Writing Lucy was our way of coping with the years Teghan lost: both the years trapped in self-denial about her identity and the years she spent in prison. The book is a badge of honor for those tough years we survived, and it’s a love letter to each other.
I discovered that if told with some heart and soul, history can be as compelling as fine fiction. And before long I found myself on a mission to make history come alive for young people.
Anthologies are the literary equivalent to a buffet dinner. They offer a wide selection of different perspectives (both in story telling and in personal background) and writing styles on the same theme.
You know what rules? Dogs. I sure do like them. Here are a few middle grade books featuring dogs, all approved by my rescue chiweenies, Charlie and Spot.
The warm camaraderie of these sisters will put a smile on readers’ faces as both siblings work together for the common good. A great addition to the series and to library collections.
Gephart’s writing is strong and the dog hotel premise can easily be expanded for an audience in the ever-growing early chapter book genre.
Recommended for general purchase.
Mother-child love is abundant in this non-frightening monster story that reveals a beginning self-awareness and a nod to empathy. This recommended story is sure to capture the attention of the most rambunctious child.
An angst-fueled, twisted fairy tale wrapped tightly in dark academia, exploring the border between love and something more dangerous.
A comfy summer romance with STEM themes.
For middle grade readers who love complicated families, sports, and realistic fiction, this novel will be a strong fit.
The main character’s arc from villain to antihero to lovestruck romantic makes this a worthwhile addition to YA collections.
A secular Easter-themed book perfect to read aloud to an active preschool group.
An accessible introduction to social and political events in Germany during the time leading up to World War II.
A celebration of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and community that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation to read Frindle.
Fans of King’s work and teens interested in music and social issues will be drawn to this work.
There is a joy to asking questions and learning new things. It’s fun to explore, and to find the answer to a question. It’s exciting to learn that the world works in ways we did or did not expect.
Today, we are premiering Aaron's book trailer for his upcoming board book Winter Light. Before we do, however, I felt inclined to hear from the man himself about why exactly, precisely, minutely, he likes board books as much as he does.
Shakespeare’s greatness can live on, but we can also give space to new voices - and both can happen at the exact same time with the power of a retelling.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. In the latest installment, Wen-yi Lee shares about The Dark We Know.
The Donut Prince of New York isn't just about donuts or theater or football. It's about the revolutionary act of accepting yourself in a world that often suggests you shouldn't.
Author Gayle Forman is over on The Yarn podcast, taking us behind the scenes of her new middle grade novel NOT NOTHING
Middle grade may not have been in my initial career plans as an author, but now I can’t imagine writing without it.
For those needing a solid read-aloud for story times, consider this; despite some random elements, its message of love for nature is clear.
An excellent resource for those seeking an interactive story hour.
A fast-paced adventure that forces three children to make decisions about survival and come to terms with some grown-up issues.
A must-read for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans.
A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
A dreamy and mysterious tale about taking chances and traveling through time for the people you love, this is an excellent blend of a tense, high-stakes mystery and a relationship-driven, coming-of-age story.
Readers of the “Raybearer” series will welcome the return to familiar territory.
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
An ideal holiday book for all, and essential Lunar New Year reading.
Buy the book and the series. Kids need access to this diverse classroom of students who face everyday crises with their supportive friends, and this gentle read shows the goodness in the world without being overly sappy.
Families come in all sizes and shapes, warmly shown here; this book is recommended for libraries to add any shelves on ever-expanding inclusivity.
An excellent story about Indigenous culture, and how communities can support each other when things are tough. A strong choice for any elementary library.
Despite a promising start, this underdeveloped title is not recommended for purchase.
A book that begs to be read in one sitting.
This book fulfills its purpose but count on another title to find the joy of Purim.
Bound to be a story time hit.
While not an essential purchase, libraries where holiday titles are popular may want to get their paws on this adorable book.
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
This thankful season, children can read all about dinosaurs, crayons, and even turkeys enjoying food, fun, and family.
A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library.
Here is a small selection of twenty books which score 8/10 or higher on my personal "Fear Factor" grading used in The YA Horror 400.
The technical information on parasites presented in this book is accessible through the use of humor and illustrations, making it a solid choice for libraries serving middle grade students.
A great resource for readers with enough background knowledge to truly understand the material.
A glorious and filling book that will leave readers well-satisfied.
Despite some missing elements, this book’s delightfully effective partnership of visual and textual storytelling makes it a solid choice for upper elementary and junior high school collections.
A fascinating and important tale of one scientist’s dedication to ocean conservation and community that will inspire many to follow in her footsteps.
A good purchase to add to libraries that aim to support book discussion groups and classroom learning that coincides with true events, past and present.
