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. I hope this book takes young readers to a place of hope, understanding that when we confront the carefully constructed myths about the country, consider who benefits from this and who is harmed, when we are finally able to dismantle this legacy of lies, we can heal and be fully free.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
If you are a teen librarian, please feel free to use any of these techniques to make sure THREAT OF THE SPIDER is at the top of your circulation list!
In these stories, tween and teen protagonists with a range of abilities face real and fantastical challenges, from time loops to dust storms to going viral. Share these titles with readers in time for Disability Pride Month in July, and all throughout the year.
Ahmad provides readers with a unique way to understand the complexities of life, and a compelling reason to figure things out: to get back “home”.
Ming Lee has just started middle-school and struggles to feel like he belongs. Will his attempts to do so run afoul of his father's constant exhortation to not cause trouble?
Today we have a preview of the second issue of The Last Witch: Blood and Betrayal, by by Conor McCreery (Kill Shakespeare) and V.V. Glass (Doctor Who), published by BOOM! Studios under their BOOM! Box imprint. As you may remember from our preview of the first issue, this is a YA story set in medieval […]
What is the best Juneteenth picture book ever made? Today we discuss a serious contender with both the author and illustrator. What better way to celebrate the day?
Any interest in a picture book described by its illustrator as "Wizard of Oz set in a graveyard"? I talk with the creators about a book with the sweetest Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse you ever did encounter.
These Juneteenth offerings include various formats, ranging from cookbooks to early readers to audiobooks, so all your young readers can find their preferred way to learn more about this holiday.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. Leon Egan shares about Lover Birds in this latest installment.
These recent, incredible titles cover under-explored events, figures, regions, and even creative literary approaches that warrant a spotlight in the WWII literary canon.
These documentaries and videos make the transition from theater to classroom, offering opportunities for critical thinking and discussion among middle and high school students.
Any interest in a picture book described by its illustrator as "Wizard of Oz set in a graveyard"? I talk with the creators about a book with the sweetest Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse you ever did encounter.
COLBY: I’ve been on summer break for about a week. It has been amazing to read when I’m not exhausted from teaching. I’m in the point of summer reading, where everything I read makes me think of a kid that I had in class this past school year. In our latest episode of The Yarn, […]
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Pacheco and the Witch of the Mountain Volume 1 and Yelp Yeti Chaos in Kathmandu from Flying Eye Books.
Papercutz will publish Punk Taco, the award-winning graphic novel by the father and son team of Adam and Makana Wallenta.
A great, immersive read that will leave readers anxious to see what happens next.
These standout entries in the “A Kids Book About” series offer clear, compassionate introductions to ADHD and OCD for young readers, pairing educational value with emotional resonance. Both titles beg...
Prediction posts, while rarely accurate, often just give a sense of what's particularly good in publishing these days. Today's post is no exception.
The work we do as librarians has become incredibly political, so please do use opportunities at Annual to engage, get more informed, and to build community.
Check out these 12 June releases from Penguin Young Readers!
From cheerful picture books to a thought-provoking YA novel, these titles about July 4th offer stories for children, tweens, and teens.
Kwame Alexander's Read Strong America has put together a couple of opportunities for us to commune during the Juneteenth celebrations this week.
With Dan in Green Gables, I’d like to pay homage to a book that helped me through difficult times—and offer some compassion and love to my relatives in the Smoky Mountains by focusing on happy memories of them, and what could have been, if they’d only embraced me.
A fun choice for Spanish-language middle grade shelves, perfect for summertime reading.
PREMIUM
¡Hola, Tobi!
This joy-filled, Spanish-language picture book is a strong addition to collections for children.
PREMIUM
¡Ñam, ñam, ñam!
This onomatopoeia-filled translation about picky eaters and family bonding is great for emerging comics fans and story times.
For better or worse, this depiction simplifies a complex issue and will be of value as an addition to collections.
PREMIUM
The Very Fine Clock
A text-heavy but airy story for the patient child or the adult enthusiast and a must for the Gorey shelves; not essential except as a quite charming eccentricity.
PREMIUM
Snow Babies: Touch and Feel
A cozy, hands-on pick for baby shelves and touch-and-feel collections.
