Part of why we're focusing on middle grade this year on TLT is because discoverability can feel so challenging, with chain stores stocking less MG than ever before. New authors face an even bigger challenge because kids (and their grown-ups) often gravitate toward established authors they know they will like.
Without The Diamond in the Window introducing me to chambered nautiluses all those years ago, I might still be sitting at my laptop staring at a blank page.
Narrative nonfiction has the same goals as any novel – to use these same techniques of conflict, setting, characterization, etc. to build a world that a reader cares about.
Teen librarian Rachel Strolle shares new YA LGBTQIA+ titles to help you read and build book rainbows for Pride (and all year round)
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, LaDarrion Williams shares about Blood at the Root.
10 books I'm looking forward to this summer.
To celebrate this unexpected milestone I thought I’d reflect on the six most interesting facts about this weird, bittersweet, wild ride of a story.
From going to work in faraway or dangerous jobs to walking with their kids around the neighborhood or reading bedtime stories, these fathers offer support and encouragement and set an example for their kids. As Father's Day approaches, or all year long, share these titles with little ones and families to recognize the important role Dad plays in their lives.
When kids at school say there are "no good books" to read, I send them to two places: graphic novels or the list of short books/books under 250 pages.
In a field of seemingly infinite Christmas picture books, both Christian and secular, this title does not stand out. Recommended as an additional purchase for religious Christmas collections.
Originally published in Russian, this is a beautiful addition to nonfiction collections looking for books on the subject, and those seeking more translated works.
Coming of age isn’t easy, especially when you’re trapped in a survivalist camp. A first purchase for readers of realistic fiction.
This meta–picture book will be a favorite for kids with its animal protagonists, laugh-out-loud plot, and character interactions.
Recommended for high school libraries as a memoir that may offer words of encouragement to those ailing, grieving, or seeking inspiration.
A vivid queer romance whose characters and plot will captivate readers. A strong purchase.
This gentle story is written in a Spanish that sounds like home with familiar themes and images of family, root countries, and a love that spans distances; children will wait in line to have a turn to share it with their families.
A secondary purchase for most school libraries.
Recommended for high school collections, this is sure to be a hit for fans of whirlwind romances such as those by Nicola Yoon and Rachel Lynn Solomon.
An inspiring story of intergenerational friendship, recommended for libraries everywhere.
This title will prove intriguing, both for high school students taking physics and fans of romance. A thought-provoking read for those who like realistic fiction with a scientific twist.
A book that deserves both its own anime adaptation and a spot on the shelves of any library with fantasy-loving teens.
The message of trans acceptance is front and center in this realistic fiction title; Huntoon creates meaningful and authentic conversations around topics important to trans youth and allies, while also maintaining a lighter tone that is more accessible for the middle school reader. Recommended.
Practical and entertaining, this is a worthy resource for budding story writers.
Lu elevates Yang’s occasionally pedantic lessons on digital safety.
Young kids may find the fir trees particularly amusing in this amiable Christmas story.
Among this month's standouts are the latest graphic novel co-authored by Gender Queer's Maia Kobabe, a picture book from Kyle Lukoff, and a video adapted from Carole Boston Weatherford's book about Mary Hamilton.
I started making up this story with my brother when I was in middle school, and it’s taken all these years to finally finish it.
Hi-Lo titles are high-interest stories written at a lower reading level for striving readers. These 24 books, in genres ranging from romance to horror, are sure to grip readers with relatable main characters and contemporary coming-of-age themes.
Everyone—children, teens and even adults—need safe outlets to explore their emotions, fears and unspoken curiosities. Whether you’re writing a book or reading a book, stories can be that safe harbor.
STEM comes to life for beginning readers in these stories, which can be used to complement science, math, or reading instruction.
We are lucky to live in a time where there is just so much wonderful middle grade coming out. There's no reason to hear a middle schooler say "I'm bored" this summer.
A fresh selection to offer to young children experiencing the loss of a loved one; a good choice for the grief or intergenerational shelves.
A charming book, recommended for larger library collections.
A beautiful celebration of the bond between a grandfather and his grandchild, and the importance of preserving the past through storytelling.
This heartwarming tale of intergenerational connection, complemented by its inviting artwork, is a delightful addition to any library or collection.
Simple text could make for a fun read-aloud, but stronger titles are available about both chickens and anxiety: the human baby in Fran Manushkin’s Baby, Come Out! faces a similar dilemma and the suspense is all but unbearable and so satisfying.
A simple yet well-crafted story, as text and illustrations depict activities familiar to children everywhere as well as introduce language and facts about life in Kenya.
Quintero’s words speak to bonds of care, while the glorious illustrations sing of bodies round and safe. In this must-purchase, there is bounty of feeling, respect for physicality, touch, and sensation, wrapped in a picture book pocket.
A fable wherein the courage of the lion was in the girl all along. Jackson imbues what could have been a tired concept with depth, breadth, and power. Great for reading aloud in a group or individual sharing and an excellent addition to all collections.
An sweet narrative promoting resilience and embracing imperfection, this is an amiable addition to the shelves.
Recommended for a slightly older age group than the usual board book audience, but still, quite a find.
A great choice for collections in need of books with diverse family composition.
A well-researched account of an essential historical account of the U.S. labor movement. Highly recommended for middle school readers and beyond.
Perfect for fans of What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson or Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis.
