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Teen Librarian Karen Jensen discusses some YA books you might like if you like EVERYBODY SCREAM, the new album by Florence & the Machine (which she really recommends)
It's unicorns vs. zombies in cartoonist Sam Bragg's new fantasy epic, but that's just the start of this sprawling story set at the end of the world.
32 new and forthcoming books to get on your TBR.
Guest poster Owen Ridings introduces STORY SPINNERS to our Mock Newbery discussion, noting that this graphic novel "manages to pack in humor, realistic sibling dynamics, and fantastical adventures—all while cleverly satirizing the entire fairy tale genre."
Visit a land that's more like, "a tale from folklore, rather than in a magical fictional setting." We talk Pumpkin Kings (and their living wards) with Steven Banbury.
Teen Librarian Cindy Shutts shares a Video Games in Real Life program
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Here's an exclusive preview of the sparkly spy story Agent Cupcake!
Today we've got breaking news about a new S.T.E.A.M. series from Papercutz.
14 quick reviews of new books.
Here's a look ahead at what's in store on Heavy Medal over the coming weeks as we move towards the announcement of the Newbery Medal on January 26th
You lucky ducks. You're getting an extra special sneak peek of Evanston Public Library's illustrious year end list of some of the best children's books of 2025. Enjoy!
Nayeri is good at engaging setting, and these devices works especially well in a story about land.
Hopefully you'll find some great titles here to add to your 2026 TBR!
Would you like to hear a story? A true one? One told by Laurie Halse Anderson? Discover the tale of how Abigail Adams inoculated her family against smallpox, and see the repackage of Anderson's Fever 1793.
It’s time to own Monday with a Mock Newbery exercise: one sentence persuasion. Today we persuading people to read/ nominate your favorite title. In one sentence, write a justification for your top book. You can write for one title, or all your nominated titles, or a title you are thinking about nominating. The rules are […]
COLBY: Every time I have the opportunity to chat with Derrick Barnes I feel so alive after the conversation. He cares so much about the work that he does, and the stories that he puts out into the world are important and amazing. I hope you enjoy our conversation about his new book The Incredible […]
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Winging It from Graphix and the Witches of Pepperwood Bay from Papercutz.
In 1838, sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimké were the best-known, most hated women in the United States. My book tells why.
Oh no! It's a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Situation! We tackle our first Dav Pilkey and stumble on an overly familiar trope.
Author Michelle Meadows discusses her biography of James Baldwin, Jimmy's Rhythm & Blues
This accessible and moving graphic novel offers insight into a pivotal moment in history and helps readers understand the motivations behind the journeys of those who have sought refuge and opportunity in America.
In today's guest post, we take a look at Grace Lin's latest fantasy novel The GATE, THE GIRL, AND THE DRAGON.
Zoboi, like Lukoff, pulls from personal reality to shape a world that exists in the margins that are formed to reduce outcomes. To define good and bad.
When an accomplished mangaka and his jealous assistant inexplicably switch bodies, a battle of wits and credibility ensues in this body-swapping manga.
From tales of ghosts and vampires from around the world, to famous shipwrecks, these books are perfect for young readers excited to explore the world, and hear some fun stories and tales along the way!
Memory and nostalgia in a Hmong home in St. Paul fuels this enticing picture book. I talk with the creators to learn more about nostalgia and the role architecture plays in our memories.
In this French comic from creators Jérôme Pelissier and Carine Hinder, a little girl decides to become her village's new witch, which means facing a dragon from the nearby woods.
Historical fiction novels often earn Newbery recognition, and there are several standout titles from the genre this year.
Author David Anthony Durham joins us to talk about his new book, A RAGE OF LIONS.
This season, we're seeing books about Nowruz and architectural spiders, reluctant frogs and inadvertently heroic wolves. It's all here! Come look!
A cross-country move is an opportunity for a girl to forge new bonds with friends and family.
As Jeff Kinney's 20th Wimpy Kid book comes out today I reminisce about his early days and then we chat about buses, bookstores, and more.
Since I was eleven, middle-grade books for drama kids have come a long way.
