Authors Chris Baron, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Shana Youngdahl, and Caroline Starr Rose talk about community, hope, courage, and wildfires.
Bestselling author Rory Power’s new YA novel Kill Creatures is a tour de force of teenage friendship, crushes, and revenge. Here, she discusses it with SLJ.
With every book, Jashar Awan comes a little closer to establishing himself as the chronicler extraordinaire of what most people see as childhood's mundane moments, and it's magic.
This month, a poetry collection by Margarita Engle, a new middle grade novel from Dan Gemeinhart, and a nonfiction title about the Erie Canal stand out, along with other great books.
A large percent of our disabled population is getting subpar care and the only way we’re ever truly going to see change is by speaking about and voting for health equity.
Finding Spanish-language books for older readers continues to be a challenge, but we’ve curated this list that includes translations of Jason Reynolds and Raina Telgemeier’s popular titles and a Spanish-original YA about an undocumented teen.
Proof positive that sometimes the best books for kids come from the unlikeliest of sources about the unlikeliest of people.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring What Was Built to be a Ship of Dreams: The Titanic from Penguin Young Readers Group and Jazzy the Witch: Broom Doom from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
The authors of The Unraveling: The Counsel of Crows join us talk about their book.
Learn how author Hà Dinh's own experiences shaped Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix-Up, a chapter book that beautifully explores diversity, empathy, and the importance of welcoming new friends with open hearts.
Regardless of what words are used to describe literature that embraces white and BIPOC lives as well as those who have disabilities or are LGBTQIA+, regardless the words that are banned to describe these marginalizations, people who are really doing the work and not just following a trend, will continue to find ways to get it done.
A sweet addition to winter board book collections. Children will love the cutouts with beautifully drawn illustrations peeking through, and caregivers will love another opportunity to cuddle with their little ones.
Not for the faint of heart, but fans of gory survival fiction will love this one.
For slightly older board book readers, a great addition to Christmas collections.
For fans of ghost stories that deliver on shivers but don’t overdo it on the scares.
Brimming with adventures, daring missions, and fierce friendships, this fast-paced story will keep fans of Stephen Gibbs’s Spy School and other spy thrillers gripped and hungry for the next installment.
This tale of creepy disappearances in the last days of a despotic regime combines the elemental terror of a fairy tale with historical fact.
A heartfelt and empowering coming-of-age story that will resonate with tweens navigating identity, ambition, and digital spaces.
A historical fiction novel that deftly tackles faith, family relationships, and daily life among social upheaval. Recommended for fiction collections.
The subtitle is spot on. This is a field trip through one color, and like every good field trip it leaves you seeing your world with new eyes once you’re done. Beautiful and necessary.
A solid addition to any early reader collection, especially those looking for materials on fashion and fairies.
With its playful tone, imaginative worldbuilding, and a message that resonates with both children and adults, this holiday story invites readers to wonder, to dream, and to believe, no matter how old they are.
The list of errors and sloppy presentation feels endless, making this a poor choice for any collection.
Although most of the projects may require adult assistance, this is a creative collection of DIY ideas that will appeal to kids looking for inexpensive, homemade ways to accessorize their Halloween costumes using common, upcycled materials.
A creative Christmas story concept encumbered by the uneven interplay of narrative and illustrations.
A cute and nostalgic addition to all Christmas picture book collections.
A strong addition to elementary and middle grade nonfiction collections, particularly for libraries serving families who travel or readers eager to explore the world.
A secular successor to Charles Tazewell’s The Littlest Angel, this is an additional purchase.
An additional purchase for the holiday shelves.
Lucy Knisley's Peapod Farm trilogy wraps up with a heartwarming winter tale about family, friendship, and acceptance.
Told in verse, this powerful and compassionate look at bravery, grief, climate change, and activism puts readers right in the heart of the action.
Nanaboozhoo stories, Carl Jung’s ideas on dream psychology, and struggles with depression and anxiety all inform this stunning (and fun) picture book of the ultimate rez dog trickster.
