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Writing any picture book about an "issue" like divorce is a daunting prospect. Fortunately this new entry in the field is up to the challenge.
My dad understood the vast wealth that existed in those books and that library cards provided us with a share of that wealth.
The thing about making these lists is that I always end up wondering why a mysterious benefactor doesn't just somehow KNOW how much my school could use a surprise infusion of cash for all the books our on collection development list.
OLD SCHOOL by Gordon Korman is a realistic fiction title with strong description and rich characters. Guest blogger Elizabeth Johnson introduces the title.
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with these colorful, educational, and fun titles for young readers.
"His uncompromising approach to making art, his refusal to back away from his principles and political engagement." The time has never been better to learn more about Tomi Ungerer.
In Michael Regina's newest horror graphic novel for kids, a regular fishing trip turns into a scary adventure for four friends after they discover a bizarre monster lurking in the river.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen reviews the book LULA DEAN"S LITTLE LIBRARY OF BANNED BOOKS by Kirsten Miller
An experimental school, haunted homes, vampires, animal rescue, heroic unicorns, and more!
Open doors and hospitality is the name of the game today as we talk about the agency of turning the page in a book with two renowned picture book creators.
There may be 96 suggested Mock Newbery 2026 titles on Heavy Medal, but there's still many more possibilities for Newbery gold.
The graphic adaptation of the second volume in the Junie B. Jones keeps the humor of the originals and lets the reader see Junie B.'s vivid facial expressions as well.
It’s my hope that young readers, whether you have a name for yourselves or not, feel seen and held by Briar and Finn. Like them, you’re here, and you exist.
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Because language is inextricably linked to culture, every original Spanish-language book published makes Latinx culture more accessible to young readers. And many publishers select titles with specific Latinx-related content to amplify that benefit. Read on for a diverse array of new titles to help round out and enrich the cultural relevance of your Spanish-language collection this fall.
From a personal immigration story to the latest picture book from Sonia Sotomayor, these works for young people highlight the accomplishments and history of Latine people.
A dog's true best friend stars in its own show in this ludicrous and wonderful picture book readaloud. I interview its creator (dog lovers - this one's for you).
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Hooves of Death Volume 1 from Harper Alley and Rise of the G.E.M.S. from Roaring Brook Press.
Today we'll look at direct quotes of passages from 2026 Newbery contenders to see how the author's actual words might merit Award consideration.
COLBY: I am always on the lookout for great middle grade nonfiction. It is a hole in both my classroom library and in my own personal reading. I’m thankful that authors like Nicholas Day are creating books that are filling that hole. In this episode, I chat with Nicholas about his new book A World […]
This came out early in the year, but I'd like to remind you to give it a close look. Highly sophisticated art with an incredible batch of storytelling. Galligan's greatest is here.
PREMIUM
Welcome to the Ghost Show
A ghost story marred by plotting and characterization issues. Not recommended.
A gentle romance and friendship tale for all BFFs (especially Swifties), with fantastic messages about honest communication and standing up for oneself and what is right.
From the informative bilingual poems to the incredible artwork, this title is a great choice to learn more about these important peoples. A must-have for children’s book collections.
This tender story about empathy, war, and family is a must-buy for libraries with readers who already love Applegate’s dynamic repertoire.
PREMIUM
Hazel Is All That
This book could be relevant to early discussions around emotional awareness and self-acceptance; an additional purchase for collections where SEL-themed books are valued.
Readers should get ready to laugh and cry as they spend the summer helping Glory and Gus solve the mystery of belonging.
This guide is a smart, accessible blueprint for youth and caregivers interested in making positive changes in their communities by providing sound advice and plans, moderated by the reality that creating change can be challenging. A great first buy for all libraries.
PREMIUM
We Go Slow
A vibrant celebration of life’s simple moments for quieter story hours, reminding children to go slow, to pause, notice, and cherish their worlds.
This book offers a clear, vivid, and detailed look at the birth of genetics, and the many photographs and illustrations make the story come alive.
Great for nonfiction and adventure lovers; a good start for history projects and reluctant readers in late elementary and early middle school.
