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Inspired by Greek myth, Loïc Locatelli-Kournwsky's thrilling adventure features a young girl taken to Hades as part of a greater plot to reignite an old war between rival nations.
Today we start with a practice discussion of OLIVETTI by Allie Millington, a title not on the Heavy Medal book list but one that still received 12 Mock Newbery nominations.
The Blueberry Awards are given to, "honor children’s literature that strengthens kids’ connections with nature and fosters action for the planet." Essentially these are nature and climate books with an eye to instilling a love of the natural world
This may look like an ample list, and it is, but all thirty of these individuals are just a small slice of the pie that was biography in 2024. Read them in good health.
Today, consider this post my present to all those nonfiction and informational book fans out there. It's just FULL of titles that won't really get their day in the sun unless we promote the bloody heck out them.
Two teens, one with diabetes and the other a newly turned vampire, help each other deal with their conditions in Sarah Winifred Searle's graphic novel.
Consider this one for the kiddos. If it's gross, it's gonna be here.
Author Alyson Gerber discusses the classic THE WESTING GAME and how it influenced her mystery series, THE LIARS SOCIETY
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under featuring Blake Laser Volume 1 from Harper Alley and Digital Lizards of Doom Volume 3: Level 3 Dana Deathly from Papercutz.
They can be some of the most creative books of the year (and are a nightmare to catalogers everywhere). Take a gander at books that meld fact and fiction with aplomb.
Here are some books with a distinctive fantasy feel that stood out to me in 2024. Read 'em! Enjoy 'em! Love 'em!
Today, I celebrate what little science fiction there is. And, interestingly enough, the bulk of it this year seemed to come in the form of picture books. What are we to make of that? Not sure, but it's kinda cool.
In this month's Newbery Author Spotlight, we look back at some memorable Newbery Medal acceptance speeches and invite readers to share their own experiences.
Sometimes the simple act of adding some books to my own personal endless TBR stack or list is all it takes for me to want to do a Take Five list.
On today's list you'll discover a wild mix of nonfiction, poetry, comics, novels, and more. Just sit back and enjoy the array!
Keeping engaging series fiction in the hands of young patrons as they build habits and discover a love of reading is a priority. Fiction Series Made Simple is designed to help librarians maintain fresh and fun collections.
A careful examination of decodable sets designed to support burgeoning readers and their grown-ups on the path toward reading fluency.
Picture book series that help readers consider their place in the world.
This season’s additions to early reader series appeal to developing passions in science, animal welfare, and more.
A focus on the strong bonds of friendship and family run through these new and ongoing chapter book series.
Additions to beloved, well-established series and exciting new adventures await readers in this season’s middle grade selections.
The best of these hi-lo titles hit on the perfect mix of layered characterization, compelling plots, and sharp writing that will appeal to readers of any skill level.
These graphic novels series and sequels bring lessons about friendship, care, and self-determination into sharp focus.
Ah, this is a big one. There are only a couple topics including in the 31 Days, 31 Lists series that take significantly more time and energy than the others. With today's list we start tackling books for older readers this month. Comics just make for a natural starting place.
Meet the 13 members of the 2025 Heavy Medal Award Committee (HMAC). Every one of them is committed to reading all 15 titles on our Heavy Medal Book List, then discussing each one, starting December 30th.
If you’re looking to foster a love for fantasy that’s sure to last a lifetime, here are six spectacular, inclusive (and more or less recent) middle grade fantasy books to gift this holiday season.
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More than 8 million students, educators, families, and librarians from as many as 100 countries are expected to take part in fun and engaging activities that encourage creative expression during the fourth annual Crayola Creativity Week, running January 27 through February 2.
More diverse voices speaking out means more opportunities for representative stories to be acknowledged, shared, understood, celebrated, and honored, as evidenced in these 25 audio titles for young listeners.
Whatever you might call them, today's books are the titles that transition children into first reading on their own, and then into reading on their own for pleasure.
