32 unique titles were chosen in the first round of Heavy Medal nominations.
These authors show readers that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to adapt to, to work through. It’s OK to not know how to feel, what to do, or what to say.
What I really loved about this book is that it shows a really good, healthy, positive relationship steeped in friendship, respect, and support.
Gracey Zhang and I have a new book coming . . .
Wanna read a book about a woman attempting to "reinhabit her epidermis"? If so, I can't think of a better candidate than this 2004 release (which retains its creepiness today) by the legendary Virginia Hamilton.
Why, hello, funniest graphic novel of 2024 for kids!
Unlike the Newbery and most other ALA awards, the National Book Awards share their longlists and shortlists of finalists. The first ten for Young Peoples Literature were announced in September and now there are five remaining: BUFFALO DREAMER- Duncan (no current suggestions) THE GREAT COOL RANCH DORITO IN THE SKY- Galarza (teen book, no suggestions) […]
I remember going to the local library, getting my first library card, and piling the car with books. I couldn’t believe it—I could take them home? We didn’t have to pay for them? And I could bring them back and then get more? It was the greatest thing ever!
Ah, October. Hoodie weather. Pretty leaves. Apple and pumpkin everything. Impending long, cold, dark winter. Needing to get out my Happy Light. Okay... maybe I should stop listing things fall brings. But it does bring a nice batch of new books!
In the book, Mendel is convinced he's been cursed, and it might be true. But I think it's safe to say we, cursed or not, all have aspects of ourselves we find troublesome.
A roundup of 2024 Halloween books.
As assessment and recovery efforts continue, Tennessee Association of School Librarians president Dustin Hensley is stepping up to assist in the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Here are some ways to help.
A middle grade graphic novel that explores family relationships in the most stressful of times.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen dives into spooky season by sharing some of her favorite teen horror books that somehow involve killer camps
Well-written, complex, and unique. An excellent read.
Charlotte was my student in a university fiction course during the pandemic. A couple years later, I was delighted to find out that my publisher had chosen Charlotte to illustrate my cover!
The National Book Award finalists have been announced!
The Newbery Medal winner and National Ambassador of Young People's Literature will speak with SLJ reviews director Shelley Diaz about her time as Ambassador, Latinx representation in children's books, her latest projects, and more.
Chris Raschka joins us today to talk about his latest middle grade novel, process, writing, editing, cactuses, and more!
Cartoonist Kaeti Vandorn is the latest to take a crack at adapting classic Dr. Seuss characters into new graphic novel adventures, here sending the Grinch and Max on a series of vacations.
Ruth Chan talks about her graphic novel memoir, UPROOTED
This week's Wednesday Roundup looks as several excellent novels in verse. Several books in this form have been recognized by Newbery Committees in the recent years. Will the 2025 Newbery list include this unique format again?
With a mother who grew up in Istanbul and a father who grew up in Montana, I spent much of my childhood traveling between those settings, figuring out how to exist in both, and grappling with questions of identity and belonging.
Dog's story is not an easy one or one that quickly turns hopeful and positive. It's rough ride. But in Hautman's ever-capable hands, it's a rough ride full of adventure, suspense, emotion, and a feeling that the path Dog is on, and maybe even the path Evan is on, is a profound one, that their connection will change their lives.
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, many school libraries in the United States are looking for high-quality books in Spanish to share with students and their families. But as the population of Spanish-speaking people in the U.S. continues to grow, there is increasing demand among school libraries for Spanish-language content year-round.
A summer at the camp at Brooks River comes with constant contradiction. The more beautiful and interesting something is, the more likely it is to be dangerous. Nothing embodies that more than Brooks Falls. The Falls is an historical fiction adventure set in Alaska in 1953 for ages 10 and up.
It’s a well-known phenomenon: some adults lose their sense of wonder about the natural world when they age out of the science fair years. But grownups who write STEAM books for kids are a special breed: Meet Laura Perdew!
Presented by SLMath in partnership with SLJ, the Mathical Collection Development Awards will enable up to 36 libraries in K–12 U.S. schools with high numbers of low-income students to receive grants of $850 to purchase titles from the Mathical Book Prize list.
