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PREMIUM
The Space Cat
Okorafor’s story blends the everyday life of a pampered cat with satisfying sci-fi action. Middle grade readers who enjoy stories from the pet’s point-of-view will be delighted to meet and get to know Periwinkle.
PREMIUM
Deepwater Creek
A fast-paced horror story that intertwines a monster adventure with emotional growth.
A solid addition to middle grade graphic novel collections, this engaging series expertly blends a compelling narrative with fascinating historical details about unexplained phenomena, sure to captivate with its colorful artwork and intriguing mysteries.
PREMIUM
Free Piano (Not Haunted)
A great addition to middle grade collections, this graphic novel balances supernatural humor with real-world emotional resonance.
Short list this title for middle grade library collections and recommend to readers, reluctant or not, with an interest in pirates, history, bodies of water, or atypical family structures.
PREMIUM
Say Something, Poupeh Babaee!
An emotionally compelling, insistently educative view of a challenging immigration experience.
A real humdinger of a story told by master storyteller; this title will appeal to tweens seeking high-stakes, high-fun realistic fiction.
PREMIUM
School Dance
This story of finding the courage to overcome stage fright is a solid addition to any middle school graphic novel collection, especially where the series is already popular.
PREMIUM
Seabird
A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail.
PREMIUM
Worst Bot Ever: Meet Ballpoint
Readers of all ages with some knowledge of Transformers lore and a penchant for goofy jokes and fumbling heroes will have fun with this unique tale.
PREMIUM
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
Readers who love fantasy and adventure will be drawn to Feather and the dangers of a menacing and destructive Forest and crave more details about the communities Feather encounters.
Confirmed sci-fi fans, comic readers, and those new to the genre or format will all find easy entry here, along with a satisfying payoff.
PREMIUM
Kindred Dragons
A sweet way to introduce “Anne” books to newbies and a dragon fantasy for fans and potential converts.
A delightful, interdimensional graphic adventure about found family, the need to belong, and dubious motivations.
Enhancing a classic and empowering readers to better understand complex imagery, this faithful and beautiful adaptation is a must purchase for all graphic novel collections.
A nice blend of the western Marvel-mania in a manga format that will charm both readers already in-the-know and appease those who are just getting their first tastes.
Birdsall is so adept at magical realism that after finishing this book, readers will likely keep an eye out for fairylike creatures the next time they visit a museum or library. An essential purchase for all middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Mooncussers
A charming and original sequel that will take readers on a magical adventure in an alternate 19th century. Recommended for dark fantasy lovers and fans of the first installment.
PREMIUM
Dracula’s Brunch Club
A delightful addition to the middle grade-friendly collection of vampire titles.
PREMIUM
Schoolbot 9000
An exploration on humans vs. machines combines with a student navigating middle school life. Graphic novel fans will gobble this up and be eager for the next installment. Highly recommended.
This story of one of the most pivotal engineering accomplishments in U.S. history, told from diverse perspectives, is highly recommended for middle and high school collections.
This engaging biography contains detailed descriptions of setting and cultural context that convey a clear time line and sense of causation, as well as peeks into the artist’s intimate life.
PREMIUM
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban
A strong purchase for graphic memoir shelves, refugee stories collections, and curricular tie-ins for studies on the Cold War and Latin American history.
An important and compelling work that belongs in all high school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
Another
A robust horror title that deftly utilizes the uncanny valley while drawing on real-life recent events. Highly recommended for youth horror shelves.
More concept than direct instruction, this humorous art book takes readers on a journey of imagination and embracing imperfection.
PREMIUM
How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers): Remembering Slavery and How it Shaped America
While this book addresses an important topic and will have niche readers, the lack of establishing shared context for a younger audience and the uneven approach make this a secondary pick.
Living and creating with my partner is one of the great joys of my life. Love is an experience. Love is work. It comes with ease and also requires discipline. Don’t think about it too much. Just do it.
"Thrill and adventure are not just for dads!" We're talking today with debut illustrator Ishita Jain about a Kirkus starred Neal Porter picture book with a lot to say about moms and motorcycles.
This adaptation of Maggie Stiefvater's novel starts slow but builds up momentum as it goes, heading toward a gripping climax.
In this follow-up to Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen is running for president of the sixth grade against popular Sonia Shah in this contemporary story of friendship, family, and community action.
This picture book biography with STEM connections and disability representation shares the fascinating story of astronomer Wanda Díaz Merced. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Díaz Merced was fascinated by t...
