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Check out the hot titles this past year at my elementary school!
Scott Chantler's new Squire & Knight finds a clever, book-ish young squire forced to save a town (and his own knight) from a dragon and/or a curse when the direct approach doesn't work. Luckily, this is a quest that calls for brains more than brawn.
I write books about grief not to make the reader sad, I write them to give readers a safe space to heal.
The long history of superhero comics means there is a bewildering array of characters and storylines. Where should a new reader start? Here's what you need to know.
There’s something for every middle grader in this roundup curated by the We Are Kid Lit Collective. Up-and-coming chefs, family and friendship drama, and propulsive informational texts will keep tweens engaged beyond the summer months.
Clocks and cats, water and magic, and at its heart a father-son storyline. Nab this for your next storytime, whenever you get the chance.
While the Teen Titans have been around since the 1960s and have evolved in the DC Universe over the years, Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo’s reimagined Teen Titans series opens up the comic book universe to a whole new cohort of readers.
I wrote a book that would please a middle school kid who wants to hear his pen cluck just one… more… time.
Past events can be revisited, responded to—and sometimes even revised—as revealed in the new Second Edition of TOGETHER: An Inspiring Response to the “Separate-But-Equal” Supreme Court Decision that Divided America.
With offerings from Weston Woods and productions about conservation and immigration, these works both entertain and break down complex topics for educators and students.
What we have here is a work of narrative nonfiction that will completely suck in child readers. I talk with the man behind one of the best books for kids in 2023, bar none.
The idea bubbled up practically overnight: the story of a young, gay, Hispanic teen (that’s me), who falls in love with a cowboy (that’s Texas), who may or may not be a killer (and that’s Jane Austen).
These three disparate middle grade titles that feature plotlines informed by pandemics are especially relevant in the age of COVID-19.
This collection of true life stories will certainly provide comfort and guidance to anyone trying to articulate and express their identity, but may also broaden the horizons of those around them and perhaps help the world become a more positive and inclusive place where everyone may feel valued.
Whether it's spring, when we first noticed these books, or summer, winter, or fall, offering children a way to look at the world that makes them appreciate and want to protect it may help guarantee its future, and theirs.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under featuring Suee and the Strange White Light from Amulet Books and Nightmare Brigade Volume 3: Finding Alice from Papercutz.
Our list of books to consider for our 2024 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery stands at 38. Now's the time to add to that number by sharing your June suggestions. Add up to five titles in the comments and we'll keep building a list of the best children's books of the year.
A fantastic look at periods, social justice, period poverty, economic inequalities, and the power of taking action. Get this one on all shelves!
These three graphic novels published for adults with teen appeal will keep young adults engaged during the break. Plus, an eye-opening Black queer feminist statement is also featured in this We Are Kid Lit Collective Summer Reading list.
Part of We Are Kid Lit Collective's 2023 Summer Reading selections, this list features early chapter books, graphic novels, and other transitional books for emerging readers.
Here's an update on recent graphic novel deals for books coming out in 2024-26.
If we as adults (and authors) can’t give our kids a world that makes any sense, the least we can do is let them play in one.
PREMIUM
Frog
Vibrant colors and engaging use of die-cuts will have young children learning while being completely entertained with this well-designed title.
PREMIUM
Sorry, Snail
While the message is earnest, the method is extreme in today’s climate of online bullying and harassment; the sensibility has a very specific appeal and should be doled out with caution.
PREMIUM
Un secreto
Purchase where there’s a need of literary Spanish-language novels for younger teens.
Young readers will greatly enjoy finding this child in the colorful illustrations. Highly recommended for early childhood read-alouds.
PREMIUM
100 First Words: Nature
Straightforward, engaging and sturdy, this book will appeal to its intended audience and the adults who want to develop their natural vocabulary.
PREMIUM
Bug
Children will enjoy the adventures of Bug and will be ready to go on a nature walk looking for insects as soon as they turn the last page.
PREMIUM
Animal Atlas: A Pop-Up Book
Children will enjoy the interactive elements as they span the globe and meet a wide variety of animals.
PREMIUM
Where’s the Cat?
Tactile engagement with soft flaps for toddlers and their caregivers to enjoy, this is a great choice for board book shelves.
Useful for teacher-led-sharing, the lifespan of the book is limited if less-than-gentle hands are going to engage with the pop ups.
PREMIUM
Where’s the King?
This title’s vocabulary choices make this an unsuitable title for most North American libraries unless a London setting and British-centric vocabulary is desired.
PREMIUM
Seton Girls
A page-turning debut centering on a close group of Black girls and a football team’s takedown following an accusation of rape.
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
This inspiring and highly relatable title could be used with readers of any age to discuss topics of body image and self-love. Recommended.
This companion novel allows me to tell another one of those untold stories—uncovered through videos and memoirs and articles—of a young boy yearning to, one day, reunite with his father.
A catchy title and guaranteed audience, but the checkout versus recipes cooked may be disparate. Not recommended.
An enjoyable read and a first purchase, especially for collections in need of accessible books on jazz history for younger readers.
This beautiful book is a wealth of knowledge on the wildlife that live in the incredibly diverse habitats of the United States; sure to be a popular selection with visual learners and young researchers.
PREMIUM
Burt the Beetle Lives Here!
Emergent readers and fans of comics will enjoy getting to know Burt in this recommended title.
PREMIUM
Harry at the Dog Show
This book is an enjoyable stepping stone for children who have begun the process of reading independently and are prepared for a challenge.
Children will enjoy Biscuit’s traditional exploits while practicing their developing reading skills.
