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The Prohibition Era extends beyond the obvious elements of the subject to look at events and people that changed American culture.
Of the 15 titles on the Heavy Medal Book List, Candace Fleming's THE ENGIMA GIRLS is the only nonfiction entry. Will this riveting historical story measure up to this year's other Newbery contenders?
For this one time only, please enjoy this list of some of the 2025 Children's Books I Am Most Excited To See.
Travis: Colby Sharp and I got on a video call to talk about children’s literature in 2024. A lot happened. In this special extended episode, we discuss our favorite books, memorable moments, the joys of pickleball, and many other topics. We hope you enjoy this episode: Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes […]
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen shares 5 of her favorite YA reads for 2024, and 2 Printz Award predictions
Today's Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist is THE COLOR OF SOUND by Emily Barth Isler, a title about a young neurodivergent musician, with a little bit of time-travel involved.
Our final list! Enjoy what is inarguably a lovely list of books. And thank you for reading my lists this month!
By Guest Writer Kavita Mohan* for EveryLibrary As we previously discussed in Politics in Practice (May 2023), U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) entered into a Resolution Agreement with the Forsyth County School District in Georgia following its investigation into whether the District’s removal of certain books from schools created a hostile […]
The author of Witches of Brooklyn returns with another fantasy-tinged coming-of-age story.
We kick off our official Heavy Medal Mock Newbery discussion with a poetry collection- BLACK GIRL, YOU ARE ATLAS by Renee Watson.
A handful of 2024 releases and a bunch of 2025 releases round out this final book mail post of the year.
Come and enjoy this eclectic collection of some of the most memorable fiction for older readers out in 2024.
As with any list of longer titles, I have to say right off the bat that what you'll find here is more of a representative sample of the great older fiction of 2024 than what was actually the "best".
COLBY: A couple of months ago Jerzy visited the elementary school that I teach in for an author visit. He was amazing! In this episode of The Yarn my co-host Travis Jonker chats with Jerzy about his new graphic novel The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue. I hope you enjoy […]
Booklists are perennially popular content on SLJ. The most viewed ones, however, aren’t all from 2024 or featuring titles from current publishing seasons. See what topics drew reader interest this past year.
I consider these the best of the best. The ones you cannot miss. See if you can find one you missed before now.
Inspired by Greek myth, Loïc Locatelli-Kournwsky's thrilling adventure features a young girl taken to Hades as part of a greater plot to reignite an old war between rival nations.
Today we start with a practice discussion of OLIVETTI by Allie Millington, a title not on the Heavy Medal book list but one that still received 12 Mock Newbery nominations.
The Blueberry Awards are given to, "honor children’s literature that strengthens kids’ connections with nature and fosters action for the planet." Essentially these are nature and climate books with an eye to instilling a love of the natural world
This may look like an ample list, and it is, but all thirty of these individuals are just a small slice of the pie that was biography in 2024. Read them in good health.
Today, consider this post my present to all those nonfiction and informational book fans out there. It's just FULL of titles that won't really get their day in the sun unless we promote the bloody heck out them.
Two teens, one with diabetes and the other a newly turned vampire, help each other deal with their conditions in Sarah Winifred Searle's graphic novel.
Consider this one for the kiddos. If it's gross, it's gonna be here.
Author Alyson Gerber discusses the classic THE WESTING GAME and how it influenced her mystery series, THE LIARS SOCIETY
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under featuring Blake Laser Volume 1 from Harper Alley and Digital Lizards of Doom Volume 3: Level 3 Dana Deathly from Papercutz.
They can be some of the most creative books of the year (and are a nightmare to catalogers everywhere). Take a gander at books that meld fact and fiction with aplomb.
Here are some books with a distinctive fantasy feel that stood out to me in 2024. Read 'em! Enjoy 'em! Love 'em!
Today, I celebrate what little science fiction there is. And, interestingly enough, the bulk of it this year seemed to come in the form of picture books. What are we to make of that? Not sure, but it's kinda cool.
