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Today we look at two highly creative collections of poetry and consider their Newbery Medal chances.
Author and TikTok star Taylor Cassidy joins us to talk about her new book, Black History Is Your History.
Today we have an exclusive announcement and preview of a new graphic novel featuring two sisters, a treasure hunt, and plenty of pancakes.
We put such firm boundaries around what is spiritual vs what is religious vs what is make-believe. Are these distinctions needed?
Do you want the original Dog Man, chock full of authentic Aztec myths and a healthy dose of humor? Then are you in luck today!
Today we do a compare and contrast exercise where we put two 2026 Mock Newbery Titles against each other and see which stands out.
Check out what reviewers had to say about The Story of My Anger, You've Found Oliver, Good Old-Fashioned Korean Spirit and Fireblooms as part of our Penguin TBR: Penguin To Be Reviewed Galley Program
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Ten-Ton Titan Terrier from Papercutz and Asgardians Volume 3 Loki from First Second Books.
What would you do if you found a magical device that could turn back time—but only by five minutes?
Attempts to wrench veggies off vines is the focus of today's autumnal entry. We discuss pumpkin sex, vampire fashion wear, and why one might want to garden in their socks.
Nine-year-old "nature nerd" Brooke fills her journal with drawings of the animals she sees, but she's yet to encounter a moose in the wild—although her new sister lucks into seeing one almost immediately.
Be sure to check your local library or indie bookstores for all the other awesome new books out this month!
If we want kids to grow up reading for fun, then we need to give them books that captivate.
Today’s guest blogger is Quade Kelley, introducing THE FREEDOM SEEKER by Ruchira Gupta
Dr. Whitney Casares discusses her book, One-of-a-Kind Body and body image with pre-teens and teens.
Mood swings, miscommunication, and music characterize this story of tween friendships.
Mood swings, miscommunication, and music characterize this story of tween friendships.
What started out as a simple way to provide a voice to my younger self by giving my main character autism became a rallying cry.
"I was gobsmacked by the new research of awe—how it can change the way you think and feel, lessening our anxieties and making us more generous and kind. And I knew I had to write a book for kids..."
"I was gobsmacked by the new research of awe—how it can change the way you think and feel, lessening our anxieties and making us more generous and kind. And I knew I had to write a book for kids..."
From an insightful memoir about reading struggles to a harrowing account of a mass suicide, several authors have used highly creative approaches to present information for kids. Today we look at several examples that might be considered for the 2026 Newbery Medal.
Idris Goodwin joins us to talk about his new book, KING OF THE NEURO VERSE.
Today we consider a slew of Spring 2026 titles. Anti-fascism, myths, philosophical considerations of silence, seasons, and more! Some real beauties are in here!
In this graphic adaptation of his best-selling middle-grade novel, Alan Gratz weaves together three stories of refugees in different times and places and brings them to a stunning conclusion.
To me, that’s the beauty of a great fictional monster. They hold up a mirror to our lives, and what we see might scare us, but it also provides the much needed sense that we’re not alone.
Yet another preview of books from small publishers! Today we examine sign language board books, Harriet Tubman's life told in poems, and so much more including (naturally) the robot revolution.
Yet another preview of books from small publishers! Today we examine sign language board books, Harriet Tubman's life told in poems, and so much more including (naturally) the robot revolution.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Bounce Back Volume 3: So Totally Nala from Feiewl and Friends and The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur: A Graphic Novel Based on a True Story from Candlewick Press.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Bounce Back Volume 3: So Totally Nala from Feiewl and Friends and The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur: A Graphic Novel Based on a True Story from Candlewick Press.
Our October Mock Newbery nomination list included 38 different titles. Two books lead the pack with 15 nominations: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by Kate Messner and THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST by Aubrey Hartman. Check out the full list here.
It’s hard for a child to think about the future, which always feels so far away when you’re a kid. That’s why we have to think about the future for them.
Today we are discussing our fourth abecedarian picture book on the podcast and our second Gorey. This is a "cult classic" picture book, best beloved by older children who read it and felt like they were getting away with something.
