In the News: New Executive Order proposed to end IMLS funding and a call to support your local public library
Author Barb Rosenstock talks about ghosts and hauntings and all things American Spirits
COLBY: I had a whole lot of fun talking to Arree Chung about his new (and first ) graphic novel, Don’t Cause Trouble. I hope you enjoy our conversation! Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
It’s that time my friends, Sunrise on the Reaping releases tomorrow. This Hunger Games title is highly anticipated, as many fans have hoped for a prequel with a young Haymitch Abernathy for a long time. While we wait to see exactly how that book unfurls, here are some great recommendations for your library teens who […]
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Story Spinner A Sisterly Tale of Danger, A Princess, and Her Crew of Lady Pirates from Aladdin Books and The Littlest Fighter from Oni Press.
Vampires face an interesting dilemma in immortality. Their bodies, generally, remain the same while their minds change and while the world changes. Context matters. What does it mean to be queer in 1960 vs. 2010 vs. 2025?
Lifting up transgender voices in literature has always been important, but now it's more vital than ever. Share these 14 books by trans creators and/or about trans characters ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 and all year round.
Today we have a preview of Joey Weiser's The Littlest Fighter, along with some commentary from the author.
Right to Read Day offers fun and engaging ways to connect with freedom fighters in our libraries who have had to endure all the stress brought on by challenges in their workplace.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Today I'm focusing on five collections of books about women's history for middle grade readers.
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
I get the chance to premiere the Pumphrey brothers' latest picture book? AND it's a follow up to The Old Truck and The Old Boat? AND it's got this crazy beautiful gold foil on the cover?
This light in the darkness is an inspiring call to action and an essential addition to all collections.
It’s romance! It’s fantasy! It’s romantasy: A fan favorite category for manga. Here are seven recent romantasy manga releases.
Starred reviews have a big problem. And it begins and ends with the 10 points in this list.
I am lucky enough to be the host site for the NEXT book by X. Fang! We discuss Broken, a tale of guilt, sorrow, and, ultimately, redemption.
10 books I'm looking forward to this spring.
From magic to murder, these YA novels set at boarding schools are full of secrets and page-turning plots to keep readers guessing.
A mercurial marsupial insists it's more than just a happy face. Today we're talking with author Caroline Perry about her work helping wildfire relief in L.A., as well as her latest (adorable) picture book release.
We have 15 early Mock Newbery 2026 contender. A mix of fantasy, realistic fiction, a graphic novel, historical fiction.
The Agents of S.U.I.T. have a ghostly case on their hands in this latest volume of the InvestiGators series.
Today's summer list from Penguin Young Readers centers LGBTQIA+ stories/characters and race/racism
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Botticelli's Apprentice from Quill Tree Books and Max Meow 6 When Pancakes Go Bad (Really Bad) from Random House Graphic.
If you work with young people and books, you already know that graphic novels are insanely popular. In response, there has been a huge publishing boom resulting in graphic novels that are not just entertaining, but that also address serious social issues in a way that make readers sit up and take notice. Last summer, […]
Rounding up 2025 books from past Caldecott Medal and Honor winners!
Smart as a whip, funny, and clever, this little visual metaphor of a picture book is the best possible way to make it crystal clear the responsibilities some kids shoulder.
Books featuring grief, a magic school, a treasure hunt, a robot, and a young adventurer!
Author Trang Thanh Tran joins us to talk about their new book THEY BLOOM AT NIGHT.
A wonderful early introduction to this holiday; a must-purchase for all libraries.
Highly recommended for school and public libraries.
An important story to add to elementary school collections.
This joyful title will capture young readers and win the hearts of all ages. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.
A swoon-worthy teen romance and a great listen for fans of books by David Levithan, John Green, and Rainbow Rowell.
A feel-good story about sleepovers; good for children before their first sleepover, and a great addition to any primary section of a library.
This graphic novel adaptation lacks the necessary glow-up the narrative and illustrations needed to feel relevant. Not a necessary addition for most collections.
A must-have for any elementary library, this is perfect for fans of series like “Captain Underpants” and “Dog Man.” Readers will want to get ready for a wild ride
Readers who enjoy biographical graphic novels may enjoy this story, but it is recommended only for very robust collections.
Some YA readers may take to this—the writing is excellent
A gritty and nuanced glimpse into the underbelly of poverty, addiction, and gun violence.
Recommended for readers who enjoy the romantasy genre, a good heist, and similar titles by Leigh Bardugo, Libba Bray, or Stephanie Garber.
This novel bridges the gap between YA and new adult fiction, offering a powerful read of representation through genre-defying means.
While certain story aspects feel familiar, this volume adeptly sets up the series narrative, while whetting readers’ appetites enough to look forward to more.
A vibrant fantasy about growing beyond mistakes, loyalty, and bravery that will appeal to readers who love tales of epic quests.
An amazing amalgamation of thoughts, themes, and ideas that could have ended up an unholy mess and, instead, work. Today, I talk with Kyle Lukoff about his Jewish/trans/epic fantasy latest.
In this much acclaimed manga, a fighter must battle fierce opponents and a life-threatening illness in his quest for revenge.
In The Peach Thief, my 13-year-old protagonist—a starving workhouse girl—poses as a boy in order to get a tenuous job scrubbing pots in the all-male world of an earl’s walled kitchen garden.
The Kids Discover Online database invites students to an educational environment where they can read, play, and follow their natural curiosity. Here's our review.
Protecting younger siblings everywhere? This super spy graphic novel aims to do just that. A talk with the creators of this newest comic creation.
