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As we enter the final week of Heavy Medal discussions there are lots of dates and deadlines to keep an eye on!
Chris Giarrusso's Mini Marvels, short strips parodying Marvel Comics' characters and particular storylines, return in a new collection.
This list of recent-ish middle grade titles looks at gun violence in places that include schools but also take place in other spaces.
January starts strong with a new book from Gayle Forman, two graphic novels, and several audio titles spanning ages and genres.
I'm not talking about what I want to win, necessarily, but what I think WILL win. So buckle up and enjoy this crazy ride . . .
The last book we'll discuss in our Mock Newbery is THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN by Gennifer Choldenko. It's been a favorite all year long of many Heavy Medal readers and now it's time to explore why.
Deeply affecting and beautifully written, this look at the lengths women will go to to protect and aid one another is a necessary and exceptional read.
And as an author, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the effect teachers and librarians have every time I visit a school.
These books—which share stories of real and fictional people and animals who have endured wildfires—can provide information and comfort to children and teens.
Yesterday, Diamond Comics Distributors, a pillar of the comics retail system, filed for Chapter 11 bankrupcy. Here's a look at the implications for readers and publishers.
Jasmine Warga's A STRANGE THING HAPPENED IN CHERRY HILL "excels at great characters, a keep-you-guessing plot and felt very appropriately interpreted for its intended audience," writes Heavy Medal Award Committee member Lauren Taylor. Join the Mock Newbery discussion and see how this middle grade mystery holds up among other contenders for the 2025 Medal.
Science makes you think, but like art or literature, it can also make you laugh, dream, see and appreciate the world, or even just your own brain, in new, exciting ways.
The world's first (?) exclusive case cover reveal!
A longtime Printz observer (and former committee member) considers some of the underdog titles that could win this year.
How do you write a picture book about a man who made picture books? A deep dive into the creation of the one and only JIM! (a.k.a. James Marshall).
Gale Galligan's latest graphic novel is a fictionalized account of their childhood, featuring an unrepentant goofball of a character starting over in a new school and facing new challenges that can't be run away from.
If there’s one takeaway I’d like all readers to get, it’s that they matter, just as they are, and they deserve to follow their dreams.
Now up for discussion in our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery: QUAGMIRE TIARELLO COULDN'T BE BETTER by Mylisa Larsen. Heavy Medal Award Committee Member Janeé Jackson-Doering notes that "this book tackles themes of growing up, anger, first love, mental illness and anxiety through wry humor."
It's the rare anthology where every story feels strong, and this one certainly achieves that. A great read about love of all kinds around the world and throughout time. Definitely check it out!
Author Shelly Page shares her thoughts about representation and her newest release, BREWED WITH LOVE
From a pizza-eating dragon to a detailed look at the causes of climate change, these Spanish-language works offer young readers engaging stories and magical high jinks.
I am absolutely in love with Mafalda and soon, my friends, you will be too. Translated into English for the first time, I talk with the people who have given her life here in the States.
Author Karen Valby discusses her book, THE SWANS OF HARLEM
Now up for discussion in our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery: the only graphic novel title PLAIN JANE AND THE MERMAIDS by Vera Brosgol.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Chickenpox from Henry Holt and Paws Hazel Has Her Hands Full from Putnam.
Being a late bloomer is not a sign of failure, but a testament to the unique growth that is allowed when we give ourselves the grace to bloom in our own time.
They may offer you lots of cheap thrills / fancy condos in Beverly Hills / but whatever they offer you don't trust the fish!
Can a horror novel for children contend for the Newbery Medal?. Anne Ursu's NOT QUITE A GHOST is a Heavy Medal Mock Newbery finalist
My hope is that my book adds to the canon of mythological stories so that more kids can find themselves reflected in the story, especially kids that might have grown used to feeling “othered.”
Alicia D. Williams won a Newbery Honor in 2020 for her first novel. Her newest book, MID-AIR, is a Heavy Medal Mock Newbery finalist.
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
A solid chapter book series for Spanish-language children’s collections, especially where diverse religious representation is needed.