Today we are discussing our fourth abecedarian picture book on the podcast and our second Gorey. This is a "cult classic" picture book, best beloved by older children who read it and felt like they were getting away with something.
Let’s fight book bans on a personal level, one book at a time. Because bans aren't only about books; they’re working to erase people and their stories.
When the amount of property damage the Hulk causes while saving the day gets Dr. Banner in legal trouble, he's forced to do community service...as a middle school teacher.
When the amount of property damage the Hulk causes while saving the day gets Dr. Banner in legal trouble, he's forced to do community service...as a middle school teacher.
These are five books I've got on my fall TBR and hope to find time to read soon (if I can learn how to keep my eyes open past 8:00).
Guest blogger Jessie Mae introduces WHAT FELL FROM THE SKY, a possible Newbery contender with an alien rescue, a military "takeover," and themes of community and empathy.
Guest blogger Jessie Mae introduces WHAT FELL FROM THE SKY, a possible Newbery contender with an alien rescue, a military "takeover," and themes of community and empathy.
That first step to sparking the wonder of budding makers begins in the library, reading stories that inspire them to get hands-on and building their creative confidence.
Sometimes you need to watch out for the quiet books. They know how to sneak up on you.
Dark Horse unveils a new volume in its middle-grade Minecraft series.
Dark Horse unveils a new volume in its middle-grade Minecraft series.
A shy student begins a friendship with a popular werewolf in this fun manga.
A shy student begins a friendship with a popular werewolf in this fun manga.
20 books out this month just waiting to go on your TBR!
"I live in a sea of lemon trees." In a time when Mexicans and Mexican-American suffer at the hands of our government, we talk about this National Book Award nominee and a historical moment of one injustice rectified.
The first of the six Newbery criteria is interpretation of theme or concept. Without a doubt, this year our most common thing is coping with grief and loss. Today Steven and Emily take a look at different titles addressing these themes and compare them.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen reviews the recently released YA thriller THIS IS WHERE WE DIE by Cindy R. X. He
What do you do when you can't trust the adults around you? Jennifer L. Holm and I discuss her latest book and talk a little xenotransplantation here and a little love of doggies there.
What do you do when you can't trust the adults around you? Jennifer L. Holm and I discuss her latest book and talk a little xenotransplantation here and a little love of doggies there.
At its heart, the practice of drinking tea is a joyful one. Tea enervates us and calms us. Tea asks us for patience and invites reflection.
Writing Lena and Dimas’s story was a healing process for me. Through them, I could explore the idea of what it would be like if fate could be controlled, if it was a tangible thing that could be woven to ones will – and what that would mean to the people of the world this was possible in.
An icon gets his picture book bio day in the sun. Alice Faye Duncan joins us today to talk about her latest creation and to reveal its cover too.
An icon gets his picture book bio day in the sun. Alice Faye Duncan joins us today to talk about her latest creation and to reveal its cover too.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Brume Volume 1: The Dragon Awakens from Hippo Park and Casey's Cases Volume 1: The Mysterious New Girl from Little Simon.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Brume Volume 1: The Dragon Awakens from Hippo Park and Casey's Cases Volume 1: The Mysterious New Girl from Little Simon.
Author XiXi Tian joins us to talk about her new book, ALL THE WAY AROUND THE SUN.
The first round of our 2026 Mock Newbery nominations begins today. Let us know what your top three contenders are by October 4th.
The first round of our 2026 Mock Newbery nominations begins today. Let us know what your top three contenders are by October 4th.
With Robert Munsch in the news lately, we thought it an opportune time to visit one of his lesser known titles.
With Robert Munsch in the news lately, we thought it an opportune time to visit one of his lesser known titles.
Travis: Back in June, I talked with author/illustrator Zeke Peña about his beautiful new picture book, SUNDUST. In this episode, Zeke talks about the unique way SUNDUST was created, and his unconventional path to making picture books. We hope you enjoy this episode. Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
Writing any picture book about an "issue" like divorce is a daunting prospect. Fortunately this new entry in the field is up to the challenge.
