A middle school student chases her dreams of becoming an idol in this adorably real manga.
Saturday, April 26 is my favorite day of the year! That's right, it's time for Teen Lit Con again in Mendota Heights, Minnesota! I'm excited to be presenting for the sixth year.
How about some recent and forthcoming releases from Canadian middle grade authors? Canada seems nice, doesn't it?
It’s the perennial question of teachers, librarians, and parents alike: How do you get kids to read more over their summer break? Research has shown that kids’ favorite books are the books that they choose themselves. Understanding this, publishers focus on fun books for summer reading.
Are there books you've always wanted to read but never have? Discover this new story craft podcast that confronts story structure and writing through the lens of its hosts' "Shame Shelf".
Today we have a preview of Dracula's Brunch Club, a sweet, spooky, funny graphic novel about donuts and vampires.
Eventually, I decided that the nefarious plotting of my young tontine contenders was not only acceptable for middle grade but also funny—for the same reason that Home Alone is a comedy and not a horror movie.
With the 2024 Nation’s Report Card showing further declines in reading, more support for struggling readers and their educators has never been more important. Let’s take a closer look at these new series for struggling readers.
With these manga, choose the right format for the right story.
Serious investigators and laid-back browsers will find something to love in this season’s series nonfiction.
Arms! Tentacles! Real estate in the board book format! I'm talking with two picture book-turned-board book creators about how you create a title for the littlest of readers.
When does protecting someone because we love them turn into something harmful? How do Black parents protect their children when racism is so pervasive?
Literally everyone in this fast-paced story is Up To Something and it's so satisfying as it's all revealed.
This season’s jobs and career titles offer engaging and accessible introductions to the world of work.
These series offer enough mysterious creatures and not-quite-explainable phenomena to keep the pages turning.
The colorful and welcoming titles in these series bring the fun to natural science topics.
Knowledge is the first step toward making a difference, and these titles provide perspectives on a variety of topics.
These series will support collections that encourage readers to dive into big questions about the people, food, and events that shape our world.
This season’s Spanish and bilingual series continue to prioritize nuance, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Quick facts, in-depth analyses, and exciting visuals await sports enthusiasts.
The essential technology, machine-related topics, and fast cars covered in these titles will entice curious minds.
These colorful series cover an exciting and illuminating collection of animal topics, from the adorable to the disgusting.
The titles in these series focus on building something new, getting messy, and creating memories.
Readers will discover new role models and find out more about already beloved figures in this fascinating collection of biography series.
This spring brings a collection of colorful, fresh nonfiction series for blossoming readers.
Breathtaking images, curious facts, and deep dives on favorite topics will draw readers to these science series.
This season’s geography series include science, humor, culture—and even fun and games.
Patrons looking for information on espionage, military technology, and world governments will find up-to-date information in these new series.
Readers are encouraged to consider the impact of health and wellness on the world around them in these titles.
These hi-lo collections aim to meet readers where they are with engaging and accessible topics.
These series will encourage readers to take a closer look at history through different perspectives and time periods.
The Spring 2025 issue of Series Made Simple has nonfiction series for readers who want to swing through the stacks looking for high-interest topics or plunge deep into obscure subject matter.
A global disaster on an epic scale all thanks to a single volcanic eruption? It's not science fiction, it's history, and today I get to grill Nicholas Day about his deep dive into the world of 1816.
Optimism fosters a sense of collective action and shows that no effort is too small.
How does one make the leap from picture books to a middle grade fictionalized graphic novel memoir? I intend to find out by talking with Arree Chung about his latest.
"People who cannot read, who do not read, who aren’t allowed to read, are no longer free."
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Band Nerd from Harper Alley and BatCat Volume 3 Cooking Contest from Abrams Fanfare.
As usual, the book mail arrives fast and furious here at the Minnesota branch of TLT. Hopefully you'll find some great things to add to your TBR list!
May is Zombie Awareness Month. Don't want your patrons and students to have their brains eaten by the undead? Sharing this list of picture books, early readers, middle grade, and YA titles just might save their lives.
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a legal dispute that started when a Maryland district added books with LGBTQIA+ characters and themes to its curriculum and did not allow parents to opt out of instruction. Here are SLJ's reviews of those books.
It's probably not wholly accurate to say that representation of trans and nonbinary characters seems more important than ever (again, it's always been important), but wow, does it sure feel extra necessary these days.
A rich view into the many ways oppression marginalizes people and a loving portrait of an urban Black community, recommended for high school collections.
Purchase both editions for middle grade collections.
A good choice for Spanish-language YA shelves.
While entertaining, there is little to stand out from other court reincarnation stories. Still, it is a popular subset of graphic novels and would circulate where these stories are popular. Additional purchase.
This British import is an ode to the sport of roller derby and its inclusivity, and will be appreciated by older readers who enjoy the sport or are simply curious.
For all collections, this lovely book will translate to lessons on a sense of place, love of community and, of course, mapmaking.
A fun but nonessential addition to a library seeking more Halloween books for young readers.
An optional purchase for school or public libraries looking to satiate increased demand for YA thrillers.
An important reference, resource, and overview of historical accounts surrounding trans identity.
A fun retelling of the gingerbread runaway with exceptional illustrations.
Purchase for Spanish-language shelves in need of fun, early chapter books that center kids’ feelings.