Breathtaking and beautiful, this resonant Spanish-language book about the author’s experience with English as a child is a must-have for collections everywhere.
PREMIUM
When a Book Begins
A silly, slim collection brought down by too many clunky spots. Not recommended.
While this graphic novel will appeal to fans of the first book, it doesn’t quite hold its own.
PREMIUM
Operation: Cover-Up
A lighthearted, amusing story of facing social challenges with lots of food for thought for older elementary and middle school readers.
PREMIUM
Rhino’s Run
Teens who enjoyed Lipsyte’s other books may enjoy this, but this is definitely a dropped ball from the normally great writer.
Not recommended for libraries. Keepsake pages at the end for recording a baby’s milestones make it better for gifting than library collections.
A fascinating and informative read that celebrates the courage and collaboration behind one of NASA’s most remarkable achievements, this will captivate readers of all interests and abilities.
An incredible tale for sci-fi fans. Purchase also for graphic novel readers and those who love to read about animals.
Highly anticipated reading for fans of sports comics, vintage manga, or the successful anime series based on the book.
From mediocre verses about literary characters and politics to consistently shoddy rhymes, this poetry collection is an optional purchase. For updating children’s collections, stick with Chris Harris’s engaging poetry titles.
This installment in the useful “History Comics” series delivers plenty of content to use both in research and understanding of Ellis Island’s iconic status.
A perfect read for fans who love fast-paced unconventional stories with good triumphing over evil and a feel-good ending.
Arango’s fans will celebrate the opportunity to read another poignant story told in verse; it packs a punch, and is brimming with love and optimism. Recommend to fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Barbara O’Connor, and Kwame Alexander.
This compelling novel will leave readers hoping for a future sequel. Hand to readers of the “Rick Riordan Presents” series, and tell them this is even better.
A fun, engaging read that is appropriate for all ages but would especially fit in the early reader section of any library.
A strong title for holiday early chapter book collections. This is a great purchase for elementary school libraries where Subramaniam’s other books, such as My Name Is Long as a River, are popular.
A sweet purchase for libraries to boost Muslim picture book collections.
Transgender actor and activist Nicole Maines played the character of Nia Nal/Dreamer, a trans superhero, in the television show Supergirl, and when the show ended, she wanted Nia to keep on going. So she pitched a story to DC and they said “OK, write it!” DC published her YA graphic novel Bad Dream: A Dreamer […]
Truthfully, although I write about destroying giant, horrible monsters, I’ve never quite been able to vanquish the imposter beast. But I’ve learned how to work around it.
Adam Gidtiz won a Newbery Honor in 2017 for THE INQUISITORS TALE. Does his latest title, MAX IN THE HOUSE OF SPIES have what it takes to win the medal?
Today, we talk with Lauren and Susan on the book, where it came from, its design, and how you develop a book with this kicker of a combo of art and heart.
Cartoonist James Kochalka is next at bat in RH Graphic's line of Dr. Seuss graphic novels, taking on the most challenging Seuss extrapolation yet, that of Green Eggs and Ham.
Today's Mock Newbery discussion features a late publication standout: MALLORY IN FULL COLOR by Elisa Stone Leahy.
Here are some of the BIPOC Pearls who have contributed to youth literature and have gone on to the ancestors.
These books on topics ranging from using AI successfully to navigating book challenges are a good place for librarians to start as they look toward another year of positively influencing young readers.
From subverting the general expectations of what butterflies "should" look like to the delights of a true collaboration, join these three picture book creators as they explain how they work together.
On the last day of 2024, Colby Sharp and I got on a call to look back at the year in children’s literature. This episode of The Yarn podcast is always one of my favorites (and not just because I get a chance to talk about things like The Great British Baking Show). We talk […]
MAGNOLIA WU UNFOLDS IT ALL is a title set in New York City and an adventure of identity, friendship and lost items.
Once upon a time, a reader asked me that age old question: "Where do your ideas come from?" I leaned into the mic and with complete sincerity gave them the best answer I could: "Keanu Reeves."
Warm, charming, and utterly necessary, this beautiful work of historical fiction is a classic in the making. Young readers will certainly devour and adore it.
