It's been a minute but I'm finally ready to show you a whole PLETHORA of cool books coming out this year from small publishers far and wide.
Bid on original art, exclusive signed books, author visits, and much more!
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability but comes through continuous struggle.” – Martin Luther King Jr. Rubies, precious descendant stones set for the future with books that debut in 2025. For years, we’ve relied upon numbers from the Children’s Cooperative Book Center (CCBC) at UW-Madison to quantify representation in youth literature. […]
Benthic burrows, rabbit holes, whatever you call them: they are detours well worth the extra mileage. And mostly—they’re not even detours. They’re part of the journey.
This well-written look at one farm girl's eventful few months reminds us that we all have stories and challenges and that unexpected events and connections teach us things, even if they're lessons and truths we'd rather not know.
The legendary children's author and illustrator, political cartoonist, and screenwriter Jules Feiffer has died at age 95, leaving a legacy of work that includes his illustrations for The Phantom Tollbooth and much more.
Young readers of all ages can enjoy the various activities involved with Lunar New Year as they read these titles.
With the loss of protected area status for sensitive locations, immigration enforcement officers can now take action in schools, churches, and other sites.
Some kids love narrative nonfiction; others, expository literature. Learn more about these two styles of books and browse a list of recent outstanding examples.
Across the country, educators, parents, and others keep Black history alive amid restrictions on how race is taught in schools.
The mysterious origins of The Giant Jam Sandwich are revealed! If you're a research junkie, this post's for you.
STEVEN: It’s five days until the 2025 Newbery Medal will be announced, which means: Predictions! We do this every year, and the record shows that if you’re looking for accuracy, pay attention to Emily and ignore mine. EMILY: Uhh you’re really loading the pressure on here Steven… why? STEVEN: In seven years of predictions on […]
While depression can be debilitating - I definitely don’t want to minimize its seriousness - it’s important for readers to meet role models who successfully manage their mental health and manage to achieve their familial and career ambitions.
The widow of Guess How Much I Love You? author Sam McBratney was on Antiques Roadshow to get her first edition of the book appraised.
The widow of Guess How Much I Love You? author Sam McBratney was on Antiques Roadshow to get her first edition of the book appraised.
Every year on January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the 1945 liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. This year marks the 80th anniversary. Share these graphic novels with young readers leading up to the day and all year long.
These selections combine witty dialogue, incongruous situations, goofy characters, and silly plots to keep young readers entertained.
We're having our very first publisher preview of books from Enchanted Lion. Be ready! These are some seriously gorgeous titles.
Our Heavy Medal Reader's Poll starts today! In this one, we invite all Heavy Medal Readers to submit a ballot.
I do hate that I’ll miss the panel discussing the latest edition of The Handbook of Black Librarianship. I have a chapter in it that contextualizes the contributions of Black librarians in the field of youth literature.
Check out this week's new list of comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Mr. Muffins Defender of the Stars from Oni Press and Very Bad at Math from HarperAlley.
I’ve been thinking for a while about the question of how stories relate to truth.
You can watch the announcements of the 2025 Newbery, Caldecott, and many more from the comfort of your own (possibly homemade) computer.
The Supreme Court will hear the case of Maryland parents who want their kids to be able to leave the classroom when materials with LGBTQIA+ characters are used by educators, an Idaho public library system creates "adult only" room and ends the ability for children to access other branches in the system, and more in censorship news.
A Dangerous Idea marks the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Trial, which involved a debate over free speech, education, science, and religion with larger-than-life characters and less-than-pure motives.
Everyone wins when public libraries collaborate with these preschool programs, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and implemented through local agencies.
An interview with the creators of a graphic novel that explores the linguistic insecurity that so many American-born Hispanics who don’t speak Spanish face today.
Take a look at the five titles the HMAC committee selected to discuss and vote on during the free Zoom Webcast on Friday January 24th.
Looking ahead to children's literature in 2025!
