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Julie and Stan Sakai's kid-friendly version of comics' most famous samurai rabbit returns in a new expanded edition, featuring 30 pages of new material.
Sometimes we are not okay. Sometimes we crave respite from the onward march. Sometimes we need the relief of being seen. And that, I believe, is okay.
The memory of a song helped inspire my latest nonfiction book, Many Voices, Building Erie, the Canal that Changed America.
"I understand the value of escapism for kids, but I also understand the value of representation." Craig Kofi Farmer goes deep with his latest book on what toxic mentorship can do to a kid.
Writer A.J. Locascio talks about his picture book Spoops, a sweet Halloween story about a girl who teams up with some tiny Halloween sprites to enjoy the creative side of the holiday.
As a writer, it’s been fascinating to watch the publishing team and artists add a visual layer to these books. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how and why they do it.
“Anything less is not good enough for a child.” Those would be the words of the irascible editor, Ursula Nordstrom. Now she's getting a middle grade nonfiction book on her life, and author Nancy Hudgins is here to tell us more.
When does protecting children do more harm than good? If I’d understood those times better, maybe I’d be better prepared for these, and so would my children.
Contributor Riley Jensen shares a list of 5 YA books coming out September 2025.
Today we have an exclusive preview of Goat Magic, by Kate Wheeler, which Oni Press will publish on August 19, 2025. Here’s the publisher’s description: Trill, a spirited goat herder with a unique ability to communicate with her flock, yearns for a life beyond mountain pastures. Her “goat magic” feels common compared to the sorcery […]
Were you aware that ghosts are the hot trend of 2025? Not sure what that says about the state of the world today, but it does give me an excuse to talk to the creator of the ghost with the most.
Learn how you and your teens can get Galleys for teen reviews from Penguin
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Wizkit Volume 2: A Tail of Disruption from Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Cryptid Kids Volume 2: Moby Duck from First Second Books.
The list of suggested titles for the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery has now reached 87! Check out the full list of possible contenders for the 2026 Medal.
Author Ellen Forney joins us to talk about her new book, The Adventures of You!: How to Write, Draw, and Star in Your Own Comics.
Arguably Tomi Ungerer's least weird picture book, we at last tackle the tale of a woman and her beloved reptile.
The fall books are arriving in droves these days, so while I'm trying to hang on to the last joys of summer vacation, I am thinking ahead to what I'll be reading in the upcoming months.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
A beauty, kid-friendly, fun, touching, and there’s just the barest hint of bittersweetness at its core. In short, the perfect summer picture book.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen walks you through a low-tech and a high-tech way to make personalized magnetic bookmarks, because librarian
For me, gardening is not only a way to neatly symbolize the writing journey—I feel that it’s also one of the best methods for gathering story ideas.
We continue our ode to science fiction this week with the delightful Rebecca Stead in discussion about her latest title, tails and all.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen reviews April Henry's newest teen mystery/thriller, WHEN WE GO MISSING
In Debasmita Dasgupta's new graphic novel, little Faiza wants to be a boxer, but she finds there are many challenges that need to be fought through in order to achieve one's goals...or even to just live one's life.
Is there life on Mars? Who cares! It's the Moon we're focusing on today, in this ribald conversation about one of my (already) favorite middle grades of 2026.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Adorable Empire from Graphix and The Fire-Breathing Duckling from Toon Books.
Has your summer reading list included any possible contenders for the 2026 Newbery Medal? If so, now's the time to submit your suggestions for our growing Mock Newbery list. August suggestions can be made through Saturday, August 9th.
I always needed the girl I tried to leave. Every word we write shapes a chance to see the world and ourselves in new ways.
A return to the world of Mini Grey and a book that should remind you of Toy Story and yet, miraculously, does not.
I’m in the middle of two books right now (1; 2) but there are still August releases I’m looking forward to read this month.
Contributor Riley Jensen shares some new YA coming out this August
A cover reveal of the new middle grade book StEvEn & Parker: Dinos Are Forever by Parker James.
