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Personally, I love poetry, but it can be a hard sell to kids. Many readers do not naturally gravitate to poetry books. Left to their own devices, teens and tweens are not stampeding to the poetry shelf. But if you can find a gateway, a poetry resource or activity that engages students deeply and gives […]
Disabled people deserve to appear in a variety of positive storylines, the same ones in which abled and neurotypical characters typically populate.
2025 poetry books (and a book spine cento).
Would you care for a spate of shockingly good poetry out new in 2025? Because for whatever reason, we've some true delights to enjoy!
feel a loss for what libraries can do in communities that are already poorly funded. I feel an attack on an institution that provides information and supports literacy, two cornerstones of any democracy. I feel an attack on our democracy.
Check out our exclusive preview of the first volume of Magda, Intergalactic Chef, a middle-grade graphic novel that mixes competitive cooking and intergalactic mayhem.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Cartoonist Club from Graphix and Maxwell Dark Nightmare Hunter Volume 1 from Penguin Young Readers.
Fast Five is an author interview series. The author is sent 10 questions and is asked to answer five of them. If you are an author interested in participating in the Fast Five Author Interview series, please fill out this form. Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake & the King of Chaos (Running Press Kids) and […]
I'm so glad I had an afternoon of nothing planned, because once I got started on this book, I couldn't put it down.
My big hope is that after reading my book, kids will discuss and debate and define true kindness for themselves. Spread kindness like confetti—yes! But let’s also plant it deep inside.
When it comes to the most important literary awards, are we entering a world where the robots will do the reading? As first reported in LibraryZoom, the United States Library Association is experimenting with the idea of artificial intelligence replacing all book award committees, as soon as next year. When asked for comment, the USLA […]
What do you get when you combine April Fool's Day with the first day of Poetry Month? A poetry graphic novel about dino poets, of course!!
Urban Native young adults from numerous intersecting identities venture to this communal space to meet a crush, read a poem, mourn, or reconnect with family.
A roundup of graphic novels by and about transgender and nonbinary people.
What looks like a cute, illustrated graphic novel about two girls falling in love in bright, vivid color, is also a deep narrative about unfair labor practices, the place of women in society and work, and the power of queer love.
Rounding up 2025 books from past CSK Medal and Honor winners!
"Honoring the hearts and minds of little people." It is our infinite honor to host the daughters of Anna Dewdney to tell us some stories about their mom and about the book itself.
A conversation with FAKE CHINESE SOUNDS author/illustrator Jing Jing Tsong.
In cartoonist Jose Pimienta's latest graphic novel, non-binary Mexican middle-schooler Ave moves to Kansas with half of their family and must adjust to a new home and a new life, without forsaking their own identity.
I usually talk about fiction in these Take Five lists, but there's plenty of great nonfiction out there too as well as plenty of readers who really prefer to read nonfiction.
In today's round-up we've gay giants, goose side-eye, fish beards, adopted goldfish, and more. A glimpse into a slew of new titles from small presses!
Teen librarian Karen Jensen discusses toxic masculinity in Adolescence on Netflix
A chance meeting between a police officer and a blind heiress is told in beautiful noir fashion in this manga.
So many wonderful books to share with you all here today. Get out those TBR lists, because there are a LOT of titles here you'll want to add.
How do you write a children's book mystery with a pal and not, y'know, sabotage your friendship along the way? Our guest post today with Laurie Petrou and Kate Fodor explains all.
Take a pause for a chuckle with our preview of Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #360, featuring a complete classic story!
Tech leaders don’t like libraries because they are meant to provide inclusive, open and equitable access to information. Libraries are meant to protect user access and privacy. They provide an equitable flow of information.
Teen Librarian Cindy Shutts shares what popular author L. J. Smith means to her upon news of their passing
While these books were not inspired by Swift, the lyrics tell a similar story to the one in the book - or, as the kids say, matches the “vibe” of the book.