In these 18 YA horror titles, inclusivity across race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, mental health, physical ability, and more are highlighted, reflecting the diverse lives and needs of young adults.
Celebrate the Jewish New Year by sharing these board and picture books.
The new California law prohibits public libraries from banning books based on "race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation of a book’s subject, author, or intended audience"; New Jersey legislators move "Freedom to Read Act" forward; and more.
What does cold fish have to do with picky eating? We're talking with Jacob Grant today about his latest title and an ode to adventurous palates!
Spooky month is here, and not only am I thrilled for the fall breezes and pumpkin decor, but I’m also excited for so many incredible YA releases that arrive this month. And there are so many. I cut this list down at least four times, and we’re still at 16 books! So here’s the 16books […]
Tiffani Carter believes this is what libraries do: they provide space to bring people together, connecting one resource, one service, one child, with another.
Complete and submit this form for a chance to receive a full set of one of Scholastic Library Publishing Nonfiction Series. Ends October 31, 2024.
Author Josh Roberts talks about horror and bridging the gap between middle grade and teens
Scary stories allow us to explore the dangers inherent in the world from a place of safety. Kids need this—we all do.
I wondered why, after writing twenty-five books for young readers, I had never addressed the bond between a child and an animal.
A vital book for cold days or warm ones, this is a STEM celebration of the amazing opportunities below-zero temperatures can provide for eager explorers.
Covering a wide spectrum of the roles dogs play in our world, this board book will engage young readers and help them develop an appreciation for the amazing canines in our world.
This cotton candy confection of a big horse and a little girl will have broad appeal. Strong first buy.
This beautiful book about the healing of distance and reflection is recommended for all libraries where picture books circulate.
A straightforward and helpful tool for discussions about expressing big feelings and different ways to receive support. Recommended.
A delightful message-in-rhyme makes for a fun read-aloud for anyone who’s ever wondered if they have what it takes to accomplish a goal.
This is a sweet book about love being shown in all the ways that matter and would be enjoyed by parents and children reading together or in story-hour settings.
The focus on two children experiencing trauma provides an opening for young people to process and discuss their own shared experiences in a story that is clear and honest without being didactic.
This recommended story reminds readers how they could lead by example for those who are curious and want to also be included in the joys of life, be it miniscule chores or creating art.
A charming introduction to libraries but a missed opportunity for deeper explorations.
An engaging and culturally thoughtful picture book for libraries, especially for a family story time focusing on mirror-and-window encounters with heritage families.
An engaging exploration of creativity to use with children one-on-one or as part of an introductory art lesson; hand out finger paints and blank pieces of paper for messy story hours.
Readers can relate to the protagonist as they embark on their own creative endeavors.
An additional purchase for the elementary story-hour shelf.
A highly artistic rendition of a loved fantasy for the classroom and the public library shelves.
Rarely does a book build suspense as perfectly as this one. Readers will fall under the spell of the title and influence their friends to pick it up as well. Remember: Don’t just read, share.
Enchanting and full of darkly prescient social commentary; a Cherokee dystopia with Afrofuturistic inspiration.
A superb addition to horror collections that will also satisfy fans of mythology, too.
Filled with adventure, intrigue, and a bit of romance, this compelling read will capture the interest of teens and tweens.
An essential read for those who identify as gender diverse as well as for teens struggling to find their spots as they think beyond high school.
Despite the promise of “a genderqueer lesbian with a knife,” fans of Lamb’s previous work will struggle to connect with an uninspired lead character and a dearth of adventure.
A charming, paranormal graphic novel about falling in love and learning how to create healthy boundaries within relationships.
A charming, empowering story that will resonate with members of and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
This must-purchase is an expansive narrative that skillfully examines the ways a family’s past affects descendants in the present.
With its existing fanbase, and sweet LGBTQIA+ story of defying destiny to beckon others, this series will prove a hit in many collections.
A compelling quest into the depths of the human mind and the darkest tunnels of life and death that will appeal to mature readers who want challenging topics to ponder on.
Readers will flock to this graphic novel, especially fans of Webtoons, romantasy, secret identities, and ladies who are stronger than they look.
This will make a good addition to library collections that want to offer teenagers a frank and realistic look at, and how to deal with, grief.
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