Today with talk with Ada Limón about her upcoming January release and reveal it cover while we're at it. We talk stichics and foxes.
The second volume of Lost in the Future sends the five time-displaced schoolkids to a different era of the future, one that's just as filled with danger as the first one they faced.
I discovered that if told with some heart and soul, history can be as compelling as fine fiction. And before long I found myself on a mission to make history come alive for young people.
A closer look at the best illustrated books of the year.
How do designers create children's book covers that stand out against the competition? Here’s insight into the process behind some recent titles.
You want a plot that’s tight? World-building that manages to be both comprehensible and succinct? And heart too, right? You want to actually feel something as a result of the hero’s journey? Welp, here you go.
The quest to find the 2025 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery winner continues as the second round of nominations closed last Saturday. Eleven new titles were nominated for a total of 45 Mock Newbery potentials.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen rounds up some news articles that discuss how the election results may impact libraries and shares ways to support your library today
Anthologies are the literary equivalent to a buffet dinner. They offer a wide selection of different perspectives (both in story telling and in personal background) and writing styles on the same theme.
Send in those nominations for the Undies and Endies Awards!
School librarians Andrea Trudeau, Tom Bober, and Amanda Jones created Librarians Building Libraries, a nonprofit with a mission to “collaborate with library communities worldwide, providing resources, training, and innovative solutions that promote literacy and provide access for all.”
You know what rules? Dogs. I sure do like them. Here are a few middle grade books featuring dogs, all approved by my rescue chiweenies, Charlie and Spot.
Critiquing how the military preys on low-income families with promises of education and employment does not sound like something that would be in a graphic novel targeted at children aged ten and up, but that is the message at the narrative’s core.
A hotel lobby, a marsh with hidden birds, and a midwestern farm are among the many evocative settings from this year's possible Newbery contenders. Will excellence in "delineation of setting" help to earn the 2025 Newbery Medal?
The South Carolina Board of Education allowed three classics to remain in libraries and classrooms but removed seven titles from all public schools; Arizona district pays nearly $90,000 to settle book ban lawsuit; 25 books and graphic novel series removed from a Pennsylvania district.
We don’t yet know what Donald Trump’s second term will mean for education and libraries, but the incoming administration had made its priorities and goals clear. Here are just some of the things we are watching.
Tegan Quin, Sara Quin, and Tillie Walden return with the sequel to last year's Junior High, continuing the fictionalized story of Tegan and Sara's origin story.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares some of the resources she uses when the RA inspiration well has run dry.
There is a joy to asking questions and learning new things. It’s fun to explore, and to find the answer to a question. It’s exciting to learn that the world works in ways we did or did not expect.
On thinking more creatively.
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.
Let's think about our personal legacy, how we're living, and making decisions that affect others. What expectations do we have of our leaders in that regard?
In this week’s Wednesday roundup, we take a look at a tough topic with a tough Newbery crowd- poetry. Are there any major 2025 Newbery poetry contenders?
Shakespeare’s greatness can live on, but we can also give space to new voices - and both can happen at the exact same time with the power of a retelling.
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.
When kids read with assisted-living residents, everyone has fun.
Take your mind off of politics with this utter ridiculous prediction post zeroing in on the potential ALA Youth Media Award winners.
The Donut Prince of New York isn't just about donuts or theater or football. It's about the revolutionary act of accepting yourself in a world that often suggests you shouldn't.
Author Gayle Forman is over on The Yarn podcast, taking us behind the scenes of her new middle grade novel NOT NOTHING
From puppy love to the latest collection from fan-favorite Junji Ito, these 10 new manga releases are bound to be a hit with readers of all ages.
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!
While we might not have the capacity right now to do the long-term work to relieve the sources of our current stress, we can do a few things to feel a little better in the short term, particularly at work, where we’ve been so careful about what we say.
Check out the list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Hilda and Twig Hide From the Rain from Nobrow - Flying Eye Books and Last Kids on Earth Volume 1 Graphic Novel from Viking Books for Young Readers.
It's time for the second round of nominations. Pick two titles you think are deserving of the 2025 Newbery. Medal.
Middle grade may not have been in my initial career plans as an author, but now I can’t imagine writing without it.
This is one of those posts where some people might read it and say “Yes, of course, Travis”, while to others, this might be news. I’m just going to move ahead like this is news to you. Remember a while back, when that dude went on Twitter and laid out how he published an A.I. […]
Can you believe Kitten is already 20 this year? On the podcast today, Kate and Betsy dive into this Kevin Henkes contender and much of what it entails.
3 of my favorite posts from the past month!
For those needing a solid read-aloud for story times, consider this; despite some random elements, its message of love for nature is clear.
An excellent resource for those seeking an interactive story hour.
A fast-paced adventure that forces three children to make decisions about survival and come to terms with some grown-up issues.
A must-read for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans.
A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
A dreamy and mysterious tale about taking chances and traveling through time for the people you love, this is an excellent blend of a tense, high-stakes mystery and a relationship-driven, coming-of-age story.
Readers of the “Raybearer” series will welcome the return to familiar territory.
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
An ideal holiday book for all, and essential Lunar New Year reading.
Buy the book and the series. Kids need access to this diverse classroom of students who face everyday crises with their supportive friends, and this gentle read shows the goodness in the world without being overly sappy.
Families come in all sizes and shapes, warmly shown here; this book is recommended for libraries to add any shelves on ever-expanding inclusivity.
An excellent story about Indigenous culture, and how communities can support each other when things are tough. A strong choice for any elementary library.
Despite a promising start, this underdeveloped title is not recommended for purchase.
A book that begs to be read in one sitting.
This book fulfills its purpose but count on another title to find the joy of Purim.
Bound to be a story time hit.
While not an essential purchase, libraries where holiday titles are popular may want to get their paws on this adorable book.
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
Mistaken identity and music leads to an adorable meet-cute in this edgy manga.
We're less than three months from the announcement of the 2025 Newbery Medal, and the excellent books just keep coming. Today we highlight recently published titles that should be part of this year's awards discussions.
While on tour promoting the newest book in the "Wimpy Kid" series, author Jeff Kinney is also offering kids the opportunity to choose from a collection of diverse titles.
Help kids understand the vital role forests play in absorbing greenhouse gas emissions and how they can protect trees.
Books and online resources about trees and forest conservation, including Indigenous-authored titles and narratives about marine forests.
More than 10,000 book bans in public schools in the 2023–24 school year represented a nearly 200 percent rise in book bans. The new Index of School Book Bans offers a state-by-state and district-by-district database of book bans searchable by author and title.
This thankful season, children can read all about dinosaurs, crayons, and even turkeys enjoying food, fun, and family.
A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library.
Anne Shirley is right to be happy we have Octobers, but November through February sort of becomes The Great Blah around here. At least there are always new books to look forward to!
In honor of the day, we have two great picture book creators in brilliant conversation!
Here is a small selection of twenty books which score 8/10 or higher on my personal "Fear Factor" grading used in The YA Horror 400.
A read aloud that has never let me down.
Readers are "questioning everything," including librarians in popular culture.
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