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Our characters, Bee and Alice, talk about the same things middle-grade readers do: how the world works, bodies, queerness, and what is fair and right.
Told with deep compassion and raw feelings, this book is not an easy read, but it's an important one.
Travis: In the latest episode, Colby and I talk about the making of Just One Wave, the summertime sequel to my author/illustrator debut, Just One Flake. You can find it at these locations: McLean & Eakin | Bookshop | Amazon I share the inspiration for the book, how the art was made, and why a fancy piece of technology […]
Cascarones are empty eggshells that are decorated, filled with confetti, and sealed. A Latinx Easter tradition involves breaking them over loved ones’ heads. Join in the fun with these two picture books.
A behind-the-scenes glimpse at humanity's very beginnings in a picture book form! I talk with Nikkolas Smith about the incredible The History of We.
Our latest Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list includes 30 excellent children's books, all of which could be possible contenders for the 2026 Newbery Medal.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms Volume 1 from Graphix and Night Light from Holiday House.
Where are the very real depictions of us saying, “yes, we have the thing, and it sucks, but we can still have amazing lives anyway, even when the disability causes us hardship.”
What a great book. It's so full of love and joy and community, things that feel particularly needed considering the everythingness of everything these days.
From a picture book about whales to middle grade books on rescuing red wolves and honeybees, these informational texts will encourage burgeoning environmentalists to take on a cause.
From fish farts to how animal poop helps fight the climate crisis, these STEM books will inform and satisfy readers who enjoy supercool titles about the slimy and disgusting.
Superman's perennial pal Jimmy Olsen takes center stage in Gabe Soria and Sandy Jarrell's new all-ages graphic novel, a sort of hybrid comics adventure and character guide that offers an engaging tour of the DC Universe, including its more obscure corners and characters.
PREMIUM
Wait ‘Til You’re Older
This book is a good addition to the scientific (and fun) section of the library.
PREMIUM
I Like You So Much: A Powerful Message of Celebrating Individuality and What Makes You Unique
In a time where too much of what children see is negative, a book like this in a library collection or being read-aloud to them is important. A great tool for both the library and SEL.
Hand to high school athletes looking for nonfiction sports stories that are as realistic as they are joyful.
A great purchase for libraries with fans of the series, or those seeking an inclusive Mother’s Day read.
Recommended where previous books in the series are popular.
PREMIUM
Meet Me at Blue Hour
For readers who like to consider and think about the effect of technology on social interactions and the idea of scientific studies mixed with a little romance. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Falling Star
A compelling reminder to readers that they do not have to be the brightest to be important. A good addition to any SEL collection.
A heartfelt contemporary novel for fans of Jennifer L. Holm’s Sunny Side Up and Gennifer Choldenko’s The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman.
PREMIUM
El globo
These Spanish picture books featuring the fun and curious adventures of a friendly cat would be excellent additions to Spanish-language children’s collections.
PREMIUM
Wish Upon a K-Star
A readable, charming, drama-filled story with relatable characters, this book will appeal to readers who like romance and K-pop combined into one fun tale.
A comforting story for families of all stripes, with an added educational bonus showing acceptance of all for younger elementary children.
A great purchase for libraries where the series is popular, or for those needing a Father’s Day read-aloud.
A lively addition to Spanish picture book collections, this is sure to be a hit with young readers.
PREMIUM
Dino-School
A terrific back-to-school read, perfect for classroom and library collections. With its blend of humor, heart, and prehistoric fun, this book is sure to be a hit with fans of dinosaurs, rhyming books, and school stories.
PREMIUM
Get Dressed, Belly Button!
Perfect for a range of ages and story times, this book is a delightful crowd-pleaser.
PREMIUM
Bad Influence
An enjoyable enough read for readers looking for a love story with a little drama. Includes language more suitable for older readers.
Fun, humorous, and realistic, with a great representation of students and an emphasis on learning language in a fun manner, this book is a must-have for both libraries and classrooms. This should be the next great read-aloud.
A charming addition to have on hand, though not an essential purchase for all collections.
