Jennifer and Matthew Holm, the brother-and-sister creators of Babymouse, reflect on their creation and the way attitudes have changed in the 20 years since they started.
Today’s guest blogger is Helen Baldwin, introducing RETURN TO SENDER by Vera Brosgol.
A fresh, fantastical debut steeped in mythology and beautiful storytelling; a recommended first purchase for public and school libraries.
A deft, multifaceted story filled with delightful characters and relatable emotions that weaves in serious discussions about keeping traditions alive in the modern world.
A great introduction to Holi for young readers, who may find its simplistic telling more accessible than a nonfiction book.
This contemporary adventure is an engaging exploration of Indigenous heritage and how stories carry through generations.
This beautiful novel will inspire readers who love poetry and historical feminist fiction; a triumph to add to any collection.
There are many books with more early reader–appropriate text and less problematic storylines and illustrations. Not recommended for purchase.
A high-interest, interactive adventure book for readers who prefer to engage with alternative novel formats.
Board books are benefiting from the surge in early childhood learning programs and literacy campaigns, with a 38% increase in sales from 2020 to 2024, according to Global Growth Insights. “Parents, educators, and publishers are increasingly investing in children’s illustration books due to their ability to enhance cognitive development and visual literacy.”
How does an able-bodied person write about a person with disabilities and do it without their own assumptions and discomfort getting in the way? A talk with the author of an incredible new chapter book bio.
Cartoonist Trung Le Nguyen's sophomore effort is another graphic novel with fairy tale inspiration, but it's a lighter, less personal tale...albeit a deceptively deep one.
A transgender teen struggles with a self-portrait assignment in this introspective and meditative look at gender and identity originally published in the Netherlands.
"I really wanted to do a story about people playing across abilities – the way my kids and their friends play. Deal with the logistics later, the first step is the imagination. Adventuring for the sake of adventure." We talk with Howie Shia.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen reviews the new horror novel FINAL CUT by Olivia Worley
A month from now we'll announce our full 15-title Heavy Medal Book List. For now, though, we've identified a half-dozen books that will definitely be on that list: The Early 6.
Toad on the Go, the sequel to the Geisel Honor-winning Towed by Toad, comes out on June 16, 2026. Today, we have a first look at the cover. But before the big reveal, I wanted to talk with author/illustrator Jashar Awan about how the book was made. Travis: What was the inspiration for Toad on […]
These series focus on different aspects of social and emotional wellness and how they interact with physical health and with one another.
This season’s collection of animal series offers many access points for young learners.
High-interest Spanish-language titles for animal enthusiasts, sports fans, and online gamers.
Standout series that cover a wide range of sports and activities.
Readers will learn about innovations in technology and how to keep safe online and will be introduced to various kinds of vehicles in these titles.
Fun, education, and valuable information—this fall’s hi-lo series have it all.
Topics covered in these series range from the very worst people and events in history to the most remarkable landmarks and national parks, and everything in-between.
These visually dynamic series reflect how students learn and how the job market is changing.
Series perfect for readers who thrive on age-old myths, folklore, and lingering mysteries.
From sweet to stinky, these series highlight the whole gamut of what nature has to offer.
Empathy, activism, and awareness of global challenges are topics covered in these series.
This fall, new early reader series feature exciting and colorful titles for students to enjoy and learn from.
Whether they are being shepherded through the solar system or challenged to disprove the events in a fairy tale, students will find their observation skills widened and their knowledge expanded with these series.
These appealing titles encourage young readers to explore fascinating locations at home or abroad.
This collection of series balances high-interest topics with plenty of opportunities for critical thinking and cultural exploration.
Musicians, athletes, historical figures and today’s newsmakers are featured in this season’s biography series.
These series will appeal to readers who love thrills and chills, as well as those who like a tamer read.
These three titles focus on intriguing, shocking, under-explored disappearances throughout history.
These series offer readers unique experiences and a lot of fun.
"Death is very confusing to the living, and stories can help us navigate the strange displacement in the wake of bereavement." A talk about a necessary book for a modern age.
Writing about education policy serves as the backbone infrastructure for an influence campaign.
Float is a fast-moving teen romance with a soapy plot and two prickly protagonists.
I wanted to bottle up all that magic from the past month by writing a book that might inspire other girls like me, while also channeling the fun and romance I’d experienced. And that was how my debut novel, You Had Me at Hello World, was born.
"She had so much hope for saving this planet. We mustn’t disappoint Jane." We talk today with Jane Goodall's picture book biographer Patrick McDonnell about her life and legacy.
The quest to find the 2026 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery winner continues as the second round of nominations closed last Saturday. Twenty-one new titles were nominated for a total of 59 Mock Newbery potentials.
We're getting ready for the winter holidays with a preview of Archie's new Christmas comic!
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla #1 from IDW Publsihing and Emma and Capucine Volume 3 from Tokyopop Kids.
Whether they are returning home or going somewhere new for the holiday break, the promise of a magical Christmas romance awaits these teens.
Spooky, icky, creepy, and crawly—the Fall 2025 Series Made Simple reviews have patron’s gross-out needs well-covered.
An overview of some recent manga titles that feature detectives and mysteries.
Teens will easily devour this page-turner. Give it to fans of Mindy McGinnis, April Henry, and Sarah Beth Durst’s The Lake House.
A chilling premise and strong character work weighed down by repetitive execution, this is a general purchase.
A fun read with a time-traveling twist for fans of Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
A bold accomplishment that provides an unflinching yet compassionate look at schizoaffective disorder, and how love can help those living with it.
