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Contributor Riley Jensen shares some YA books to read this fall if you are missing those summer vibes
The popular picture book series The Pout-Pout Fish is coming to theaters on March 20th, 2026.
Want to start your own children's book magazine? Why not talk to someone who has? SHELF is a remarkable new addition to periodical collections everywhere, and we talk to its founder.
As we get later into the calendar year, I always start getting paranoid about missing titles and not reading everything. What’s nice on the “real committee” AND on Heavy Medal is that you are not reading just by yourself and have other people making suggestions and nominations. However, despite a robust and active Heavy Medal […]
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen discusses two YA mytery thriller series that feature teens helping the FBI solve crimes
The creators of The Legend of Zelda manga series are back with an epic tale of a half-human, half-dragon boy trying to find his place in the world.
Just in time for Native American Heritage Month we've a preview of Diné cartoonist, zinester, and librarian Julie Fiveash's upcoming graphic novel debut!
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
New month, new box of books from Penguin! I hope you find something fun to add to your winter reading lists.
The little ones in your life can stay hydrated thanks to the new Hydro Flask/Very Hungry Caterpillar collab.
Folks, I think it's fair to say that the Persian myths on your library shelves are in serious need of an upgrade. Happily, one is here, and we're talking about it today.
Today our second nomination period opens. You have until Saturday Nov. 8 to pick two more precious nominations for Mock Newbery 2026.
In the spirit of And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Teen Librarian Karen Jensen shares a review of THIS IS WHERE WE DIE by Cindy R.X. He
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Kindred Dragons Volume 1 from Abrams Fanfare and Agent Cupcake from Oni Press.
"Then she was smoked, delicately. She was delicately smoked. Delicately smoked was she." Like it when your picture book protagonists are killed off halfway through the title? Then you're gonna LOVE today's book.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen discusses some YA books you might like if you like EVERYBODY SCREAM, the new album by Florence & the Machine (which she really recommends)
It's unicorns vs. zombies in cartoonist Sam Bragg's new fantasy epic, but that's just the start of this sprawling story set at the end of the world.
32 new and forthcoming books to get on your TBR.
Guest poster Owen Ridings introduces STORY SPINNERS to our Mock Newbery discussion, noting that this graphic novel "manages to pack in humor, realistic sibling dynamics, and fantastical adventures—all while cleverly satirizing the entire fairy tale genre."
Visit a land that's more like, "a tale from folklore, rather than in a magical fictional setting." We talk Pumpkin Kings (and their living wards) with Steven Banbury.
Teen Librarian Cindy Shutts shares a Video Games in Real Life program
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Send in those nominations for the Undies and Endies Awards!
Here's an exclusive preview of the sparkly spy story Agent Cupcake!
Today we've got breaking news about a new S.T.E.A.M. series from Papercutz.
14 quick reviews of new books.
Here's a look ahead at what's in store on Heavy Medal over the coming weeks as we move towards the announcement of the Newbery Medal on January 26th
An animated version of The Twits is coming to Netflix.
You lucky ducks. You're getting an extra special sneak peek of Evanston Public Library's illustrious year end list of some of the best children's books of 2025. Enjoy!
Nayeri is good at engaging setting, and these devices works especially well in a story about land.
Hopefully you'll find some great titles here to add to your 2026 TBR!
Would you like to hear a story? A true one? One told by Laurie Halse Anderson? Discover the tale of how Abigail Adams inoculated her family against smallpox, and see the repackage of Anderson's Fever 1793.
It’s time to own Monday with a Mock Newbery exercise: one sentence persuasion. Today we persuading people to read/ nominate your favorite title. In one sentence, write a justification for your top book. You can write for one title, or all your nominated titles, or a title you are thinking about nominating. The rules are […]
COLBY: Every time I have the opportunity to chat with Derrick Barnes I feel so alive after the conversation. He cares so much about the work that he does, and the stories that he puts out into the world are important and amazing. I hope you enjoy our conversation about his new book The Incredible […]
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Winging It from Graphix and the Witches of Pepperwood Bay from Papercutz.
In 1838, sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimké were the best-known, most hated women in the United States. My book tells why.
Oh no! It's a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Situation! We tackle our first Dav Pilkey and stumble on an overly familiar trope.
Author Michelle Meadows discusses her biography of James Baldwin, Jimmy's Rhythm & Blues
This accessible and moving graphic novel offers insight into a pivotal moment in history and helps readers understand the motivations behind the journeys of those who have sought refuge and opportunity in America.
In today's guest post, we take a look at Grace Lin's latest fantasy novel The GATE, THE GIRL, AND THE DRAGON.
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
Zoboi, like Lukoff, pulls from personal reality to shape a world that exists in the margins that are formed to reduce outcomes. To define good and bad.
When an accomplished mangaka and his jealous assistant inexplicably switch bodies, a battle of wits and credibility ensues in this body-swapping manga.
From tales of ghosts and vampires from around the world, to famous shipwrecks, these books are perfect for young readers excited to explore the world, and hear some fun stories and tales along the way!
This meme pretty much sums up how I feel about the Labubu fad
Memory and nostalgia in a Hmong home in St. Paul fuels this enticing picture book. I talk with the creators to learn more about nostalgia and the role architecture plays in our memories.
In this French comic from creators Jérôme Pelissier and Carine Hinder, a little girl decides to become her village's new witch, which means facing a dragon from the nearby woods.
Historical fiction novels often earn Newbery recognition, and there are several standout titles from the genre this year.
Author David Anthony Durham joins us to talk about his new book, A RAGE OF LIONS.
