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.
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.
The nine picture books cited in Mahmoud v. Taylor are not pornography. Nor are they obscene. What is obscene is a Supreme Court decision that denies the basic humanity and equality of LGBTQIA+ people.
Amid the celebration of books and libraries was the undercurrent of a community under attack, with conversations and sessions at ALA Annual in Philadelphia centered around advocacy, democracy, and diverse books.
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.
AI-generated booklists are possible—and even published. So what is the value of human curation?
Lavonnia Moore lost her job after including the Kyle Lukoff book in a summer reading display at the request of a young patron; new law gives school boards in Texas authority over collection development; Ohio governor vetoed bill that would have restricted public library access to titles "related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."
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.
This funding can help with everything from collection development and programming to disaster recovery and more.
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.
Author Kalla Harris discusses her YA novel, THE GROUND THAT DEVOURS US, and writing with a chronic illness
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.
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.
In the ever-expanding universe of children’s and YA books, here are the ones that shine brightest. Presenting the verdicts from SLJ’s starred reviews in the first six months of 2025.
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 video games and documentaries to anime and tabletop RPGs, these standout stars shine at the top of their categories.
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.
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.
Our starred middle and high school nonfiction offerings for the first half of 2025 are sure to keep readers engaged and informed.
From picture book biographies to the Spanish-language edition of Jason Reynolds’s Lu, these picks are just-right for Spanish readers.
These audiobooks for kids, tweens, and teens offer stories of resilience, hope, and joy.
New readers will feel proud of their ability to read these fun, outstanding stories on their own.
Spanning genres from fantasy to thriller to romance and everything in-between, these titles for teens are sure to delight.
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.
I won't lie. This may be my favorite Fuse 8 n' Kate episode in years. We've never done this 1940s classic, and now it's time to determine precisely why.
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 great bedtime read-aloud that’s not essential to collections, but a winsome take on a childhood problem.
A touching story, replete with cultural detail and built-in curricular extensions.
A must-have for early reader collections and an excellent continuation of the series.
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.
More filler than essential, unless collections are in dire need of funny poetry volumes for reluctant readers.
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.
An excellent resource for bringing the holiday to life.
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.
Not essential but a merry addition for libraries seeking more holiday board books with charm, color, and a playful twist.
Though the lives of both Attenboroughs are incredibly compelling material, this is not recommended for purchase.
This one may have a hard time finding its audience, but is a good purchase where Elf on the Shelf is popular.
This whimsical and affirming tale of self-discovery will strike a chord with readers learning to balance expectations with personal passions.
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 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.
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.
Part graphic novel, part prose, and all laughs, this celebration of imaginative high jinks is sure to get a giggle out of readers.
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.
Two young men build a connection through expression and sign language in this heartwarming manga.
TLT Contributor Riley Jensen shares a simple DIY craft that can help you use up some of those random bottles of paint you have lying around
Newly returned from the American Library Association Annual Conference in Philly, I turn my attention to the Creative Company at the swell titles they've planned for the fall.
Newly returned from the American Library Association Annual Conference in Philly, I turn my attention to Creative Editions and the swell titles they've planned for the fall.
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