In cartoonist Cindy Chang's fictionalized childhood memoir, the young Cindy learns a secret that will transform her conception of her own family on a trip to Taiwan.
Even as we need to keep telling the painful truth of book bans, we also need to take extra care to celebrate and elevate the unique gifts that each book offers.
This month's starred selections include nonfiction and reference books, along with the latest Legend of Zelda video game.
Two exemplary titles explore activism from distinct perspectives for young readers.
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu festival celebrating spring. Young readers will enjoy these colorful picture books about the holiday.
"I hope this book will illuminate the tragic consequences of xenophobia and racism. I’m really hoping that the massacre is a piece of history we learn from, and not one that we relive."
Science fiction is fun, curious, and adventurous. It bends the reality of our world and stretches our imaginations to explore all the “what ifs” floating within our universe.
This nuanced look at life with a mentally ill parent shows that change and hope are possible, but that one kid can't achieve those things on his own, nor should he have to.
"...size is one of the first mysteries to confront us when we’re children. It’s still a mystery." Laura Amy Schlitz joins us in conversation as we reveal the cover of her latest book, The Winter of the Dollhouse.
The new Caldecott Medalist on The Yarn podcast!
These collections gather poems about nature, imagination, and creativity. Share them with young readers to open up a world of possibilities.
Black history centers the Black experience, highlighting the contributions of Black Americans which are either provoked by, aligned with or supported by members of other racial and ethnic groups.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under featuring Hikaru In the Light Volume 1 from Graphix and Speak Up Santiago from Random House Graphic.
Author Jenna Voris joins us to talk about her new book, Say a Little Prayer.
We're 10 months away from the 2026 Newbery Medal announcement, but it's never too early to start reading. If you've read any early 2025 publications that might have a chance at the Medal, add your suggestions to our monthly list between now and March 8.
The night before Christmas should have been a time of celebration and joy for Matt Davis, the Library Media Specialist at Seckman High School in Imperial, Missouri. Instead, it turned into a nightmare when a water line burst in the school library he had managed for the past three years. The call he received that night was devastating, as it meant the loss of thousands of books and significant damage to the library space.
Women’s History Month reminds us that, although they are sometimes overlooked in history classes, women are very much a part of American history. They’ve been key players both out front and behind the scenes. During our recent work creating the new database, Women’s History in the United States, we discovered many inspirational stories of such women from various time periods and walks of life.
What do you get when you mix Chinese fables and the Cooper's Hill cheese race? You get a cover reveal and conversation you'll never forget, that's what!
An excellent addition for all early reader collections.
Fantasy writing for new-ish readers is growing increasingly robust, and this exciting series starter is proof.
This wonderful story about friendship and solving a mystery is sure to be a great addition to any elementary library section.
A light science fiction/fantasy story about getting along through cooperation. A good choice where stories about siblings are needed.
A must-have for preschool classrooms and to have on hand for families with young children.
A cut above the usual chapter book fare, this series is for clever kids who want a little substance and magic to their laughs.
Ariana is the kind, thoughtful friend every child would love to have. This delightful series is perfect for kids transitioning out of beginning readers.
The relatable story and structured repetition of both vocabulary and plot elements makes this a solid choice for emerging readers.
This engaging and educational title helps to fill an existing gap in children’s literature and will be a welcome addition to any picture book or holiday collection.
A rare representation of the Brazilian celebration Festa Junina, this tender story of identity and belonging will linger in the hearts of readers.
A comprehensive overview of this celebration in language that is easy for emerging readers. Highly recommended for all collections.
This book will serve as a basic but informative text for elementary students to gain exposure not only to Juneteenth but also to equality, diversity, and acceptance.
A fun addition to the poetry section of early elementary libraries.
An excellent addition to diversify literature collections, highly recommended for libraries with high Indian student populations.
A supplementary purchase for collections needing more books about Juneteenth.
Spooky meets sandy in this unique counting board book, sure to enchant Halloween lovers during the summer months.
Combining birthdays and dinosaurs is a perfect match. This book is guaranteed to have high circulation
While not an essential purchase, this book is a valuable addition to Eid collections or for families experiencing big life changes.
. Highly recommended for purchase for any picture book or holiday collection.
A lovely picture book that shares a fun tradition many families enjoy during Easter, this bilingual picture book is perfect for children’s collections and a great holiday choice.
A significant and very sweet collection. Recommended where folklore and short stories are popular.
This beautifully crafted, culturally rich story celebrates diversity and will resonate with middle grade readers. Pavi’s journey encourages empathy and curiosity, making this an excellent addition to classroom and library collections.
As powerful and triumphant as the first book, this eye-opening read belongs on all shelves.
A well-developed adventure with wide appeal for those looking for longer realistic stories. Strongly recommended for graphic novel collections.
This mecha book is a good choice for those seeking action-based stories or anyone looking for an entry to manga.
Brimming with luminous artwork, this coming-of-age graphic novel is a perfect pick for fans of Ghostbusters, Stranger Things, and other paranormal stories that feature unlikely heroes.
This is an uplifting addition to library collections for newly confident middle grade readers.
Recommended for its realistic depictions of mental illness, family struggles, and emotional growth, especially where writers like Jasmine Warga and others are popular.
This is an important purchase for all children’s and teens’ library shelves.
For fans of Percy Jackson folklore, magic, secrets, and strong, underestimated heroines.
This thrilling adventure mystery will capture the spirit of play in every reader, making it a perfect addition to any library’s middle grade collection.
A reimagining of a classic of children’s literature, this will be particularly enjoyed by readers who are interested in myths and fairy tales from diverse cultures; recommended for middle school.
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