Shifa Saltagi Safadi's novel in verse about an immigrant family, the 2016 Muslim ban, and a boy trying to balance school and family earned the prestigious prize.
The best poems educate with their facts and inspire with their beautiful flow of words. These 11 titles contain poems that do both exceptionally for young readers of all ages.
The trick is to not give up while the slow burn runs its course.
Mythology and animal stories compose a large part of this early reader and chapter book list, alongside contemporary tales of young protagonists staying true to themselves and the things they love while figuring out how to act among peers. These titles will help children learn how to read as well as model ideas for how they can be authentically themselves.
As it turns out, becoming a writer for teens—and teen Jan—is about the most thrilling and rewarding answer to the question: who am I?
SLJ will reveal the 193 titles selected for this year's Best Books list starting November 19 and culminating November 25 with a live webcast.
A good guide to Easter fun and treats that readers new and old will enjoy.
Purchase where other titles in the series circulate well with young readers.
One needn’t be familiar with Mulan to enjoy this gentle easy reader about Lunar New Year, which is recommended for larger libraries.
A multisensory title sure to make your youngest readers giggle. Purchase where other hide-and-seek style board books are popular.
An additional purchase for libraries that serve multi-faith populations or are looking to enhance their art or religion selections.
An important, browsable introductory resource to spark further learning on supporting students’ learning.
Dahlin’s debut earns her place on library shelves with this fantastic piece of nail-biting suspense.
This series will resonate with readers who enjoy a historically inspired setting with an enemies-to-lovers romance.
This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.
This historical novel in verse is superb, conveying the magnitude of disrespect, hatred, and racist practices Chinese immigrants had to endure.
This title is for fans of the authors’ collaborations; otherwise, for mermaids and queering the fairy tale, read Emma Donoghue’s Kissing the Witch or Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish, and for swashbuckling and funny, historically embedded lady pirates, go to L.A. Meyer’s “Bloody Jack” series or Briony Cameron’s The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye.
Hand this story to fantasy fans, especially those who are transitioning between middle grade manga and darker, older teen series.
Tahir is an expert at swoonworthy heroes, fierce females, and slow burn romance. Accompanied by adventure, family and found family ties, and political intrigue, this multilayered, quick-paced story is a must purchase.
It cannot be overstated how important Brett’s story is for those who need to hear it, a possible lifeline for those in need of reassurance that their experiences aren’t as uncommon as they may think.
This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.
This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.
For libraries in need of books covering the subject of partition.
Through demonstrations of preparation, routine, praise, and love, the title serves as a valuable supplement to manage emotions, attachment stages, bonding practices, and acceptance for children struggling with jealousy and aggression after the arrival of a younger sibling.
A highly recommended addition to any library, offering visual beauty and a meaningful narrative that will resonate with young readers and educators alike.
Highly recommended for any high school library in need more memoirs emphasizing the importance of sports and mental health.
Humor and detailed illustrations make this a great introduction to oceanography and marine biology for upper elementary and middle grade readers.
With humor, sensitivity, and a clean art style, this is a recommended first purchase for all collections.
A recommended purchase for early reader collections.
Writing Lucy was our way of coping with the years Teghan lost: both the years trapped in self-denial about her identity and the years she spent in prison. The book is a badge of honor for those tough years we survived, and it’s a love letter to each other.
I discovered that if told with some heart and soul, history can be as compelling as fine fiction. And before long I found myself on a mission to make history come alive for young people.
Anthologies are the literary equivalent to a buffet dinner. They offer a wide selection of different perspectives (both in story telling and in personal background) and writing styles on the same theme.
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.
The warm camaraderie of these sisters will put a smile on readers’ faces as both siblings work together for the common good. A great addition to the series and to library collections.
The writing is strong and the dog hotel premise can easily be expanded for an audience in the ever-growing early chapter book genre.
Recommended for general purchase.
An angst-fueled, twisted fairy tale wrapped tightly in dark academia, exploring the border between love and something more dangerous.
A comfy summer romance with STEM themes.
The main character’s arc from villain to antihero to lovestruck romantic makes this a worthwhile addition to YA collections.
Fans of King’s work and teens interested in music and social issues will be drawn to this work.
Mother-child love is abundant in this non-frightening monster story that reveals a beginning self-awareness and a nod to empathy. This recommended story is sure to capture the attention of the most rambunctious child.
A secular Easter-themed book perfect to read aloud to an active preschool group.
For middle grade readers who love complicated families, sports, and realistic fiction, this novel will be a strong fit.
An accessible introduction to social and political events in Germany during the time leading up to World War II.
A celebration of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and community that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation to read Frindle.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
An excellent story about Indigenous culture, and how communities can support each other when things are tough. A strong choice for any elementary library.
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 fast-paced adventure that forces three children to make decisions about survival and come to terms with some grown-up issues.
A must-read for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans.
A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
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.
Readers of the “Raybearer” series will welcome the return to familiar territory.
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
An ideal holiday book for all, and essential Lunar New Year reading.
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.
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.
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.
This thankful season, children can read all about dinosaurs, crayons, and even turkeys enjoying food, fun, and family.
Recommended for purchase where the series is popular.
A cute social-emotional read for kiddos. Pair with Doreen Cronin’s “Chicken Squad” series for more lively fun.
A lighthearted read for any child nervous about the start of school.
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.
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.
This tender and introspective graphic novel is full of hope and is a great choice for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
A promising and unique addition to juvenile graphic novel sections, perfect for kids looking for something reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or for those trying to find a way to manage their own grief.
A successful story of overcoming challenges with compassion and patience, and a recommended purchase for libraries, especially for those who can’t seem to have enough graphic novels for their patrons.
This gut-wrenching story of hope and resilience needs to find its way to all readers’ hands.
While a bit sad throughout, this graphic novel builds toward a high note thanks to a cast of goodhearted characters and will be a hit with young fantasy readers.
An additional purchase where science-based novels are needed.
This fast-paced book with relatable characters will appeal to readers and parents alike, especially those interested in food, cooking, and family-run businesses. Highly recommended for collections.
The perfect realistic read for readers pursuing family, friendship, and hope.
This book’s historical significance and poignant narrative offers a realistic, empathetic understanding of the impact of war. A compelling addition to libraries.
A pleasant second installment with plenty of action and scares.
A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the historic land rush; a must-buy for all libraries.
Nuanced characters and brisk pacing add interest to a novel focusing on historical events that are now current events and rarely written about in middle grade fiction.
A charming multiple-perspective novel featuring character growth and the power of community; a great addition to larger libraries.
An affecting story of persistent trauma that leaves the door open for eventual healing.
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