In our latest consideration for Halloween, Kate and I discuss the difficulty of saying the term "anapestic tetrameter" aloud, why the true star of this book should be named "Torselus Todd", and (I won't lie) we may use the term "badonkadonk" more than once.
In our latest consideration for Halloween, Kate and I discuss the difficulty of saying the term "anapestic tetrameter" aloud, why the true star of this book should be named "Torselus Todd", and (I won't lie) we may use the term "badonkadonk" more than once.
Travis: Back in June at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Philly, I sat down with Katie Kennedy to talk about her excellent middle grade nonfiction book Did You Hear What Happened in Salem? The Witch Trials of 1692. In this episode, Katie talks about what it was like to revisit one of the […]
Japan gets a new Venom-like symbiote spider hero in Shogo Aoki's original manga adventure starring Spider-Man and a swathe of his supporting characters.
In our next guest post, Leonard Kim analyzes a beginner graphic novel featuring poetry and graphic novels, a dinosaur-sized feat!
"Where are your scary books?" That's what I hear all day long at school.
I’ve noticed something about Daniel Nayeri. With every middle grade novel for kids that he writes he gets a little bit sharper. A little bit sleeker. A little bit funnier. A little bit faster. And this latest title? It’s a little bit one of the best books of the year
In reading stories about sleep for teens, they begin to feel less isolated as they maneuver their days through the foggy, unsettled feeling of perpetual tiredness.
This graphic adaptation stays true to its roots, with lively illustrations and an engaging story about two very different siblings.
If I wanted to belong, I had to be intentional about it. Somewhere along the way, I came into my own.
"For decades, I’ve published middle-grade books, but this time, the picture book format chose me. Picture books break down BIG feelings and ideas in quick, easy ways. The format helped me break down my big feelings." We talk with Torrey Maldonado about ALL the feels!
Today we look at two highly creative collections of poetry and consider their Newbery Medal chances.
Author and TikTok star Taylor Cassidy joins us to talk about her new book, Black History Is Your History.
In need of a picker upper? How about a book for kids that documents how Field Museum scientists do fieldwork to save the Amazon rainforest? A talk and a trailer premiere.
Today we have an exclusive announcement and preview of a new graphic novel featuring two sisters, a treasure hunt, and plenty of pancakes.
We put such firm boundaries around what is spiritual vs what is religious vs what is make-believe. Are these distinctions needed?
Do you want the original Dog Man, chock full of authentic Aztec myths and a healthy dose of humor? Then are you in luck today!
Do you want the original Dog Man, chock full of authentic Aztec myths and a healthy dose of humor? Then are you in luck today!
Today we do a compare and contrast exercise where we put two 2026 Mock Newbery Titles against each other and see which stands out.
Check out what reviewers had to say about The Story of My Anger, You've Found Oliver, Good Old-Fashioned Korean Spirit and Fireblooms as part of our Penguin TBR: Penguin To Be Reviewed Galley Program
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Ten-Ton Titan Terrier from Papercutz and Asgardians Volume 3 Loki from First Second Books.
What would you do if you found a magical device that could turn back time—but only by five minutes?
Attempts to wrench veggies off vines is the focus of today's autumnal entry. We discuss pumpkin sex, vampire fashion wear, and why one might want to garden in their socks.
Nine-year-old "nature nerd" Brooke fills her journal with drawings of the animals she sees, but she's yet to encounter a moose in the wild—although her new sister lucks into seeing one almost immediately.
Be sure to check your local library or indie bookstores for all the other awesome new books out this month!
If we want kids to grow up reading for fun, then we need to give them books that captivate.
Today’s guest blogger is Quade Kelley, introducing THE FREEDOM SEEKER by Ruchira Gupta
Dr. Whitney Casares discusses her book, One-of-a-Kind Body and body image with pre-teens and teens.
Mood swings, miscommunication, and music characterize this story of tween friendships.
Mood swings, miscommunication, and music characterize this story of tween friendships.
What started out as a simple way to provide a voice to my younger self by giving my main character autism became a rallying cry.