PREMIUM
My Mother, Mi Madre
This bilingual board book is a perfect addition to children’s collections and a great selection for those searching for bilingual titles focusing on that special mother-child relationship.
PREMIUM
¡Es mío!
This hilarious picture book is a fun way to discuss sharing and a great choice for Spanish-language children’s collections.
A gorgeous first words book for bilingual collections.
Books to help budding ornithologists explore the world of birds, along with aspects of SEL (social and emotional learning), from persistence to making friends.
PREMIUM
Billions to Burn
This novel’s blend of Black history exploration with action-packed puzzles around every corner will appeal to readers seeking adventure and mystery.
Lauren Wolk's power is her ability to intrigue, enchant, and eventually surprise. A beautiful book that is about art while being art.
"And to all the librarians reading this: you are doing sacred work. Please keep showing up, even when it feels invisible. Our kids are watching. Our communities are grateful. And your efforts matter — more than you know."
Author Sarwat Chadda joins us talk about his new book STORM SINGER.
That's it. I'm through messing around. This is so legitimately creative and original that I'm going to have to insist that you put everything down and come over here to see this. Seriously.
The story of a girl's journey in search of her missing sister is a perfect read for introspective teens.
The hope is that LGBTQ+ teens can see that positive change is doable, even in difficult conditions, and that although it may not feel like it sometimes, it matters. They matter.
The CBS Sunday Morning show recently interviewed Caldecott Medal winning author/illustrator David Macaulay.
Along with the best books in kid lit, this month's stars also include adult books for teens and professional reading.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Trisha Tobias shares about Honeysuckle and Bone in this latest installment.
In these three novels, the pace and proximity of small-town life play a vital role in characters’ disparate journeys that are ultimately bids for safety, recognition, and belonging.
"It was a revelation to realize I could just write whatever I wanted down, and the images would magically appear inside the readers’ heads! Does everybody know about this!?" Vera Brosgol discusses her first middle grade novel!
A delinquent is recruited into a secret group of bodyguards to protect his classmate in this zany rom-com.
I talked with Jing Jing Tsong about her excellent 2024 graphic novel Fake Chinese Sounds. In the episode Jing Jing talks about how the book was inspired by a real-life event, and how she went about turning that event into her author/illustrator debut. Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
Looking for bunnies? Looking for eggs? Whatever your young readers are looking for this Easter season, these tactile and interactive offerings will take them on a fun-filled journey.
This is your chance to find out how Jonathan Auxier writes every possible ending to his books to find the right one, why he doesn't reread his books, and why he rescinded his book 24 hours before sending it to the printer!
Our second round of Mock Newbery suggestions is now open. Share up to five titles that you feel might belong in a discussion of the best books of 2025.
Starred reviews are always good news, for what they mean and for what happens next.
We should all be so lucky to find something in our lives that makes us as happy as the weekly visit of a garbage truck makes Mabel. It is, after all, “The best thing in the world,” to find your passion.
Kick back and enjoy a special automotive-themed preview of Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #334, featuring a new story starring Toni Topaz and a full classic story about Veronica's prestige wheels.
Here are five new releases to read while sitting outside in the sun!
PREMIUM
Creaky Acres
While barn life is at the core of this story, it is also about seeing and being seen beyond first impressions and outward appearances. A first purchase for middle grade graphic collections.
An absolute must-purchase powerhouse of a hybrid illustrated novel packed with humor, storycrafting lessons, and a great rivals-to-teammates tale.
PREMIUM
Candle Island
A worthy purchase for library shelves that would also serve well as a selection for group discussions.
This title will be valuable to report writers, and those with an interest in the Bill of Rights will find it an informative read; selectors in school and public libraries should consider.
PREMIUM
Climate Is Just the Start
Purchase where there are already initiated environmental activists. Those in need of a more practical how-to should look elsewhere.
An engaging read for tweens and teens.
A quality text that should be considered for purchase in large collections with high circulations of animal books, as it can fill a hole in most collections’ animal behavior section. For libraries with limited space, this could be skipped in favor of more animal-specific titles.
