Imagine a Pinter play as an informational book for kids highlighting a natural disaster and you'll have a sense of what author Mary Kay Carson has pulled off with her dual releases in 2026. Hear her words and see her covers!
The February Penguin TBR has landed with reviews for THE MOON WITHOUT STARS, SUNDOWN GIRLS, THE CELESTIAL SEAS, and THE ESCAPE GAME
Snowlands Volume 1 A Blood Moon from Graphix tops this week’s list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, along with a new graphic memoir from Random House Graphic.
We're a stop on the Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour today, so let's celebrate one of the Honorees with our customary flair (and interview questions).
Europa by James Ponti (S. & S./Aladdin) leads holds this week. Barnes and Noble Reads recommends the best audiobooks of February 2026, including two children’s titles. People exclusively reveals the cover of Jasmine Guillroy’s debut YA novel It’s Only Dancing (Scholastic).
These eight picture books, including Jonah Winter's The Burning of the Books and Gideon Sterer's The Dream, prove the power of the format, with or without words.
I have information for you on current scholarships from Boyds Mills, grants from REFORMA and WNDB’s new Unbanned Book Network for classroom educators.
Noah Van Sciver dissects another American legend in an insightful new graphic novel, this one about the Wild West heroine we know as Calamity Jane.
A family cafe, angry girls, a taekwondo wiz, a mysterious painting, and a heist inspired by Indigenous American mythology.
Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic NovelBy Natalie Babbitt; adapted and illustrated by K. Woodman-MaynardFarrar, Straus and Giroux, 2025, $14.99Grades 4 and up The classic middle-grade fantasy novel by Natalie Babbitt has been adapted into a graphic novel. Unlike the 2002 film version, this adaptation closely adheres to the original text, capturing the depth of Babbitt’s writing […]
Author Jarrett Dapier joins us to talk about his new book, WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE.
Every year, after the Youth Media Awards are finished, I kick myself. Why? Because I wished I had taken screenshots of the Amazon sales rankings for some of the contenders so I could compare the before and after. Well this year I am not kicking myself, because I did it. The morning of the announcements, […]
Misha and their mother, Audrey, take a wrong turn on a road trip and end up in a mystical world of spirits and monsters.
Writing to me feels like the closest thing you can get to that sense of wonder of digging up something new, only the digging happens on the page.
Here are recent and upcoming titles that incorporate a wide range of sports and experiences, including baseball, football, soccer, and even powerlifting.
Are you curious at all about this clever little Stonewall Honor winner? Then I suspect you're going to truly enjoy my talk with its creator here today.
Running from mid-February to late-March, the religious holidays are celebrated by Muslim people all over the world. From board books to a graphic novel, there’s something here for every young reader.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Club Zodiac #1 from Keenspot Entertainment and Startup Squad One for the Dogs from Philomel Books.
When I began working on The Aftermyth, I wasn’t interested in retelling Greek myths as they’ve always been told. I was interested in what happens after the myth ends.
Hypergifted by Gordon Korman leads holds this week. Also in demand are new titles by Lauren Tarshis, Katherine Quinn, Petra Lord, and Shannon J. Spann. Amazon releases its editors’ picks for February. ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table announces its inaugural awards winners. The Hans Christian Andersen Award shortlist and the Audie Awards finalists are revealed. People recommends children’s books that celebrate Black History. Plus, bestsellers and interviews with Jeff Kinney, Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, and Melanie Florence and Matt James.
Like the best dungeon fantasies, this story is filled with magic, trickery, and surprises, but it also invites readers to think more deeply about the environment and the beasts that inhabit it.
A stellar pick for romantasy fans, including those who don’t usually read manga.
A solid choice for fans of the original series, but this reads very much like a sequel and may be hard for newcomers to get into.
With a cheery tone and lots of examples to reference, this is a great how-to book for budding manga artists.
This colorful, fast-moving adaptation is an engaging read and a brisk introduction to the original story.
An amiable rom-com that’s a good match for other shonen romances such as “Komi Can’t Communicate,” where the humor stems from awkwardness and misunderstandings.
Give this to sci-fi fans, whether or not they are into anime.