Is it just me or is it weird that no one ever invents new finger rhymes? That all changes today with a book that's not only useful, it's surprisingly beautiful to boot!
For Jewish children, the Passover seder offers a portal to that world of greater meaning, but it’s one that’s often hard to access. In my new graphic novel One Little Goat, my goal is to open that door.
Pearl's story is one of deep sadness, yes, but more importantly, it's one of great hope. How wonderful that today's young readers get stories like this. An essential and fantastic read.
This former Simpsons writer is delving into picture books with titles like My Dad Is a Unicorn and My Mom Is a Mermaid. But how easy is it for a TV writer to make this switch?
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Dino Poet from Abrams Fanfare and Minecraft Out of Order Volume 1 from Dark Horse Comics.
Post-It Note Reviews are a quick way to rope in readers, especially those who may not come ask for a recommendation but may read a tiny review and pick up the book.
Meet the world's most depressed duck. Somehow he ended up as the hero of this 1997 Bunting/Wisniewski collaboration.
I think I’m missed the fact that wanting to feel confident, seen and heard is not the same as being politically engaged. Sometimes, self-care needs to simply be self-care.
Kami Garcia and Brittney Williams team up to tell the story of Stella, a fifth grader with dyslexia, the challenges it presents her with, and how she and her teachers address it.
Author Niña Mata discusses her newest book, GIRLS TO THE FRONT
Here are some middle grade books that feature angry characters or made me angry for various reasons.
Blink and you'll miss this first look at THE TWITS animated film.
Today we release the winners of the Blueberry Awards and show off a list of the winners acceptance videos. Do you want baby coyotes? We HAVE baby coyotes!
A terrior pilots a mech suit to save the world in this new Papercutz graphic novel by David Pepose.
My grandparents may be long gone, but with Isle of Ever, I can’t help but feel this new story is as much theirs as it is mine.
A discussion with a scholar, translators, an artist, and and editor about the illustrious Gianni Rodari, his life, his legacy, and his works.
A discussion with a scholar, translators, an artist, and and editor about the illustrious Gianni Rodari, his life, his legacy, and his works.
A fun-loving outcast finds himself unexpectedly receiving the powers of the Orisha in this action-packed manga.
Teen Librarian Alison Pfaff shares two recent crafts that were popular with teens: a tin wallet and pressed flower bookmarks
These books touch on book banning, romance, mental health, trans history, friendship breakups, folk-horror, time travel, historical fantasy, dance, climate change, and more.
Today we have a guest post from author Dev Petty, explaining the unique dedication in her latest book . . .
You know what's even more fun than celebrating your own book's release? Celebrating of all the fellow books coming out today too! I do a recap of some of the titles coming out today that are stellar.
In the News: New Executive Order proposed to end IMLS funding and a call to support your local public library
Author Barb Rosenstock talks about ghosts and hauntings and all things American Spirits
COLBY: I had a whole lot of fun talking to Arree Chung about his new (and first ) graphic novel, Don’t Cause Trouble. I hope you enjoy our conversation! Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
It’s that time my friends, Sunrise on the Reaping releases tomorrow. This Hunger Games title is highly anticipated, as many fans have hoped for a prequel with a young Haymitch Abernathy for a long time. While we wait to see exactly how that book unfurls, here are some great recommendations for your library teens who […]
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Story Spinner A Sisterly Tale of Danger, A Princess, and Her Crew of Lady Pirates from Aladdin Books and The Littlest Fighter from Oni Press.
Vampires face an interesting dilemma in immortality. Their bodies, generally, remain the same while their minds change and while the world changes. Context matters. What does it mean to be queer in 1960 vs. 2010 vs. 2025?
Rounding up all the 2025 books by past Geisel Award and Honor winners.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Today I decided to turn once more again to the classic fable of Finn McCool or Fin M'Coul or however you like to spell it.