Got a-hankering for more Penderwicks? Then get the next best thing! Jeanne Birdsall has an all new book out and it involves libraries, fairies, and terrible terrible parents.
Emezi is such a superb storyteller that regardless of the cultural center from which they write, their narrative will hit home with readers. They don’t waste time laying out the intricacies of world-building, you’re there, so keep up! And you do.
Captain Underpants will have a manga adaptation, coming in April 2026.
17 quick reviews of new and forthcoming books.
So Dan writes me the other day, and he tells me that he has this new book called The Picasso Curse out September 2nd and, "I think it’s the best thing I ever wrote." And if you're an intrepid reporter like me? That's a scoop.
Our friend groups provide life support for marginalized teens. Writers know this and they’ve created many books that provide blueprints for examining, finding, maintaining, and repairing our core team.
Author Jyoti Chand joins us to talk about her new book, FITTING INDIAN.
While normally this feature looks at adult books about children's literature, today we're featuring children's authors that also write books for adults. Just watch out for the pen names!
Abrams and Marvel continue their "Mighty Marvel Team-Up" series of original graphic novels with a new character and new creators.
Contributor Riley Jensen shares a list of books and shows for those who enjoyed the show The Good Place.
I have compiled a handful of more-or-less tangible examples: what they did, the doors they opened, and the things they made possible.
While Ewing’s writing style is accessible and engaging, I found myself taking breaks to reflect on bits of information while simultaneously wanting to pass the book along so that I could talk with someone about the bits of information I was digesting.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Masks from Andrews McMeel and Chibi Usagi: Attack of the Heebie Chibis Expanded Edition from Dark Horse Comics.
Are we in the midst of a dystopian revival? It certainly seems like it, and I AM HERE FOR IT. Like, literally.
Today's book features everything from "drooping lupines" to a "hot rump of a melon." In the heat of summer we consider how well this Hesse/Muth combo has aged and how it would fare if published today.
Contributor Riley Jensen gives some show and book recommendations similar Squid Game.
A young girl defends her kindergarten against evil spirits in this scary, yet adorable, manga.
In Andy Hirsch's new graphic novel, we meet a perpetually nervous boy and his very nervous new dog and watch as their friendship grows and they help each other out of their anxiety.
I'm reading as fast as I can, but the book mail is arriving faster than I can read! Scroll on through all these recent arrivals here at TLT to find some great things to add to your TBR!
"After publishing A First Time for Everything I’ll admit I was a little burned out and wanted to shift back into doing something silly and appealing to kids." Dan Santat discusses his latest (very silly) graphic novel series.
Librarian Alison Plaff joins Teen Librarian Cindy Shutts to walk us through creating paper bag junk journals
I once heard an accomplished children’s author say, when asked what her new novel was about, “Oh, you know, growing up and stuff.”
Today we dip a toe into three upcoming picture book translations, as beautiful and different from one another as can be.
Everyone has a special ability, and not everyone uses theirs for good, in this series that also runs on Webtoon.
For me libraries have been, quite literally, a place of adventure and magic. So I think it was only natural that when it came time to find a setting for my book idea about a family who collects magical objects, I would choose a library.
What role does a retreat for enthusiasts of children's literature play in the full pantheon of history? I speculate (and show cute photos of ducks).
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Punycorn and the Princess of Thieves from Clarion Books and Quinnelope and the Unicorn Untopia from Oni Press.
Author Kristin Nilsen joins us to talk about her new book, THE SCOTT FENWICK DIARIES.
We finally do one of my most reliable storytime readalouds. Where would I be without Duck, his antics, and the array of animal sounds this book lets you indulge in?
A special LIVE episode with all the 2025 Newbery winners!
A middle-aged detective pairs up with a teenage apprentice in this screwball manga.
This is, truly, essential reading.
Contributor Riley Jensen gives steps on how to make a beaded fish keychain.