This week on the podcast, the James Marshall Fox series had multiple volumes, so which one would be the best to do with Kate? The one where they all smoke cigars? God. It's like you know me.
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed H.R. 3706, officially creating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a federal holiday. The federal holiday established that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day would be nationally commemorated and observed as a holiday for federal employees. Almost a decade later, on August 23, 1994 the holiday was transformed […]
Starting January 20th, you have a chance to help with relief efforts to those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
As we enter the final week of Heavy Medal discussions there are lots of dates and deadlines to keep an eye on!
Chris Giarrusso's Mini Marvels, short strips parodying Marvel Comics' characters and particular storylines, return in a new collection.
This list of recent-ish middle grade titles looks at gun violence in places that include schools but also take place in other spaces.
January starts strong with a new book from Gayle Forman, two graphic novels, and several audio titles spanning ages and genres.
This comical, relatable, and delightful picture book is a must-have for young children and families.
This beautifully written, vibrantly illustrated book would be a solid choice for sharing the culture and life experiences of desert dwellers, whether as windows or mirrors.
An excellent addition to early reader collections.
Teens searching for stories exploring nuanced friendships will love the easy flow of dialogue, the adventures, the acceptance, and the sweet “friends to girlfriends” romance.
Children will come for Iron Man, but stay for the fun science.
This novel has camp adventures galore and some swoony romantic moments; readers who love the stories of Casey McQuiston, Sophie Gonzales, and Becky Albertalli will add Baldwin to their list of excellent sapphic storytellers.
A solid standalone dystopian for any YA collection.
A great addition to realistic fiction, this book has equal parts romance and family drama.
A story brimming with heart and comedy, full of quirky moments that sometimes feel forced and overwhelming.
A superb romantasy title for high school and public libraries alike.
An emotional and engaging tale teetering the line between tragedy and comedy; this is a delightful addition to any middle grade collection.
A storylike text, with tender turns and intricately laced drawings, this is the best of nature writing.
I'm not talking about what I want to win, necessarily, but what I think WILL win. So buckle up and enjoy this crazy ride . . .
The last book we'll discuss in our Mock Newbery is THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN by Gennifer Choldenko. It's been a favorite all year long of many Heavy Medal readers and now it's time to explore why.
Deeply affecting and beautifully written, this look at the lengths women will go to to protect and aid one another is a necessary and exceptional read.
And as an author, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the effect teachers and librarians have every time I visit a school.
The latest children's literature-related postage stamp is coming in 2025.
These books—which share stories of real and fictional people and animals who have endured wildfires—can provide information and comfort to children and teens.
These books are the best of the Rise committee's selection of "well-written and well-illustrated books with significant feminist content for young readers."
An attempt to add Angel of Greenwood to the high school language arts curriculum was rejected by the Pine-Richland School Board, Florida's censorship attempts move to public libraries, and more in censorship news.
Who amongst you remembers the picture book You Broke It! by New Yorker cartoonist Liana Finck when it was released last year? Welp, Finck's back with a whole new title, and I've got the fancy dancy spread to prove it.
Teen librarian Cindy Shutts walks us through a Wicked themed fan party
Yesterday, Diamond Comics Distributors, a pillar of the comics retail system, filed for Chapter 11 bankrupcy. Here's a look at the implications for readers and publishers.
Jasmine Warga's A STRANGE THING HAPPENED IN CHERRY HILL "excels at great characters, a keep-you-guessing plot and felt very appropriately interpreted for its intended audience," writes Heavy Medal Award Committee member Lauren Taylor. Join the Mock Newbery discussion and see how this middle grade mystery holds up among other contenders for the 2025 Medal.
Science makes you think, but like art or literature, it can also make you laugh, dream, see and appreciate the world, or even just your own brain, in new, exciting ways.
The world's first (?) exclusive case cover reveal!
A longtime Printz observer (and former committee member) considers some of the underdog titles that could win this year.
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