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 […]
Just One Flake is out TODAY! Here are some random facts about the book.
In an attempt to make teaching research skills less "dry and boring," this middle school librarian hit on a mysterious new lesson plan, and the strategy has been a huge success.
Birding is a great way for students and teachers to connect with nature. From citizen science projects and live feeder stations—and books galore—the resources here will help kids learn about our avian friends.
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.
PEN America, the National Education Association, and student advocacy organization SEAT are among those who have filed amicus briefs in support of the school district in the upcoming Supreme Court case; Harry Lerner has died; applications open for Banned Books Week programming grants; and more.
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.
Rounding up 2025 books from past Printz Medal and Honor winners.
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.
The American Library Association released its data on 2024 censorship attempts, but don't let the lower numbers fool you. The strategy may have changed, but the organized efforts to remove books from shelves remains.
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.
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.
Author Sarah Moon joins us to talk about her new book FAMILY WEEK.
Another round of debuts to know about!
A fun, sapphic page turner that’s perfect for summer reading lists.
A must-have for library collections everywhere.
This book is a good addition to the scientific (and fun) section of the library.
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.
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.
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.
These Spanish picture books featuring the fun and curious adventures of a friendly cat would be excellent additions to Spanish-language children’s collections.
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 strong addition to most library collections.
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.
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.
Perfect for a range of ages and story times, this book is a delightful crowd-pleaser.
An enjoyable enough read for readers looking for a love story with a little drama. Includes language more suitable for older readers.
A strong addition to most library collections.
Can you name these 3 books by their LEGO-fied covers?
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.
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.
This hilarious picture book is a fun way to discuss sharing and a great choice for Spanish-language children’s collections.
A wonderful addition to Spanish-language picture book collections.
A gorgeous first words book for bilingual collections.
This novel’s blend of Black history exploration with action-packed puzzles around every corner will appeal to readers seeking adventure and mystery.
Books to help budding ornithologists explore the world of birds, along with aspects of SEL (social and emotional learning), from persistence to making friends.
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.
In the latest censorship legislation tracker, North Carolina moves to charge librarians with a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a Florida bill seeks to make it easier to remove books and punish schools, while Nevada and Colorado legislators take steps to protect collections.
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.
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.
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.
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
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