Diverse Books

By reading books that explore difficult issues, kids have the opportunity to learn about, experience vicariously, and practice mentally, these hard subjects in nurturing ways, preparing them for positive encounters later in life.

The post Tough Terrain: Why & How I Craft Story for Connection & Compassion, a guest post by Heather Mateus Sappenfield appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

This is actually more about games than sports---so expand whatever you're thinking of to include card games, outdoor neighborhood hiding games, board games, puzzles, amusement park games, Spin the Bottle, and more.

The post Book Review: Game On: 15 Stories of Wins, Losses, and Everything in Between edited by Laura Silverman appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Christopher Paul Curtis reflects on his post-Newbery life, censorship attempts, and why his books, centering of African American history, are necessary, especially today.

Here Lies Me is the first realistic fiction podcast about middle school, but the idea for the story began as a novel too "dark" for middle grade.

The post Is There a Place in Publishing for Realistic Fiction About Middle School? A guest post by Hillary Frank appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

With the turning of the new year, it’s time to talk Printz contenders. Here are six picks to keep an eye on.

The 2022 Youth Media Awards are coming on Monday, January 24th!

The post Watch the 2022 Youth Media Awards LIVE! appeared first on 100 Scope Notes.

Over and over, I find myself looking at climate change through the lens of fantasy, using magic and dragons and Incursions to tell the story.

The post Hope in the Time of Apocalypse, a guest post by Jodi Meadows appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Children’s literature is becoming more inclusive. But it has been a long, complicated road, and the journey is ongoing.

From fantasies to thrillers, these middle grade titles with Latinx characters are must-reads. Your kids won't want to miss them.