Today we have a preview of Joey Weiser's The Littlest Fighter, along with some commentary from the author.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares how you can find a lot of Canva inspiration and Tips and Tricks on Pinterest to help you create RA tools
Right to Read Day offers fun and engaging ways to connect with freedom fighters in our libraries who have had to endure all the stress brought on by challenges in their workplace.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Today I'm focusing on five collections of books about women's history for middle grade readers.
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
I get the chance to premiere the Pumphrey brothers' latest picture book? AND it's a follow up to The Old Truck and The Old Boat? AND it's got this crazy beautiful gold foil on the cover?
This light in the darkness is an inspiring call to action and an essential addition to all collections.
A guide for making book spine poems!
I am lucky enough to be the host site for the NEXT book by X. Fang! We discuss Broken, a tale of guilt, sorrow, and, ultimately, redemption.
Teen Librarian Cindy Shutts shares some recent programming mistakes and what we can learn from them
Cover Reveal and Conversation: Caroline Perry Discusses I Am Not Happy in All Its Hilarious Cuteness
A mercurial marsupial insists it's more than just a happy face. Today we're talking with author Caroline Perry about her work helping wildfire relief in L.A., as well as her latest (adorable) picture book release.
We have 15 early Mock Newbery 2026 contender. A mix of fantasy, realistic fiction, a graphic novel, historical fiction.
The Agents of S.U.I.T. have a ghostly case on their hands in this latest volume of the InvestiGators series.
Today's summer list from Penguin Young Readers centers LGBTQIA+ stories/characters and race/racism
It's heeeeere! Everyone's favorite oh-dear-god-why-are-you-talking-about-2026-when-we're-barely-surviving-2025 post!
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Botticelli's Apprentice from Quill Tree Books and Max Meow 6 When Pancakes Go Bad (Really Bad) from Random House Graphic.
If you work with young people and books, you already know that graphic novels are insanely popular. In response, there has been a huge publishing boom resulting in graphic novels that are not just entertaining, but that also address serious social issues in a way that make readers sit up and take notice. Last summer, […]
Rounding up 2025 books from past Caldecott Medal and Honor winners!
"To sail for a day / Alone and free, / With someone nice / For company." It's been a while since Kate and I disagreed this much about a title. Hear us have it out!
In this week's Sunday Reflections, teen librarian Karen Jensen reflects on how the concept of DEI relates to her personal and professional life and the concept of the Imago Dei
Smart as a whip, funny, and clever, this little visual metaphor of a picture book is the best possible way to make it crystal clear the responsibilities some kids shoulder.
The Adventures of Baby Zicky is a new series with art that mixes manga, classic comics, and a touch of Winsor McCay.
The Riverdale gang cuts loose in a Minecraft-like game and Jughead hits the jackpot in our preview of Archie & Friends: Level Up.
Books featuring grief, a magic school, a treasure hunt, a robot, and a young adventurer!
Author Trang Thanh Tran joins us to talk about their new book THEY BLOOM AT NIGHT.
An amazing amalgamation of thoughts, themes, and ideas that could have ended up an unholy mess and, instead, work. Today, I talk with Kyle Lukoff about his Jewish/trans/epic fantasy latest.
In this much acclaimed manga, a fighter must battle fierce opponents and a life-threatening illness in his quest for revenge.
In The Peach Thief, my 13-year-old protagonist—a starving workhouse girl—poses as a boy in order to get a tenuous job scrubbing pots in the all-male world of an earl’s walled kitchen garden.
Protecting younger siblings everywhere? This super spy graphic novel aims to do just that. A talk with the creators of this newest comic creation.
In cartoonist Cindy Chang's fictionalized childhood memoir, the young Cindy learns a secret that will transform her conception of her own family on a trip to Taiwan.
Even as we need to keep telling the painful truth of book bans, we also need to take extra care to celebrate and elevate the unique gifts that each book offers.
"I hope this book will illuminate the tragic consequences of xenophobia and racism. I’m really hoping that the massacre is a piece of history we learn from, and not one that we relive."
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