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If you’re looking to foster a love for fantasy that’s sure to last a lifetime, here are six spectacular, inclusive (and more or less recent) middle grade fantasy books to gift this holiday season.
The X-Men get the manga treatment in this retelling of the animated series.
Being vulnerable on the page hasn’t been easy. Opening myself up to judgement—both good and bad is terrifying.
The new law in New Jersey aims to limit book removals and protect librarians from criminal prosecution; in Illinois, some school districts are choosing to lose state grants instead of complying with its Freedom to Read law; additional titles removed in Oregon and Tennessee; and more in censorship news.
Today we have a preview of the final arc of James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas' fantasy tale Wynd.
A series opener that will leave readers aching for the next installment. Not to be missed, this is one enemies-to-lovers trope that lives up to the name.
PREMIUM
Desert Echoes
This novel suffers from a rough start, but the second half makes it worthy of consideration in collections short on stories about addiction, loss, and generational trauma.
PREMIUM
HappyHead
This novel excels in delivering a fast-paced and unique dystopian thriller with a cliffhanger ending.
A triumph; Green has crafted an unforgettable coming-of-age story that is poignant and hopeful. With a blend of humor and resilience, this work deserves a place in the hearts of readers, especially those navigating similar journeys in a world that doesn’t always welcome difference.
If you need a holiday gift for that childhood friend you always traded books with, look no further.
From historical works to books influenced by personal history to those with characters who must examine the past to move forward, these five titles are strong Printz contenders.
This Thanksgiving season, I’ve been thinking about all the ways libraries have influenced my life.
It was a huge week in the movie world this Thanksgiving, as Wicked and Gladiator II continued their streaks and Moana 2 premiered to huge numbers. So I thought, while listening once again to the Wicked soundtrack, why not recommend books that I think fit some of the characters from these huge films? After all, […]
PREMIUM
The Rules of Royalty
An LGBTQIA+ romance reminiscent of The Princess Diaries with characters readers will root for.
PREMIUM
Ex Marks the Spot
This beautifully written adventure is for readers who have a great interest in Taiwan and its culture, particularly the various specialty foods. For those who are looking for a perfectly sweet romance story, this book is a must-read.
PREMIUM
The Losting Fountain
Fans of dark fantasy with horrifying monsters and action will enjoy the rising action of this novel and its unique world. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Dust
This coming-of-age novel is poetic with vivid descriptions and comes highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Brewed with Love
This tale of a misbrewed potion is great for any YA collection where magical realism, sapphic, and witchy titles are already popular.
Fans of the X-Men and thrillers like the “John Wick” movies or Atomic Blonde will enjoy this caper.
This reads like a car wreck sitcom: impossible to look away from in the best way possible. It is difficult to imagine fans of Heartstopper not loving Patch and his larger-than-life personality on the quest for love.
PREMIUM
Heavenly Tyrant
Returning fans will find many things to love in this cathartic power fantasy. Recommended for collections with the first book.
PREMIUM
Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue
An engrossing supernatural story with a nice slow burn romance. The first book does not need to be read but provides readers with a better understanding of the characters. Strong first buy.
PREMIUM
You’re Dead to Me
This book will appeal to readers seeking a fast-paced high school horror with serial killers, supernatural visions, and plenty of suspense. Recommended for fans of Gretchen McNeil and Cynthia Murphy.
PREMIUM
What the Woods Took
An enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance framed in horror, with transformation at its core.
PREMIUM
Better Than Revenge
YA romancers will not be disappointed in this coming-of-age narrative! Recommended for all school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
We Are the Beasts
Exciting historical horror; full of sharp turns and fast-paced action with a fiery, feminist heart.
I am very grateful for the books here that managed to hold my wandering attention and pull me into their fictional worlds.
I am essentially making comfy nests where other tired hearts can rest, books with arguably naive but stubborn resilience against tough odds, and books with kind power in them.
From moving tales in verse to romantic romps to stories of monsters both real and fantastical, these 25 YA novels represent the best of teens living, loving, surviving, and thriving in worlds and times that do not always accept them.
Utah has added Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott to its list of books banned at all public schools; the Texas state board of education wants legislation giving it control of school library collections; and Crank by Ellen Hopkins remains on South Carolina high school shelves, but students will need parental permission.
PREMIUM
Ros Demir Is Not the One
Friendship and misunderstanding go hand in hand in this layered character study of a teen who longs to be accepted.
PREMIUM
Killer House Party
A unique mix of haunting and humor that captures the volatility of youth and the belief that one’s future is worth the fight, even against the supernatural.
PREMIUM
Tangleroot
A wonderful coming-of-age story that successfully explores the roles that secrets and family history play in shaping family relationships.
Ellor has truly found their stride in this sparkling tribute to a well-loved ballet that belongs first in line for purchase where teens crave classic, atmospheric fantasy or retellings.