A deeply affirming portrayal of sibling dynamics and growing up. Highly recommended for collections exploring family, emotional resilience, and love in all its quiet forms.
This gorgeously illustrated picture book about sisterhood is a must-purchase for all collections.
PREMIUM
The Day the Crayons Made Friends
For libraries with an established audience for these popular books, this installment is a worthwhile purchase.
PREMIUM
Christmas: A Lift-the-Flap Book
A concise, nondenominational primer for the Christian celebration of Christmas.
A cheerful early reader graphic novel full of happiness and positivity that would be an excellent addition to all Spanish-language collections for children.
This easy-to-enjoy story of two temperature-challenged creatures will be enjoyed on a hot summer day and throughout the year.
Hand this collection to any reader who is looking for a place made for them; they will find it between these pages.
For nonfiction that elicits an emotional investment from readers, this is an excellent purchase for all libraries.
For story hours and read-alones, this is for dinosaur lovers and all readers
PREMIUM
Hanukkah: A Lift-the-Flap Book
A standout interactive and informational board book about Hanukkah that posits very young children as capable and confident learners.
Gentle and loving, this is a ghost story for readers who are looking for something beyond the traditional scary ghost story for a tale of everlasting connection. Wistful and wish-fulfillment personified: What reader has not hoped that a loved one long gone is near?
Yang’s abstract approach favors concepts over factual depth, making it less useful for reports but potentially valuable as a springboard for future research. A thoughtful addition where science-themed read-alouds or inspirational STEM titles are in demand.
A peppy introduction to Hispanic Christmas traditions for young readers.
PREMIUM
Ai & Aiko and the Dinosaur Hug
This whisper-thin story is flat, lacking beauty and nuance, making this an optional purchase for school libraries.
PREMIUM
Ghosts and Ghouls
Destined to be a favorite among spooky season enthusiasts young and old. A recommended purchase.
A must-purchase biography that illuminates both an important American innovator and the origins of a timeless art form.
PREMIUM
The Bread Bus
Simple language and a straightforward, low-stakes plot works as a read-aloud in classrooms or libraries and fits neatly into story time themes about food, community, and working together. It offers equal parts delight and gentle life lessons.
PREMIUM
My Community Loves Me
This animal-centric picture book will be a hit with animal lovers but may not be enjoyable for others.
Sonora Reyes joins us to talk about their new book. THE GOLDEN BOY'S GUIDE TO BIPOLAR.
BULLDOZER'S BIG RESCUE by Elisa Broach is shorter than most books in our Mock Newbery discussions, but the clever, concise, and funny text could make it a contender for the award.
All summer I basically just pet my dogs, read my books, and text my friends way too much. But you what I definitely did NOT do in July? Read any of these interesting books on this list, so onto my TBR list they go!
Come for the wacky promotional video for one of the greatest graphic novels of 2025. Stay for the celebrity picture book cameo at the very end.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
To echo Guatemalan Archbishop Gerardi’s words, “Knowing the truth is painful, but liberating. Without it, the scars will never heal.”
These recent mysteries feature buried truths and hidden secrets just waiting to be shared and exposed. Young patrons can listen at their own risk. . . and beware the body counts!
It may be a one-of-a-kind picture book, at least in the history of American publishing. A picture book about a mayoral candidate put out by a major publisher? How did this happen?
John John is the perfectly imperfect teen who is struggling to shape his own identity but can’t avoid the antiquated reach of his dad.
2025 is a very strong year for fantasy and today we highlight FOUR more potential Newbery fantsy contenders.
Why do none of us, including many, if not most, Puerto Ricans, know so little about our own mythology?
Our penultimate prediction post before final considerations. Here are the titles I think have the best show at the two major literary awards. Do you agree? Disagree? Find out!
This story set in the Canadian internment camps during World War II is set in a specific historical moment but also embodies universal themes of family, loss, and hope.
An inspiring story and a powerful look at what is happening not just to Yuli but in real-life classrooms all around our country. A good addition to high school collections.
