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Social biases are explored from the point-of view of a humanoid cat in this thought-provoking one shot.
This month's SLJ cover story is my piece on school shootings in middle grade and YA books.
Today's book is best described as beautiful, weirdly touching, and utterly original. “Swish Zing Tizzle-ting POOF!”
Author Nova Ren Suma joins us to talk about her new book WAKE THE WILD CREATURES.
Author Erin Entrada Kelly joins us to talk about her new book At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom
A parent complaint about a nonbinary snail led a Virginia elementary school principal to cancel a visit by author Erica S. Perl. A former trial attorney, Perl offers a lesson in smart booking contracts and standing up to book and author challenges.
"Here are paintbrushes and wastebaskets and thought." Elisha Cooper talks structure, color, rhythm, and love, as how they pertain to his latest book.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Mina Ikemoto Ghosh shares about Hyo the Hellmaker in this latest installment.
Grab your towel, sunscreen, and snacks, and head out in the sunshine to enjoy some summertime stories. These 16 YA romances celebrate love and everything summer, from camp and vacation drama to days spent at jobs and on creative pursuits.
Our third round of Mock Newbery suggestions is now open. Share up to five titles that you feel might belong in a discussion of the best books of 2025.
I’ve created a Literary Gomoku for the AAPI Book Challenge by adapting a traditional game board. Your goal is to read five books in a row – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally or you could choose to complete the five corners.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Creaky Acres from Kokila and Pencil and Eraser Lost and Frown from G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.
I always imagined GAMERS as a celebration of video games and how they can connect people, and I hope this book appeals to those who grew up playing them as much as those who are still growing up.
Celebrate mothers not just for one day but all year long with these selections.
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Jamie Smart is the British author and illustrator of the bestselling children’s comic series “Bunny vs Monkey.” Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island is the first title in his new graphic novel series for kids ages 5–8. Smart talks about the creation of this delightful new series.
A celebration of birding, making new friends, and the power of self-love make these picture books excellent choices for summer reading and all year round.
Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder Tell All About 'Creaky Acres,' Their New Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Creaky Acres is a story about a girl, a horse, and a whole new way of life. Brigid Alverson spoke to the creators about their graphic novel featuring Nora, a competitive rider, who finds her way on a delightfully weird farm, inhabited by an equally quirky crew of young equestrians.
This book? It’s a wonder. A joy. A small pinpoint of light in the darkness that is 2025. If you are in need of something that takes your faith in humanity and gives it a jolt to the gills, that would be this title.
Author Mk Smith Despres takes us behind the scenes of their poetic picture book THERE'S THAT SUN AGAIN.
Moving on can be hard, whether it's changing schools or embracing the afterlife. In Eric Colossal's new graphic novel, a group of pre-teens must save their haunted small town from its plague of ghosts.
Author Riley Redgate joins us to talk about her new book COME HOME TO MY HEART.
Purchase where fairy tale shojo manga and other supernatural romance stories are popular.
PREMIUM
Thirsty Ground
With this novel that explores themes of identity, duty, and destiny, YA readers are in for an adventure.
PREMIUM
Finding Her Feet
Challenging middle school dynamics and identity themes are accurately portrayed; striving readers will root for Lily as she navigates her way through a new social group and game. A needed and welcome addition for school and public libraries.
A timely, affirming gift book ideal for Father’s Day shelves and family story times celebrating modern dads.
Like a sun-drenched memory, this book embodies the magic of girlhood fangirl summers, the sun warming your face, and your favorite pop song blasting as if the whole world is yours.
A heartwarming and entertaining read that celebrates the joys of summer, the magic of childhood, and the enduring bonds of friendship; a great addition to any children’s or school library.
An additional purchase for libraries where fans of the series and game are requesting more time in this expansive universe.
This compelling biography belongs in every library, enhancing instruction and research on women’s history, WWII, the Philippines, and Hansen’s disease.
PREMIUM
Sib Squad
Featuring a nostalgic comic art style and plenty of laughs, this graphic novel is a standout option for young readers, offering a relatable look at sibling dynamics.
This timely and timeless collection of nature poems is a perfect addition to any library or classroom.
PREMIUM
GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis, Vol. 1
A good addition for libraries looking for intriguing monster stories and anywhere Urasawa’s works circulate well.
Purchase where readers devour the “I Survived” series by Lauren Tarshis.
PREMIUM
The Rebel’s Guide to Pride
Fans of Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda and Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish will fall in love with Zeke and his story.
A vital read that celebrates the power of true authenticity, this is a must-buy for middle school collections.
An adventure story that underlines themes of personal agency, this is recommended for fans of fantasy that includes strong human-animal connections.
A relevant story about the migration of butterflies and people, this book could be a great read aloud for a unit on butterflies, immigration, or making friends for elementary school readers.
PREMIUM
Dead Rock, Vol. 1
Loaded with action and a zany cast, this is a definite purchase where Mashima’s other works circulate well.
A relatable story highlighting social intelligence skills in a way that will feel real to young readers.
Hand to fans of rich fantasies like those of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.
Award-winning author illustrators Julie Flett and Sophie Blackall sat down for a chat on the occasion of Children’s Book Week 2025. Flett created this year’s poster on the theme: “An Ocean of Stories,” and Blackall did the honors in 2024, illustrating “No Rules. Just Read.”
These nonfiction titles feature Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander politicians, restaurateurs, Nobel Peace Prize recipients, and more.
PREMIUM
Music of the Mountains
A narrative steeped in tradition and family with a modern plot, this book will be a welcome addition to picture book collections.
