Grade-schooler Měi Yīng's life seemed happy enough until she got to fifth grade and encountered a relentless bully who made fun of every aspect of her life. Can the examples of her mother and grandmother help her find the inner strength to deal with it?
History is boring to most kids—totally unfair to history, BTW. But it’s true: students often rank my subject, social studies, as their least favorite.
10 books I'm looking forward to this summer.
Talking today about what it takes to make a great food-related picture book readaloud. We discuss pasta, Bee-bim Bop, and more! Warning: This Q&A may make you hungry.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Kindgom Races from IDW Publishing and Summer Vamp from Random House Graphic.
For readers feeling their own haze all around them, Mackenzie's story will show that complicated realities will always be better than empty fictions.
The updated Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list features 36 excellent children's books that could be contenders for the 2025 Newbery Medal. Check out the full list here; and we'll add more titles each month.
To celebrate this unexpected milestone I thought I’d reflect on the six most interesting facts about this weird, bittersweet, wild ride of a story.
From going to work in faraway or dangerous jobs to walking with their kids around the neighborhood or reading bedtime stories, these fathers offer support and encouragement and set an example for their kids. As Father's Day approaches, or all year long, share these titles with little ones and families to recognize the important role Dad plays in their lives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today we talk with a man who slowly, methodically, carefully, and with great love, churns out some of the smartest books for kids today.
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.
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.
Two high schoolers are drawn together by the power of the number 8 in this one-shot manga.
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.
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.
STEM comes to life for beginning readers in these stories, which can be used to complement science, math, or reading instruction.
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 gorgeous celebration for all children’s 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.
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.
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.
In 1999, almost everyone was worried about a computer flaw or bug nicknamed Y2K for year 2000. Now Erin Entrada Kelly has put the subject in a middle grade novel, The First State of Being.
From the Caldecott-winning Big by Vashti Harrison to a bilingual counting book in Mi’kmaw and English, these illustrated works are guaranteed to engage young readers during summer break and all year around.
What do The Joy Luck Club and Holes have in common? Both inspired Nedda Lewers' newest MG Egyptian-American inspired fantasy series for kids!
An important message about overcoming anxiety is muddled in a busy plot. Purchase for larger collections.
A fun, feel-good look into the world of competitive speed cubing that will surely inspire young readers to pick up a cube for themselves.
An important novel for every library to have. Readers will find they’re not alone in dealing with a loved one’s addiction, as an estimated one in eight children have a parent dealing with substance abuse.
It’s not a perfect summer at the beach, but Winnie’s feelings are perfectly real, and the resolution is satisfying and hopeful. Highly recommended.
Fans of the series will love Harbor and her family, and will root for her on and off the court.
A worthy addition to any library where readers are gobbling up fantasy, and more importantly, a poignant story about family grief and love.
A must-read graphic novel that will draw fans of Jerry Craft’s New Kid and Raina Telgemeier’s Smile. This book belongs on library shelves everywhere.
A moving story with a pleasing twist ending.
A multiple-viewpoint realistic novel with broad appeal recommended for most upper elementary, middle school, or public libraries.
The perfect book for middle school romance sections; a must-buy.
Give this story to children everywhere. A powerful story of finding your voice and using it to advocate for yourself.
Readers will root for Adelaide to catch a break and be able to return to the life of an 11-year-old instead of an overwhelmed person with adult responsibilities. Recommended for realistic fiction shelves.
Middle and high school librarians will want this in their collections.
A vengeful adventure that ties up loose ends just tightly enough; a must-purchase for any collection containing the first volume.
A fun but dense read; for fans of gruesome monsters and political drama.
An intense mystery and slow-burn romance that highlight a historical moment. Recommended for all YA collections.
A dark romantic thriller with a surprise plot twist, this is a welcome addition to collections for mature teens, due to sexually explicit scenes.
Ripped from the headlines, Ahmed’s latest novel frames the fight against book banning as a hopeful endeavor in active civic engagement that a wide audience would benefit from reading.
Whether teens enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, or both, this is one to get into their hands.
Haunting and enormously gripping, but the suicide content deserves consideration for sensitive readers.
A great YA graphic novel for teens who are trying to figure out who they are or anyone who has ever felt like they were on the outside. This would be a popular title for fans of Christine Suggs’s ¡Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico, Deb JJ Lee’s In Limbo, and Emily Bowen Cohen’s Two Tribes.
Purchase where missing-girl mysteries circulate well.
A gloomy horror novel, perfect for middle schoolers too old for “Goosebumps,” but not yet ready for more terrifying fare.
Teens will enjoy the adventure.
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