Shifa Saltagi Safadi's novel in verse about an immigrant family, the 2016 Muslim ban, and a boy trying to balance school and family earned the prestigious prize.
The latest title in the Aven Green universe (The "Greeniverse"?) tackles Tourette's Syndrome and so much more. We reveal the cover and discuss the book with the author.
I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet, but we are friggin' talking about Santa today. Sleigh.
I hope after reading our novel, hearts can empathize better with refugees in the community and be spurned to action. Perhaps students will take greater interest in the new classmate that just arrived in the states.
If you want to have a good time, invite a parasitologist onto your site. Chelsea Wood astounds and entrances, not simply in her new book, but in this interview as well (come for the tapeworms, stay for the lice video).
Today we talk with Ada Limón about her upcoming January release and reveal it cover while we're at it. We talk stichics and foxes.
Family members who collaborate talk about the dynamics (and ground rules) of their creative partnerships.
Today, we are premiering Aaron's book trailer for his upcoming board book Winter Light. Before we do, however, I felt inclined to hear from the man himself about why exactly, precisely, minutely, he likes board books as much as he does.
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, Wen-yi Lee shares about The Dark We Know.
We talk to today with two creators about their latest STEM-related picture book bio. Along the way I am literally gobsmacked by the author's explanation as to why she wrote this book. See what happens!
Middle grade may not have been in my initial career plans as an author, but now I can’t imagine writing without it.
In honor of the day, we have two great picture book creators in brilliant conversation!
A new kind of Kamala Harris picture book is on the horizon, slated for 2025, and today we're talking with the creators all about it.
When you work to preserve the work of great children's books of the past, so much goes into those efforts. A look at the work of the Kerlan Collection and their many exhibits.
The world can be a hard and terrible place, and the world can be a fantastically whole and enlivening place. It’s both, and it’s where we live. We can survive the first, and even grow. We can rejoice in the second, and practice empathy.
It’s important to address topics of death and loss in middle grade because children do go through those experiences.
I think the best stories are a reflection of life, with all of its messiness, pain, and beauty.
The debut author explores her experience growing up with ADHD, and how it informed her novel Hannah Edwards: Secrets of Riverway.
Kids don’t grow up in a vacuum; they are terrified and confused and experience great loss, too. If we want our children to feel safe and to grow into emotionally intelligent adults, they need to know that death is a part of living.
Why is so little short fiction for older readers published in America today? We talk with two middle grade expert authors on the topic and get some insights into why that might be.
They say to “write what scares you,” and I often use my own fears and anxieties as a guide of urgency for determining what topics people need help starting conversations about.
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, Rebecca Stafford shares about Rabbit & Juliet.
The truth is we need books that tackle tough topics because kids are already tackling them—whether they’re going through the issue themselves, supporting a friend, or just trying to understand how the world works.
Interviewing three people at once? It's a challenge but, by gum, not an impossibility! Watch! Amaze! Admire! As I talk with the creators of the Detective Duck series at once!
Sometimes adults shy away from discussing tough topics with children, but those conversations are necessary.
Caldecott Honor artist Cindy Derby joins us today to discuss her latest title, her process, the empowerment of creativity, and small bugs in blue berets.
Are you ready to repair the world or maybe just improve it and make it right? Ruth Spiro drops by to talk about her latest, as well as the concept of tikkun olam in today's society.
When we write, research, and even read about things that truly excite us, the job is suddenly fun. In fact, it’s no longer a job. It is a joy.
These authors show readers that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to adapt to, to work through. It’s OK to not know how to feel, what to do, or what to say.
Charlotte was my student in a university fiction course during the pandemic. A couple years later, I was delighted to find out that my publisher had chosen Charlotte to illustrate my cover!
Chris Raschka joins us today to talk about his latest middle grade novel, process, writing, editing, cactuses, and more!
The Newbery Medal winner and National Ambassador of Young People's Literature will speak with SLJ reviews director Shelley Diaz about her time as Ambassador, Latinx representation in children's books, her latest projects, and more.
What does cold fish have to do with picky eating? We're talking with Jacob Grant today about his latest title and an ode to adventurous palates!
I have a brand new picture book out in 2025 so let's talk about it with the artist and editor! We discuss "High Detail Chaos", sneaky weasels, and so much more!
"I want to obsess others, too." We're talking narwhals today with the incredible Candace Fleming about her latest picture book title.
Two creators speak to us today about the sequel to the double winning Pura Belpre Honor title Papa's Magical Water Clock. Are you ready for a plant dance party?!
