Related
"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.
Texas school librarian Minda Anderson created a lesson for AP English students to analyze rhetoric and learn about banned books and censorship.
These adult titles with teen appeal feature a range of genres and topics, from magical adventures and mysteries to nonfiction explorations of everything Taylor Swift and John Green’s adult nonfiction debut.
A district court judge said removing the picture book about two male penguins raising a penguin chick did not violate the authors’ or students’ First Amendment rights; the South Carolina Association of School Librarians filed suit against the state superintendent; and more in censorship news this Banned Books Week.
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.
The five titles honored by the National Book Foundation include three novels in verse.
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.
Celebrate Diwali, Mid-Autumn Festival, and a wedding with these fun fall titles!
Iris Mogul talks with Banned Books Week Honorary Chair George Takei, as well as other youth advocates as part of Banned Books Week 2025 events.
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.
PREMIUM
Hurricane Heist
A winning mix of history, humor, and high-stakes sleuthing for returning fans of the series or new readers.
A stellar companion novel about one tween’s struggles and ambitions that can stand alone but will have newer readers sprinting to the rest of the books in this excellent series.
PREMIUM
The Academy
A solid purchase for soccer players and fans who are looking for middle grade books about their favorite game.
A tearjerking realistic fiction read about love and loss that should be added to all middle grade collections.
Time-traveling fans will devour this humorous tale that shows how humans are all connected.
PREMIUM
The Tear Collector
A novel that handles heavy topics with a light touch; recommended for upper middle grade.
PREMIUM
Wolf Club
An eye-opening window or mirror story for collections that need more stories involving Ojibwe beliefs, relationships, and a touch of the supernatural.
PREMIUM
The One About the Blackbird
Perhaps this is best for the shelves intended to help grandparents seeking to connect with the young generation.
PREMIUM
Sticky Hermana
This title is one any pair of sisters can relate to and encourages being honest with familial frustrations. A recommended general purchase for picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Waiting for Max: A NICU Story
A warmly illustrated, heartfelt resource that combines comfort with information, this is an essential purchase for libraries serving young families.
PREMIUM
Mazel Toes!
Though not for every collection, this bright and inclusive board book celebrating the value of family and community is an ideal selection for Jewish families welcoming a newborn.
Lilting prose and textured collage visually and lyrically represent big feelings in this powerful title. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
House of Hearts
A lush, spooky page-turner perfect for readers of Arndt’s other novel, Together We Rot, or Stephanie Garber’s Once Upon a Broken Heart.
PREMIUM
Butterfly Heart
A powerful novel about family, friendship, love, and the indigenous culture of the Sámi people. Young adults living between multiple cultures will appreciate the rawness of self-discovery throughout.
PREMIUM
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire
Recommended for collections where fairy romantasy is popular.
This book is inviting, making it appropriate for young adult mystery collections.
Strongly recommended for fans of Greek and Roman mythology, particularly feminist retellings such as Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne or Madeline Miller’s Circe.
A unique book among space-exploration titles, this is recommended for browsers and as a first step in the research process.
An important and well-done title that teachers will want to explore with their students.
Give this to fact fiends and fans of the “Science Comics” series.
Readers approaching adulthood need the reassurance, hope, and bravery that Budde provides. A strong purchase for middle grade and teen collections.
An excellent addition to earth science classrooms, elementary school libraries, and medium to large public libraries. Ideal for children who gravitate toward visual nonfiction and enjoy collecting interesting facts.
PREMIUM
World Soccer Kings
With a stealthy intention to bring poetry to sports-minded young readers, this book may be too light on sports facts to appeal to soccer fans and too basic in its execution to be a meaningful resource for aspiring poets.
The collection format makes it easy for libraries to offer multiple battles in one simple book and is a must-have for those serving elementary readers.
At a time when Messi biographies are in abundance, this one stands out for its celebration of the phenom’s dedication and resilience in the face of childhood struggles. A first purchase for school and public library biography shelves of an admirable role model.
With vibrant visuals and an incisive narrative, this compelling new look at the Age of Exploration is a first purchase for children’s nonfiction collections.
PREMIUM
To the Top of the World: Barbara Hillary, the First Black Woman to Reach the North and South Poles
Recommended for purchase for any collection wishing to spotlight a truly remarkable individual.
A remarkable tribute to those who made space travel possible in unexpected ways, this is a highly recommended STEM purchase to inspire a new generation of women.
An inspiring and energetic account of one man’s record-breaking journey around the world in a wheelchair, this is an uplifting and visually engaging biography of resilience and advocacy and a strong choice for classrooms and collections featuring changemakers and social justice role models.
A landmark work in the “kids love poop” genre, this is a must-buy for every collection.
PREMIUM
When Beavers Move In
A great read-aloud to celebrate Earth month, Indigenous innovation, and the resilience of the natural world.
A charming, tender story about making friends, sisterhood, and the importance of family and community.
PREMIUM
Sib Squad: Flying High!
A worthy follow-up that expands on the humor and heart of the first installment, and an excellent pick for fans of humorous graphic novels and family-centered storytelling.
National Geographic books are a trusted favorite for a reason: kids love them, parents and educators rely on them, and the learning happens almost effortlessly. This one is a must for home, classroom, or library shelves.
A thoughtfully designed book for adults to share with children or for young readers to explore on their own, with plentiful, stunning images of many African animals, sparse text, and helpful scaffolds for engaging with nonfiction works.
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.
The all-volunteer initiative is documenting exhibits at the more than 20 Smithsonian Institution museums and the National Zoo in response to the Trump administration's announcement that museums' contents would be subject to review and revision to align with the president's directive.
PREMIUM
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
A rousing rendition of a classic song celebrating baseball’s legacy and appeal. Recommended for collections that are looking for sports-themed titles in their picture book collections
Designed as a personal data assistant for K–12 librarians, Destiny AI aims to help automate routine tasks, streamline data organization, retrieve quick insights into a library’s collection, reduce workloads, and boost productivity.
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.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
