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Do you love children’s literature? Is Heavy Medal bookmarked on your computer Do you dream of being on the Newbery Committee one day? If you answered yes to any of those questions, consider joining the 2024 Heavy Medal Award Committee!
Over on The Yarn podcast I talk with Pedro Martín, creator of Mexikid, one of the best books of 2023. Pedro shares how his graphic novel memoir came to be.
Science Comics: Frogs has a ton of fascinating facts about amphibians.
Thorough and easy to use, this guide should be something read by anyone working with (or raising!) children of any age. A superb crash course in the past few years of books featuring LGBTQIA+ stories. Don't miss this one.
They can't win Caldecotts since their artists weren't born in the States and don't live here currently. Even so, let's honor these beautiful books that hit U.S. shores in 2023.
Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, is on January 6 and commemorates the biblical story of the wise men who brought gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. It is mostly celebrated in Latinx communities and marks the end of the Christmas season. Share these three picture books with young readers to teach them more about the holiday.
“You've made it your life's work to make sure we see the humanity in one another,” author Jeff Kinney said, speaking at the SLJ Summit 2023 in Atlanta this weekend. “Books might be empathy machines, but librarians are the beating hearts of the communities they serve.”
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Tasty: A History of Yummy Experiments from Random House Graphic and The Cool Code 2.0 The Switch Glitch from clarion Books.
Help us finalize our Heavy Medal Book List by taking our "Narrow-It-Down Poll." Your votes on this year's possible Newbery Medal contenders will help us develop our final Mock Newbery list of 12-15 titles.
Curious about the history of the Printz Award? Check out my new article to learn more!
Today we celebrate the picture books that take a chance and try to be funny. Humor may be subjective, but these are pretty darn good!
Things heat up in Bangladeshi Irish Shireen Malik’s life when she’s cast in a televised teen baking show alongside her ex-girlfriend.
In its nearly 25 year history, the Printz has recognized literature that pushes boundaries and showcases diverse voices. Here are some highlights.
A fan of bouncy rhymes and cadences? If you know picture books then you know that rhyming can go real bad, real fast. Here are the books that did it well in 2023 then!
A fan of bouncy rhymes and cadences? If you know picture books then you know that rhyming can go real bad, real fast. Here are the books that did it well in 2023 then!
Today we’re talking to David Ezra Stein, the author of I’m My Own Dog, Interrupting Chicken, and numerous other picture books as well as the delightful graphic novel Beaky Barnes: Egg on the Loose and now, Beaky Barnes and the Devious Duck (check out our preview!). Beaky Barnes and the Devious Duck will be published […]
We're starting the week with some silliness: An advance preview of David Ezra Stein's Beaky Barnes and the Devious Duck.
Check out the final list of nominations from Heavy Medal readers. Nearly 60 books were identified as possible contenders for the 2023 Newbery Medal. Will one of these wind up the winner?
This quiet story is full of tension and will keep readers engaged as they watch Kara and Rebecca forge a tight friendship irrespective of time or place. A beautiful story of time travel and compassion.
Today you'll get holidays like Three Kings Day, Ramadan, Halloween, Yom Kippur, Dia De Los Muertos, and even Christmas Eve alongside the usual suspects.
Today you'll get holidays like Three Kings Day, Ramadan, Halloween, Yom Kippur, Dia De Los Muertos, and even Christmas Eve alongside the usual suspects.
I am pleased to announce that today's list is for the simplest of picture books. Not books for kids first learning to read but that know how to put a minimal number of words on a page.
PREMIUM
Zander Stays
Recommended for libraries in colder climates where getting ready for winter is truly a matter of survival and books on this topic are needed. An extraneous purchase for others.
PREMIUM
Chasing Pacquiao
An underdog story with a powerful message about putting heroes on a pedestal, this is for all teen collections.
PREMIUM
If You See a Bluebird
Recommended for picture book collections, especially those endeavoring to affirm the challenges faced by children who experience immigration and cultivate empathy among those who have not.
An affirming picture book that will be particularly welcomed by libraries seeking stories about refugees and the migration experience.
This is a charmer, alright, with simple shapes, digitally drawn and colored, to fill up toddlers’ eyes and nothing spooky to spoil the mood of gentle friendship and celebrations.