Hand this to horror fans who aren’t ready for Junji Ito and to readers who enjoy fantasy and Irish folklore.
A great pick for fans of shoujo manga, magical girls, and stories that bring magic into everyday life.
This magical boarding school drama with a Greek myth twist would be perfect for Spanish-language fantasy collections.
A must for Spanish-language collections serving tweens, especially where fantasy is popular.
A great purchase for early elementary school collections and curriculum and for communities serving Spanish speakers.
A visually playful introduction to Latin American treats that works best for Spanish-speaking families. While the concept is appealing, stronger Spanish-language board books exist for teaching vocabulary.
Purchase for early elementary school collections and communities serving Spanish speakers and learners.
A lively, educational celebration of mariachi instruments and a strong addition to bilingual board book collections.
Packed with SEL content, advice, and an activity, this book is a great fit for a library audience looking for ways to cope with the topic of moving.
This enthralling book will capture the hearts of animal lovers who will be rooting for the successful release of the wolf pups. Recommended for collections seeking fresh, nature-centered stories.
With some guidance and encouragement, this offers strong potential for sparking questions, discussion, and deeper classroom inquiry. Put this in the hands of science teachers.
With no focus on the bike race itself and no background for Mr. Felix’s astonishing ability, the story serves as a goofy lark, offbeat but unfulfilling. An additional selection.
This winning, humorous title will delight on its own and even more so when paired with its predecessor. A first purchase.
A must-purchase for elementary biography and music collections for the comprehensive look at the contributions of Black women to country music.
Passive characters with dated speech and actions make this a frustrating choice, though this could be recommended as a read-alike for the classic.
A simple notion carried out with intention, effectively evoking compassion in children across many grade levels.
An additional purchase for middle grade collections, but a first purchase for collections in need of stories centering young people with chronic illness.
Highly useful for engaging children in social-emotional discussions, this wordless title on a topic central to the lives of children is useful in all collections.
A whimsical morning lullaby, this SEL adventure will gently guide readers to find the sun amid their own fears.
A delightful, curious, and engaging collection; if there is only one poetry book to add this year, this is it.
Contagious fun for elementary–age readers, this series continues to explore how exciting experiences can provide opportunities for emotional growth.
Just spooky and silly enough for every “Goosebumps” fan, this is a recommended addition to juvenile fiction collections.
Hand to fans of Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie, as well as those who love Yoon’s other stories. A first purchase for all libraries where little readers frolic.
An inviting resource for all those hoping to bring more nature-based play into children’s lives, this is a recommended purchase, especially for collections supporting outdoor play, exploration, and early learning.
The evocative language, layered illustrations, and purposeful historical framing make this a meaningful addition to classroom libraries and a valuable anchor text for conversations about history, identity, and contribution.
This powerful graphic novel about a little-known battle in Salvadorian history needs to be on every graphic novel shelf.
A timely and powerful story of immigration, puberty, and healthy food and body habits for tweens. Highly recommended for purchase.
This is a strong sequel and suitable addition to libraries and classrooms alike.
This is a stunning collection of animals and their nests that will make an ideal addition to any nonfiction picture book collection.
A thought-provoking ode to the multitudes each unique day contains, this story demonstrates the interconnectedness of all things near and far, and has plenty of potential for classroom and storyhour use.
A must-purchase, universally appealing story to build on diversity and social justice in early fiction collections. Neville’s debut is sure to be a hit with fans of the “Jada Jones,” “Jo Jo Makoons,” and “Yasmin” series.
A true triumph of the genre, with gripping pacing, authentic characters, and a balance of coming-of-age and survival. Older middle grade readers will be riveted by this heartfelt thriller; a must for all library collections.
Essential for any collection, especially those looking for picture books for older readers, this book is perfect for those interested in science, exploration, and the extreme frontiers of our world.Graphic Nonfiction
With its bold colors and friendly forms, this is a must-purchase for elementary collections in need of a fresh back-to-school story to help students that are both fun but imperfect processes.
A wonderful wordless picture book that will inspire readers to search for the things that add color to their lives.