PREMIUM
Gnome and Rat
A cute new addition to the growing pool of emergent-reader graphic novels featuring best friends, this will appeal to fans of Ben Clanton’s “Narwhal & Jelly” series and Stephen Shaskan’s “Pizza & Taco” books.
PREMIUM
Boom!
A swift, sweet, and visually satisfying vignette for beginning readers to enjoy with a caregiver or on their own.
PREMIUM
Trick or Treat? It’s Halloween!
Recommended for public library collections where holiday board books are in demand.
Recommended for all libraries for display during the holidays, especially to reflect the Indian diaspora or immigrant experience.
PREMIUM
The Wheels on the Costume
Libraries lacking inclusive representation in their collections, especially their board books, will want to buy; for everyone else, this is an additional purchase.
PREMIUM
The Boo Crew Needs YOU!
Recommended as an addition to Halloween shelves, an engaging title that provides new material on the holiday topic.
Most libraries will find this appealing, accessible book a welcome addition to holiday shelves.
A great addition to libraries looking to expand their seasonal stories for infants or for those who have duopress’s other “High-Contrast” titles; a recommended read for fans of Halloween to share with their youngest patrons.
PREMIUM
Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Boo!
Nostalgic and enjoyable, this is a delightful addition to Halloween storybook collections for young readers.
A solid addition to an established collection on the subject for younger children.
Public libraries with Jewish populations will find this a useful overview of holidays, but it will not replace the many other picture books covering them individually.
PREMIUM
Raaga’s Song: A Diwali Story
Recommended purchase for libraries with readers who want to learn more about the origins of Diwali and make a connection to modern-day issues.
This short and sweet primer on saying sorry for one’s wrongs is a useful SEL selection for everyone.
PREMIUM
Hope Against Hope
Give to readers who love historical fiction and are eager for an engaging story they’ve likely not heard in depth before.
This format will attract new readers to a poetic, powerful story of growth. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Ghost Book
Fans of Lai’s other works, as well as Kat Leyh’s Snapdragon, and Emma Steinkellner’s “The Okay Witch” series will enjoy this modern ghost story with a hopeful ending. Recommended first purchase for upper elementary and middle school collections.
For readers who are ready for a breathtaking, emotional, and heartfelt adventure.
PREMIUM
Misfit Mansion
Would make a strong fit for most juvenile graphic novel collections, especially those where gently spooky stories circulate well.
A definite purchase for a middle school library, this debut novel with a delightfully diverse cast provides a truthful account of peer pressure, divorce, and consent.
Recommended as a lyrical read-aloud and an informational text.
A charming introduction to the big idea of school, and an angle that will resonate: it’s not the building but the people that make up a school.
Highly recommended for public or school libraries. This gently exciting story will be enjoyed by adventure-loving children.
This is a must for any collection where young readers have an interest in storytelling, as well as generally a good pick for fans of the author.
Another stunning title from a gifted pair of creators, this deserves a place in all collections as children will root for Cox and be inspired by her amazing accomplishments.
Overall a cute work, this might still be best suited where cookbooks and food writing among young readers are popular.
An overwhelmingly helpful and inclusive book that will benefit kids and grown-ups alike.
PREMIUM
Who Is Malala Yousafzai?
An impressive collection of data, smoothly told, with colorful artwork, just right for kindergartners.
A fascinating and browsable collective biography that will inspire further research. Recommended for women’s and film history studies.
Sedita and Fox have created a wistful story reminiscent of many childhood favorites, but this time from a father’s perspective and including his future hopes of closeness with his child.
There is much to ponder, practice, and observe here, and the book has a sense of play; some readers will enjoy finding a little black cat on many pages. Highly recommended, a first purchase for all libraries.
With humor and grace, Beckmeyer’s wide-eyed characters convey emotions bridging science topics and SEL, putting this whirlwind of a book within the grasp of readers across a broad age range.
PREMIUM
Good Night, Little Man
There are few books in which a parent makes mistakes and learns from them on reflection. This is a great story of the father and son bond to add to the shelves.
PREMIUM
The Fastest Tortoise in Town
With a funny twist that story hour listeners will love—a hare challenges Barbara to a race
PREMIUM
The Invitation
Anxiety is real, and Fowles takes it on in a loving way, giving children a safe way to ask all the questions they need in this delectable and ultimately calming outing.
PREMIUM
Same Love, Different Hug
This book illustrates that love can be shown with a hug, but it is perfectly acceptable to find another way to communicate affection.
PREMIUM
Alphabuddies: G Is First!
A delightful book that is more than a fresh look at the ABCs; it takes on rule-breaking and reasoning and is a fun addition to any collection.
PREMIUM
Rocket Says Speak Up!
Sure to inspire young readers to speak up for the causes they believe in.
PREMIUM
The Imaginary Alphabet
An enchanting, artistic interpretation of the alphabet, sure to delight readers from A to Z.
PREMIUM
A Bed of Stars
In an essential book about facing almost any kind of fear, the creator’s ability to honor those fears without making them the entire focus is truly remarkable and renders a universal appeal.
An age-appropriate telling by an Indigenous creative team of a tragic historical period.
Whimsical illustrations capturing cloud babies will help all readers connect with this story and encourage cloud gazers to find imaginative creatures in the skies above and room in their hearts for the struggles of other children.
PREMIUM
Billie and Bean in the City
Youngsters will delight in this tale of responsibility and self-reliance, built with just the right amount of suspense.
PREMIUM
The Last Two Crayons
A charming debut, accompanied by warm, welcoming illustrations, sure to set off conversations about the language of color and the inclusion of every hue.
PREMIUM
The Unstoppable Bridget Bloom
Libraries with large communities of rom-com readers will want to add this to their collections; recommended for fans of Becky Albertalli’s Kate in Waiting and Robin Talley’s The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre.
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