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Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Red and Blue Monster Hunters from Dark Horse Comics.
Our 2026 Heavy Medal Book List is finalized! Here are the 15 titles that will be discussed in the coming weeks during our Mock Newbery process.
The best storytellers I know put their emotions on the page or screen and don't seem to make a distinction between children and adults.
Includes everything from tiny head denizens (a.k.a. lice) to collectable "stones" to snot snot snot snot!
I sifted through nearly a thousand children’s books coming out in December, January, and February to bring you the ten that most jumped out to me. Let’s get started . . . Picture Books The Rare Bird by Elisha Cooper February 24 | Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan) | Grades K-2 Cooper’s last effort, the excellent […]
As educators and information leaders, I think librarians have the responsibility to provide information and skill development so that our students and community members can make informed choices about using AI.
I mean, who doesn't love a good myth or legend?
So many incredible books hit our shores in a given year, that it only makes sense to write an entire post about them today.
It’s been a busy week of Heavy Medal as we prepare for the next stage of discussions. We are going to finalize our booklist this weekend and would love to hear any final comments you have. Here are some very specific questions I would love to have answered: We look forward to unveiling our Final […]
Let a dinosaur teach you how a computer is built in Science Comics: Computers: How Digital Hardware Works
2025 turned out to be a particularly good year for books for the newest of readers. Check out this array of talent!
In Kenny Ruiz's fun new manga, a young would-be hero first stumbles upon and then seeks to master the iconic weapon of the title...while on the run from The First Order.
Newbery winner Rebecca Stead is our guest on the latest episode of The Yarn podcast. We go behind the scenes of Stead’s latest middle grade novel, The Experiment. We also talk about how this year’s Newbery winner, The First State of Being (by Erin Entrada Kelly), was in part inspired by Stead’s 2010 Newbery winner […]
These books have something to say to kids, and not only are they unafraid to say it, they do it in the best possible way.
Lives are validated not through what reviewers often see as ‘gritty’ but a very nuanced layering of Black classicism. Even though she provides a fictitious urban setting, these teen’s reality isn’t directly about racism, income, or gender. It’s about the balancing act they do to survive every day.
Registration is now open for our live Heavy Medal Webcast: "What's It Really Like? Join the 2026 Mock Newbery Live!" The free event is scheduled for Friday, January 23rd, at 1:00 pm EST.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
An interview with John Schu and Holly Hatam, and a cover reveal for their upcoming book, LILY-MAY'S JOYFUL DAY.
Books to inspire a love of reading? Sure. That's a thing. But a little math along the way couldn't hurt either.
Beautiful books simultaneously released in more than one language are deserving of their own separate list. Wouldn't you agree?
It’s deeply personal for me that kids feel seen and connected. Books and schools are lifelines, and both failed me as a boy. Many still fail kids.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Star Wars Young Jedi Adventures The Training Sessions from Dark Horse Comics and ZOR Saves Christmas #1 from Keenspot Entertainment.
View the final nomination list of 71 Mock Newbery contenders and vote in a poll to help determine our final book list.
A look at books that take a chance and tell their tales with quiet aplomb.
They're gorgeous! They're glorious! They're amazing! They're... completely ineligible for the Caldecott Award. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate them in other ways.
Rebecca Stead takes us behind the scenes of THE EXPERIMENT.
Humor may be subjective but odds are at least a couple of the books on this list will deeply amuse some child in your life/classroom.
Are you a serious children's book reader who loves to discuss the best of the best? Now's your chance to volunteer for the Heavy Medal Award Committee. Participants will take part in in-depth book discussion and a live webcast leading to the selection of our Mock Newbery winner. Apply online by December 12th.
An overview of some recent graphic novel titles that feature detectives and mysteries.
Rhymes: They're harder than they look. Wanna know how to write them? Let today's book selection be your guide.
