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COLBY: I cannot believe it took us this long to have Abby Cooper on The Yarn. Her middle grade novels are SO popular in my 5th grade classroom. I had so much fun talking to Abby about ‘True Colors’. Stick around to the end of the episode because Abby reveals her next book project! Subscribe […]
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. In the latest installment, Freddie Kölsch shares about Now, Conjurers.
"...all joy, genius, and play." Not a bad way of describing today's book and interview with its author, the illustrious Lulu Miller.
Cartoonist Vera Brosgol's latest graphic novel is a classic adventure story...and an insightful look at the importance our culture places on appearances.
They don’t have all the answers. They make mistakes. There’s no sugar-coating their pain or flaws here. And there shouldn’t have to be. Give me all the unlikeable girls.
The authors talk wrestling, Orange Julius, kayfabe, identity, grief, and more.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under featuring Detective Sweet Pea Volume 1" The Case of the Golden Chew Bone from First Second Books and Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic from Viking Books for Young Readers.
We've added eight new titles to our list of possible Newbery Medal contenders this month. Four books have received more than ten suggestions from readers so far, as the list of excellent 2024 children's books keeps expanding. Check out the full list of 44 titles here.
We've added eight new titles to our list of possible Newbery Medal contenders this month. Four books have received more than ten suggestions from readers so far, as the list of excellent 2024 children's books keeps expanding. Check out the full list of 44 titles here.
Camp Prodigy stars Tate and Eli as nonbinary violists, like me, and both are frequently misgendered by those who don’t know them, like me!
A cover reveal for the upcoming picture book by John Schu and Holly Hatam
New readers can feed their minds as they read these books about feeding their bellies.
SPONSORED
Since 2004, Flashlight Press has published picture books that explore and illuminate different social and family situations. The Brooklyn-based publisher’s in-demand books are available in hardcover, eBook, and paperback, and have appeared 73 times on 33 state award lists and been translated into 19 languages.
True-crime podcaster Fran Frazier investigates a new mystery and Veronica gets small in our latest Archie Comics preview.
When we’re missing new books specifically targeted to middle grade readers, we’re failing to meet their needs. Specifically, we can’t help them navigate their deepest, most anxiety-provoking concern: the mucky, heart-wrenching terrain of being in or out of the club.
The book’s unique style comes at the expense of storytelling clarity, making this book a difficult recommendation for young readers, but a valuable historical record.
Highly recommended for high school students, this would make a great reading group book to discuss.
PREMIUM
The Different Tree
A worthy addition to a collection frequented by nature lovers, and a book that takes an unusual and welcome approach to the seasons.
Come for the culinary competition, stay for the incisive take on social issues. Recommended for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Wild Dreamers
An engaging novel in verse that touches on serious issues but is uplifting and hopeful. Recommended for middle and high school libraries.
This delightfully chilling romp with a brave and clever orphan is a Halloween tale with heart, that would be a splendid read-aloud at Halloween.
PREMIUM
The Darkness Rises
Suspense stories are in high demand with teens and this one won’t disappoint. Readers will be left with their jaws hanging open when all is revealed.
PREMIUM
Just Another Epic Love Poem
A love affair among poetry, Iranian culture, and teenage angst is happily fused in Akhbari’s debut.
PREMIUM
Do I Have to Go to the Party?
A winning series continues targeting young readers who need help processing emotions, making this an essential purchase.
PREMIUM
Ruby René Had So Much to Say
An empowering and inspiring story that encourages young readers to pursue their passions and make their voices heard.
Best for audiences already introduced to the Tiny Chef.
PREMIUM
And Then There Was Us
A well-written, thoughtful, and sympathetic deep dive into understanding and surviving an abusive parent.
PREMIUM
Out of Blue Comes Green
Queer teens and allies will appreciate a book with a trans protagonist and enjoy the read, even with the major plot holes.
Creepiness abounds, but not enough for readers to fully set sail aboard this ship.
An engaging and insightful biography of an American hero
PREMIUM
Pieces of a Girl
An authentic window into the lives of adolescents with grit and heart, likely for a niche audience.
PREMIUM
Get Ready for Halloween
This delightful Halloween-themed story would be a wonderful addition to any library’s collection, perfect for sparking excitement and enthusiasm about the spooky season.
It officially came out in 2023, but now U.S. audiences will be able to watch ROBOT DREAMS.
A highly readable biography about an inspiring man, this is a first pick for all libraries.
PREMIUM
The Dare
Readers willing to suspend disbelief will be treated to a solid murder mystery; this is a fantastic bridge into the world of adult thriller.
PREMIUM
10 Things I Hate About Prom
Teens will enjoy this title with its comedic plot twists, U.S. high school drama themes, and the friendship-to-love relationship between two realistic Latinx teens.
PREMIUM
El carrito de churros
Purchase this celebration of family, culture, and hard work for all Spanish-language picture book collections.
A breathtaking, bilingual offering that can be used with countless themed story times and read-alouds. Shelve alongside Carole Lindstrom’s My Powerful Hair.
PREMIUM
How Mom Met Mama
While this type of gentle queer representation in storytelling is valuable, the story and the artwork are too unpolished to recommend for purchase.
This picture book explores the complex topic of immigration through the lens of a small child in a meaningful way. Children will appreciate the authentic experience of Mevan while relating to her struggles and joy in receiving a simple gift like a bicycle.
PREMIUM
El nuevo mundo
Recommended as an additional purchase where Castilian Spanish is popular or short chapter books are sought.
PREMIUM
La danza del cuentaconmigo
Recommended as an additional purchase where Castilian Spanish is popular or short chapter books are sought.
Every Happily Ever After is going to look a little different. Stories, in any form, can be an escape. But within unfamiliar settings and struggles we see the truth of the world around us.