A poignant exploration of family, identity, and self-discovery, offering late teens a thought-provoking journey as they navigate the complexities of emerging into new adulthood.
While billed as a loose interpretation of the “Sleeping Beauty” tale, this dark fantasy is more akin to Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin with its religious musings about duty, love, and purpose.
This strong debut belongs on library shelves, especially where mysteries are popular.
This ode to feminism belongs on shelves where similar works are popular and also makes an excellent title for discussion.
An evocative novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, history, and psychology, this is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking puzzle that explores the lasting impacts of war. Highly recommended for any collection but particularly for libraries where Alan Gratz or Elizabeth Wein books are popular.
This look at the realities of what comes after love-at-first-sight is worth a read, especially for those who enjoyed Nicola Yoon’s The Sun Is Also a Star and Jennifer E. Smith’s The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.
An additional purchase for collections where retellings circulate well, and a further recommendation that the book will likely resonate with fans of Chloe Gong and Rin Chupeco.
An excellent addition to nonfiction collections for young readers.
A love letter to Muslim children at a time when it is needed most. A recommended first purchase for school and public libraries.
Providing necessary AANHPI representation, humor, and instant middle school appeal, this novel is a first purchase.
With nothing new presented, this an additional purchase unlikely to stand out on the overcrowded holiday bookshelf.
A basic counting book for babies that is mildly Halloween-themed.
A gorgeous celebration for all children’s collections.
Not only a survey of various animals, this will resonate with little ones who see themselves reflected in the mongoose, needing an outlet for its energy before settling into the family burrow and falling fast asleep.
An engaging and bright treatment of a Mexican sculptor that will inspire burgeoning artists, purchase this bilingual book for elementary collections.
This modern fable that combines science with storytelling will find a home complementing early nature and science instruction.
A sensitive work, based in bittersweet lessons, this is also a practical guide to overcoming anxiety with the help of others.
A good starter suspense tale for middle schoolers, but older or more experienced mystery readers may find it lacking in depth.
A spectacular sequel in an exciting fantasy series and a must-purchase for all libraries serving high schoolers.
A nice guide to keep at the desk or to use in school rooms.
Strongly recommended for all young adult collections.
An important message about overcoming anxiety is muddled in a busy plot. Purchase for larger collections.
An important novel for every library to have. Readers will find they’re not alone in dealing with a loved one’s addiction, as an estimated one in eight children have a parent dealing with substance abuse.
It’s not a perfect summer at the beach, but Winnie’s feelings are perfectly real, and the resolution is satisfying and hopeful. Highly recommended.
Fans of the series will love Harbor and her family, and will root for her on and off the court.
A worthy addition to any library where readers are gobbling up fantasy, and more importantly, a poignant story about family grief and love.
A must-read graphic novel that will draw fans of Jerry Craft’s New Kid and Raina Telgemeier’s Smile. This book belongs on library shelves everywhere.
A moving story with a pleasing twist ending.
A multiple-viewpoint realistic novel with broad appeal recommended for most upper elementary, middle school, or public libraries.
The perfect book for middle school romance sections; a must-buy.
Give this story to children everywhere. A powerful story of finding your voice and using it to advocate for yourself.
Readers will root for Adelaide to catch a break and be able to return to the life of an 11-year-old instead of an overwhelmed person with adult responsibilities. Recommended for realistic fiction shelves.
Middle and high school librarians will want this in their collections.
A vengeful adventure that ties up loose ends just tightly enough; a must-purchase for any collection containing the first volume.
A fun but dense read; for fans of gruesome monsters and political drama.
An intense mystery and slow-burn romance that highlight a historical moment. Recommended for all YA collections.
A dark romantic thriller with a surprise plot twist, this is a welcome addition to collections for mature teens, due to sexually explicit scenes.
Ripped from the headlines, Ahmed’s latest novel frames the fight against book banning as a hopeful endeavor in active civic engagement that a wide audience would benefit from reading.
Whether teens enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, or both, this is one to get into their hands.
Haunting and enormously gripping, but the suicide content deserves consideration for sensitive readers.
A great YA graphic novel for teens who are trying to figure out who they are or anyone who has ever felt like they were on the outside. This would be a popular title for fans of Christine Suggs’s ¡Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico, Deb JJ Lee’s In Limbo, and Emily Bowen Cohen’s Two Tribes.
Purchase where missing-girl mysteries circulate well.
A gloomy horror novel, perfect for middle schoolers too old for “Goosebumps,” but not yet ready for more terrifying fare.
Teens will enjoy the adventure.
Witty and amusing prose will take readers on a romantic journey that realistically addresses anxiety.
A slice-of-life thriller with a compelling concept but underwhelming execution.
A profound must-read for any library serving older teens.
Jackson continues to beguile and intrigue readers with this absorbing mystery. Recommended.
A heartwarming romance where creating authentic connections takes center stage.
Recommended. Grab this one for your Disney readers and for those who enjoy a great prom story.
A deeply satisfying standalone readers will race through and a rare Pacific Island–inspired fantasy that belongs in all YA collections.
Give this to fans of books by McLemore and Nova Ren Suma.
This sci-fi adventure with heart will appeal to teen readers who have been looking for their next battle mecha story.
With its imaginative storytelling and illustrations, Safer Places is perfect for new and seasoned readers of graphic novels and is a must-have addition to any library’s collection.
Great addition for libraries seeking interactive picture books.
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