In their follow-up to Measuring Up, Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu send a very reluctant young girl to Taiwanese-American summer camp to get in touch with her heritage and grow closer to her sister—will the experience help her learn to be herself, or will she continue to strive to fit in on others' terms?
By choosing books that combine the thrill of a mystery with a unique setting, educators can review geography, address differences in the ways people live and work, and still engage young readers.
When kids at school say there are "no good books" to read, I send them to two places: graphic novels or the list of short books/books under 250 pages.
More than 47 percent of the titles targeted [for book bans] represent LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices and experiences. Publishers are responding to book challenges by endorsing Right to Read acts, contributing book résumés to the Unite Against Book Bans initiative and continuing to prioritize titles representing LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
Somehow, Ursu has managed to write a legitimately scary ghost story (sorta) that’s also about accusations of hysteria, invisible illnesses, and issues in middle school.
To fathom the defacing of images in children’s books, one almost has to process it in stages, beginning with incredulity. The issue, however, is no joke, and librarians are feeling the pressure. In our reporting, the frequency of instances involving the altering of material by school librarians was such that we elevated this to a cover story.
Among this month's standouts are the latest graphic novel co-authored by Gender Queer's Maia Kobabe, a picture book from Kyle Lukoff, and a video adapted from Carole Boston Weatherford's book about Mary Hamilton.
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and though Pearl by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie won’t be released until the summer, why not celebrate its upcoming release with a review?
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and though Pearl by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie won’t be released until the summer, why not celebrate its upcoming release with a review?
Miami is unreal. That’s why it was the inspiration for in my newest YA novel, Death’s Country.
Which books have been checked out the most at my school library this year? Let's have a look . . .
These early readers and chapter books will be just the thing for independent readers looking to meet new characters and engage with fun stories during the summer months.
Just a few years removed from a global pandemic that saw the intense politicization of public health initiatives, the U.S. public’s faith in science has declined. Books that help students understand complex issues and inform them about important scientific advancements and the critical role that STEM plays in our society can help produce more informed citizens who support the need for scientific investment.
The Freedom to Learn collective marked National Day of Action by protesting censorship attempts outside the Supreme Court; a challenged book returns to shelves in Virginia while titles get removed from schools in Florida and South Carolina; and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver takes on book bans.
Today we talk with a man who slowly, methodically, carefully, and with great love, churns out some of the smartest books for kids today.
Author Polly Holyoke shares tips for helping tweens and teens to become writers
Full of humor, memorable characters, great dialogue, and more wrestling than maybe any other book I've read before, this empathetic and meaningful look at grief makes it clear that there's no wrong wrong to do it, even if that means living with the voice of a professional wrestler in your head.
I started making up this story with my brother when I was in middle school, and it’s taken all these years to finally finish it.
Checking in on the 2025 Mock Newbery and Caldecott lists on Goodreads.
Despite the importance and impact of the 1947 Partition of India, there is little taught about the event or written about it in children's literature. Authors Saadia Faruqi, Ritu Hemnani, and Veera Hiranandani are filling that gap with new titles.
Hi-Lo titles are high-interest stories written at a lower reading level for striving readers. These 24 books, in genres ranging from romance to horror, are sure to grip readers with relatable main characters and contemporary coming-of-age themes.
Since we're already in the thick of it, let's round out our look at the spring 2024 titles coming out from a slew of smaller publishers this season.
Two high schoolers are drawn together by the power of the number 8 in this one-shot manga.
Keep your eyes open. Notice the art in your community and look for opportunities to engage students. Watch for special exhibits in your school and community. No matter the size of your community, there are artists.
Here’s the thing that took me awhile to learn: suppressing our feelings, or berating ourselves for having them in the first place, only makes those difficult feelings worse.
A conversation with Lucy Ruth Cummins about her new book, DALMARTIAN.
New York City Public Schools Robin Hood Libraries and the Billion Oyster Project have partnered to get students excited over learning about oysters and their important impact on the environment.
A panel of seasoned librarians share their expertise, strategies, and passion for manga collection development in a "PowerPoint Party" tailored specifically for libraries. Register to join the live program May 17.
Readers had their say about "Dictionaries on the Chopping Block," the latest Scales on Censorship column, and more.
Cape Verdean books for kids may be rare in America, but there's at least one author out there working to fill the gaps. Today we talk with Janet Costa Bates about her latest early chapter series.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Anzu and the Realm of Darkness from Viking Books for Young Readers and Action Dude from Silver Dolphin Books.
This great read is a real page-turner and will especially appeal to readers who love family stories and readers who (like me) like their fantasy to be quite grounded in reality. An absolutely smashing read that everyone should pick up this summer!
It's time to add May suggestions to the growing Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list. Readers can submit up to five titles that might be considered as possible contenders for the 2025 Newbery Medal.
