Reviews+

Seventeen titles made SLJ's list of the most distinguished young adult books published in 2019. 

Twenty-one exemplary titles made SLJ's list of the best picture books published in 2019.

Eighteen exceptional informational works made SLJ's list of the best nonfiction for children and teens published in 2019. 

Nine superb titles made SLJ's list of must-have transitional chapter books. 

Make room on your read-aloud shelves for titles that will ignite discussions about contemporary issues, highlight little-known true stories, and tug on the heartstrings.

Books for middle school readers, including YA and middle grade realistic, fantasy, series, and standalone titles, as recommended by librarians.

A heads-up to subscribers: an extra edition of SLJ will provide our starred reviews of the year and recommended books in eight #OwnVoices categories, in an exclusive print presentation.

These male protagonists—from single dads to married men, uncles, and grandfathers—reflect a range of caring adults who are key figures in black children’s lives.

Our top posts of the week past on SLJ.com and the blogs.