Mike Kunkel's Herobear and the Kid, a longtime favorite and award-winning kids' comic, has found a new home at Papercutz.
Check out these 25 middle grade titles coming out in 2025!
From a bilingual book about Cuba to a graphic novel poetry collection, these diverse titles are sure to delight a wide range of young readers.
Some books today could easily be called "weird" but you're also going to see a number of titles that upset our conceptions of what a children's book published in America can even be. That might mean the subject matter, the narrative style, the art, or some other aspect is "unconventional".
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Alligator Loki Holiday Special #1 from Marvel Comics and Surfside Girls The Clue in the Reef from IDW Publishing.
Our discussion of 15 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery titles begins in two weeks. Here's a complete schedule of titles and discussion dates, along with other Heavy Medal activities in store as we approach the announcement of the 2025 Newbery Medal.
Dive in to a delicious array of poetry for children. Poetry. It ain't just for April anymore.
Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community, and culture. These board books, picture books, and audiobooks will help young children learn more about it and get into the spirit of the holiday.
Today, I'm giving you the books in 2024 that hadn't a word of narration to spare. And they're not all picture books either! See if you can spot the graphic novel hiding in their ranks.
Today's list combines the best parts of traditional storytelling and modern mores. Come and enjoy the old and the new together.
The X-Men get the manga treatment in this retelling of the animated series.
Take a look at the 15 titles that made the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List for 2025. We will discuss these titles in depth- Dec. 28- Jan. 14th.
Today we're giving a shout out not simply to the translated books that make to American shelves, but also to the hardworking translators who are so good at what they do.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Being vulnerable on the page hasn’t been easy. Opening myself up to judgement—both good and bad is terrifying.
I LOVE photography. I feel it's the great unsung, untapped genre of children's books and is vastly deserving of more attention. 2024 had some true photographic beauties and we're going to experience them firsthand, right now!
New planets, secret headquarters, extraterrestrial creatures, and other cosmic delights fill the pages of these works for elementary through high school readers.
Today we have a preview of the final arc of James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas' fantasy tale Wynd.
Several journals and libraries have announced their "Best Children's Books of 2024." How do their choices compare to the possible Newbery contenders on our Heavy Medal nominations list?
A behind-the-scenes look at how THE LAST ZOOKEEPER was made.
This year, we're going to talk about the usual slew of "message" books, while also taking some time to consider those titles that look at social and emotional learning.
Caregivers can read these poems to children to help them on their journey to slumber.
This sweet graphic novel about a girl with dyslexia will help readers understand not only their own challenges, reading or otherwise, but also those that their friends may be facing.
Math! It's beautiful, isn't it? The perfection of it. Its logic. Cadences. Sublime applications. Today we celebrate it when it's put into children's books brilliantly. Don't be scared. Math is for everyone.
View the final nomination list of 57 Mock Newbery contenders and vote in a poll to help determine our final book list.
Enjoy both books where two different languages appear in the same title, and books of translation from one language to another. It's a celebration of all things bilingual today!
These three chapter books feature lovable, quirky animal sleuths solving wacky mysteries and getting into plenty of high jinks along the way.
Cree, Sioux, and Ojibwa are featured in these picture books across fiction and nonfiction categories. Among them are an old favorite, vastly updated, plus a biography about the hero of the drum.
While from a sales perspective picture book reprints are risky things, today we are highlighting those rare titles that get a second chance at life.
What precisely is a "Caldenott"? Any book where the illustrator is inconveniently from a country other than America. Today, we look beyond rigid classifications to celebrate artists deserving in every possible way save location.
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For more than 40 years, book supplier Children’s Plus, Inc. has been helping librarians do their jobs more effectively. Now, Children’s Plus has rebranded as Libraria and launched a new website that will make getting the right books into the hands of readers even easier.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Are you a serious children's book reader who loves to discuss the best of the best? Now's your chance to volunteer for the Heavy Medal Award Committee. Participants will take part in in-depth book discussion and a live webcast leading to the selection of our Mock Newbery winner. Apply online by December 12th.