Everyone—children, teens and even adults—need safe outlets to explore their emotions, fears and unspoken curiosities. Whether you’re writing a book or reading a book, stories can be that safe harbor.
When television and books collide.
STEM comes to life for beginning readers in these stories, which can be used to complement science, math, or reading instruction.
"Like a Playboy featuring vegetables. Sexy sexy vegetables." The original vertical Caldecott Honor winner turns out to be the perfect spring title for us to discuss today.
Daniel Bernstrom, Carole Boston Weatherford, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kekla Magoon, Scott Reintgen, and others share stories about educators who played an important role in their lives.
Today's Archie Digest preview focuses on the hazards of high school sports.
We are lucky to live in a time where there is just so much wonderful middle grade coming out. There's no reason to hear a middle schooler say "I'm bored" this summer.
I’ve finally been able to reach into that drawer and grab some panache. CJ and the soccer-princess-sprite deserve a lot of thanks for that.
A fresh selection to offer to young children experiencing the loss of a loved one; a good choice for the grief or intergenerational shelves.
A charming book, recommended for larger library collections.
A beautiful celebration of the bond between a grandfather and his grandchild, and the importance of preserving the past through storytelling.
This heartwarming tale of intergenerational connection, complemented by its inviting artwork, is a delightful addition to any library or collection.
Simple text could make for a fun read-aloud, but stronger titles are available about both chickens and anxiety: the human baby in Fran Manushkin’s Baby, Come Out! faces a similar dilemma and the suspense is all but unbearable and so satisfying.
A simple yet well-crafted story, as text and illustrations depict activities familiar to children everywhere as well as introduce language and facts about life in Kenya.
Quintero’s words speak to bonds of care, while the glorious illustrations sing of bodies round and safe. In this must-purchase, there is bounty of feeling, respect for physicality, touch, and sensation, wrapped in a picture book pocket.
A fable wherein the courage of the lion was in the girl all along. Jackson imbues what could have been a tired concept with depth, breadth, and power. Great for reading aloud in a group or individual sharing and an excellent addition to all collections.
An sweet narrative promoting resilience and embracing imperfection, this is an amiable addition to the shelves.
Recommended for a slightly older age group than the usual board book audience, but still, quite a find.
A great choice for collections in need of books with diverse family composition.
A well-researched account of an essential historical account of the U.S. labor movement. Highly recommended for middle school readers and beyond.
Perfect for fans of What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson or Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis.
A poignant exploration of family, identity, and self-discovery, offering late teens a thought-provoking journey as they navigate the complexities of emerging into new adulthood.
While billed as a loose interpretation of the “Sleeping Beauty” tale, this dark fantasy is more akin to Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin with its religious musings about duty, love, and purpose.
This strong debut belongs on library shelves, especially where mysteries are popular.
This ode to feminism belongs on shelves where similar works are popular and also makes an excellent title for discussion.
An evocative novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, history, and psychology, this is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking puzzle that explores the lasting impacts of war. Highly recommended for any collection but particularly for libraries where Alan Gratz or Elizabeth Wein books are popular.
This look at the realities of what comes after love-at-first-sight is worth a read, especially for those who enjoyed Nicola Yoon’s The Sun Is Also a Star and Jennifer E. Smith’s The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.
An additional purchase for collections where retellings circulate well, and a further recommendation that the book will likely resonate with fans of Chloe Gong and Rin Chupeco.
An excellent addition to nonfiction collections for young readers.
A love letter to Muslim children at a time when it is needed most. A recommended first purchase for school and public libraries.
Providing necessary AANHPI representation, humor, and instant middle school appeal, this novel is a first purchase.
With nothing new presented, this an additional purchase unlikely to stand out on the overcrowded holiday bookshelf.
A basic counting book for babies that is mildly Halloween-themed.
A federal judge ruled that a lawsuit brought by And Tango Makes Three authors and a student against a Florida school district can proceed; civil rights icon Ruby Bridges speaks out against censors; and more news on legal battles and library-related legislative actions continue across the country.
A gorgeous celebration for all children’s collections.
An engaging and bright treatment of a Mexican sculptor that will inspire burgeoning artists, purchase this bilingual book for elementary collections.
This modern fable that combines science with storytelling will find a home complementing early nature and science instruction.
A sensitive work, based in bittersweet lessons, this is also a practical guide to overcoming anxiety with the help of others.
A good starter suspense tale for middle schoolers, but older or more experienced mystery readers may find it lacking in depth.
A spectacular sequel in an exciting fantasy series and a must-purchase for all libraries serving high schoolers.
A nice guide to keep at the desk or to use in school rooms.
Strongly recommended for all young adult collections.
Not only a survey of various animals, this will resonate with little ones who see themselves reflected in the mongoose, needing an outlet for its energy before settling into the family burrow and falling fast asleep.
The Cat in the Hat comes back again, this time in the very first in a new line of graphic novels starring Dr. Seuss' characters and created by cartoonists working in their own distinct styles.
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