PREMIUM
The Secret Powers of Animals
A standout addition to nonfiction collections, this pairs learning with delightful design.
An emotional take on a ghost story, with heartwarming illustrations and an ending to bring a tear to the eye.
PREMIUM
Finding Forgiveness
A tender, beautifully crafted story about conflict, emotional insight, and Jewish holiday traditions. Highly recommended for family reading, classroom discussions, and all library collections.
A delightful picture book of Hanukkah poems that showcases Judaism and Hanukkah in an authentic way; a great addition for those who are looking to build up their holiday collections.
Recommended as a fresh addition to public and school libraries to introduce the concept of a bruja. The story is lively and is likely to capture the interest of children and adults.
PREMIUM
The Raven: The Classic Poem
Though not for everyone, this elegant treatment of Poe’s work will find a place on the shelves of erudite readers with an appetite for sophisticated language and Gothic atmosphere.
Despite some flaws, a worthy purchase for elementary and middle schools where hockey is popular.
PREMIUM
Rabbit Rabbit
While there will be readers who identify with Bee and Alice’s struggles, some of the topics addressed may be more mature than the intended tween audience.
In the lead-up to July's Stars issue, June is bursting with top quality reads in holiday titles, Spanish books, cookbooks, anime, and more.
Out in September 2025, Daniel Miyares brings a glorious, hand-painted graphic novel to the middle grade market. Today I get to excerpt sections of it and talk to him about its origins.
Conversations about books on banned lists will build community and facilitate empathy. Talking about these stories will also exercise critical information literacy skills as we examine how power is articulated.
Sometimes, in order to honor their whole personage, instead of choosing approval or someone else’s desire, girls must choose themselves.
Writing children's books? There's no set deadline to publish your first. We talk with Mel Rosenberg about his first picture book at age 74 and his unique path to publication.
Godzilla and Varan are on course to clash in a small Australian town. Is there anything a quartet of local skaters can do to save their beloved skate park from being smashed...? You would be surprised!
Big or small, we need to be talking about our boobs, especially with young women. Maybe our new battle cry for boobs should be, “We must—we must—we must DISCUSS our busts!”
Whether they are going to school for the first time or facing the beginning of another academic year, the start of the school year can be a time of high emotions for little ones. Share these titles to help them prepare.
Its publisher calls it "Clue meets Knives Out for the younger set" which isn't too far off. I talk with Dianne Salerni about writing mysteries and why you should never bury a treasure with a group of friends.
We're almost halfway through the year and our suggestion list for the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery is up to 53 titles. Check out the full list of potential contenders for the 2026 Newbery Medal.
We're almost halfway through the year and our suggestion list for the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery is up to 53 titles. Check out the full list of potential contenders for the 2026 Newbery Medal.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Deeply Dave from Henry Holt and The Frog Daddy from Little Brown Ink.
A romantic comedy is delightful enough on its own, but traveling to a new destination through the eyes of one’s protagonist brings with it an additional sense of escapism and adventure, especially if traveling in real life isn’t possible.
A little girl is excited to attend her cousin’s quinceañera celebration where she learns about the traditional customs associated with the momentous 15th birthday party, such as party favors, a specia...
Author Jamar J. Perry joins us to talk about his new book FINDING PRINCE CHARMING.
You know what the hero of this book is doing when we first meet him? Kicking over the headstones of complete strangers in the cemetery. I review a STRONG title from Messner.
An engaging purchase sure to fill collection gaps and for readers looking for stories of folks finding themselves.
This book will inspire young athletes to break barriers, such as gender and age, to charter their own course and pursue excellence. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Home, Home
Perfect for libraries wishing to add a beautiful cross-cultural story to their collection, and for every child who has ever felt different.
PREMIUM
Dreaming of a Quinceañera
An excellent story about siblings and quinceañeras that entertains while providing a good description of the traditions and ceremonies that make up a quinceañera.
PREMIUM
12 Little Elves Save Christmas
A perfect way to introduce children to diverse Christmas traditions and cultures.
PREMIUM
Owl’s Fall Feast Fiasco
A warm title for young readers about honest and effective communication, friendship, and the understanding that differences are worth celebrating.