In this month's Newbery Author Spotlight, we look back at some memorable Newbery Medal acceptance speeches and invite readers to share their own experiences.
Sometimes the simple act of adding some books to my own personal endless TBR stack or list is all it takes for me to want to do a Take Five list.
On today's list you'll discover a wild mix of nonfiction, poetry, comics, novels, and more. Just sit back and enjoy the array!
Keeping engaging series fiction in the hands of young patrons as they build habits and discover a love of reading is a priority. Fiction Series Made Simple is designed to help librarians maintain fresh and fun collections.
A careful examination of decodable sets designed to support burgeoning readers and their grown-ups on the path toward reading fluency.
Picture book series that help readers consider their place in the world.
This season’s additions to early reader series appeal to developing passions in science, animal welfare, and more.
A focus on the strong bonds of friendship and family run through these new and ongoing chapter book series.
Additions to beloved, well-established series and exciting new adventures await readers in this season’s middle grade selections.
The best of these hi-lo titles hit on the perfect mix of layered characterization, compelling plots, and sharp writing that will appeal to readers of any skill level.
These graphic novels series and sequels bring lessons about friendship, care, and self-determination into sharp focus.
Ah, this is a big one. There are only a couple topics including in the 31 Days, 31 Lists series that take significantly more time and energy than the others. With today's list we start tackling books for older readers this month. Comics just make for a natural starting place.
Meet the 13 members of the 2025 Heavy Medal Award Committee (HMAC). Every one of them is committed to reading all 15 titles on our Heavy Medal Book List, then discussing each one, starting December 30th.
If you’re looking to foster a love for fantasy that’s sure to last a lifetime, here are six spectacular, inclusive (and more or less recent) middle grade fantasy books to gift this holiday season.
SPONSORED
More than 8 million students, educators, families, and librarians from as many as 100 countries are expected to take part in fun and engaging activities that encourage creative expression during the fourth annual Crayola Creativity Week, running January 27 through February 2.
More diverse voices speaking out means more opportunities for representative stories to be acknowledged, shared, understood, celebrated, and honored, as evidenced in these 25 audio titles for young listeners.
Whatever you might call them, today's books are the titles that transition children into first reading on their own, and then into reading on their own for pleasure.
Mike Kunkel's Herobear and the Kid, a longtime favorite and award-winning kids' comic, has found a new home at Papercutz.
Check out these 25 middle grade titles coming out in 2025!
From a bilingual book about Cuba to a graphic novel poetry collection, these diverse titles are sure to delight a wide range of young readers.
Some books today could easily be called "weird" but you're also going to see a number of titles that upset our conceptions of what a children's book published in America can even be. That might mean the subject matter, the narrative style, the art, or some other aspect is "unconventional".
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Alligator Loki Holiday Special #1 from Marvel Comics and Surfside Girls The Clue in the Reef from IDW Publishing.
Our discussion of 15 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery titles begins in two weeks. Here's a complete schedule of titles and discussion dates, along with other Heavy Medal activities in store as we approach the announcement of the 2025 Newbery Medal.
Dive in to a delicious array of poetry for children. Poetry. It ain't just for April anymore.
Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community, and culture. These board books, picture books, and audiobooks will help young children learn more about it and get into the spirit of the holiday.
Today, I'm giving you the books in 2024 that hadn't a word of narration to spare. And they're not all picture books either! See if you can spot the graphic novel hiding in their ranks.
Today's list combines the best parts of traditional storytelling and modern mores. Come and enjoy the old and the new together.
The X-Men get the manga treatment in this retelling of the animated series.
Take a look at the 15 titles that made the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List for 2025. We will discuss these titles in depth- Dec. 28- Jan. 14th.
Today we're giving a shout out not simply to the translated books that make to American shelves, but also to the hardworking translators who are so good at what they do.
PREMIUM
Twigs and Stones
This book is a perfect read-aloud and is excellent for the classroom, teaching readers the value of kindness through humor.
