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The last book we'll discuss in our Mock Newbery is THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN by Gennifer Choldenko. It's been a favorite all year long of many Heavy Medal readers and now it's time to explore why.
Deeply affecting and beautifully written, this look at the lengths women will go to to protect and aid one another is a necessary and exceptional read.
And as an author, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the effect teachers and librarians have every time I visit a school.
The latest children's literature-related postage stamp is coming in 2025.
Who amongst you remembers the picture book You Broke It! by New Yorker cartoonist Liana Finck when it was released last year? Welp, Finck's back with a whole new title, and I've got the fancy dancy spread to prove it.
Teen librarian Cindy Shutts walks us through a Wicked themed fan party
Yesterday, Diamond Comics Distributors, a pillar of the comics retail system, filed for Chapter 11 bankrupcy. Here's a look at the implications for readers and publishers.
Jasmine Warga's A STRANGE THING HAPPENED IN CHERRY HILL "excels at great characters, a keep-you-guessing plot and felt very appropriately interpreted for its intended audience," writes Heavy Medal Award Committee member Lauren Taylor. Join the Mock Newbery discussion and see how this middle grade mystery holds up among other contenders for the 2025 Medal.
Science makes you think, but like art or literature, it can also make you laugh, dream, see and appreciate the world, or even just your own brain, in new, exciting ways.
The world's first (?) exclusive case cover reveal!
A longtime Printz observer (and former committee member) considers some of the underdog titles that could win this year.
How do you write a picture book about a man who made picture books? A deep dive into the creation of the one and only JIM! (a.k.a. James Marshall).
Gale Galligan's latest graphic novel is a fictionalized account of her own childhood, featuring an unrepentant goofball of a character starting over in a new school and facing new challenges that can't be run away from.
If there’s one takeaway I’d like all readers to get, it’s that they matter, just as they are, and they deserve to follow their dreams.
Now up for discussion in our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery: QUAGMIRE TIARELLO COULDN'T BE BETTER by Mylisa Larsen. Heavy Medal Award Committee Member Janeé Jackson-Doering notes that "this book tackles themes of growing up, anger, first love, mental illness and anxiety through wry humor."
It's the rare anthology where every story feels strong, and this one certainly achieves that. A great read about love of all kinds around the world and throughout time. Definitely check it out!
Author Shelly Page shares her thoughts about representation and her newest release, BREWED WITH LOVE
In her quest to get teens reading at the Fort Worth (TX) Public Library, librarian Karen Jensen uses music as the foundation for readers' advisory.
Veronica Bane, YA author and high school English teacher, is calling on the publishing and kid lit community to help those impacted by the fires.
From a pizza-eating dragon to a detailed look at the causes of climate change, these Spanish-language works offer young readers engaging stories and magical high jinks.
I am absolutely in love with Mafalda and soon, my friends, you will be too. Translated into English for the first time, I talk with the people who have given her life here in the States.
Author Karen Valby discusses her book, THE SWANS OF HARLEM
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen shares a new study on the lives of teen girls
Now up for discussion in our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery: the only graphic novel title PLAIN JANE AND THE MERMAIDS by Vera Brosgol.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Chickenpox from Henry Holt and Paws Hazel Has Her Hands Full from Putnam.
Being a late bloomer is not a sign of failure, but a testament to the unique growth that is allowed when we give ourselves the grace to bloom in our own time.
Hooray! With the ALA Youth Media Awards on the near horizon (Monday, January 27th at 8 a.m. MT to be precise) it’s never been a better time to debate some possible winners of the Caldecott Award. Today, I hand over to Kate an unprecedented FOUR possible contenders.
It's never a bad time to pull out a good book for a little inspiration.
They may offer you lots of cheap thrills / fancy condos in Beverly Hills / but whatever they offer you don't trust the fish!
Can a horror novel for children contend for the Newbery Medal?. Anne Ursu's NOT QUITE A GHOST is a Heavy Medal Mock Newbery finalist
My hope is that my book adds to the canon of mythological stories so that more kids can find themselves reflected in the story, especially kids that might have grown used to feeling “othered.”
Alicia D. Williams won a Newbery Honor in 2020 for her first novel. Her newest book, MID-AIR, is a Heavy Medal Mock Newbery finalist.
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
As the wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles County, these organizations are collecting donations to help those impacted by the disaster.
Quotes from the creators! Interior spreads! And potatoes, potatoes, potatoes! What more could you want?
PREMIUM
When a Book Begins
A silly, slim collection brought down by too many clunky spots. Not recommended.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
While this graphic novel will appeal to fans of the first book, it doesn’t quite hold its own.
PREMIUM
Operation: Cover-Up
A lighthearted, amusing story of facing social challenges with lots of food for thought for older elementary and middle school readers.
PREMIUM
Rhino’s Run
Teens who enjoyed Lipsyte’s other books may enjoy this, but this is definitely a dropped ball from the normally great writer.
Not recommended for libraries. Keepsake pages at the end for recording a baby’s milestones make it better for gifting than library collections.
A fascinating and informative read that celebrates the courage and collaboration behind one of NASA’s most remarkable achievements, this will captivate readers of all interests and abilities.
An incredible tale for sci-fi fans. Purchase also for graphic novel readers and those who love to read about animals.
Highly anticipated reading for fans of sports comics, vintage manga, or the successful anime series based on the book.
From mediocre verses about literary characters and politics to consistently shoddy rhymes, this poetry collection is an optional purchase. For updating children’s collections, stick with Chris Harris’s engaging poetry titles.
This installment in the useful “History Comics” series delivers plenty of content to use both in research and understanding of Ellis Island’s iconic status.
A perfect read for fans who love fast-paced unconventional stories with good triumphing over evil and a feel-good ending.
Arango’s fans will celebrate the opportunity to read another poignant story told in verse; it packs a punch, and is brimming with love and optimism. Recommend to fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Barbara O’Connor, and Kwame Alexander.
This compelling novel will leave readers hoping for a future sequel. Hand to readers of the “Rick Riordan Presents” series, and tell them this is even better.
A fun, engaging read that is appropriate for all ages but would especially fit in the early reader section of any library.
Breathtaking and beautiful, this resonant Spanish-language book about the author’s experience with English as a child is a must-have for collections everywhere.
A strong title for holiday early chapter book collections. This is a great purchase for elementary school libraries where Subramaniam’s other books, such as My Name Is Long as a River, are popular.
A sweet purchase for libraries to boost Muslim picture book collections.
Transgender actor and activist Nicole Maines played the character of Nia Nal/Dreamer, a trans superhero, in the television show Supergirl, and when the show ended, she wanted Nia to keep on going. So she pitched a story to DC and they said “OK, write it!” DC published her YA graphic novel Bad Dream: A Dreamer […]
Truthfully, although I write about destroying giant, horrible monsters, I’ve never quite been able to vanquish the imposter beast. But I’ve learned how to work around it.
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