After a busy bookish September and October, we’re combining the posts for November and December! Here’s 10 fabulous titles that release before the end of 2024. The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis Sequel to: The Davenports by Krystal Marquis The Davenports Pitch: The Davenports live in 1910s Chicago, one of the few Black […]
In which teen librarian Karen Jensen discusses historian Heather Cox Richardson and the Department of Education.
Teen librarian Cindy Shutts discusses Anime Club and how to get a Crunchy Roll account
A young swordsmith engages sorcerers and the Yakuza in this tale of revenge.
The trick is to not give up while the slow burn runs its course.
I hope after reading our novel, hearts can empathize better with refugees in the community and be spurned to action. Perhaps students will take greater interest in the new classmate that just arrived in the states.
As it turns out, becoming a writer for teens—and teen Jan—is about the most thrilling and rewarding answer to the question: who am I?
Dahlin’s debut earns her place on library shelves with this fantastic piece of nail-biting suspense.
PREMIUM
Bridge Across the Sky
This historical novel in verse is superb, conveying the magnitude of disrespect, hatred, and racist practices Chinese immigrants had to endure.
PREMIUM
My Salty Mary
This title is for fans of the authors’ collaborations; otherwise, for mermaids and queering the fairy tale, read Emma Donoghue’s Kissing the Witch or Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish, and for swashbuckling and funny, historically embedded lady pirates, go to L.A. Meyer’s “Bloody Jack” series or Briony Cameron’s The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye.
Tahir is an expert at swoonworthy heroes, fierce females, and slow burn romance. Accompanied by adventure, family and found family ties, and political intrigue, this multilayered, quick-paced story is a must purchase.
It cannot be overstated how important Brett’s story is for those who need to hear it, a possible lifeline for those in need of reassurance that their experiences aren’t as uncommon as they may think.
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.
Critiquing how the military preys on low-income families with promises of education and employment does not sound like something that would be in a graphic novel targeted at children aged ten and up, but that is the message at the narrative’s core.
An angst-fueled, twisted fairy tale wrapped tightly in dark academia, exploring the border between love and something more dangerous.
PREMIUM
A Vile Season
The main character’s arc from villain to antihero to lovestruck romantic makes this a worthwhile addition to YA collections.
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.
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.
From puppy love to the latest collection from fan-favorite Junji Ito, these 10 new manga releases are bound to be a hit with readers of all ages.
Middle grade may not have been in my initial career plans as an author, but now I can’t imagine writing without it.
PREMIUM
Dead Girls Don’t Say Sorry
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
PREMIUM
Sixteen Minutes
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.
PREMIUM
Spells to Forget Us
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
Mistaken identity and music leads to an adorable meet-cute in this edgy manga.
PREMIUM
Heart-Shaped Lies
An additional purchase where thrillers involving social media are popular.
PREMIUM
Snow Drowned
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.
PREMIUM
Where the Library Hides
A singular historical romance destined for all YA collections. These characters will have a hold on readers long after the last page.
PREMIUM
Perfect Girl
An exhilarating thriller; fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson will devour it.
PREMIUM
A Queen’s Game
This wild, romantic gallop through a fascinating moment in history will delight both history buffs and readers looking for high society escapism.
PREMIUM
Fortune’s Kiss
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.
PREMIUM
Streetlight People
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
PREMIUM
Darkly
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.
PREMIUM
Here Goes Nothing
A feisty queer retelling of a classic, perfect for a teach-along or lesson enhancement.
PREMIUM
Thanks for Listening
Gr 10 Up–Horan’s second contemporary queer YA novel is a fantastic and much-needed ace romance...
PREMIUM
If You Can Hear This
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.
PREMIUM
Midnights With You
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.
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.
35 new and upcoming titles to check out.
To write this story I interviewed social workers and read work by social scientists and scholars of American child welfare. I learned three lessons that I believe are critical for writers, librarians, and other members of the book community.
In my latest book, We Are Not Alone, I wanted to challenge that notion of humor being “inappropriate” in a book about grief and illness head on.
We adults can offer prompts, reading suggestions, and support, but that what’s most important is that young writers own their work, discover their own processes, experience encouragement but not too much intrusion from adults.
Top 2025 Printz Award contenders include poetry, stories featuring characters at both the younger and older ends of the age spectrum, graphic works, and an author who could get her fourth Printz recognition.
Powerful, affecting, and ultimately hopeful. Just beautiful.
Do we talk about these enough? I don’t know. I feel like I don’t hear about them a lot, but maybe that’s because they’re so miserable. But any time I bring up friendship breakups, people always have a story to tell.
The world can be a hard and terrible place, and the world can be a fantastically whole and enlivening place. It’s both, and it’s where we live. We can survive the first, and even grow. We can rejoice in the second, and practice empathy.
Are nerds having a moment? You might say that.
A powerful story about loss, justice, hope, and persistence. An important addition to library collections.
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