While the back matter provides a good deal of information, there are more engaging options that blend historical information and cultural celebration seamlessly into the narrative.
A delicious read from the first bite; Ellis has whipped up a true goody. This is a solid purchase for all libraries where tweens desire a relatable delight.
PREMIUM
Barnacle Bay
Perfect for fans of the visual style and humor of Ben Clanton’s “Narwhal and Jelly,” and also a useful introduction to marine habitats and sea life for classroom units and individual interest.
PREMIUM
Manga Classics: Treasure Island
While it may have limited use if the original classic is a required read, this adaptation is not likely to generate its own audience. Not recommended.
PREMIUM
The 31st Consort, Vol. 1
An enchanting start to the series; purchase for readers of other lighthearted romance series like “Romantic Killer” or “The Fiancee Chosen by the Ring.”
PREMIUM
Tamaki & Amane
This book subtly reminds readers that while our time together may be fleeting, meaningful connections, in all their many forms, endure.
PREMIUM
Erin and Yrso: Book 1
A highly entertaining first installment to a new series that will appeal to fans of Guardians of the Galaxy, this is a must-buy for graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
The Village Beyond the Mist
A long-awaited translation that will appeal to fans of Spirited Away and those eclectic readers who have never encountered Miyazaki’s film; recommended for fans of tales ranging from The Secret Garden to “The Spiderwick Chronicles.”
A buggy adventure with high jinks and teamwork galore, recommended for middle grade fiction collections.
A well-done work that will empower young environmental activists and give them (and any speechwriter) an impactful handbook.
Full of righteous rage and a strong drive for justice and inclusivity, Maeve's story is an inspiring look at activism.
This biography is a good addition to a secondary school’s biography collection. Readers who enjoy stories of bravery, espionage, and strong female figures will find Hall’s story both thrilling and inspiring.
A must-read for anyone looking to understand the future of advocacy in a rapidly changing world.
PREMIUM
Epic Athletes: Caitlin Clark
An engaging and well-crafted tribute to a talented athlete, offering an inspiring read for sports enthusiasts, Clark fans, and aspiring athletes alike.
Graphic memoirs are a fantastic way to capture the sense of an era and experience, and Huang does so masterfully, bringing 1990s China to life.
This book puts a relatable face on climate resistance in Appalachia for YAs.
A general purchase for an art curriculum tie-in.
A solid, heartwarming addition to early chapter book collections.
A well-crafted graphic novel about facing one’s fears, recommended for early reader or graphic novel sections.
This new standout early reader series is highly recommended for general purchase.
This rhyming tale of an unusual character in a wacky situation will appeal to fans of Dr. Seuss.
PREMIUM
Sports Are Fun!
This wonderful early reader about a variety of sports is a great addition to any preschool or elementary library collection.
PREMIUM
Lissa Loves Bugs
The perfect chapter book for young lovers of science or fantasy, especially bug enthusiasts who enjoy a hint of suspense in their stories as well. Strong female characters will also inspire readers of all ages.
PREMIUM
Pete the Cat’s Mars Mission
A recommended purchase for libraries where Pete the Cat is popular and early readers circulate widely.
Sure to be a hit with vehicle lovers, this engaging title for early chapter book readers cleverly uses a bulldozer child protagonist to address social fears about new situations and friendships. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
I’m a Preschool Kid!
An accessible introduction to preschool, helping young children as they prepare to transition to a new environment.
A simple, yet impactful, story about big feelings and how kids can effectively manage them.
PREMIUM
First Day Around the World
A delightful celebration of global connection through the lens of education.
PREMIUM
Yeti Is Not Ready for School
Sensitive and only slightly spooky, this book makes Yeti’s first day of school amusing and relatable.
PREMIUM
My Teacher Is a Dinosaur!
Dinosaurs are perennially popular, making this a sound addition to picture book collections.
PREMIUM
I’m Your School Bus
Libraries, especially those with fans of buses and vehicles, looking to increase their board book collections will find this title worth the purchase. Otherwise, an additional purchase.
Perfect for the younger crowd to get them excited about going to school, or for a back-to-school storytime.
Purchase where back-to-school collections need bulking up.
PREMIUM
Alpaca Goes Back-A to School
Recommended for school and public libraries: going back to school is an event that most children will encounter at one point or another.
PREMIUM
Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!
Grumpy Monkey retains his usual humor while slipping in a little new knowledge in this book that may become a favorite reread.
PREMIUM
On the First Day of Preschool
A great addition to any library collection. Children will enjoy seeing themselves in activities they have done in their school.
PREMIUM
Preschool Is Cool!
For public libraries or early childhood programs looking for works that eases nerves and makes school look like a place to learn and grow.
Young children will relate to Tiny and his first day of school jitters, while being reassured that school is a place to make mistakes and grow.
PREMIUM
Fish Don’t Go to School
Children will enjoy reading about Henry’s first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends.
An excellent purchase for upper elementary and middle schools for its short, humorous take on murder mysteries.
Purchase where more books on processing grief are needed.
PREMIUM
The League of Littles
A lively new graphic novel series recommended for elementary libraries where spy stories are widely circulated.
PREMIUM
The Visitors
A poignant, recommended story for fans of character-driven fiction with a touch of supernatural thrill.
PREMIUM
Seeker Society
While it doesn’t break new ground, this is an enjoyable and magical tale for readers with a taste for adventure.
PREMIUM
Going Overboard
A charming, timely novel about growth and change; recommended for most middle school collections.
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