Reviews+

Seven new books hit virtual shelves this week including a new series for fans of historical fiction, an effervescent Ramona Quimby read-alike, and a powerful young adult memoir.

Essential and exceptional titles reviewed in our May 2020 issue, including picture books, middle grade, YA, nonfiction, and graphic novels for children and teens.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered schools. With libraries, bookstores, and comic shops mostly off-limits as well, readers are going online, and publishers and creators have responded with free comics and related resources. Here’s a look at those offerings.
 

The graphic format can effectively tell complex stories and engage young readers. Encompassing first-person accounts of historical events and guides that address gender and identity, these titles meet the highest standards for nonfiction and are "inclusive, respectful, accurate, and informative."

2020 is turning out to be a bumper year for cat stories of all kinds. Here’s a look at some of this year’s cat tales.

This year, members of the NCTE Excellence in Children's Poetry Award Committee are pleased to recognize 28 outstanding books of poetry and 11 novels in verse. These titles were deemed notable for their use of language and poetic devices and their appropriateness for children ages three to 13.

Two new children's books come out this week: A middle grade memoir from the daughter of Mexican immigrants about her experiences learning and adapting Don Quixote into an after-school musical, and a gentle picture book that encourages care for trees and all the creatures who make them their home. Both are available as ebooks. 

Fantasy, realistic fiction, and sci-fi: Three new middle grade novels are coming out this week, all available as ebooks. 

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with these 12 nonfiction books for elementary, middle school, and high school readers.