"...there's something very powerful about images of a young black boy navigating his mental health struggles and coming out victorious on the other side." Tony Weaver discusses is latest comic.
Out today, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, the maven of BlueSky, gives us a deep dive into her latest picture book. One that I think we can all appreciate.
Today the illustrious Kate Messner reveals the cover of her latest middle grade and talks with us about hiking, verse vs. prose, and why she's a dog person without a dog.
Earnest, funny, and evocative? Say those words together and you might be discussing the graphic novel memoir debut from picture book creator Ruth Chan. We discuss this changeover.
It's been ten years since the release of THE RIGHT WORD: ROGET AND HIS THESAURUS and we figured we'd have a chat with its creators about its creation and legacy.
The 10 titles on the longlist include fiction, nonfiction, and novels-in-verse, as well as one author previously honored in the category: Randy Ribay, who was a finalist in 2019.
The censorship-related legal battles continue as Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Club, Harper Collins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, Sourcebooks, The Authors Guild, Julia Alvarez, John Green, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jodi Picoult, and Angie Thomas sue Florida; and the Department of Justice files a brief in support of the lawsuit against the Cobb County (GA) School District.
"To love palindromes is to be okay with a little bit of wiggliness when it comes to sense." Settle in for discussions of Borges, Calvino, and Legend of Zelda in our talk with Newbery Honor winner Daniel Nayeri on his latest.
Debut author Craig Kofi Farmer spoke with SLJ about lovably chaotic characters, writing through grief, and the gravity and responsibility of honoring strong ancestors.
The nonprofit advocacy group's week-long virtual event will be a celebration of libraries, reading, and the First Amendment with author panels, advocacy education sessions, and more.
Picture, if you will, a book with a lovely story and fun illustrations that is also packed to the gills with small jokes. Hundreds and hundreds of them. Today I talk with The Dictionary Story's creators about what that entails.
From viral poem to picture book, we talk today with the creators of an upcoming book that was inspired by the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris.
SLJ spoke with Alston about how fantasy mirrors tweens' lives and why he thinks librarians are "the unsung heroes of our education system."
Sara Quin of indie pop duo Tegan and Sara discusses the forthcoming final installment in the band’s graphic novel series, offering a glimpse into the life events and creative journey that resulted in Tegan and Sara: Crush.
"I wanted to celebrate this essential work, and more, as a Latina, I wanted to honor work that, in this country, is mostly done mostly by Black and brown women, just like Señora Mimí." Meg Medina discusses her latest title.
When Coach Feiler signed on to work as our high school library teaching assistant, he transformed the programming and the vibe.
How do you make a graphic novel into an audiobook? We talk with a producer and creator to get the lowdown on this incredible collaboration.
It may be the most peculiar early chapter book out for kids this fall season (and the best!). I talk with the author of The Knife of Never Letting Go about his latest, rather silly, book.
The bestselling authors discuss how they met, their latest books, and the power of poetry.
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, Myah Hollis shares about Not About a Boy.
A picture book trio inspired by everything from True Grit to The Sisters Brothers to The Outlaw?. An intricate and inviting discussion of a one-of-a-kind series.
Gifted translators are not celebrated as often as authors or illustrators, but their work is vital to a book's success. SLJ profiles Aida Salazar, the award-winning author who also translated this year's starred book La panza de mamá by Isabel Quintero.
The best interview with the best guy about the best book. I'm crazy about I'm Sorry You Got Mad (out in August). Now you get to find out why.
Women's Equality Day, celebrated on August 26th, commemorates the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. In these titles, mothers and grandmothers take their daughters and granddaughters along with them to polls, to show the children the importance of exercising the hard-won right for women to vote.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting proposals for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian and National Leadership Grants for Libraries Programs; ALA put out the call for LibLearnX program proposals; Kwame Alexander will host a free virtual event for students; and more.
The award-winning author says that a library saved her life.
A delightful talk with Samantha van Leer full of aliens, dogs that act like aliens, science fiction for kids, and more.
Meet what is already one of my favorite GNs of 2025! We talk about Husted's research process, tiny scale models, and some beautiful images of Florence and the art there.
Neal Shusterman received the 2024 Margaret A. Edwards Award, which honors an author "for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature." The annual award is administered by the Young Adult Library Services Association and sponsored by School Library Journal. Here is his acceptance address, delivered June 30 at the ALA Annual conference held in San Diego.
Debut creator Cherry Mo takes a well-loved idea and renders it bright, shiny, and new in this vibrant take on a tale as old as lunchtime.
