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Social biases are explored from the point-of view of a humanoid cat in this thought-provoking one shot.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen laments the firing of Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress
This month's SLJ cover story is my piece on school shootings in middle grade and YA books.
Today's book is best described as beautiful, weirdly touching, and utterly original. “Swish Zing Tizzle-ting POOF!”
Author Susan Lee joins us to talk about her new book THE ROMANCE RIVALRY.
Though their list is small, their books are mighty. Transit specializes in small books that you wouldn't notice at all, were it not for their concentrated efforts. Take a gander at three they have coming up.
Archie Comics is taking a new approach to their graphic novels, and we're getting the details straight from the editors involved.
Author Nova Ren Suma joins us to talk about her new book WAKE THE WILD CREATURES.
From Markus Zusak to Louis Sachar. From Bruno Munari to Janice N. Harrington. The overlap between adult books and children's books becomes evident as I celebrate new titles for adults by writers for kids.
Author Erin Entrada Kelly joins us to talk about her new book At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom
"Here are paintbrushes and wastebaskets and thought." Elisha Cooper talks structure, color, rhythm, and love, as how they pertain to his latest book.
Our third 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.
Karen Jensen reviews the audiobook LOOKING FOR SMOKE by K. A. Cobell
I’ve created a Literary Gomoku for the AAPI Book Challenge by adapting a traditional game board. Your goal is to read five books in a row – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally or you could choose to complete the five corners.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Creaky Acres from Kokila and Pencil and Eraser Lost and Frown from G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.
I always imagined GAMERS as a celebration of video games and how they can connect people, and I hope this book appeals to those who grew up playing them as much as those who are still growing up.
This book? It’s a wonder. A joy. A small pinpoint of light in the darkness that is 2025. If you are in need of something that takes your faith in humanity and gives it a jolt to the gills, that would be this title.
Author Mk Smith Despres takes us behind the scenes of their poetic picture book THERE'S THAT SUN AGAIN.
Moving on can be hard, whether it's changing schools or embracing the afterlife. In Eric Colossal's new graphic novel, a group of pre-teens must save their haunted small town from its plague of ghosts.
Author Riley Redgate joins us to talk about her new book COME HOME TO MY HEART.
It's giveaway time! A free book of one of the best series I know.
I had been a school librarian and middle-grade reading teacher for 25 years when I read Disrupting Thinking: Why How We Read Matters, a professional title by Kylene Beers and Robert Probst, and it completely changed the way I framed the task of reading for my students. What’s brilliant about the book is that so […]
Full of righteous rage and a strong drive for justice and inclusivity, Maeve's story is an inspiring look at activism.
A whole new preview! I'm so excited! While I have included Nosy Crow in the past in smaller quantities in my Publisher Spotlight previews, today they're getting the stage aaaaaall to themselves.
The relationship between a deaf student and her oblivious classmate is explored in the new rom-com.
Starmer has beautifully captured how that post-graduation, pre-college summer can feel: full of potential, last chances, drawn-out goodbyes, and perfect moments that you wish could last forever.
What are some successful picture books that do not rely on a plot or conflict? Sign up for my new Substack account to get regular updates on my content, and then answer this question for yourself.
Today we have an exclusive first look at The Last Witch: Blood & Betrayal, a YA fantasy tale set in medieval Ireland.
We always need a good poem, I think now we can use one that reminds us that what seems like a social and political setback isn’t new; progress always seems to be one step forward and two steps back.
Certain kinds of important, difficult, and formative queer experiences are not being truthfully explored in books for queer teens—primarily, I believe, because they make adult gatekeepers uncomfortable.
Here are five quick reviews of graphic novels I've read in the past few weeks.
Things are afoot! I get to interview one of my favorite authors about a series so jaw-droppingly good that it's the cult classic your kids WISH they knew about. High fantasy? You don't know the half of it.
In illustrator Zoe Persico's graphic novel debut, protagonist Adara discovers she has the ability to talk to plants...but must learn that talking and truly communicating are two very different things.
Somewhere between the rising (waking up) and the shining (the bits of love scattered about) is hope
The characters in Love at Second Sight are not direct parallels to the Scooby Doo crew despite referencing them at one point, but they were one of many inspirations. And with that, I would like to introduce the Love at Second Sight characters through the lens of Scooby Doo.
Kirkus declared today's book to be one of the Best Picture Books of the 21st Century (So Far) but neither Kate nor myself had ever read it. We correct that error today!
COLBY: Our latest episode is a little different from what you are used to listening to on The Yarn. Instead of interviewing a children’s book creator about their latest book, I share what it was like spending my spring break in Alaska working in schools. I hope you’ll give it a listen! Subscribe below to […]
Teen librarian Karen Reflects on thoughts about teen pregnancy and women's rights throughout the years as a teen librarian and as the mother to teen girls
Sci-fi superhero Flash Gordon is back - and she's a girl! This new graphic novel is coming from Papercutz in July.
A middle school student chases her dreams of becoming an idol in this adorably real manga.
Saturday, April 26 is my favorite day of the year! That's right, it's time for Teen Lit Con again in Mendota Heights, Minnesota! I'm excited to be presenting for the sixth year.
How about some recent and forthcoming releases from Canadian middle grade authors? Canada seems nice, doesn't it?
Are there books you've always wanted to read but never have? Discover this new story craft podcast that confronts story structure and writing through the lens of its hosts' "Shame Shelf".
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud collaborate on a new book that has all of the virtues of both creators' best-known works: A comic about young, aspiring cartoonists learning about comics.
Losing anyone you love is a miserable, painful, and heartbreaking experience. But losing a friend is uniquely strange in the sense that the world isn’t really equipped to keep you in mind as you grieve.
A great book told in two standout voices that takes young people and their interactions in the world seriously. A really good read.
Psychic Investigators, Evil Exterminators, a new graphic novel from Top Shelf, is a story about ghost-hunting and learning to live with loss.
Author Regina Linke talks about bringing ancient traditions to today's young readers
Archaeologists, by definition, must care about the past; we wouldn’t be in this line of work if we didn’t. To care about the past, we have to connect to it. And it’s imagination, whatever form it takes, that makes this connection possible.
"I was reading Maimonides (yes, I know how that sounds), the greatest Jewish philosopher of the Middle Ages, and realized he tackled the same issues in the 1100s." A talk about a book with much to say to all of us today.
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.
Just One Flake is out TODAY! Here are some random facts about the book.
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 […]
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.
Today on the podcast we discuss our future picture book "Steampunk Monster", how Sam's got sass, baby Wild Things, and more.
Author Rune Kier Nielsen discusses climate change and encourages young people to be engaged with the discussion of their future
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.
Lauren Wolk's power is her ability to intrigue, enchant, and eventually surprise. A beautiful book that is about art while being art.
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.
"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."
Teen Librarian Cindy Shutts shared a recent teen book tasting program
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.
"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.
Maybe this book about love, empathy, community and fighting for all of those things when the world wants to break our spirit & hearts, is coming out at the exact time it needs to come out.
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
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!
I appreciate their clear-eyed distrust of many long-held ideas and conventions. I’m encouraged about the future when I hear their incisive analyses and their validation of a variety of identities.
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.
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