How do you create the ultimate lupine cynic? This early reader series holds the answer, so we're going to grill the creators to see what makes Lone Wolf tick.
. I hope this book takes young readers to a place of hope, understanding that when we confront the carefully constructed myths about the country, consider who benefits from this and who is harmed, when we are finally able to dismantle this legacy of lies, we can heal and be fully free.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
If you are a teen librarian, please feel free to use any of these techniques to make sure THREAT OF THE SPIDER is at the top of your circulation list!
In these stories, tween and teen protagonists with a range of abilities face real and fantastical challenges, from time loops to dust storms to going viral. Share these titles with readers in time for Disability Pride Month in July, and all throughout the year.
Ahmad provides readers with a unique way to understand the complexities of life, and a compelling reason to figure things out: to get back “home”.
Ming Lee has just started middle-school and struggles to feel like he belongs. Will his attempts to do so run afoul of his father's constant exhortation to not cause trouble?
Today we have a preview of the second issue of The Last Witch: Blood and Betrayal, by by Conor McCreery (Kill Shakespeare) and V.V. Glass (Doctor Who), published by BOOM! Studios under their BOOM! Box imprint. As you may remember from our preview of the first issue, this is a YA story set in medieval […]
What is the best Juneteenth picture book ever made? Today we discuss a serious contender with both the author and illustrator. What better way to celebrate the day?
Any interest in a picture book described by its illustrator as "Wizard of Oz set in a graveyard"? I talk with the creators about a book with the sweetest Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse you ever did encounter.
These Juneteenth offerings include various formats, ranging from cookbooks to early readers to audiobooks, so all your young readers can find their preferred way to learn more about this holiday.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Leon Egan shares about Lover Birds in this latest installment.
These recent, incredible titles cover under-explored events, figures, regions, and even creative literary approaches that warrant a spotlight in the WWII literary canon.
These documentaries and videos make the transition from theater to classroom, offering opportunities for critical thinking and discussion among middle and high school students.
Any interest in a picture book described by its illustrator as "Wizard of Oz set in a graveyard"? I talk with the creators about a book with the sweetest Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse you ever did encounter.
COLBY: I’ve been on summer break for about a week. It has been amazing to read when I’m not exhausted from teaching. I’m in the point of summer reading, where everything I read makes me think of a kid that I had in class this past school year. In our latest episode of The Yarn, […]
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Pacheco and the Witch of the Mountain Volume 1 and Yelp Yeti Chaos in Kathmandu from Flying Eye Books.
Papercutz will publish Punk Taco, the award-winning graphic novel by the father and son team of Adam and Makana Wallenta.
A great, immersive read that will leave readers anxious to see what happens next.
These standout entries in the “A Kids Book About” series offer clear, compassionate introductions to ADHD and OCD for young readers, pairing educational value with emotional resonance. Both titles beg...
Prediction posts, while rarely accurate, often just give a sense of what's particularly good in publishing these days. Today's post is no exception.
The work we do as librarians has become incredibly political, so please do use opportunities at Annual to engage, get more informed, and to build community.
Check out these 12 June releases from Penguin Young Readers!
From cheerful picture books to a thought-provoking YA novel, these titles about July 4th offer stories for children, tweens, and teens.
Kwame Alexander's Read Strong America has put together a couple of opportunities for us to commune during the Juneteenth celebrations this week.
With Dan in Green Gables, I’d like to pay homage to a book that helped me through difficult times—and offer some compassion and love to my relatives in the Smoky Mountains by focusing on happy memories of them, and what could have been, if they’d only embraced me.
A fun choice for Spanish-language middle grade shelves, perfect for summertime reading.
PREMIUM
¡Hola, Tobi!
This joy-filled, Spanish-language picture book is a strong addition to collections for children.
PREMIUM
¡Ñam, ñam, ñam!
This onomatopoeia-filled translation about picky eaters and family bonding is great for emerging comics fans and story times.
For better or worse, this depiction simplifies a complex issue and will be of value as an addition to collections.
PREMIUM
The Very Fine Clock
A text-heavy but airy story for the patient child or the adult enthusiast and a must for the Gorey shelves; not essential except as a quite charming eccentricity.
PREMIUM
Snow Babies: Touch and Feel
A cozy, hands-on pick for baby shelves and touch-and-feel collections.
PREMIUM
The Secret Powers of Animals
A standout addition to nonfiction collections, this pairs learning with delightful design.
An emotional take on a ghost story, with heartwarming illustrations and an ending to bring a tear to the eye.