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As librarians prepare to celebrate Black History Month this February, the events of the last few years underscore the significance of this occasion. Honoring the achievements of Black Americans bolsters the self-esteem of Black youth and can empower them to excel in school. Here are some notable books for teaching and celebrating Black culture and history.
From ready reference to encyclopedias, these titles will spark curiosity in baseball, ancient times, and dragons, while also providing research resources on Black women's history and space travel.
2024 came to a close with these outstanding selections, which include several from our new Fiction Series Made Simple supplement.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Mack Moon and the P.E.T.S. Volume 1 from Andrews McMeel and Zootopia #1 from Dynamite Entertainment.
Humans haven’t stepped onto the Moon since 1972. Now, more than 50 years later, American astronauts are planning to head back, this time to stay.
Next up in our discussion of 2025 Newbery contenders: LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu. Heavy Medal Award Committee member Meghan Baranski states that this book "gives a realistic glimpse into the mental battle it takes to confront a Voice that is relentless with its lies and harm." Is it a Newbery frontrunner?
Are your young readers sad that the holiday season is over? Point them to these titles, featuring holidays celebrated throughout the year around the world.
A novel in verse and the National Book Award for Young People's Literature is KAREEM BETWEEN a Heavy Medal Mock Newbery finalist.
Music is an especially emotive form of storytelling. It’s truly a universal language and I hope readers will take away an appreciation for spirituals as a valued basis for so much of the music produced in the USA.
Introduction by Heavy Medal Award Committee Member Kate Olson As an adult reader, it is always a bit of a shock to see books set during my adulthood considered historical, or in the case of THE FIRST STATE OF BEING by Erin Entrada Kelly, to have my freshman year of college be a time period […]
The recently revamped Diverse BookFinder is a beneficial collection development resource for librarians and educators who are dedicated to encouraging diversity and inclusivity in children’s literature.
The Prohibition Era extends beyond the obvious elements of the subject to look at events and people that changed American culture.
Of the 15 titles on the Heavy Medal Book List, Candace Fleming's THE ENGIMA GIRLS is the only nonfiction entry. Will this riveting historical story measure up to this year's other Newbery contenders?
For this one time only, please enjoy this list of some of the 2025 Children's Books I Am Most Excited To See.
PREMIUM
Snap! Crunch! Munch?
Blending easy reader and early graphic novel formats, this enjoyable story captures the fun of family meals and invites readers to chime in with a “Nom. Nom. Nommm.”
Although light on story, the familiarity of the Dean team’s beloved feline character makes this a recommended purchase where those other early reader titles are popular.
This is a well-written book that will appeal to young readers who are beginning to show interest in their self-image; teachers may find that this story serves to increase reader vocabulary.
PREMIUM
Mack Moon and the P.E.T.S
Filled with comical, appealing art and slapstick humor, this book is sure to find its audience.
PREMIUM
Cool Buds: To the Rescue!
A welcome new graphic novel series for early readers who enjoy comic adventures without superheroes. Recommended for libraries serving this age group.
PREMIUM
Makeda Makes a Mountain
Recommended for purchase to expand diverse offerings, but other early readers, such as the “Questioneers” series, will build a stronger collection.
PREMIUM
Lost and Found in the City
A delightful addition to early chapter book collections, especially for young readers who enjoy humorous animal tales.
PREMIUM
Meet the Boxcar Children: Bk. 1
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
This must-have addition to the series continues the journey of an endearing protagonist who authentically illuminates a variety of coming-of-age lessons.
A realistic story about being yourself and feeling good about it, and a perfect title for bedtime.
PREMIUM
Mystery at the Old Ranch: Bk. 4
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
PREMIUM
Secret of the Yellow House. Bk 3
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
PREMIUM
Surprise Island Adventure: Bk. 2
Though these homages to Warner’s old stories may appeal to the parents of new readers more than the readers themselves, the books still serve as fun mysteries on a beginner reading level.
Providing an important transition point from early readers to chapter books, this is recommended for purchase where many readers are making this leap.
An excellent purchase recommended to any library seeking to embolden readers of a new kind of revolutionary leader.
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