"I was gobsmacked by the new research of awe—how it can change the way you think and feel, lessening our anxieties and making us more generous and kind. And I knew I had to write a book for kids..."
"I was gobsmacked by the new research of awe—how it can change the way you think and feel, lessening our anxieties and making us more generous and kind. And I knew I had to write a book for kids..."
From an insightful memoir about reading struggles to a harrowing account of a mass suicide, several authors have used highly creative approaches to present information for kids. Today we look at several examples that might be considered for the 2026 Newbery Medal.
Idris Goodwin joins us to talk about his new book, KING OF THE NEURO VERSE.
Today we consider a slew of Spring 2026 titles. Anti-fascism, myths, philosophical considerations of silence, seasons, and more! Some real beauties are in here!
In this graphic adaptation of his best-selling middle-grade novel, Alan Gratz weaves together three stories of refugees in different times and places and brings them to a stunning conclusion.
To me, that’s the beauty of a great fictional monster. They hold up a mirror to our lives, and what we see might scare us, but it also provides the much needed sense that we’re not alone.
Yet another preview of books from small publishers! Today we examine sign language board books, Harriet Tubman's life told in poems, and so much more including (naturally) the robot revolution.
Yet another preview of books from small publishers! Today we examine sign language board books, Harriet Tubman's life told in poems, and so much more including (naturally) the robot revolution.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Bounce Back Volume 3: So Totally Nala from Feiewl and Friends and The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur: A Graphic Novel Based on a True Story from Candlewick Press.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Bounce Back Volume 3: So Totally Nala from Feiewl and Friends and The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur: A Graphic Novel Based on a True Story from Candlewick Press.
Our October Mock Newbery nomination list included 38 different titles. Two books lead the pack with 15 nominations: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by Kate Messner and THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST by Aubrey Hartman. Check out the full list here.
It’s hard for a child to think about the future, which always feels so far away when you’re a kid. That’s why we have to think about the future for them.
Today we are discussing our fourth abecedarian picture book on the podcast and our second Gorey. This is a "cult classic" picture book, best beloved by older children who read it and felt like they were getting away with something.
Today we are discussing our fourth abecedarian picture book on the podcast and our second Gorey. This is a "cult classic" picture book, best beloved by older children who read it and felt like they were getting away with something.
Let’s fight book bans on a personal level, one book at a time. Because bans aren't only about books; they’re working to erase people and their stories.
When the amount of property damage the Hulk causes while saving the day gets Dr. Banner in legal trouble, he's forced to do community service...as a middle school teacher.
When the amount of property damage the Hulk causes while saving the day gets Dr. Banner in legal trouble, he's forced to do community service...as a middle school teacher.
These are five books I've got on my fall TBR and hope to find time to read soon (if I can learn how to keep my eyes open past 8:00).
Guest blogger Jessie Mae introduces WHAT FELL FROM THE SKY, a possible Newbery contender with an alien rescue, a military "takeover," and themes of community and empathy.
Guest blogger Jessie Mae introduces WHAT FELL FROM THE SKY, a possible Newbery contender with an alien rescue, a military "takeover," and themes of community and empathy.
That first step to sparking the wonder of budding makers begins in the library, reading stories that inspire them to get hands-on and building their creative confidence.
Sometimes you need to watch out for the quiet books. They know how to sneak up on you.
Dark Horse unveils a new volume in its middle-grade Minecraft series.
Dark Horse unveils a new volume in its middle-grade Minecraft series.
A shy student begins a friendship with a popular werewolf in this fun manga.
A shy student begins a friendship with a popular werewolf in this fun manga.
20 books out this month just waiting to go on your TBR!
"I live in a sea of lemon trees." In a time when Mexicans and Mexican-American suffer at the hands of our government, we talk about this National Book Award nominee and a historical moment of one injustice rectified.
The first of the six Newbery criteria is interpretation of theme or concept. Without a doubt, this year our most common thing is coping with grief and loss. Today Steven and Emily take a look at different titles addressing these themes and compare them.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen reviews the recently released YA thriller THIS IS WHERE WE DIE by Cindy R. X. He
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