Related
PREMIUM
chi miigwech, big thank you
A crisp light text accompanied by compelling graphics, this book will entertain small children and prompt older readers learning about Indigenous culture and language to explore further.
A lively, educational celebration of mariachi instruments and a strong addition to bilingual board book collections.
PREMIUM
Ghost and Witch, Vol. 1
Hand this to horror fans who aren’t ready for Junji Ito and to readers who enjoy fantasy and Irish folklore.
A great pick for fans of shoujo manga, magical girls, and stories that bring magic into everyday life.
PREMIUM
La profecía equivocada
This magical boarding school drama with a Greek myth twist would be perfect for Spanish-language fantasy collections.
An excellent choice for elementary classrooms, young naturalists, homeschooling families, and any child fascinated by animals, ecosystems, or environmental stewardship, filled with sensory language, and captivating images.
This charming pictorial work will be devoured by budding ornithologists and nature lovers alike. Highly recommended for all nonfiction collections.
A must for Spanish-language collections serving tweens, especially where fantasy is popular.
PREMIUM
Open: Every Seed Has Its Moment
This would be a good choice for libraries needing SEL books about change and growth, or natural science books about seeds and the needs of plants.
PREMIUM
Hammers, Drills, and Wrenches
This lively overview is straightforward and engaging and will encourage young readers to dream of what they can create.
An inspiring look at architectural, engineering, and community creativity in response to climate change.
An evocative and engaging book that turns deep-sea science into a thrilling exploration. This is an excellent, educational addition to any library and perfect for readers fascinated by the natural world’s greatest mysteries.
Like the best dungeon fantasies, this story is filled with magic, trickery, and surprises, but it also invites readers to think more deeply about the environment and the beasts that inhabit it.
PREMIUM
Eres libre
This poetic picture book teaches children about diversity, freedom, identity, and respecting others; it’s a great addition to any SEL collection.
PREMIUM
The Shark Book
Whether Shark Week or not, this is a good choice for collections where shark books are popular.
A more fact-driven but engaging introduction to bunnies. Ideal for themed, bilingual story times or early Spanish nonfiction collections.
A charming introduction to read at home or for a themed bilingual story time.
PREMIUM
The Prince’s Keeper, Vol. 1
A stellar pick for romantasy fans, including those who don’t usually read manga.
PREMIUM
Shugo Chara! Jewel Joker, Vol. 1
A solid choice for fans of the original series, but this reads very much like a sequel and may be hard for newcomers to get into.
PREMIUM
Because of a Bee
A worthwhile addition to collections where books about bees, gardens, and pollinators are popular, this is sure to spark curiosity about how even the smallest creatures make a big impact.
With a cheery tone and lots of examples to reference, this is a great how-to book for budding manga artists.
This is a stunning collection of animals and their nests that will make an ideal addition to any nonfiction picture book collection.
PREMIUM
Magical Girl Dandelion, Vol. 1
A solid magical girl action story for fans of dark supernatural manga like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Gachiakuta.”
A unique globe-trotting scientific exploration sure to pique the interest of budding young mycologists and naturalists.
PREMIUM
El porqué de las estaciones
A great purchase for early elementary school collections and curriculum and for communities serving Spanish speakers.
A beautiful reminder that America is shaped by many different stories and experiences, and that the goal is to continue expanding who is included in that “we.” Perfect for all libraries.
This colorful, fast-moving adaptation is an engaging read and a brisk introduction to the original story.
PREMIUM
Ichi the Witch, Vol. 1
This Shonen Jump manga will appeal to fans of “One Piece” and other magical stories, while fantasy readers may enjoy the worldbuilding and the variety of characters.
A necessary purchase, this glorious collaboration between author and illustrator brings the world of jellyfish to unforgettable life.
PREMIUM
Tay Naja Nitajtaketzki Achtu Tik Nawat: Mis Primeras Palabras en Nahuat/My First Words in Nahuat
A must-purchase for the elementary shelves, offering aspects of under-represented languages and cultures for well-rounded collections.
A visually playful introduction to Latin American treats that works best for Spanish-speaking families. While the concept is appealing, stronger Spanish-language board books exist for teaching vocabulary.
PREMIUM
Akira Failing in Love, Vol. 1
An amiable rom-com that’s a good match for other shonen romances such as “Komi Can’t Communicate,” where the humor stems from awkwardness and misunderstandings.
Purchase for early elementary school collections and communities serving Spanish speakers and learners.
A delightful, curious, and engaging collection; if there is only one poetry book to add this year, this is it.