PREMIUM
Fry Guys
With zany illustrations, clever wordplay, and laugh-out-loud storytelling, this graphic novel is exactly the right kind of good-humored silliness for emerging readers who are just beginning to discover the fun of books.
Fans of Turk’s other work will enjoy this title, as well as readers who love discovering artists coming to life on the page and learning about queer history.
PREMIUM
Love Is in the Bear
This is an endearing book, a poignant tale of stalwart love, with a rich landscape of immersive art.
A unique book that fans of toys, collectibles, psychology, marketing, child development, and government oversight will enjoy.
PREMIUM
Bocchi the Rock! Vol. 1
Purchase where Komi Can’t Communicate or Idol Dreams circulate well.
PREMIUM
Cone Dog
A perseverance parable with a trouble-making dog readers can’t help but love. Purchase for picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Love Makes a Garden Grow
While engaging for young readers who have strong grandparent ties or a love of plants, the arc of the story feels more attuned to the parents reading this story aloud than the child reader, but the illustrations will pair well with greenhouse trips, garden growing lessons, and plant identification.
PREMIUM
Make a Move, Sunny Park!
A potential mirror for tweens who are struggling with their sense of self-worth and navigating the complexities of friendship. Recommended for middle school collections.
Fans of the series will embrace this interpretation of the bounty hunter and his new companion. Highly recommended for any manga collection.
PREMIUM
Maybe a Whale
This moving meditation on grief is perfect for fans of Carole Lindstrom, Drew Breckmeyer, Michaela Goade, and Grace Lin.
Sure to hold appeal to the animal lovers, this would make an excellent read-aloud, especially if the audience is working on learning the elements of storytelling.
PREMIUM
The Dreamatics
With a fresh take on the familiar concept of dreams, this theatrical book will be a showstopper for young readers.
The message of self-care and supportive family relationships amid a serious family crisis will provide hope for other families with a beloved member altered by war.
PREMIUM
By Any Other Name
An enjoyable historical fiction mystery with a prominent queer romance. Recommended.
Martin weaves adventure and sensitive storytelling into a tale not to be missed. An excellent purchase for graphic novel collections and for readers who enjoy survival stories.
PREMIUM
Find Out About Animal Camouflage
A wonderful introduction to a natural phenomenon that fascinates adults and children alike.
PREMIUM
One Cool Duck: The Far-Out Fort
While the book is fun and nostalgic, the 1990s references may feel unrelatable to the target audience.
PREMIUM
A Way to the Stars
A paean to resourcefulness, creativity and collaboration, this quietly jubilant picture book is ideal for parents and children to share.
PREMIUM
As You Walk on By
Equal parts feel-good and radical honesty, this first purchase will easily appeal to fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli.
PREMIUM
Nala’s Journey
Give this to classrooms studying elephants of young readers who don’t mind a little less dialogue and character building while the journey unfolds.
PREMIUM
The Demon Sword Asperides
A good next read for fans of Cressida Cowell and Jessica Townsend, recommend this one to fans of funny fantasy with a setting that rings of medieval Europe.
PREMIUM
All Kinds of Kids
In a book that is very “we are the world” in concept, Meisel’s art meticulously created details to make this global. However, it still a very America- and Christian-centric book. Pass and select more culturally responsive materials that reflect kids’ lives.
PREMIUM
La bicicleta nueva
An enchanting Spanish-language picture book about the beauty in the everyday and the endless possibilities of the imagination.
PREMIUM
Todo es nuevo
This lovely Spanish-language picture book is a great choice for exploring the topic of change and trying new things, and is highly recommended for all Spanish-language collections for children.
PREMIUM
Tim hace lo que él quiere
A fun Spanish-language picture book perfect for fans of humorous stories involving animals.
PREMIUM
¡Todos los perros!
A great choice for Spanish-language picture book collections and for discussion of opposites in characteristics.
This story, told with equally powerful narrative and illustrations, gives a poignant explanation of racism’s toxic effects on individuals, communities, and society at large
PREMIUM
A Warning About Swans
A queer, feminist spin on familiar fairy-tale elements. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist
A powerful story of how one person makes an impact, even when interrupted by violence; this title is recommended for all.
A truly great readaloud can work just as well for 400 kids as it can for one. It just has to have something about it that engages and interacts with its audience. Today we celebrate some great ones.