A unique and stellar piece about taking time to look at what others have made before you, and to wonder, this is a mesmerizing glimpse into art and the past; a must for all collections serving children.
Where books on kindness are in short supply, this is safe purchase.
This book celebrates culture, connection, and the universal journey of finding where one belongs. It is an inspiring, enjoyable story that will resonate long after the last page.
Full of drama and heart, this is the story of a heroic man of faith who boldly spoke out against slavery; his story has a place in all library collections serving upper elementary students. Highly recommended.
Teachers and librarians will be able to use this as a mentor text for research projects; young readers and their families will love poring over the pictures and telling friends about the new facts they’ve learned. A must-have for any elementary library.
This outstanding book with great information is endearing as well, demonstrating the power of perseverance, love, and commitment. A first purchase wherever children flock.
A strong addition wherever animal and ecology books are popular.
PREMIUM
We Are the Scrappy Ones
A meaningful work for children with disabilities and those who interact with them, this is a purchase for all collections.
PREMIUM
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
A great angle for a global sport, and a recommended purchase for all libraries.
No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.
PREMIUM
Unicornia: A Magical Birthday
Usually putting “unicorn” in a title is part of a recipe for success, but this light offering is flimsy.
PREMIUM
Piet Cools Off
A highly entertaining tale with interesting information on how different creatures cope with hot days, this is recommended for all collections for an engaging blend of science and story.
PREMIUM
Six Little Sticks
A unique and well-done spin on the subtraction caused by disappearing animals trope, and a good purchase for picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Rose Weaves a Garden
An important volume that celebrates the value of family and cultural heritage.
PREMIUM
Maybe Just Ask Me!
For elementary libraries lacking books that address this specific message, this is an important purchase.
Kindergarten teachers may want a copy to read annually, but most public libraries can skip this one.
PREMIUM
Alina in the Deep
A unusual, loving purchase. Naji serves Calgary, Alberta, well, showing it off as a Canadian, multicultural haven. Alina’s problems are our problems, and solutions are universal.
PREMIUM
I Cannot Find My Belly Button!
A highly enjoyable body-part adventure; correctly named body parts in rhyming text will resonate with readers who are interested in their own bodies.
PREMIUM
My First Book of Hiking
Encouraging children and their families to enjoy time outdoors, this is perfect guidance for this demographic that can be carried along on adventures, or enjoyed as a daydream.
Fabulous characters and an excellent plot hook readers from the start and keep them reading. Highly recommended for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Mai’s Áo Dài
Add this to the shelf! It fills an important gap with charm, fun, and heart; it’s a must-have for holiday collections.
An excellent science fiction story with just enough creep factor and excellent pacing to keep readers tearing through the pages to the gripping climax. Nix uses his superb writing powers to control and thrill readers throughout this fantastic novel.
Existing fans will most likely be eager to read this installment, but, with its very familiar beats, it’s hard to imagine a new generation of readers connecting with “Dork Diaries.”
Recommended for readers of fantasy, and especially those who enjoy playful language and highly imaginative settings.
PREMIUM
The Mirror of Beasts
This sequel to Silver in the Bone is an excellent end to a clever and creative duology. Recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
On a Wing and a Tear
Taylor-Corbett warmly invites readers to join a transformative multigenerational, multispecies journey through struggles and adventures, past and present.
PREMIUM
The Kiss of the Nightingale
For teens interested in titles that blur the line between YA and new adult, this is an entertaining romance that starts as cotton candy and ends with the satisfying chew of a macaron.
Cashore threads fiction with fact in a three-generational story of love, loss, and friendship. For mature readers and a must for all collections.
A humorous way to engage with a serious topic. Recommended as a secondary purchase for middle school libraries.
Sisterhood, vampire romance, and the immigrant history of Manhattan makes this novel a triumph.
PREMIUM
Bane of Asgard
A satisfying conclusion to a complex duology; recommended for collections that have the first installment.
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