PREMIUM
Finding Forgiveness
A tender, beautifully crafted story about conflict, emotional insight, and Jewish holiday traditions. Highly recommended for family reading, classroom discussions, and all library collections.
A delightful picture book of Hanukkah poems that showcases Judaism and Hanukkah in an authentic way; a great addition for those who are looking to build up their holiday collections.
Recommended as a fresh addition to public and school libraries to introduce the concept of a bruja. The story is lively and is likely to capture the interest of children and adults.
PREMIUM
The Raven: The Classic Poem
Though not for everyone, this elegant treatment of Poe’s work will find a place on the shelves of erudite readers with an appetite for sophisticated language and Gothic atmosphere.
Despite some flaws, a worthy purchase for elementary and middle schools where hockey is popular.
PREMIUM
Rabbit Rabbit
While there will be readers who identify with Bee and Alice’s struggles, some of the topics addressed may be more mature than the intended tween audience.
In the lead-up to July's Stars issue, June is bursting with top quality reads in holiday titles, Spanish books, cookbooks, anime, and more.
Out in September 2025, Daniel Miyares brings a glorious, hand-painted graphic novel to the middle grade market. Today I get to excerpt sections of it and talk to him about its origins.
Conversations about books on banned lists will build community and facilitate empathy. Talking about these stories will also exercise critical information literacy skills as we examine how power is articulated.
Sometimes, in order to honor their whole personage, instead of choosing approval or someone else’s desire, girls must choose themselves.
Writing children's books? There's no set deadline to publish your first. We talk with Mel Rosenberg about his first picture book at age 74 and his unique path to publication.
Godzilla and Varan are on course to clash in a small Australian town. Is there anything a quartet of local skaters can do to save their beloved skate park from being smashed...? You would be surprised!
Big or small, we need to be talking about our boobs, especially with young women. Maybe our new battle cry for boobs should be, “We must—we must—we must DISCUSS our busts!”
Whether they are going to school for the first time or facing the beginning of another academic year, the start of the school year can be a time of high emotions for little ones. Share these titles to help them prepare.
Its publisher calls it "Clue meets Knives Out for the younger set" which isn't too far off. I talk with Dianne Salerni about writing mysteries and why you should never bury a treasure with a group of friends.
We're almost halfway through the year and our suggestion list for the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery is up to 53 titles. Check out the full list of potential contenders for the 2026 Newbery Medal.
We're almost halfway through the year and our suggestion list for the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery is up to 53 titles. Check out the full list of potential 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 Deeply Dave from Henry Holt and The Frog Daddy from Little Brown Ink.
A romantic comedy is delightful enough on its own, but traveling to a new destination through the eyes of one’s protagonist brings with it an additional sense of escapism and adventure, especially if traveling in real life isn’t possible.
A little girl is excited to attend her cousin’s quinceañera celebration where she learns about the traditional customs associated with the momentous 15th birthday party, such as party favors, a specia...
Author Jamar J. Perry joins us to talk about his new book FINDING PRINCE CHARMING.
You know what the hero of this book is doing when we first meet him? Kicking over the headstones of complete strangers in the cemetery. I review a STRONG title from Messner.
An engaging purchase sure to fill collection gaps and for readers looking for stories of folks finding themselves.
This book will inspire young athletes to break barriers, such as gender and age, to charter their own course and pursue excellence. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Home, Home
Perfect for libraries wishing to add a beautiful cross-cultural story to their collection, and for every child who has ever felt different.
PREMIUM
Dreaming of a Quinceañera
An excellent story about siblings and quinceañeras that entertains while providing a good description of the traditions and ceremonies that make up a quinceañera.
PREMIUM
12 Little Elves Save Christmas
A perfect way to introduce children to diverse Christmas traditions and cultures.
PREMIUM
Owl’s Fall Feast Fiasco
A warm title for young readers about honest and effective communication, friendship, and the understanding that differences are worth celebrating.
This is a wonderful addition to any library and would be well suited for children of all ages.
PREMIUM
Illuminary
This fantastical novel of misfits on a Quest literally and figuratively will entice readers in middle school and beyond. The cliff-hanger ending will have readers anticipating the sequel.
PREMIUM
Of Earthly Delights
This gothic romance, while occasionally repetitive, offers an atmospheric and emotionally charged narrative. Mature readers may particularly appreciate the sharp, eerie imagery woven throughout.
By sounding a warning before the catastrophe comes, it might motivate some readers to find ways to take action to mitigate the very worst of it.
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