This fantastical tale of stone spirits, dragons, and humans is an enchanting must-have for any school library.
Highly recommended for all libraries that serve readers who may feel confused about their place in the world and how their culture and language can impact that.
New readers and existing fans of the original novels will fall in love with this world and Alanna.
A niche but valuable addition to middle school nonfiction, these books are ideal for readers passionate about animal science or wolves.
A remarkable debut novel which delves into both adolescent struggles and mental health.
Kiese Laymon, award-winning author and MacArthur Fellow, is out with a new picture book. City Summer, Country Summer celebrates the deep bonds of friendship forged among three Black boys on a summer journey to visit their grandmothers in Mississippi.
Given its focus on the Hudson River and the Riverkeepers program, this title will be of most interest to libraries and readers local to that area; for future environmentalists everywhere, the success of the Hudson River cleanup is a story of celebration no matter the location.
A colorful and fun choice for discussing being afraid of the dark, this picture book is a solid addition to children’s collections in school and public libraries.
An important purchase for all libraries seeking to help their students understand themselves and others better.
A wonderful story about the magic of imagination and childhood, this picture book is an excellent addition to English and Spanish-language collections.
Informational, inspirational, and celebratory, this picture book belongs on the shelf of every library and demands to be read again and again.
Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud collaborate on a new book that has all of the virtues of both creators' best-known works: A comic about young, aspiring cartoonists learning about comics.
Losing anyone you love is a miserable, painful, and heartbreaking experience. But losing a friend is uniquely strange in the sense that the world isn’t really equipped to keep you in mind as you grieve.
A great book told in two standout voices that takes young people and their interactions in the world seriously. A really good read.
Archaeologists, by definition, must care about the past; we wouldn’t be in this line of work if we didn’t. To care about the past, we have to connect to it. And it’s imagination, whatever form it takes, that makes this connection possible.
In this popular Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Adina King shares about 'The House No One Sees' in this latest installment.
Readers responded to our coverage of a North Carolina bill, which could bring criminal charges against librarians over "material that is harmful to minors"—and much more.
"I was reading Maimonides (yes, I know how that sounds), the greatest Jewish philosopher of the Middle Ages, and realized he tackled the same issues in the 1100s." A talk about a book with much to say to all of us today.
Our characters, Bee and Alice, talk about the same things middle-grade readers do: how the world works, bodies, queerness, and what is fair and right.
Told with deep compassion and raw feelings, this book is not an easy read, but it's an important one.
Travis: In the latest episode, Colby and I talk about the making of Just One Wave, the summertime sequel to my author/illustrator debut, Just One Flake. You can find it at these locations: McLean & Eakin | Bookshop | Amazon I share the inspiration for the book, how the art was made, and why a fancy piece of technology […]
Cascarones are empty eggshells that are decorated, filled with confetti, and sealed. A Latinx Easter tradition involves breaking them over loved ones’ heads. Join in the fun with these two picture books.
A behind-the-scenes glimpse at humanity's very beginnings in a picture book form! I talk with Nikkolas Smith about the incredible The History of We.
Our latest Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list includes 30 excellent children's books, all of which could be possible contenders for the 2026 Newbery Medal.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms Volume 1 from Graphix and Night Light from Holiday House.
Where are the very real depictions of us saying, “yes, we have the thing, and it sucks, but we can still have amazing lives anyway, even when the disability causes us hardship.”
What a great book. It's so full of love and joy and community, things that feel particularly needed considering the everythingness of everything these days.
From a picture book about whales to middle grade books on rescuing red wolves and honeybees, these informational texts will encourage burgeoning environmentalists to take on a cause.
From fish farts to how animal poop helps fight the climate crisis, these STEM books will inform and satisfy readers who enjoy supercool titles about the slimy and disgusting.
Superman's perennial pal Jimmy Olsen takes center stage in Gabe Soria and Sandy Jarrell's new all-ages graphic novel, a sort of hybrid comics adventure and character guide that offers an engaging tour of the DC Universe, including its more obscure corners and characters.
Author Sarah Moon joins us to talk about her new book FAMILY WEEK.
Another round of debuts to know about!
This book is a good addition to the scientific (and fun) section of the library.
In a time where too much of what children see is negative, a book like this in a library collection or being read-aloud to them is important. A great tool for both the library and SEL.
A compelling reminder to readers that they do not have to be the brightest to be important. A good addition to any SEL collection.
A comforting story for families of all stripes, with an added educational bonus showing acceptance of all for younger elementary children.
A fun, sapphic page turner that’s perfect for summer reading lists.
For readers who like to consider and think about the effect of technology on social interactions and the idea of scientific studies mixed with a little romance. Recommended.
A readable, charming, drama-filled story with relatable characters, this book will appeal to readers who like romance and K-pop combined into one fun tale.
An enjoyable enough read for readers looking for a love story with a little drama. Includes language more suitable for older readers.
A must-have for library collections everywhere.
A strong addition to most library collections.
Perfect for a range of ages and story times, this book is a delightful crowd-pleaser.
A strong addition to most library collections.
Hand to high school athletes looking for nonfiction sports stories that are as realistic as they are joyful.
A great purchase for libraries with fans of the series, or those seeking an inclusive Mother’s Day read.
A great purchase for libraries where the series is popular, or for those needing a Father’s Day read-aloud.
Recommended where previous books in the series are popular.
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