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Author Alan Markham’s extensive credentials coalesce in his debut novel, Spy Sisters Versus Snake Ten-Fangs. The new middle grade series from Shadow Mountain Publishing follows three sisters, ages 6–13, as they take on the notorious Snake Ten-Fangs in a mission packed with high-stakes action, humor, and covert vocabulary and SEL lessons.
Mendez structures The Story of My Anger so that it demonstrates ways to express anger, the danger of holding it all in, and the need for community.
Artist Scott Campbell (AKA Scott C.) has a weird new kids comic book, an anthology of short stories set in his silly world of "Head" characters.
It may be the winter holiday season, but this list looks at EVERY season and every holiday it can. Bask in them!
As we enter the last month of the year, it's time to compare the top children's books on Heavy Medal to recently announced "best of the year" lists from review journals and public libraries.
Tis a gift to be simple, so that's what we're celebrating today! Enjoy these picture books for our younger readers, one and all.
A mix of board books, picture books, one graphic novel, and one middle grade novel make up this roundup of Christmas-focused titles for young readers.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Storytelling helps teens reflect, translate their inner world into language, and hear themselves with clarity.
Whether you want to pep up your average storytime session or you're just starting out and in need of inspiration, here's a list of those picture books that just beg to be read out loud to large groups!
A fantasy series opener by Chanel Miller and a picture book from the newest Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets are featured in November's web stars.
Here's this week’s list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under.
PREMIUM
The Spiral Key
A great addition to the YA thrillers lineup, especially for school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
Wrack & Rune
The overt themes in this first volume may feel heavy-handed to voracious readers, but fans of high-action storytelling and comic book art styles will be satisfied by this new graphic novel series.
PREMIUM
Jazz Davies Skips a Beat
A solid read that tackles the challenges of a tween realizing she’s bisexual, the pressures of growing up too fast, and discovering who your real friends are.
A recommended purchase, great for fans of Janae Marks or Dusti Bowling.
Chang’s latest is a welcome addition to any middle school historical fiction collection and will surely attract readers drawn to impactful stories told through lyrical verse.
PREMIUM
Wallflower
An astute and emotional story of the courage it takes to truly accept oneself and to love others for who they are.
PREMIUM
The Lionharts: Book 1
Intriguing and dramatic, this is a fantastic introduction to middle grade fantasy from the author of Star Scouts.
A solid purchase for upper elementary and middle school library collections where realistic reads and heartwarming magical stories are popular.
A fun graphic novel with cute characters, recommended for mystery and animal lovers alike.
An excellent coming-of-age graphic novel from the author of Pumpkinheads, great for tweens and teens learning more about themselves and what they want from their future.
PREMIUM
The Star of Moon Village
A heartfelt, fast-paced look at courage, connection, and discovery among the stars, purchase where sci-fi is popular.
Ultimately, the patience required to juggle multiple plotlines make this an additional selection for the middle grade magical realism audience.
PREMIUM
Valentine’s Day in the Village
A community-oriented Valentine’s Day story to sweeten any library holiday collection.
PREMIUM
Tiny Bear’s Easter Prayer
A charming book that will be in high demand for Christian families wanting an Easter read-aloud.
PREMIUM
A Stickler Valentine
A whimsical holiday read with standout artwork, recommended for most collections.
PREMIUM
The Hoppity Wheels on the Bus
Add to collections where more secular Easter books are in demand.
A thoughtful, if uneven, resource for introducing a wider range of Jewish holidays to young audiences.
PREMIUM
Lucky New Year: Colors
This delightful introduction to colors, Mandarin Chinese, and Lunar New Year traditions is recommended for general purchase.
An excellent and informative book to introduce toddlers to many of the Lunar New Year traditions.
This joyful, culturally rich introduction to Lunar New Year is a fantastic addition to any collection.
PREMIUM
Grumpy Monkey Father’s Day Fuss
This Father’s Day tale is a welcome and meaningful addition to any collection.
A strong addition to school and public library collections, this is ideal for young readers, especially those interested in learning about family traditions, Ramadan, or the joy of preparing special meals together.