While this passion-filled romance and intriguing mystery falls short in immersing readers into magical world, its blend of romance, magic, and secrets will likely captivate those who enjoy character-driven YA fantasy with an element of forbidden love.
For fans of books like Tiffany D. Jackson’s Allegedly or E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, teens that like to wrestle with ethical questions while piecing together the parts of a twisty thriller will enjoy this.
A highly recommended and relevant addition to any YA collection, especially in a high school setting, due to its engaging romance and exploration of contemporary issues.
Stories about diverse teens dealing with all types of difficulties while having full, rich lives and romance are still rare finds. This, and all of Stoeve’s novels, will fill that empty space on shelves perfectly.
A charming story about being accepted despite, or even because of, one’s differences.
This fun and friendly title is a perfect classroom read-aloud to prepare for, celebrate, or reflect on the joy of learning together.
In addition to serving as an engaging bridge for new graphic novel and horror readers, veteran junior high readers of both the format or the literary genre will find satisfaction here.
Though overburdened with side plots and additional characters, this witchy LGBTQIA+ fantasy romance will appeal to fans of F.T. Lukens and Aiden Thomas. Recommended as an additional purchase.
A challenging topic, mental illness, is given wings by the hope stitched into the many quilts of Tompkins in this wonderful book for all ages.
A vivid, powerful fantasy brimming with dragons, betrayal, and destiny. A must-purchase for collections serving teens who enjoy Tomi Adeyemi, Sabaa Tahir, and Christopher Paolini.
Devastating global events weave with the steadying beat of a fugue through cinematic, emotional illustrations; this is history writ large and small, for all readers.
This creepy, well-paced monster-hunting trip with a dash of romance will have broad appeal. A good purchase for public and school libraries.
In today's guest post, we feature a historical fiction title THE PEACH THIEF by Linda Joan Smith.
I feel like end-of-the-year books get so easily overlooked, especially when I've already been seeing "best of" lists for weeks. Be sure to check these out!
Elephants, mice, and dragons make their appearance in these fun and festive board books and picture books.
The popular picture book series The Pout-Pout Fish is coming to theaters on March 20th, 2026.
Purchase these web-exclusive titles, including a celebration of libraries, gorgeous picture books, and stirring YA novels.
Want to start your own children's book magazine? Why not talk to someone who has? SHELF is a remarkable new addition to periodical collections everywhere, and we talk to its founder.
As we get later into the calendar year, I always start getting paranoid about missing titles and not reading everything. What’s nice on the “real committee” AND on Heavy Medal is that you are not reading just by yourself and have other people making suggestions and nominations. However, despite a robust and active Heavy Medal […]
The creators of The Legend of Zelda manga series are back with an epic tale of a half-human, half-dragon boy trying to find his place in the world.
Graphic novels by and about Indigenous people are a growing and essential category. Share these during Native American Heritage Month and all year long.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
New month, new box of books from Penguin! I hope you find something fun to add to your winter reading lists.
Folks, I think it's fair to say that the Persian myths on your library shelves are in serious need of an upgrade. Happily, one is here, and we're talking about it today.
Today our second nomination period opens. You have until Saturday Nov. 8 to pick two more precious nominations for Mock Newbery 2026.
In the spirit of And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Teen Librarian Karen Jensen shares a review of THIS IS WHERE WE DIE by Cindy R.X. He
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Kindred Dragons Volume 1 from Abrams Fanfare and Agent Cupcake from Oni Press.
Horror fans will devour this book.
A highly recommended cozy read. Hand this one to fans of Aiden Thomas and Becky Albertalli.
This modern Dracula retelling is packed with plenty of mystery for readers to sink their fangs into.
Modern and relatable, this series opener will delight horror and suspense readers.
A clever reboot, well imagined and well executed.
Readers who love Holly Jackson, Karen McManus, and E. Lockhart will find this book difficult to put down.
Perfect for fans of Nimona, this sapphic romance is sure to charm fairy-tale lovers who will swoon over the HEA ending. A recommended purchase for all graphic novel collections.
A propulsive, entertaining read about wealthy teenagers behaving badly and trying to survive high school and friendships.
A must-purchase for any high school library’s YA romance collection; this book will resonate with many readers, particularly fans of Quindlen and those struggling with their identity.
An ethereal collection of masterfully rendered original folktales to remind readers of the reverence and wariness that nature deserves.
A strikingly unique and deeply intimate ruminative journey through a teen’s innermost feelings.
Purchase where magical realism and stories set in New York City do well.
The first volume in a boldly artistic manga series that effectively utilizes fine watercolor art as a backdrop to an emotional coming-of-age story.
Fans of Jenny Han and S. K. Ali’s smart, thinking heroines will enjoy Indy’s love story.
Give this humorous and modern Shakespeare retelling to fans of Molly Horton Booth’s “Arden High” series or any reader looking for a humorous graphic novel.
A poignant graphic narrative highlighting the path towards acceptance during a period of sorrow.
Librarians would be wise to add this novel to their collection, not only for its representation of people with so many beautiful differences, but because it’s a fun, angsty, poignant, and yet fast-paced story that will speak directly to all teens.
A first purchase. This is similar to other rom-coms that readers can’t get enough of.
A well-constructed thriller for mature teens that will keep readers guessing.
An eminently easy to read, pleasantly jokey comic perfect for a quick laugh for young readers.
This funny story is perfect for young readers who love stories about dogs, food, and families. A great addition to early reader sections.
This accessible introduction into young detective Korobá’s world is both narratively efficient and visually exquisite; a promising start to a planned series of graphic mysteries.
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