PREMIUM
Dinosaur Pie
This book pulls readers into an entertaining narrative while illustrating what inclusivity looks like in the process, whisking even the most wayward students into a hilarious world of inquiry, adventure, and acceptance.
PREMIUM
Gus
A first purchase. This endearing tale of lasting friendship will not only appeal to young readers, but it also provides a positive depiction of aging.
PREMIUM
The Floating World
An interesting folklore-inspired fantasy with shades of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone and Final Fantasy. Recommended for larger collections.
A deeply moving portrayal of contemporary teens living complex lives with dignity and courage, this should find a home in any library serving middle and high schoolers.
Required reading for fans of the original trilogy. A must-have in all collections.
Fun and unexpected, this charming back-to-school book lovingly supports children who are preparing for their first day of school.
PREMIUM
I Don’t Want to Go to School
This unique story is a good fit for home library collections, especially those with children for whom school attendance is a struggle.
PREMIUM
Beasts
A simple yet effective monster story that will appeal to fans of postapocalyptic fiction.
PREMIUM
Night Owl and Early Bird
A sweet story about embracing one another’s differences and compromising; highly recommended for all libraries serving emergent readers.
Recommended for most upper elementary and middle school collections; hand to fans looking for a quick, satisfying paranormal adventure.
A must-purchase title for any library serving teens, though still relevant for younger readers. Hand to fans of tender explorations of young masculinity like Kenneth M. Cadow’s Gather, Shifa Saltagi Safadi’s Kareem Between, or Alicia D. Williams’s Mid-Air.
Geared towards upper high school and college students (though also appropriate for younger high school students), this memoir of Christine Mari’s journey of self-discovery will resonate with young readers trying to find a sense of self.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares some YA book recommendations inspired by the emotion themed characters in Disney's Inside Out movies
As board books continue to evolve, they’re cleverly expanding to meet the needs of readers even as they approach early school age.
Educators can build an entire lesson around zero, especially given the thoughtful resources and chatty time line provided in the back matter.
Personally, I love poetry, but it can be a hard sell to kids. Many readers do not naturally gravitate to poetry books. Left to their own devices, teens and tweens are not stampeding to the poetry shelf. But if you can find a gateway, a poetry resource or activity that engages students deeply and gives […]
Disabled people deserve to appear in a variety of positive storylines, the same ones in which abled and neurotypical characters typically populate.
Would you care for a spate of shockingly good poetry out new in 2025? Because for whatever reason, we've some true delights to enjoy!
These three books poignantly explore characters whose relationships to the past heavily influence their present.
feel a loss for what libraries can do in communities that are already poorly funded. I feel an attack on an institution that provides information and supports literacy, two cornerstones of any democracy. I feel an attack on our democracy.
Check out our exclusive preview of the first volume of Magda, Intergalactic Chef, a middle-grade graphic novel that mixes competitive cooking and intergalactic mayhem.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Cartoonist Club from Graphix and Maxwell Dark Nightmare Hunter Volume 1 from Penguin Young Readers.
Fast Five is an author interview series. The author is sent 10 questions and is asked to answer five of them. If you are an author interested in participating in the Fast Five Author Interview series, please fill out this form. Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake & the King of Chaos (Running Press Kids) and […]
I'm so glad I had an afternoon of nothing planned, because once I got started on this book, I couldn't put it down.
A fantastic addition to any early reader collection, Bear and Bird’s latest adventures are sure to keep young readers entertained while encouraging the growth of their reading skills.
PREMIUM
Uni and the Dolphin
Bright pictures and familiar characters will appeal to those who enjoy a story about magical creatures and helping the environment.
PREMIUM
Maker Girl and Professor Smarts
A wonderful complement to any Makerspace or STEAM program and a strong addition to graphic novel collections, especially with a bit of booktalking to point out the book’s unique elements.
The eighth book in this easy reader series features a beach party filled with fun; purchase where need dictates or where "Really Bird" books are popular.
PREMIUM
Art’s Art
Give to patrons who are eager for an compelling story as well as a book to develop their vocabulary.
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