This utopia [New Gault], with its free meals for students, name tags, and continuous positivity, along with the ways Lu and Sebas work to provide space for each other, makes for such a tender story.
I hope you friendly readers find some good things to add to your TBR lists or your library and classroom collections!
"He is everything in the shape of fun!" High praise for one of our first children's book creators. We discuss Edward Lear, and how he encouraged us to play. NOT to conform.
"He is everything in the shape of fun!" High praise for one of our first children's book creators. We discuss Edward Lear, and how he encouraged us to play. NOT to conform.
The Extraordinary Visions is a steampunk adventure series inspired by the imaginings of Jules Verne.
Authors Chris Baron, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Shana Youngdahl, and Caroline Starr Rose talk about community, hope, courage, and wildfires.
The big guys may have all the money, but they sure as heck don't have books like these.
Quinnelope and her pals set out to prove that unicorns are real in the third volume of this colorful middle-grade series.
A large percent of our disabled population is getting subpar care and the only way we’re ever truly going to see change is by speaking about and voting for health equity.
Proof positive that sometimes the best books for kids come from the unlikeliest of sources about the unlikeliest of people.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring What Was Built to be a Ship of Dreams: The Titanic from Penguin Young Readers Group and Jazzy the Witch: Broom Doom from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Fast Five Interview: Keith Ward, Karl Buechner, and Jeremy Mueller: Three Voices, One Epic Adventure
The authors of The Unraveling: The Counsel of Crows join us talk about their book.
In tackling our first Patricia McKissack title we consider how well this introduces segregation for kids (and whether or not Tricia Ann makes it home again!).
Regardless of what words are used to describe literature that embraces white and BIPOC lives as well as those who have disabilities or are LGBTQIA+, regardless the words that are banned to describe these marginalizations, people who are really doing the work and not just following a trend, will continue to find ways to get it done.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen discusses the ways in which today's world is pushing teens to the margins, and to the brink
The Riverdale pals hit the amusement park and get pranked by ghosts in our exclusive preview of Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun.
Contributor Riley Jensen shares show books and shows that have a similar vibe to the new Netflix movie K-Pop Demon Hunters.
The subtitle is spot on. This is a field trip through one color, and like every good field trip it leaves you seeing your world with new eyes once you’re done. Beautiful and necessary.
Lucy Knisley's Peapod Farm trilogy wraps up with a heartwarming winter tale about family, friendship, and acceptance.
Told in verse, this powerful and compassionate look at bravery, grief, climate change, and activism puts readers right in the heart of the action.
Nanaboozhoo stories, Carl Jung’s ideas on dream psychology, and struggles with depression and anxiety all inform this stunning (and fun) picture book of the ultimate rez dog trickster.
Author Donna Galanti joins us to talk about her new book, LOON COVE SUMMER.
In Rob Justus' new graphic novel for younger readers, lonely super-powered eight-year-old Superman makes some new friends...just in time to help him defeat a milkshake-making robot run amok.
When we ban books or defund music programs, we don't just silence stories; we sever lifelines. We remove safe, creative pathways for young people to explore emotion, identity, and connection.
A video and discussion! Erin discusses how she and Phil work together, how they have "the world's nicest fans", and why she can never show the corners of a room in an Amos book
It was a wild month for suggestions! About 25 people suggested 80 books (TWENTY ONE of those being new titles) as 2026 Mock Newbery contenders
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Bizarre Bazaar Volume 1 Mirror Town and Yaiba Samurai Legend Volume 1 from Viz Media.
Author Kalla Harris discusses her YA novel, THE GROUND THAT DEVOURS US, and writing with a chronic illness
I won't lie. This may be my favorite Fuse 8 n' Kate episode in years. We've never done this 1940s classic, and now it's time to determine precisely why.
Contributor Riley Jensen reviews The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala, coming September of this year.
Finnish in origin, today's book discusses a rather universal moment: When a trusted and beloved parent chooses a child’s safety over that of an animal’s.
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