The newly revised Newbery Manual came out a few months ago. We highlight some key changes and how they affect the work of the Newbery Committee (and Mock Newbery groups like Heavy Medal)
Readers who love fairy tales and retellings and those with no knowledge of the source material alike will enjoy this look at wishes, deceptions, and true treasures.
Readers who love fairy tales and retellings and those with no knowledge of the source material alike will enjoy this look at wishes, deceptions, and true treasures.
A glorious, too-brief glimpse of Ethiopia for elementary-age children, this will send them off to do further research on textiles and cultures.
PREMIUM
When I Wrap My Hair
An enchanting addition to libraries, where cultural connections are key; the artwork will inspire creativity in any classroom.
PREMIUM
What Rosa Brought
Within the context of guided family and classroom conversations, this gorgeously illustrated picture book can be an important age-appropriate tool to educate children about the Holocaust while emphasizing the enduring power of perseverance and love.
This book, about perfectly normal children having a great time, is absolutely amazing.
An inexpensive addition to “Pete the Cat” or fairy-tale remix collections.
PREMIUM
Hoggy at Bat
A brief, engaging story for young and eager sports fans, eminently effective without trying to do too much.
PREMIUM
The Peacock
A touching and educational illustrated chapter book that highlights empathy, resourcefulness, and the importance of community. An enriching addition to library bookshelves.
A monstrous, zany early reader graphic novel for readers who enjoy the new “Bailey School Kids” graphic novels, school stories with a twist, and "Monster High."
PREMIUM
Mercy Watson Is Missing!
A delightful conclusion to this chapter series. Purchase where the other books in the series circulate well.
Vivid illustrations paired with a relatable story equals a must-have for any library.
PREMIUM
I Want to Be a Scientist
A good choice as part of a series that can help establish a core collection of early reader titles.
PREMIUM
Meet the Astronaut (LEGO City)
A feel-good, action-packed story that will keep children engaged from the first page. Recommended where other “LEGO City” books are popular.
Lighthearted and silly with a good message, this title is part of a great series waiting to be discovered.
Fans of the author’s “Owl and Penguin” books will welcome Zooni. A solid purchase for elementary collections.
PREMIUM
Mossy and Tweed: Double Trouble
A good choice where fantasy elements are popular. Pair this with Sarah’s Unicorn by Bruce Coville.
A thorough introduction to Rubble & Crew and to the tasks they like to do on their jobs. Recommended where other “Step into Reading” books are popular.
PREMIUM
A Duck Called Brian
Comic illustrations, friendship, and hundreds of ducks engaged in silly activities may be enough for some readers, but libraries better go with Mo.
PREMIUM
Etta Extraordinaire
Overall a revisiting of classic flamboyant femmes but with enough interesting details to add freshness. Good for early elementary students.
This book is a perfect addition to any children’s shelf, whether aimed at families, adoption, multicultural stories, or topics of love and acceptance.
PREMIUM
Julius
Color-drenched acrylic paintings and outsized proportions provide humor and affection in equal doses. Readers will want to settle in for a second read.
Once again, the dynamic team of Palatini and Yaccarino have created a story that is not only appealing to children but also fun for adults. Recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
First Day, Worst Day
Pair this chapter book with similar series for reluctant readers in this age group, including “The Time Warp Trio,” “My Weirder School,” and “Sideways Stories from Wayside School.”
Purchase this delightful book for early reader collections.
A solid choice where slice-of-life comics for young readers are in demand.
PREMIUM
Daddy and the Beanstalk
Laughs abound in this fractured fairy tale embedded in a bedtime story. Give this to fans of “Katie the Catsitter” by Colleen AF Venable and Giants Beware! by Jorge Aguirre.
Innocent camp high jinks, siblings who care deeply for each other, family loss, Latinx and Asian representation, and a sweet hopeful LGBTQIA+ love story
PREMIUM
Pritty
Full of beautiful prose and characters who laugh in the face of toxic masculinity, Miller’s debut has a lot of promise—especially in terms of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ representation
PREMIUM
Sinner’s Isle
Share with readers who have exhausted all other fantasy-romance options. A secondary purchase for where this genre circulates well.
PREMIUM
The Blackwoods
Colbert’s latest novel deserves a spot in teen and high school collections; hand to readers who enjoy family sagas and the ups and downs of fame.
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