The dramatic narrative asks thought-provoking questions about class and mobility under repressive systems. The murkiness of the art sometimes gets in the way of engaging with the story, but the text carries it through.
A sweet, queer coming-of-age story about listening to one’s self and navigating the complex world of friendships and romance. Recommended for purchase.
Though not for the faint of heart, this touching, gripping, and heartbreaking historical graphic novel doesn’t shy away from the dark sides of the true events it’s based on, while still offering a ray of hope for the genuine good out there.
Fans of Shinkai’s previous works, such as your name or Weathering with You, will be at home here too. Purchase where epic adventure-fantasies are popular.
Featuring an entertaining, captivating narrative, this series opener is a pot of intrigue that is sure to boil over in ensuing volumes.
A standout graphic novel that belongs in every collection for artful storytelling, beautifully expressive imagery, and a heroine who is admirable and fully human.
While far too violent for younger readers, this first volume ostentatiously highlights disability representation through outrageous fun action, laying the groundwork for a promising series where anything is possible.
An additional purchase where thrillers involving social media are popular.
This YA horror novel is perfect for fans of Kendare Blake, Rin Chupeco, and Madeleine Roux. The narrative is fast paced, with plot twists to keep readers intrigued and wanting more.
A singular historical romance destined for all YA collections. These characters will have a hold on readers long after the last page.
An exhilarating thriller; fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson will devour it.
This wild, romantic gallop through a fascinating moment in history will delight both history buffs and readers looking for high society escapism.
An ardently macabre and unique horror-fantasy mashup with strong appeal for the rabid and eager fans of V.E. Schwab and Stephanie Garber who are ready to go darker.
Recommended for older readers, as characters partake in drinking parties and sexual relationships; a good choice for those seeking atmospheric magical realism.YA Graphic Novels
Creative and unique, this is a special treat for readers who wish Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s The Inheritance Games had been set in the world of Jumanji.
A feisty queer retelling of a classic, perfect for a teach-along or lesson enhancement.
A quick and riveting mystery with fantastic representation.
Gr 10 Up–Horan’s second contemporary queer YA novel is a fantastic and much-needed ace romance...
Recommended for collections where titles like Tom Ryan’s I Hope You’re Listening or Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder circulate well.
An emotionally gripping debut novel that shines with hope, even through its traumas and trials.
A timely and engaging read for all ages, sure to be popular with teens and adult readers of YA.
Highly recommended and appropriate for all YA collections, especially where diverse romance stories featuring women of color are popular.
A basketball tome for die-hard fans of sports fiction.
An excellent purchase for school and public library collections.
A professional purchase for most school libraries.
A good resource that offers detailed insights and practical examples on how to strengthen advocacy and collaboration through ecosystem thinking.
A scholarly work more at home in academic libraries for those studying the impact of classic children’s literature and for superfans of Montgomery’s work.
A necessary purchase for elementary professional collections; the read-aloud experiences included provide a wealth of ideas to utilize across content areas and grade levels.
The love of the work and artist is evident, but the magic is lost in translation.
School libraries will find this a helpful addition to a well-used professional collection.
A crucial title for all academic libraries; this should be required reading in graduate library science, education, and higher education programs across the U.S.
A lovely purchase, this warm bedtime story is laced with love of music and close family feelings.
A sweet tale about overcoming fears that uniquely merges the insect and medieval worlds. Recommended for picture book collections.
Compelling as this is in concept, it misses the mark and is not recommended for purchase.
A thought-provoking and beautiful discussion about what makes up a face, but an optional purchase for most libraries.
Highly recommended; this is a compassionate look at how to support a friend overwhelmed by emotions.
This sweet and charming book shows children how to connect emotions and memories through simple, repetitive language and softly colored illustrations.
A story with a clear message about owning up to one’s mistakes that is sure to inspire discussion.
This hopeful work on a subject treated all too infrequently in picture books would be a sensitive and welcome addition to any library.
A wonderful book that showcases what the imagination can do, and to shelve right next to Crockett Johnson’s original.
This gorgeously illustrated poem celebrating and elevating brown girls is a solid choice for picture book collections.
A stunning book, this may have difficulty finding the right audience; a limited first buy.
A lively look at opposites that is a useful teaching tool and an examination of the many animals in a busy forest. A recommended purchase.
In charming and expressive imagery, readers will find a journey that requires courage, reasoning, and newfound maturity. A worthwhile purchase.
A breathtaking trip through one boy’s imagination, this beautiful picture book is highly recommended for school and public libraries.
A gentle reminder that everyone possesses the golden commodity of time when it comes to showing courtesy, compassion, and care for others.
This tribute to roti is a solid purchase.
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