This is a wonderful addition to any library and would be well suited for children of all ages.
PREMIUM
Illuminary
This fantastical novel of misfits on a Quest literally and figuratively will entice readers in middle school and beyond. The cliff-hanger ending will have readers anticipating the sequel.
PREMIUM
Of Earthly Delights
This gothic romance, while occasionally repetitive, offers an atmospheric and emotionally charged narrative. Mature readers may particularly appreciate the sharp, eerie imagery woven throughout.
By sounding a warning before the catastrophe comes, it might motivate some readers to find ways to take action to mitigate the very worst of it.
PREMIUM
Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite
This strong choice can be used across multiple grades as a read-aloud or as part of a math lesson involving kites and competition.
By presenting an important example of a caring and concerned community effort based on Indigenous traditions along with vibrant, detailed, and interesting illustrations, this book offers young readers insight into a positive way to sustain the environment, and is highly recommended.
Sixth grade movie fan Galen's life is thrown into turmoil when his parents separate, and he tries coping with the changes by making a documentary about their split.
When I sat down to write VESUVIUS, my debut YA historical fantasy set in the final days of Pompeii, I did so to put queer people back in the narrative.
This ain't a golden age of picture books anymore. We've gone platinum.
In these books that take place in part during the first semester of college, characters learn more about themselves during this time of transition—and maybe fall in love along the way.
Beloved YA author Tiffany D. Jackson, winner of this year’s Margaret A. Edwards Award, speaks to SLJ about the award, her expansive work, and how real life influences her stories.
Today we have an exclusive preview of the third book in Caitlin Rose Boyle's charming middle-grade series about Frankie Fairy and the critters of the forest.
Eventually, the time will come when you have to go your own way like me and Aaliyah. You’ve got this and if nobody else believes in you, don’t worry—I do.
Just in time for Father's Day, we've rounded up a few of the latest board books that highlight the special bond between fathers and their children. Share these titles with your young readers before mid-June or all year long.
Seven recent graphic novels that feature family stories of love, loss, and lineage.
I only learn the queer history when I read books by LGBTQIA+ people. I read so I can know
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Seeker Society from Andrews McMeel and Yellow Singing Sail from Little Brown Ink.
Books are crucial tools in understanding the lives of those who may look or sound a little different from the majority.
With the year nearly halfway over, we continue to solicit suggestions for children's books that could be contenders for the 2026 Newbery Medal. Submit up to five titles by June 7th and we'll add them to our growing Mock Newbery list.
If Castle Swimmer sounds like a story you would enjoy, then I have some additional, queer YA comics I’d like to recommend, in celebration of Pride Month.
SPONSORED
Despite the current Trump administration’s efforts to make the recognition of only two genders federal policy, publishers remain committed to inclusive representation of LGBTQIA+ characters and stories.
SPONSORED
Teaching the next generation about STEAM skills and concepts is critical for our future. More than just a catchphrase, STEAM is an educational model that helps students develop the critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills they’ll need to navigate an increasingly complex future.
A beautiful and reflective read, perfect for celebrating Día de Muertos or simply savoring life’s precious moments. Purchase to enrich holiday collections.
A warm and empowering story about finding one’s voice while celebrating the love of family. Highly recommended.
This read will charm trick-or-treaters and caregivers, and is a solid addition to holiday collections.
PREMIUM
Peppa Pig and the Wedding Day
A heartwarming story about love, friendship, and the joy of celebrating special moments.
A good resource to learn more about Día de Muertos, recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
Bob the Vampire Snail
Slightly confusing at times, this unlikely vampire tale is excellent Halloween fun.
An informative read that introduces young readers to the richness of Jewish traditions and celebrations.
An affirming, sweet board book for families who celebrate Chuseok.
A must-buy. Young readers love exploring their independence, and this delightful story might just inspire a few more to embrace their unique selves
PREMIUM
Silly Witch
Fun art, pretty good Halloween jokes, and a straightforward premise. A fine first joke book for youngsters who love the spooky season.
PREMIUM
Not-So-Bad Guys Vampire!
A fine addition to collections, for those who don’t mind their vampires watered-down.
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