It’s the perennial question of teachers, librarians, and parents alike: How do you get kids to read more over their summer break? Research has shown that kids’ favorite books are the books that they choose themselves. Understanding this, publishers focus on fun books for summer reading.
Today we have a preview of Dracula's Brunch Club, a sweet, spooky, funny graphic novel about donuts and vampires.
Eventually, I decided that the nefarious plotting of my young tontine contenders was not only acceptable for middle grade but also funny—for the same reason that Home Alone is a comedy and not a horror movie.
TLT Contributor Riley Jensen shares some April and May 2025 new releases that are going on her TBR list.
Serious investigators and laid-back browsers will find something to love in this season’s series nonfiction.
With the 2024 Nation’s Report Card showing further declines in reading, more support for struggling readers and their educators has never been more important. Let’s take a closer look at these new series for struggling readers.
Arms! Tentacles! Real estate in the board book format! I'm talking with two picture book-turned-board book creators about how you create a title for the littlest of readers.
With these manga, choose the right format for the right story.
When does protecting someone because we love them turn into something harmful? How do Black parents protect their children when racism is so pervasive?
With Free Comic Book Day coming up on May 3, we have a preview of the Dark Horse title, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.
Literally everyone in this fast-paced story is Up To Something and it's so satisfying as it's all revealed.
The bare breast of Roman goddess Virtus on the Virginia state flag means kids in Lamar, TX, can't access lessons about Virginia on PebbleGo Next; Oklahoma teacher who gave kids QR code for Brooklyn Public Library's Banned Books collection loses defamation suit; and a military mom explains why her children are part of the lawsuit against Department of Defense schools.
This season’s jobs and career titles offer engaging and accessible introductions to the world of work.
These series offer enough mysterious creatures and not-quite-explainable phenomena to keep the pages turning.
The colorful and welcoming titles in these series bring the fun to natural science topics.
Knowledge is the first step toward making a difference, and these titles provide perspectives on a variety of topics.
These series will support collections that encourage readers to dive into big questions about the people, food, and events that shape our world.
This season’s Spanish and bilingual series continue to prioritize nuance, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Quick facts, in-depth analyses, and exciting visuals await sports enthusiasts.
The essential technology, machine-related topics, and fast cars covered in these titles will entice curious minds.
These colorful series cover an exciting and illuminating collection of animal topics, from the adorable to the disgusting.
The titles in these series focus on building something new, getting messy, and creating memories.
Readers will discover new role models and find out more about already beloved figures in this fascinating collection of biography series.
This spring brings a collection of colorful, fresh nonfiction series for blossoming readers.
Breathtaking images, curious facts, and deep dives on favorite topics will draw readers to these science series.
This season’s geography series include science, humor, culture—and even fun and games.
Patrons looking for information on espionage, military technology, and world governments will find up-to-date information in these new series.
Readers are encouraged to consider the impact of health and wellness on the world around them in these titles.
These hi-lo collections aim to meet readers where they are with engaging and accessible topics.
These series will encourage readers to take a closer look at history through different perspectives and time periods.
The Spring 2025 issue of Series Made Simple has nonfiction series for readers who want to swing through the stacks looking for high-interest topics or plunge deep into obscure subject matter.
A global disaster on an epic scale all thanks to a single volcanic eruption? It's not science fiction, it's history, and today I get to grill Nicholas Day about his deep dive into the world of 1816.
Today we bring you a preview of The Ghost of Wreckers Cove, a spooky seaside tale by the award-winning cartoonist Liniers and Angelica del Campo.
Optimism fosters a sense of collective action and shows that no effort is too small.
How does one make the leap from picture books to a middle grade fictionalized graphic novel memoir? I intend to find out by talking with Arree Chung about his latest.
"People who cannot read, who do not read, who aren’t allowed to read, are no longer free."
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Band Nerd from Harper Alley and BatCat Volume 3 Cooking Contest from Abrams Fanfare.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares an outline for a tween and teen program that teaches tech skills and encourages participants to create their own recipe cards for posterity
As usual, the book mail arrives fast and furious here at the Minnesota branch of TLT. Hopefully you'll find some great things to add to your TBR list!
May is Zombie Awareness Month. Don't want your patrons and students to have their brains eaten by the undead? Sharing this list of picture books, early readers, middle grade, and YA titles just might save their lives.
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a legal dispute that started when a Maryland district added books with LGBTQIA+ characters and themes to its curriculum and did not allow parents to opt out of instruction. Here are SLJ's reviews of those books.
Repeatedly a bestseller around Easter-time, Kate and I tackle this 1983 beginner book and attempt to figure out why it's become so popular this late in the game.
It's probably not wholly accurate to say that representation of trans and nonbinary characters seems more important than ever (again, it's always been important), but wow, does it sure feel extra necessary these days.
A rich view into the many ways oppression marginalizes people and a loving portrait of an urban Black community, recommended for high school collections.
Purchase both editions for middle grade collections.
A good choice for Spanish-language YA shelves.
While entertaining, there is little to stand out from other court reincarnation stories. Still, it is a popular subset of graphic novels and would circulate where these stories are popular. Additional purchase.
This British import is an ode to the sport of roller derby and its inclusivity, and will be appreciated by older readers who enjoy the sport or are simply curious.
For all collections, this lovely book will translate to lessons on a sense of place, love of community and, of course, mapmaking.
A fun but nonessential addition to a library seeking more Halloween books for young readers.
An optional purchase for school or public libraries looking to satiate increased demand for YA thrillers.
An important reference, resource, and overview of historical accounts surrounding trans identity.
A fun retelling of the gingerbread runaway with exceptional illustrations.
Purchase for Spanish-language shelves in need of fun, early chapter books that center kids’ feelings.
This fantastical tale of stone spirits, dragons, and humans is an enchanting must-have for any school library.
Highly recommended for all libraries that serve readers who may feel confused about their place in the world and how their culture and language can impact that.
New readers and existing fans of the original novels will fall in love with this world and Alanna.
A niche but valuable addition to middle school nonfiction, these books are ideal for readers passionate about animal science or wolves.
A remarkable debut novel which delves into both adolescent struggles and mental health.
Kiese Laymon, award-winning author and MacArthur Fellow, is out with a new picture book. City Summer, Country Summer celebrates the deep bonds of friendship forged among three Black boys on a summer journey to visit their grandmothers in Mississippi.
Given its focus on the Hudson River and the Riverkeepers program, this title will be of most interest to libraries and readers local to that area; for future environmentalists everywhere, the success of the Hudson River cleanup is a story of celebration no matter the location.
A colorful and fun choice for discussing being afraid of the dark, this picture book is a solid addition to children’s collections in school and public libraries.
An important purchase for all libraries seeking to help their students understand themselves and others better.
We've an interesting array of titles on display for you today. These are all books that have either just come out or are on the near horizon.
This would be an excellent addition to any nonfiction collection.
An excellent take on animal sounds and a great option for read-aloud.
Informational, inspirational, and celebratory, this picture book belongs on the shelf of every library and demands to be read again and again.
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