A useful and thoughtful resource, offering a wide array of skills and ideas that encourage teens to explore, reflect, and prepare for life beyond graduation, even if they choose to take its advice with a bit of independence.
Drawn from the author’s childhood, this uplifting story pairs beautifully with the included puppet-making activity.
Recommended for independent readers who enjoy fast-moving fantasies.
An energetic girl takes the starring role in a story that young readers will enjoy.
A unique globe-trotting scientific exploration sure to pique the interest of budding young mycologists and naturalists.
A warm, seasonal choice for those looking for Rainbow Rowell’s Pumpkinheads or Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
This factual and life-affirming book celebrates our ocean and reminds us to keep it healthy and wild.
Suitable for most collections serving young children who may or may not have a fear of the water but will be rewarded with a gentle friendship story celebrating the beauty of the underwater world.
A realistic fiction title worthy of any middle school and public library shelf.
A good choice for libraries needing picture books featuring regional specialties, such as music and food or for use in the celebration of families.
As a harrowing survival story and informative science book about the Amazon, the book successfully demonstrates the interconnectedness of life and nature in a unique setting.
A visually appealing and browsable offering that will be appropriate for many nonfiction collections.
Dreams do come true for this spunky, upbeat girl in a charming follow-up to Wish.
A great addition to elementary libraries where teachers seek audiobooks for read-alouds.
While not essential for libraries, the story is certain to be enjoyed by animal lovers who won’t want to put it out to pasture.
This strong nonfiction picture book is a first purchase for all children’s collections.
Not suitable for a science lesson, but the visual and sonic energy, plus the unusual format, may provide enough oomph for infant and preschool story hours.
A lighthearted chapter book that honors Cree culture while navigating the complexities of identity, change, and friendship.
The rhythmic text of this charming and effective story, along with its imaginative depiction of large creatures engaging in gentle rituals, will make this a great addition to anyone seeking soothing read-alouds for the young.
Gorgeous illustrations highlight the frenetic pace of life often faced by children, here paired closely with the gift of moments of calm and connectedness that might surprise anyone on a crammed day. Highly recommended.
This is a powerful SEL title would be welcome in any collection.
A crisp light text accompanied by compelling graphics, this book will entertain small children and prompt older readers learning about Indigenous culture and language to explore further.
A simple story that prescribes playful imagination as the cure for the universal condition of occasional boredom; useful for units on balancing screen time.
With its heartfelt exploration of change and thoughtful depiction of diverse characters, this story is a gentle, refreshing take on moving that will resonate with young readers and to have on hand for families navigating transitions.
This kaleidoscope of tween troubles is a worthy addition to the ever-growing shelf of middle grade graphic novels.
In a nice change of pace from more serious storylines, Gunnar’s hardships in the quest for a delicious pizza for himself and for his community are wonderfully presented and entertaining.
A solid choice for those needing books about gender identity for young readers.
This title will be savored by teens who enjoy dark fantasy steeped in atmosphere and foreboding.
Many children are drawn to the creepy unknown, and with bats delivering just that, kids will come away with enough interest to keep learning. Recommended.
Children will enjoy poring over the presented facts and the exquisite illustrations, and budding entomologists will adore this thought-out and well-designed book. Highly recommended.
An evocative and engaging book that turns deep-sea science into a thrilling exploration. This is an excellent, educational addition to any library and perfect for readers fascinated by the natural world’s greatest mysteries.
This story of sport and persistence should be a buy for any library.
A recommended purchase, this lyrical picture book, full of joyful detail, is a lovely choice for sharing and a wonderful introduction to the rhythms of life in the Arctic.
Administering to children’s natural curiosity, this is a sweet bedtime book or for use in lessons on animals at night.
Young readers who love a simple whodunit mystery with a bit of paranormal activity thrown in will enjoy the worldbuilding in this novel and eagerly await future entries.
An excellent read-aloud for all children, this book will be a welcome addition to any elementary school library.
A tender, imaginative exploration of grief and remembrance, with the bonus of spotlighting groundbreaking representation of Black female pilots.
Whether Shark Week or not, this is a good choice for collections where shark books are popular.
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