My dad understood the vast wealth that existed in those books and that library cards provided us with a share of that wealth.
The thing about making these lists is that I always end up wondering why a mysterious benefactor doesn't just somehow KNOW how much my school could use a surprise infusion of cash for all the books our on collection development list.
OLD SCHOOL by Gordon Korman is a realistic fiction title with strong description and rich characters. Guest blogger Elizabeth Johnson introduces the title.
OLD SCHOOL by Gordon Korman is a realistic fiction title with strong description and rich characters. Guest blogger Elizabeth Johnson introduces the title.
"His uncompromising approach to making art, his refusal to back away from his principles and political engagement." The time has never been better to learn more about Tomi Ungerer.
In Michael Regina's newest horror graphic novel for kids, a regular fishing trip turns into a scary adventure for four friends after they discover a bizarre monster lurking in the river.
In Michael Regina's newest horror graphic novel for kids, a regular fishing trip turns into a scary adventure for four friends after they discover a bizarre monster lurking in the river.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen reviews the book LULA DEAN"S LITTLE LIBRARY OF BANNED BOOKS by Kirsten Miller
An experimental school, haunted homes, vampires, animal rescue, heroic unicorns, and more!
Open doors and hospitality is the name of the game today as we talk about the agency of turning the page in a book with two renowned picture book creators.
There may be 96 suggested Mock Newbery 2026 titles on Heavy Medal, but there's still many more possibilities for Newbery gold.
Nefarious bluebirds, hilarious waterfowl, historical comics and more in our latest preview of some of the smaller publishers.
The graphic adaptation of the second volume in the Junie B. Jones keeps the humor of the originals and lets the reader see Junie B.'s vivid facial expressions as well.
It’s my hope that young readers, whether you have a name for yourselves or not, feel seen and held by Briar and Finn. Like them, you’re here, and you exist.
A dog's true best friend stars in its own show in this ludicrous and wonderful picture book readaloud. I interview its creator (dog lovers - this one's for you).
Author Gail Jarrow talks about her book about medical lies and cover-ups.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Hooves of Death Volume 1 from Harper Alley and Rise of the G.E.M.S. from Roaring Brook Press.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Hooves of Death Volume 1 from Harper Alley and Rise of the G.E.M.S. from Roaring Brook Press.
Today we'll look at direct quotes of passages from 2026 Newbery contenders to see how the author's actual words might merit Award consideration.
Keezy Young joins us to talk about their new graphic novel, HELLO SUNSHINE.
Just in time for her 20th anniversary, Kate and I tackle the fanciest nanciest gal in picture bookdom. WILL Kate think she's a brat? IS this the first book we've done with glitter on the cover? Listen and find out!
COLBY: I am always on the lookout for great middle grade nonfiction. It is a hole in both my classroom library and in my own personal reading. I’m thankful that authors like Nicholas Day are creating books that are filling that hole. In this episode, I chat with Nicholas about his new book A World […]
This came out early in the year, but I'd like to remind you to give it a close look. Highly sophisticated art with an incredible batch of storytelling. Galligan's greatest is here.
Sonora Reyes joins us to talk about their new book. THE GOLDEN BOY'S GUIDE TO BIPOLAR.
BULLDOZER'S BIG RESCUE by Elisa Broach is shorter than most books in our Mock Newbery discussions, but the clever, concise, and funny text could make it a contender for the award.
BULLDOZER'S BIG RESCUE by Elisa Broach is shorter than most books in our Mock Newbery discussions, but the clever, concise, and funny text could make it a contender for the award.
All summer I basically just pet my dogs, read my books, and text my friends way too much. But you what I definitely did NOT do in July? Read any of these interesting books on this list, so onto my TBR list they go!
Come for the wacky promotional video for one of the greatest graphic novels of 2025. Stay for the celebrity picture book cameo at the very end.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
To echo Guatemalan Archbishop Gerardi’s words, “Knowing the truth is painful, but liberating. Without it, the scars will never heal.”
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