The evocative language, layered illustrations, and purposeful historical framing make this a meaningful addition to classroom libraries and a valuable anchor text for conversations about history, identity, and contribution.
PREMIUM
Grendizer U: The Inception.
Give this to sci-fi fans, whether or not they are into anime.
A visually appealing and browsable offering that will be appropriate for many nonfiction collections.
PREMIUM
Watch Me Grow: Sunflowers
This strong nonfiction picture book is a first purchase for all children’s collections.
Not suitable for a science lesson, but the visual and sonic energy, plus the unusual format, may provide enough oomph for infant and preschool story hours.
The 2026 Newbery Medal winner is ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY by Renee Watson. Share your reactions to this news and to the other award winners that were announced.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Unfairies from G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.
I like bold statements, so here's one: The Moon Without Stars is one of the best books I will read this year.
The Youth Media Award Winners are announced. Sparking Fire Out of Fate by Brigid Kemmerer leads holds this week. Wonder by R.J. Palacio tops the NYT Children’s Middle Grade Hardcover Bestsellers list after 526 weeks on the list; new to the list are The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller at No. 6 and Basket Ball by Kadir Nelson at No. 10. The United States Board on Books for Young People releases its 2026 Outstanding International Book List.
A classic Boynton gets our official podcast treatment. How has it aged? I'll let you guess our answer to that one.
Here are the winners of the 2026 ALA Youth Media Awards, announced Monday, January 26 in Chicago.
All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson wins the Newbery; Fireworks, illustrated by Cátia Chien, earns the Caldecott; and Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, an anthology edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, was named the Printz Award winner at the 2026 Youth Media Awards.
Nearly 100 people cast ballot on our Heavy Medal Reader's Poll, and the winner is: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by Kate Messner.
By Don Everts, author of Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orbs Hey, Dad! Can you help me find a book to read? I’ll never forget the day that text came in from my youngest son. I was surprised because Victor, a young teenager, had never caught the bug for reading (except for Harry […]
Thanks to all who participated and attended our annual webinar. It was surprising to see the HMAC and viewers poll Mock Newbery winners.
A teenage matchmaker is reborn as a gun-toting cupid in this fun manga.
A ghost story, a teen investigative podcaster, a Great Gatsby reimagining, a Sundown Town thriller, and a reimagining of The Winter's Tale.
To wrap up our Pooh coverage, we end today with two Winnie-related releases and what they have to say about the silly old bear in the 21st century.
ALA's Youth Media Awards will be announced on Monday, including the Newbery, Caldecott, and many more. We have no idea what will win, but it's fun to guess, so....Predictions!
These illustrated works, including a board book, early reader, and two picture books, are heartwarming picks that are sure to be hits beyond Valentine’s Day.
Lunar New Year is February 17. Here are some titles to share with young readers, including a new chapter book from Grace Lin.
We Need Diverse Book aims to fight book banning and better literacy with a new initiative; Library of Congressi s accepting applications for Literacy Awards; NCTE to host African American Read-in with Mychal Threets; and more.
A perfect bilingual story, in Spanish and English editions, that celebrates the many ways love can be shown without using words. The story follows Maricruz and her papi on a trip to the store in their...
Meet Lottie: My nemesis. For several years I was at war with this sweet little pearl-wearing otter. Sit back, kids. because I've a tale to tell.
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
We've waited long enough. Bring on the Caldecott. Bring on the Newbery.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
I wrote this relationship because I believe that love is limitless and that traditional expectations can be severely limiting. This theme can be applied to so much more than someone’s sexuality. What better takeaway can a teen have than the notion that their future is full of infinite possibilities?
Carolina Ixta's sophomore novel, Few Blue Skies, publishes in February 2026. Here, the author reflects on the idea for this ambitious novel, blurring the lines between fiction and nonfiction, and comparing the work to her award-winning debut.
We’re on the precipice of great change—the technology is here, and people are using it—so we need to confront it head-on.
Glitter Everywhere! by Chris Barton mentions LGBTQIA+ people on one page, which the district said violated the state’s anti-DEI law; Iowa book ban bill back in federal courts; and more.
Today I pull two entirely different Pooh-related posts from my archives. One the one hand, a statue you can visit. On the other, a book you may have forgotten.
All Heavy Medal readers are welcome to vote in our 2026 Mock Newbery Reader's Poll. It is open until Friday afternoon JANUARY 23rd.
In the middle of all the chaos, 2016 is calling. Despite it all, this can be a nice way to have some fun.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