Here’s a look at manga that feature short chapters, perfect for a quick, fun read—whether to dip in for just a few minutes or to get hooked and binge.
Seems to me the more books we can devise that confront racism, the better. But how do you confront a hate crime in a picture book? Today's title does precisely that.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12-and-under featuring Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales Volume 13 Bones and Berserkers from Abrams Fanfare and Ghosts of Wreckers Cove from Papercutz.
2025 looks like a particularly strong year for children's fantasy, with characters ranging from sentient dolls and fairy-like creatures to an undead fox and an assortment of ghosts. Will any of these be contenders for the 2026 Newbery Medal?
My upcoming novel, If Looks Could Kill, pits a modern yet mythical Medusa against the real-life, true-crime, name-unknown murderer we call Jack the Ripper.
We asked readers to rank their favorite Newbery contenders so far and share observations about current trends in children's literature. Here are the results:
A teenage girl pulls a sword out of a stone and ends up engaged to a bodyguard in this fast-paced shojo manga.
A light overview of dog evolution wit mixed results.
A solid choice that digs a little deeper into an often-overlooked subject.
Engaging, dynamic, and filled with bat facts, this nonfiction picture book is a strong addition to library collections.
A strong first buy for its explanations and examples of how to become an ally, while clearly explaining that it is ongoing and personal work.
The illustrations combined with compelling text will be a page-turning read for dragon lovers. Highly recommended.
A superb effort for enthusiasts who want the latest technological advances in dinosaur research. Perfect for libraries, classrooms, and research.
PREMIUM
Pizza Witch
Kiki’s Delivery Service with a sauced-up hero’s journey; a funny adventure story for young teens and graphic novel fans.
This powerful tale of race and American culture and history seamlessly weaves a popular middle grade topic, football, with crucial lessons about justice and humanity for tween and younger teens. This is Barnes at his best and is a required purchase for middle school libraries.
PREMIUM
Dear Jackie
A realistic read that will make readers want to know what happens next. Give this to fans of Terri Libenson’s “Emmie & Friends” series and Maria Scrivan’s “Nat Enough” books. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Witch Who Stormed the Palace
A rollicking good tale with all the magic, dragons, and talking cats to recommend to any young fantasy reader who enjoyed the first installment.
PREMIUM
The Ghost of Wreckers Cove
Endearing illustrations combined with a heartfelt mystery make this an easy recommendation for fans of suspense, ghost stories, or both.
PREMIUM
The Winter of the Dollhouse
This is an elegant novel that offers an authentic view of family and community life.
PREMIUM
Folk Remedy
A compelling fantasy with cultural roots and strong emotional arcs, this is an excellent addition for libraries serving preteens and teens looking for adventure, folklore, and a heroine they can cheer for.
PREMIUM
Enchanted Night Before Christmas
While cozy in tone, the story follows a well-worn holiday arc grounded in magic, loss, and wish fulfillment.
PREMIUM
My BIG Playbook: Christmas
A visually appealing introduction to winter and Christmas, perfect for adults to share with toddlers and early school-aged children.
PREMIUM
Dinos Love Valentines
This solid addition to most holiday board book collections will be an extra hit with the youngest dinosaur fans.
PREMIUM
Tiny Bear’s Christmas Prayer
A well-fit addition to any Christmas holiday literature collection.
PREMIUM
Tonight Is Krampus Night!
Sullivan and Persico make these friendly monsters heartwarming; readers will enjoy welcoming them to their holiday storytimes.
Lovers of historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy this novel, which is recommended for all junior high and high school collections.
With extensive information and illustrations about relationships in nature, this is an excellent purchase for elementary where poetry and nature books are popular.
Colloquialisms will primarily appeal to readers in upper-elementary and middle school, but teens breaking into crafting zines will benefit from ingesting the story arc and the author’s endnotes. A must-purchase.
This fun, Spanish-language search-and-find is sure to provide enjoyable moments, especially during the holidays. A great addition to picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Ruff Day
A fun, accessible addition to any library serving young readers who enjoy quick, engaging graphic novels.
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