As always, the one thing that makes life tolerable is escaping into fiction. And for all my hatred of actual winter, I love books set in winter. Here are a few you might like, too!
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
Funny books? They're difficult to create. Today we look at a slew of books that are doing it right. From parrotfish and hilarious Iranians to science fiction, nonfiction, and more, there's something here for every humor lover on your list!
Bolstered by dynamic art and a deep understanding of figure skating elements, this manga shines, just like Inori’s skating. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Your Letter
With stunning visuals and a cast of relatable characters, this manga illustrates that by finding the right people in life who offer respect and support, there are no boundaries on what one can achieve. Recommended.
PREMIUM
The Teen Exorcist, Vol. 1
With a promising, action-packed start, ancient Japanese folklore gets a fresh spin as a new hero follows the path of those who came before him, making this a series worth jumping into from the very beginning.
This adorable manga about identity delves into topics of injustice and advocacy and is a great option for middle school readers. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Gracie Under the Waves
A must-purchase tale of conservation and coming of age for children and adults.
The perfect blend of education and entertainment, this series, particularly this volume, is highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Make My Wish Come True
Despite the disparity in quality between the two alternating perspectives of this book, teens who enjoy lighthearted queer love stories by authors like Jason June, Mason Deaver, and Jennifer Dugan will enjoy this candy cane–sweet holiday romance.
Humorous, relatable elementary school situations make this a perfect suggestion for a reluctant reader.
An exceptional book about Ramadan that celebrates the breaking of the daily fast and the sharing of the transcendent power of food.
Only for those who want a slimmed down adaptation of the original.
PREMIUM
Athletes Who Changed the Game
Browsers and sports fans will be drawn to these concise yet engaging vignettes and will want to learn more about and cheer on these noteworthy athletes.
Great and engaging nonfiction.
Primarily for browsers; but offers plentiful food for thought on this critical topic.
Despite the sloppy presentation, this book is a valuable addition and a good resource for a language that its speakers are diligently working to keep alive.
PREMIUM
Transport
This book is packed with fun facts and charm; add to collections where Richard Scarry’s “Busy Town” or Raul the Third’s “¡Vamos!” series are popular.
Regardless of classroom uses, young readers will enjoy this one immensely; it’s a first choice for libraries needing nonfiction about diving and deep ocean travel.
A series opener that will leave readers aching for the next installment. Not to be missed, this is one enemies-to-lovers trope that lives up to the name.
PREMIUM
Desert Echoes
This novel suffers from a rough start, but the second half makes it worthy of consideration in collections short on stories about addiction, loss, and generational trauma.
A growth spurring psychological horror with broad appeal that stretches to fans of supernatural action manga.
PREMIUM
HappyHead
This novel excels in delivering a fast-paced and unique dystopian thriller with a cliffhanger ending.
An exquisitely depicted journey of a found family that reminds readers of empathy’s role in creating a kinder world.
With strong art, premise, and message, this is a great read and an excellent way to empower teens to defy expectations.
A triumph; Green has crafted an unforgettable coming-of-age story that is poignant and hopeful. With a blend of humor and resilience, this work deserves a place in the hearts of readers, especially those navigating similar journeys in a world that doesn’t always welcome difference.
With the hackers as vigilantes premise wrapped around a critique of the surveillance state, this thrilling manga will speak to teens.
A sweet and simple story about high schoolers falling in love, perfect for younger romance readers. Recommended.
One of the best pieces of suspense fiction, this brilliant psychological manga belongs on all shelves.
PREMIUM
Splatoon 3: Splatlands, Vol. 1
This action-packed adventure is perfect for young manga fans. Purchase where Splatoon is popular or younger readers are begging for manga.
A moving story appropriate for a younger audience. This is an essential purchase.
A must buy for school libraries; kids will be clamoring for the continuation of Big Jim’s story.
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