PREMIUM
Leonard Grows a Haunted Garden
A simple story with lots of charm, this is a nice addition to any fall book collection.
This book is sure to be a hit beyond Valentine’s Day and is a great addition to early reader sections and for kids who love funny books.
This warm family story will resonate with youngest children everywhere, regardless of a particular holiday or season. Highly recommended.
This story reflects the inclusivity of the Lunar New Year and the love people have for one another as they celebrate a holiday that brings the community together.
Not an essential purchase, but a decent addition to library Easter collections for its depiction of imaginative play.
An exceptional, heartfelt Eid story that gently impresses upon readers that community is about both giving and receiving.
PREMIUM
Ten Little Leprechauns
With limited quality titles centered on St. Patrick’s Day, this book is a charming and worthwhile addition to any holiday collection.
PREMIUM
Guess Who? I Love You!
A charming read-with-me experience in the tradition of many door-based, lift-the-flap board books.
PREMIUM
Along Came a Spider: In Spring
A good additional purchase where transitional graphic novels are in demand.
A welcome addition for collections seeking more representation of Muslim characters and an entertaining read for grade school students who enjoy realistic fiction with a dash of humor.
PREMIUM
Mystery in the Grand Canyon
A thought-provoking, if uneven, novel best suited for strong readers ready to grapple with layered themes; teachers may find it most effective as a guided read-aloud or small group discussion text rather than an independent reading choice.
A simple story for those seeking to add to their lower elementary graphic novel collection.
A humorous and engaging read-aloud with wide appeal; a strong choice for storytime and preschool collections.
An enjoyable learn-to-read vowels set. Great for new readers at home or in the classroom.
PREMIUM
Aya Has Never Seen a Bear
As a beautiful introduction to the Oroqen people or a subtle look at the environment, this book would be a powerful choice for ecologically themed story hours.
PREMIUM
I Am a Bon Dancer
This title is highly recommended for school libraries, offering rich opportunities for discussions on heritage, history, and community.
A solid story about a positive experience with a first haircut; this is a good choice for libraries needing books about people in the community for young readers.
A spot-on cautionary tale and a perfect addition to any library’s collection of folktales and myths. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Is It Spring?
A lighthearted book for preschoolers who ask these kinds of questions and need Henkes’s kind of answers.
PREMIUM
Lydia Loves Bugs
Whether bug lovers or bug dodgers, they’ll be drawn into Lydia’s enthusiasm. Add this playful, fact-filled pick to the shelves.
Flett’s sentiments shine but never overwhelm in this simple message of love; it’s a first choice for any library’s picture book collection.
This is a terrific book to read aloud when some humor is needed, or classroom pizza parties are about to commence.
PREMIUM
Mari and the Great Market Swap
A vibrant tale of island life, quick thinking, and community building, ripe for the classroom or group sharing.
A wonderful choice for Spanish-language chapter book collections, this title will have readers wanting to dive into the other series entries.
Calderón’s concise celebratory text is an essential bilingual reference for the middle grade classroom.
PREMIUM
Maisy va al dentista
This beloved and well-known series will be a delight to find in the children’s Spanish section. A solid staple for any Spanish-language collection: reassuring, vibrant, and informative.
PREMIUM
El tiburón blanco
Realistic illustrations and lovely Spanish text come together to create an informative, enjoyable, and almost peaceful nonfiction picture book about what is often thought of as a fierce predator. A wonderful addition to Spanish-language nonfiction for children.
A recommended, entertaining, and educational bilingual adaptation that will be a great resource for language learning.
A high-quality book that combines mystery and fun with math and learning. Highly recommended for the dual-language format and bilingual story time.
PREMIUM
Solitary Animals: Introverts of the Wild/Animales solitarios: Los introvertidos de la naturaleza
Purchase for browsable nonfiction collections, especially where there’s a gap on bilingual titles.
PREMIUM
Tu camioneta
A gentle book perfect for reading at bedtime, and for all board book collections.
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