This isn’t just A werewolf book for kids. It is THE werewolf book for kids.
Just like art, coming up with the ideal discussion questions involved a lot of trial and error. As I get ready for my next career phase with the upcoming launch of my YA book, TAKE ALL OF US, I’ve decided to take a look back at what ended up being the five worst and five best library whiteboards overall.
This comprehensive digital resource provides accurate, thoughtful representation and digestible lessons on North American Indigenous nations.
Stories of children with parents behind bars are as diverse as the millions of real-life kids familiar with the experience. These 19 fiction and nonfiction titles may offer an empathetic, metaphoric hand for young readers to hold.
Monster Cats, the latest super-cute cat manga from Pandania, introduces us to cats who are also monsters.
It's time for rapid-fire Q&A with Peter Brown, Dashka Slater, Chris Baron, and Jarrett Lerner!
They are politicians and artists and athletes. They are young people, and people with a few years of life under their belts. And their stories can inform and encourage young readers in June and throughout the year. These books can change lives—and even save them.
Nyasha Williams is on hand to discuss Hoodoo, daily rituals, and a keen watermelon and orange salad.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Rune Tale of a Thousand Faces from Flying Eye Books and Sink or Swim from Random House Graphic.
I knew I wanted to convey insights into Jamaican life with YOUR CORNER DARK and now with BETTER MUST COME. So, when it came to showing YOUNG PEOPLE how economic policies, the issues of abandonment, police brutality, and others affected the island nation, I had to make the stories EXCITING!
We have 36 titles on our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list, but we need even more. It's time to add June suggestions to the list: recommend up to 5 Newbery-eligible titles between June 3rd - 8th and we will share the updated list next week.
It started with the title—Past Present Future popped into my head one day, and I couldn’t ignore it. I’m a sucker for parallelism.
There's a new documentary about Reading Rainbow on Netflix.
Playaway products have long been a staple in libraries as an audio option for accessing materials. SLJ reviews its Wonderbook, a preloaded audiobook device.
Seven new manga releases that are sure to be a hit with YA readers.
An excellent resource on women’s equality that, through its effective structure, encourages multiple practical classroom applications.
Readers may find a more traditional and comprehensive resource in the 2014 Encyclopedia of Cryptology: A Global Guide by Michael Newton. An additional purchase where interest in the unexplained is strong.
Quality material updated and organized for easy use makes this a good addition to libraries.
A worthwhile purchase for libraries with students seeking comprehensive statistical insights into health disparities and the societal factors influencing group health outcomes.
Highly recommended as a first purchase for educators looking to enrich their collection for avid avian fans.
PREMIUM
1,000 Facts About Sharks
Great for curious ocean-explorers-to-be, and answers over and over the age-old question for kids everywhere
This must-read graphic novel is the perfect choice for tween readers going through challenging times.
PREMIUM
The Great Influenza: The True Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History (Young Readers Edition)
For a more encapsulated history with primary sources and first-person accounts, steer interested readers towards More Deadly Than War: The Hidden History of the Spanish Flu and the First World War by Kenneth C. Davis. For upper-level students, Barry’s longer original title, despite its length, will prove more accessible and authoritative.
A limited but solid choice for expanding school or public library collections featuring a diversity of personages in World War II.
An emotionally resonant denouement; Ogle gives readers his hardest and most hopeful book yet.
Highly recommended for all collections.
A useful though not essential addition for discussions of the intersection of art, science, and everyday activities.
A good graphic novel for young people looking to learn about history and culture in an accessible form.
PREMIUM
Peach Heaven
Though first published in 2005, this edition’s new illustrations bring it firmly up to date, in a memoir that reads like a fairy tale of a community touched by a miracle.
An immersive look at the world of women’s soccer that makes for an enjoyable read for those who are sports fans, and even those who are not.
A beautifully written and illustrated story of a man who wanted people to explore nothingness, which is a necessity in today’s busy world. A great read-aloud and a must-purchase for all library collections.Graphic Nonfiction
PREMIUM
Moonstorm
Hand to readers who are too young for Xiran Jay Zhao’s Iron Widow. An additional purchase for collections actively seeking more science fiction.
PREMIUM
Malicia
High-energy but decidedly disappointing. Only recommended if readers are looking to scratch that spooky amusement park itch.
PREMIUM
Heiress Takes All
This romance-infused heist novel is ultimately a solid choice for most collections.
PREMIUM
Bite Me, Royce Taslim
A sweet, unique rom-com that is recommended for high school libraries.
This imaginative retelling of the story of Huck’s red-headed sweetheart is a rollicking adventure full of rich characterizations that will be enjoyed by junior high and high school readers regardless of whether they have read the book that inspired it.
PREMIUM
The Calculation of You and Me
A one-sit read rom-com with lots of heart and plenty of sarcasm, perfect for Jenny Han or Emma Lord aficionados.
PREMIUM
If You Can’t Take the Heat
A refreshingly different take on the romance genre, written from the male perspective, and a great purchase for all libraries.
A solid collection of speculative queer YA, fitting for monster lovers. Recommended for fans of the various notable contributors to this collection.
PREMIUM
I Wish You Would
A feel-good love story that touches on important issues faced by young adults today. Recommend where upper YA books are popular.
PREMIUM
It’s Only a Game
Unputdownable. Readers of thrillers, such as Kathryn Foxfield’s Tag, You’re Dead, will enjoy this debut, as will video game aficionados.
A novel long overdue. Highly recommended for teen collections, particularly for readers wanting stories centralizing Black characters and experiences.
PREMIUM
Girls Like Her
For fans of emotionally intense reading, like Ellen Hopkins’s Crank and books by Tiffany D. Jackson.
PREMIUM
The Ghost of Us
An optional purchase; give to romance fans looking for something with a paranormal layer.
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