This season, we're seeing books about Nowruz and architectural spiders, reluctant frogs and inadvertently heroic wolves. It's all here! Come look!
A cross-country move is an opportunity for a girl to forge new bonds with friends and family.
Can't a gecko and human have a friendly conversation about insurance without getting shushed?
As Jeff Kinney's 20th Wimpy Kid book comes out today I reminisce about his early days and then we chat about buses, bookstores, and more.
Since I was eleven, middle-grade books for drama kids have come a long way.
In our latest consideration for Halloween, Kate and I discuss the difficulty of saying the term "anapestic tetrameter" aloud, why the true star of this book should be named "Torselus Todd", and (I won't lie) we may use the term "badonkadonk" more than once.
In our latest consideration for Halloween, Kate and I discuss the difficulty of saying the term "anapestic tetrameter" aloud, why the true star of this book should be named "Torselus Todd", and (I won't lie) we may use the term "badonkadonk" more than once.
Travis: Back in June at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Philly, I sat down with Katie Kennedy to talk about her excellent middle grade nonfiction book Did You Hear What Happened in Salem? The Witch Trials of 1692. In this episode, Katie talks about what it was like to revisit one of the […]
Japan gets a new Venom-like symbiote spider hero in Shogo Aoki's original manga adventure starring Spider-Man and a swathe of his supporting characters.
In our next guest post, Leonard Kim analyzes a beginner graphic novel featuring poetry and graphic novels, a dinosaur-sized feat!
"Where are your scary books?" That's what I hear all day long at school.
I’ve noticed something about Daniel Nayeri. With every middle grade novel for kids that he writes he gets a little bit sharper. A little bit sleeker. A little bit funnier. A little bit faster. And this latest title? It’s a little bit one of the best books of the year
In reading stories about sleep for teens, they begin to feel less isolated as they maneuver their days through the foggy, unsettled feeling of perpetual tiredness.
This graphic adaptation stays true to its roots, with lively illustrations and an engaging story about two very different siblings.
If I wanted to belong, I had to be intentional about it. Somewhere along the way, I came into my own.
"For decades, I’ve published middle-grade books, but this time, the picture book format chose me. Picture books break down BIG feelings and ideas in quick, easy ways. The format helped me break down my big feelings." We talk with Torrey Maldonado about ALL the feels!
Today we look at two highly creative collections of poetry and consider their Newbery Medal chances.
Author and TikTok star Taylor Cassidy joins us to talk about her new book, Black History Is Your History.
In need of a picker upper? How about a book for kids that documents how Field Museum scientists do fieldwork to save the Amazon rainforest? A talk and a trailer premiere.
Candidate surveys, especially to local school board candidates, is an effective way for school library advocates to line up support and understand opposition before an election.
Today we have an exclusive announcement and preview of a new graphic novel featuring two sisters, a treasure hunt, and plenty of pancakes.
We put such firm boundaries around what is spiritual vs what is religious vs what is make-believe. Are these distinctions needed?
Do you want the original Dog Man, chock full of authentic Aztec myths and a healthy dose of humor? Then are you in luck today!
Do you want the original Dog Man, chock full of authentic Aztec myths and a healthy dose of humor? Then are you in luck today!
Today we do a compare and contrast exercise where we put two 2026 Mock Newbery Titles against each other and see which stands out.
Check out what reviewers had to say about The Story of My Anger, You've Found Oliver, Good Old-Fashioned Korean Spirit and Fireblooms as part of our Penguin TBR: Penguin To Be Reviewed Galley Program
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Ten-Ton Titan Terrier from Papercutz and Asgardians Volume 3 Loki from First Second Books.
What would you do if you found a magical device that could turn back time—but only by five minutes?
Attempts to wrench veggies off vines is the focus of today's autumnal entry. We discuss pumpkin sex, vampire fashion wear, and why one might want to garden in their socks.
Nine-year-old "nature nerd" Brooke fills her journal with drawings of the animals she sees, but she's yet to encounter a moose in the wild—although her new sister lucks into seeing one almost immediately.
Be sure to check your local library or indie bookstores for all the other awesome new books out this month!
If we want kids to grow up reading for fun, then we need to give them books that captivate.
Today’s guest blogger is Quade Kelley, introducing THE FREEDOM SEEKER by Ruchira Gupta
Dr. Whitney Casares discusses her book, One-of-a-Kind Body and body image with pre-teens and teens.
Mood swings, miscommunication, and music characterize this story of tween friendships.
Mood swings, miscommunication, and music characterize this story of tween friendships.
What started out as a simple way to provide a voice to my younger self by giving my main character autism became a rallying cry.
"I was gobsmacked by the new research of awe—how it can change the way you think and feel, lessening our anxieties and making us more generous and kind. And I knew I had to write a book for kids..."
"I was gobsmacked by the new research of awe—how it can change the way you think and feel, lessening our anxieties and making us more generous and kind. And I knew I had to write a book for kids..."
From an insightful memoir about reading struggles to a harrowing account of a mass suicide, several authors have used highly creative approaches to present information for kids. Today we look at several examples that might be considered for the 2026 Newbery Medal.
Idris Goodwin joins us to talk about his new book, KING OF THE NEURO VERSE.
Today we consider a slew of Spring 2026 titles. Anti-fascism, myths, philosophical considerations of silence, seasons, and more! Some real beauties are in here!
In this graphic adaptation of his best-selling middle-grade novel, Alan Gratz weaves together three stories of refugees in different times and places and brings them to a stunning conclusion.
To me, that’s the beauty of a great fictional monster. They hold up a mirror to our lives, and what we see might scare us, but it also provides the much needed sense that we’re not alone.
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