Author Donna Galanti joins us to talk about her new book, LOON COVE SUMMER.
This year, we awarded dozens of books a prestigious star—and among this distinguished group, several clear commonalities shine bright. From fresh approaches on topics like grief to specific recurrences, such as characters taking on another person’s identity, here are the key trends among 2025's starred books.
In Rob Justus' new graphic novel for younger readers, lonely super-powered eight-year-old Superman makes some new friends...just in time to help him defeat a milkshake-making robot run amok.
When we ban books or defund music programs, we don't just silence stories; we sever lifelines. We remove safe, creative pathways for young people to explore emotion, identity, and connection.
These eight forthcoming board books and picture books will be available long before December. Turn on some Christmas tunes, grab a Santa hat, and peruse these holly, jolly offerings.
AI-generated booklists are possible—and even published. So what is the value of human curation?
The July issue—“the stars so far”—is our halfway point on the path to Best Books in December. SLJ reviews editors stand back to take a look at a beautiful, blossoming list of notable books.
A video and discussion! Erin discusses how she and Phil work together, how they have "the world's nicest fans", and why she can never show the corners of a room in an Amos book
It was a wild month for suggestions! About 25 people suggested 80 books (TWENTY ONE of those being new titles) as 2026 Mock Newbery contenders
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Bizarre Bazaar Volume 1 Mirror Town and Yaiba Samurai Legend Volume 1 from Viz Media.
From rollicking fantasy to heartbreaking realism, these excellent additions to the middle grade and hi-lo genres will have something for every tween to enjoy.
Spanning genres from fantasy to thriller to romance and everything in-between, these titles for teens are sure to delight.
Ranging from heartfelt to hilarious, these remarkable graphic novel and manga titles are sure to leave a lasting impression that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.
The accolades keep coming for nonfiction picture books that dare to offer facts and true stories to elementary-aged readers. We cannot wait for autumn, when it's time for a whole other harvest of titles that keep children reading and learning.
From picture book biographies to the Spanish-language edition of Jason Reynolds’s Lu, these picks are just-right for Spanish readers.
Whether they want to read one good poem or delight in a collection of good works, these titles offer something for all young readers.
In these two titles, librarians will be inspired by reading about the good work of colleagues and motivated to help young readers through the use of bibliotherapy.
These audiobooks for kids, tweens, and teens offer stories of resilience, hope, and joy.
From video games and documentaries to anime and tabletop RPGs, these standout stars shine at the top of their categories.
Our starred middle and high school nonfiction offerings for the first half of 2025 are sure to keep readers engaged and informed.
New readers will feel proud of their ability to read these fun, outstanding stories on their own.
These six titles show that good things come in small sturdy packages. Board books, for the pre-literate and newest readers, continue to surprise and delight in equal measure, and fly off the shelves for story hours.
From Pakistan to Spain to ordinary neighborhoods, the power of books has never been more visible than in these 65 gems plucked from the mines of picture books published in the first half of 2025.
Contributor Riley Jensen reviews The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala, coming September of this year.
Finnish in origin, today's book discusses a rather universal moment: When a trusted and beloved parent chooses a child’s safety over that of an animal’s.
A touching story, replete with cultural detail and built-in curricular extensions.
A wonderful addition to classroom and library shelves that will help teachers and children engage in conversations about compassion and helping one another out during inevitable moments of embarrassment. Recommended.
Readers may enjoy Draw’s animations, and adults may admire his philanthropy, but those looking for the nuance and sensitivity in this picture book will be disappointed. An optional purchase for most libraries.
Though the subject matter will speak to devoted dog lovers, the execution is more for the young-at-heart than for the actually young.
Spirited Spencer and his many plants will encourage other young readers to find friends and make connections in ways that feel right to them. Recommended.
Essential for building universal respect for the school bus drivers who pour their hearts into the work they do each day, this book will find a place on most shelves.