It may not come out until April 2025 but we're doing a deep dive into an upcoming book, chock full of pigeon research and a celebration of differences (but not in a cheesy way).
A deep dive with an artist that knows a thing or two about what happens when a child moves to a new place without knowing the language there.
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, Matthew Hubbard shares about The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge.
For the past two summers, school librarian Sheila Michaels has led a program that gives out bags with books, hygiene items, and snacks—all for free.
Amy Hest and Erin E. Stead talk up their latest title and how they're "still on the kids' side" when it comes to creating their books.
Calzada speaks with SLJ about forging connections, a counternarrative about school libraries, and more.
Elisha Cooper joins us to day to talk about baby goats, grouchiness, occasional rants, the beauty of a successful picture book, and so much more.
As the world prepares for the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, here are a few nonfiction titles about the Games and some of the inspiring athletes who have competed in them.
Just in time for Juneteenth we discuss a work of historical fiction with its author and get the inside scoop on her influences, upcoming titles, and more!
As we find ourselves at the midway point of June, amidst the celebrations of Pride Month, it's an opportune time to reflect on the rich tapestry of narratives within the LGBTQIA+ community with 15 noteworthy graphic novels that can help us celebrate Pride this month, and year-round.
Happy Father's Day! We're highlighting my favorite daddy book of 2024 and talking about it (though I do get a little distracted by these creators' killer headshots).
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.
SLJ spoke with the former library associate (and Jeopardy champion!) about fate, craft, and affirming childhood's complex emotions.
The best-selling "Wimpy Kid" author selected eight nominated librarians for a weekend with him in Boston and at his bookstore and studio in Plainville, MA.
"...all joy, genius, and play." Not a bad way of describing today's book and interview with its author, the illustrious Lulu Miller.
Librarians and authors highlight their most eagerly anticipated panels and programs at ALA Annual in San Diego.
Nyasha Williams is on hand to discuss Hoodoo, daily rituals, and a keen watermelon and orange salad.
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.
The New York Times best-selling author and Caldecott Honor-awarded picture book illustrator talks with School Library Journal about creating the Mo Willems Workshop channel and how librarians can use it with their students.
LeBron James teams up with illustrator Niña Mata once again for his latest children’s book: I Am More Than. The NBA star shares the sense of responsibility he carries when writing children’s books, and why public libraries are irreplaceable.
Meet the charmer of the season. A picture book influenced by both animation and silent films, and that puts those wet, miserable walks in context.
Margaret A. Edwards Award winner Neal Shusterman joins SLJ senior news editor Kara Yorio to discuss his honored work, upcoming titles, and the elementary school librarian who changed his life.
The American Association of School Librarians released its annual list of Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning; Follett will begin online book fairs; the National Women's History Museum is looking for proposals for its annual For Educators, By Educators resource development; and more in News Bites.
A pediatric cardiologist in the Bronx writes three young adult novels then pens a thoroughly touching tale of a girl and her grandfather. Learn more about this story and its origins.
A star studded anthology brings us stories of kids with tiny superpowers. Today, we talk with the book's creators to find out what makes this title tick.
In first grade, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow was the only non-white kid in her first grade class. Her response? Write a truly stunning and lovely picture book about it as an adult. We discuss all.
Talking today about what it takes to make a great food-related picture book readaloud. We discuss pasta, Bee-bim Bop, and more! Warning: This Q&A may make you hungry.
Talking today about what it takes to make a great food-related picture book readaloud. We discuss pasta, Bee-bim Bop, and more! Warning: This Q&A may make you hungry.
Two authors, who met via social media in 2017 and have been friends since, both published books centering children who happen to be disabled. Here they are in conversation about the need to call disability what it is, and to allow those with disabilities to have the same story lines as everyone else.
Today we talk with a man who slowly, methodically, carefully, and with great love, churns out some of the smartest books for kids today.
Cape Verdean books for kids may be rare in America, but there's at least one author out there working to fill the gaps. Today we talk with Janet Costa Bates about her latest early chapter series.
A panel of seasoned librarians share their expertise, strategies, and passion for manga collection development in a "PowerPoint Party" tailored specifically for libraries. Register to join the live program May 17.
Daniel Bernstrom, Carole Boston Weatherford, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kekla Magoon, Scott Reintgen, and others share stories about educators who played an important role in their lives.
What do The Joy Luck Club and Holes have in common? Both inspired Nedda Lewers' newest MG Egyptian-American inspired fantasy series for kids!
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