This companion novel allows me to tell another one of those untold stories—uncovered through videos and memoirs and articles—of a young boy yearning to, one day, reunite with his father.
Recommended as a lyrical read-aloud and an informational text.
A charming introduction to the big idea of school, and an angle that will resonate: it’s not the building but the people that make up a school.
Highly recommended for public or school libraries. This gently exciting story will be enjoyed by adventure-loving children.
A completely unique and important narrative not to be missed; readers and teachers will come away with a new appreciation for the myriad contributions Indigenous people have made.
A catchy title and guaranteed audience, but the checkout versus recipes cooked may be disparate. Not recommended.
Despite a flawed text, the pull tabs and engaging illustrations will keep children returning to this book; it will not stand up to heavy use, but in limited circulation or story hour sharing, it will be a hit.
An enjoyable read and a first purchase, especially for collections in need of accessible books on jazz history for younger readers.
This beautiful book is a wealth of knowledge on the wildlife that live in the incredibly diverse habitats of the United States; sure to be a popular selection with visual learners and young researchers.
This is a must for any collection where young readers have an interest in storytelling, as well as generally a good pick for fans of the author.
Even though board books are usually intended for very young children, it would also be appropriate to include this one in younger elementary school settings as part of a global awareness unit.
Another stunning title from a gifted pair of creators, this deserves a place in all collections as children will root for Cox and be inspired by her amazing accomplishments.
Overall a cute work, this might still be best suited where cookbooks and food writing among young readers are popular.
An overwhelmingly helpful and inclusive book that will benefit kids and grown-ups alike.
An impressive collection of data, smoothly told, with colorful artwork, just right for kindergartners.
An intriguing window into remarkable animal antics that may be part of larger discussions about endangered species, protecting the planet, and the care of wildlife.
A fascinating and browsable collective biography that will inspire further research. Recommended for women’s and film history studies.
A visually appealing and well-researched addition to biographical narratives, for use with the original Make Way for Ducklings or with the recent picture book biography Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards by Emma Bland Smith.
Which books work well as standalones, and which are best for series fans? Use our input to navigate whether to begin or expand these series selections at your library.
I’m a sucker for a good happily ever after. I believe that most people deserve one, and deserve to see people like themselves have one. Which is one of the reasons I wrote Rhythm & Muse, to fill a void that I wasn’t finding at the time. A black, teenage boy finding his.
This is my love letter to all the equestrians who haven’t seen themselves on the page. I’m going to need your help and support to get my books into the hands of kids who want and need them, so I hope you go on this ride with me.
Growing up, I loved fairy tales and Greek myths. As a young queer person, I was keenly aware of how LGBTQIA+ characters never appeared in these stories.
Since June 19th became a national holiday in 2021, the list of books about Juneteenth has been growing! Here is a handful of the latest titles for children.
Listen to our first-ever SPEED ROUND episode of The Yarn podcast!
Crilley talks about writing and illustrating a novel paying tribute to Taiwan more than 30 years after living there to teach English.
With roots in Mesoamerican mythology, this fantastic tale will charm any reader. Its connection to history and tradition makes it wonderful for teaching while being entertaining with its adventure.
An engaging novel for younger teens that centers around a relatable heroine and a fascinating history.
An ambitious and convoluted adventure that misses the mark; not recommended for purchase.
An authentic journey for adoptees who are not allowed to feel sad but thrust into a stance of gratitude for a life they were given and for all readers who, after a loss, are reconstructing their identities.
A wholly original Spanish-language novel for young people.
A graphic novel recommended for teens interested in stories about social justice and the importance of family roots.
A love letter to Taiwan that is visually stunning, but lacks in character development. Purchase where realistic fiction graphic novels are popular.
Xie’s sparse fabrication of real events never successfully achieves the admittedly difficult task of visually depicting how music can touch the spirit. Small human moments abound, but the story’s attempts to portray more sweeping emotions fall short.
An excellent, effective introduction to why saving the Earth is important.
A welcome choice for picture book collections, especially where nature and animal books are in high demand.
A simple story of friendship and love between a child and a dog.
This is a great educational resource for elementary collections, and could serve as a powerful conversation starter for classroom discussions on the environment. Recommended.
A realistic portrayal of familial bonds for general purchase.
A silly celebration of play, imagination, and devoted fathers that would enhance a Father’s Day program or display. Recommended for first purchase.
A great addition to graphic novel sections of libraries and classrooms in middle schools.
An ambitious effort that misses the mark for the intended age. Purchase for a public or school library where students show a great interest in science and engineering.
This quiet, heartwarming story is a lovely tribute to nature’s rhythms. Ideal for a weather-themed story hour or a cozy read-aloud at bedtime, this title is a welcome addition to any picture book collection.
While the story is far from unique, this book ably retells it, while showcasing a lot of diversity.
A raw coming-of-age story that illustrates the multi-faceted nature of grief and growing up.
A ruminative novel that might be difficult for some adolescents to follow. Experienced readers of Spanish might find this more accessible.
Even if the road ahead is scary, we’re optimistic for the future and grateful for how far we have come. TIME OUT, ultimately, is filled with that optimism.
A conversation (& cover reveal) with Sydney Smith about his upcoming picture book, DO YOU REMEMBER?
Can I tell you it beautifully captures the delicate yearning that marks so much of adolescence? And will you know what I mean by that? Because it just does.
Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro's middle grade adventure receives a star this month, as do a Jarrett Lerner early reader and the Nintendo game Metroid Prime Remastered.
I'm down to a handful of days of school left and cannot wait to start digging into the TBR Mountain Range currently in my office.
Ever Since and When Oceans Rise are about telling stories. More importantly, they’re about the power of telling your own story, even when it’s hard, even when society pushes back.
The LIA PARK series blends Korean art, history, landmarks, mythology, and language into an action-packed middle grade contemporary fantasy, creating an easily accessible entry point into Korean culture.
A timely and necessary addition to any elementary or middle school library, especially as LGBTQIA+ children are seeking examples of loving communities who fully embrace every part of them.
A first choice for high school libraries.
A book that will need some pushing, but will be appreciated by curious minds who will be left wondering about the hidden possibilities in antiquities.
Recommended for readers who enjoy a fast-paced fantasy with folkloric roots. This is a good addition to any juvenile fiction collection, especially for those seeking shorter, less magic-heavy, books in the fantasy genre.
A tale of danger and daring escape sure to intrigue middle grade readers while introducing them to an important historical figure.
Books on kindness and sharing are important in all libraries; those searching for books on holidays and traditions will find this a worthy addition.
Despite tying up loose ends, the book may leave readers unsatisfied. Not recommended for purchase.
A first purchase for teen libraries.
With relatable teen protagonists and a satisfying conclusion, this is an essential purchase for teen collections.
Readers can find magic in these pages, from an alternate Shakespearean London to a modern high school. Share these stories featuring LGBTQIA+ characters with teens during Pride Month and throughout the year.
A fun and bright addition to Spanish picture book collections that will remind readers the importance of play and using their imagination even during difficult times. Purchase for intergenerational picture book shelves.
This board book is just the right amount of cute to make it a good purchase for bilingual board book collections.
All told, the collection is strong for several reasons and a necessary purchase for teen anthologies in the library.
I wanted to validate any readers who might also be struggling to find the words to express their identities, or just don’t care to put themselves in a box at all.
These well-loved authors are back with familiar faces yet fresh adventures and mysteries. Readers will find out how favorite characters are faring and meet some new ones in these latest and greatest middle grade series additions.
Laurel Snyder talks about THE WITCH OF WOODLAND.
Buttigieg wants readers to know they are never alone. He shows that you get to write your own story. A hopeful and comforting look at a life that finally feels like it fits.
10 books I'm looking forward to this summer.
These recent manga titles for teens feature something for everyone, from slice-of-life family stories to action-packed fantasy adventures.
Immensely readable, this look at the worst and best of our history will inspire, educate, and infuriate.
We have a couple new episodes up over at The Yarn podcast. Author/illustrator Jon Agee takes us behind the scenes of his latest picture book, My Dad is a Tree: And Brad and Kristi Montague talk about their husband/wife collaboration on The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination:
These recent and forthcoming titles celebrate the possibilities of children’s literature to support transformation, global consciousness, and creativity.
Daniel was the funniest person I’ve known, and I believe I have brought him back to life within the pages of our book. I’m sharing him with the rest of the world, which was my ultimate goal.
It took eighteen years for this book to find its proper ending. I dedicated it to my mother who has shared her family history and the history of her country with me. Talking about Guatemalan history and listening to my mom’s stories is one of my favorite ways to spend time with her now.
With stunning artwork accompanied by universal themes, this is recommended for purchase for most collections.
Elementary classrooms and libraries will benefit by including this book, sure to be loved by primary students.
An easy purchase and surefire hit that will especially resonate with young cat fans.
This is the ideal classroom or library read-aloud for the beginning of the school year to coincide with learning all the rules and being a good friend.
Fascinating and thought-provoking, this title deserves a spot next to Becker’s other masterpieces of visual storytelling. Thoughtful and highly engaging.
Unique, beautiful textile art is suitable for all ages, but the stories themselves are for an older audience. An additional purchase.
A quietly joyful look at the passing of time, noted in small moments, that teaches mindfulness as well as the bonds of familial love.
Positive message and great read-aloud potential with advice that will resonate with both writing-phobic kids and their adults. Recommended for all collections.
A rare perspective that removes pity, dissolves differences or impediments, and welcomes everyone into the game unquestioningly.
This is a look at how all Earth’s flora and fauna (including humans) are dependent on the planet and one another. It is visually delightful and begs to be read aloud. Perfect for Earth Day and everyday.
From time travel to aliens to shapeshifting to an apocalypse, this work proves there may be such a thing as too much science fiction in one book.
This book was a joy to write – possibly the easiest one I’ve written so far. And it all came from the central idea of embracing the wildness within a girl.
A haunted house; magical, dangerous woods; and romance between a witch and vampire will draw in readers looking for paranormal tales.
Hopefully readers of Men of the 65th will be as impacted by the story of the Borinqueneers as I was by visiting Vieques.
I wanted to write about kids like me, who know what it feels like to grow up in a place other people spend a week or two at for vacation in the summer; a place that, for them, for me, is home all year round.
With clear instructions, mouthwatering photography, and healthy ingredients, this title is a great addition to any library collection.
A must-purchase for libraries serving Candy Land players.
A must-purchase for collections serving Disney fans.
A cute title with easy recipes encouraging children to cook and use their imagination to operate their own restaurant. Plus, it’s Bluey
A must-purchase for libraries looking to increase teen vegan cookbook collections.
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