An appealing family story, well-suited for both one-on-one and large-group read-alouds.
Younger audiences, as well as teachers and librarians on the lookout for quick indoor stretches that are fun and safe, will go bananas.
A must-have for early reader collections and an excellent continuation of the series.
More filler than essential, unless collections are in dire need of funny poetry volumes for reluctant readers.
An excellent resource for bringing the holiday to life.
Not essential but a merry addition for libraries seeking more holiday board books with charm, color, and a playful twist.
This one may have a hard time finding its audience, but is a good purchase where Elf on the Shelf is popular.
A rich and visually layered book that encourages readers to see their voices as part of the American story.
A cheerful addition to holiday collections, offering familiar characters and a reminder of the joys of the season.
Though the lives of both Attenboroughs are incredibly compelling material, this is not recommended for purchase.
This whimsical and affirming tale of self-discovery will strike a chord with readers learning to balance expectations with personal passions.
Part graphic novel, part prose, and all laughs, this celebration of imaginative high jinks is sure to get a giggle out of readers.
Reluctant readers, especially girls in middle and high school who are interested in STEM, will appreciate this tenacious heroine who believes in herself and doesn’t give up when faced with discrimination.
A darkly atmospheric supernatural horror perfect for fans of Rory Power or Trang Thanh Tran.
A dark fairy tale about the exploited environment fighting back for fans of folktales and horror.
Every teen library must have Silvera’s books on the shelves
Children will be charmed by a gentle story of an unlikely friendship, seemingly lost yet ultimately saved through the timeless magic of rebuilding trust through the sharing of stories. Recommended purchase.
A great bedtime read-aloud that’s not essential to collections, but a winsome take on a childhood problem.
Two young men build a connection through expression and sign language in this heartwarming manga.
In a new steampunk adventure imported from Europe, Mickey and his friends (and even his enemy!) must team-up to save the world from the most unusual sort of catastrophe.
Corinna Luyken joins us today! We talk aesthetics and vibes and the mental anguish a parent endures when their kid refuses to allow their hair to be brushed (or cut!).
This story of one of the most pivotal engineering accomplishments in U.S. history, told from diverse perspectives, is highly recommended for middle and high school collections.
This engaging biography contains detailed descriptions of setting and cultural context that convey a clear time line and sense of causation, as well as peeks into the artist’s intimate life.
A strong purchase for graphic memoir shelves, refugee stories collections, and curricular tie-ins for studies on the Cold War and Latin American history.
An important and compelling work that belongs in all high school and public libraries.
Okorafor’s story blends the everyday life of a pampered cat with satisfying sci-fi action. Middle grade readers who enjoy stories from the pet’s point-of-view will be delighted to meet and get to know Periwinkle.
A fast-paced horror story that intertwines a monster adventure with emotional growth.
A solid addition to middle grade graphic novel collections, this engaging series expertly blends a compelling narrative with fascinating historical details about unexplained phenomena, sure to captivate with its colorful artwork and intriguing mysteries.
Short list this title for middle grade library collections and recommend to readers, reluctant or not, with an interest in pirates, history, bodies of water, or atypical family structures.
An emotionally compelling, insistently educative view of a challenging immigration experience.
A real humdinger of a story told by master storyteller; this title will appeal to tweens seeking high-stakes, high-fun realistic fiction.
This story of finding the courage to overcome stage fright is a solid addition to any middle school graphic novel collection, especially where the series is already popular.
A first purchase for all libraries wishing to inspire readers to make their own path rather than follow the trail.
Confirmed sci-fi fans, comic readers, and those new to the genre or format will all find easy entry here, along with a satisfying payoff.
A delightful, interdimensional graphic adventure about found family, the need to belong, and dubious motivations.
Enhancing a classic and empowering readers to better understand complex imagery, this faithful and beautiful adaptation is a must purchase for all graphic novel collections.
A nice blend of the western Marvel-mania in a manga format that will charm both readers already in-the-know and appease those who are just getting their first tastes.
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