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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!
How do you write a picture book about a man who made picture books? A deep dive into the creation of the one and only JIM! (a.k.a. James Marshall).
Gale Galligan's latest graphic novel is a fictionalized account of her own childhood, featuring an unrepentant goofball of a character starting over in a new school and facing new challenges that can't be run away from.
If there’s one takeaway I’d like all readers to get, it’s that they matter, just as they are, and they deserve to follow their dreams.
Now up for discussion in our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery: QUAGMIRE TIARELLO COULDN'T BE BETTER by Mylisa Larsen. Heavy Medal Award Committee Member Janeé Jackson-Doering notes that "this book tackles themes of growing up, anger, first love, mental illness and anxiety through wry humor."
It's the rare anthology where every story feels strong, and this one certainly achieves that. A great read about love of all kinds around the world and throughout time. Definitely check it out!
Author Shelly Page shares her thoughts about representation and her newest release, BREWED WITH LOVE
From a pizza-eating dragon to a detailed look at the causes of climate change, these Spanish-language works offer young readers engaging stories and magical high jinks.
I am absolutely in love with Mafalda and soon, my friends, you will be too. Translated into English for the first time, I talk with the people who have given her life here in the States.
Author Karen Valby discusses her book, THE SWANS OF HARLEM
Now up for discussion in our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery: the only graphic novel title PLAIN JANE AND THE MERMAIDS by Vera Brosgol.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Chickenpox from Henry Holt and Paws Hazel Has Her Hands Full from Putnam.
Being a late bloomer is not a sign of failure, but a testament to the unique growth that is allowed when we give ourselves the grace to bloom in our own time.
They may offer you lots of cheap thrills / fancy condos in Beverly Hills / but whatever they offer you don't trust the fish!
Can a horror novel for children contend for the Newbery Medal?. Anne Ursu's NOT QUITE A GHOST is a Heavy Medal Mock Newbery finalist
My hope is that my book adds to the canon of mythological stories so that more kids can find themselves reflected in the story, especially kids that might have grown used to feeling “othered.”
Alicia D. Williams won a Newbery Honor in 2020 for her first novel. Her newest book, MID-AIR, is a Heavy Medal Mock Newbery finalist.
Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?
Transgender actor and activist Nicole Maines played the character of Nia Nal/Dreamer, a trans superhero, in the television show Supergirl, and when the show ended, she wanted Nia to keep on going. So she pitched a story to DC and they said “OK, write it!” DC published her YA graphic novel Bad Dream: A Dreamer […]
Truthfully, although I write about destroying giant, horrible monsters, I’ve never quite been able to vanquish the imposter beast. But I’ve learned how to work around it.
Adam Gidtiz won a Newbery Honor in 2017 for THE INQUISITORS TALE. Does his latest title, MAX IN THE HOUSE OF SPIES have what it takes to win the medal?
Today, we talk with Lauren and Susan on the book, where it came from, its design, and how you develop a book with this kicker of a combo of art and heart.
Cartoonist James Kochalka is next at bat in RH Graphic's line of Dr. Seuss graphic novels, taking on the most challenging Seuss extrapolation yet, that of Green Eggs and Ham.
Today's Mock Newbery discussion features a late publication standout: MALLORY IN FULL COLOR by Elisa Stone Leahy.
These books on topics ranging from using AI successfully to navigating book challenges are a good place for librarians to start as they look toward another year of positively influencing young readers.
Here are some of the BIPOC Pearls who have contributed to youth literature and have gone on to the ancestors.
On the last day of 2024, Colby Sharp and I got on a call to look back at the year in children’s literature. This episode of The Yarn podcast is always one of my favorites (and not just because I get a chance to talk about things like The Great British Baking Show). We talk […]
From subverting the general expectations of what butterflies "should" look like to the delights of a true collaboration, join these three picture book creators as they explain how they work together.
MAGNOLIA WU UNFOLDS IT ALL is a title set in New York City and an adventure of identity, friendship and lost items.
Once upon a time, a reader asked me that age old question: "Where do your ideas come from?" I leaned into the mic and with complete sincerity gave them the best answer I could: "Keanu Reeves."
Warm, charming, and utterly necessary, this beautiful work of historical fiction is a classic in the making. Young readers will certainly devour and adore it.
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As librarians prepare to celebrate Black History Month this February, the events of the last few years underscore the significance of this occasion. Honoring the achievements of Black Americans bolsters the self-esteem of Black youth and can empower them to excel in school. Here are some notable books for teaching and celebrating Black culture and history.
From ready reference to encyclopedias, these titles will spark curiosity in baseball, ancient times, and dragons, while also providing research resources on Black women's history and space travel.
2024 came to a close with these outstanding selections, which include several from our new Fiction Series Made Simple supplement.
Check out this week's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels for readers 12 and under, featuring Mack Moon and the P.E.T.S. Volume 1 from Andrews McMeel and Zootopia #1 from Dynamite Entertainment.
Humans haven’t stepped onto the Moon since 1972. Now, more than 50 years later, American astronauts are planning to head back, this time to stay.
Next up in our discussion of 2025 Newbery contenders: LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu. Heavy Medal Award Committee member Meghan Baranski states that this book "gives a realistic glimpse into the mental battle it takes to confront a Voice that is relentless with its lies and harm." Is it a Newbery frontrunner?
Are your young readers sad that the holiday season is over? Point them to these titles, featuring holidays celebrated throughout the year around the world.
A novel in verse and the National Book Award for Young People's Literature is KAREEM BETWEEN a Heavy Medal Mock Newbery finalist.
Music is an especially emotive form of storytelling. It’s truly a universal language and I hope readers will take away an appreciation for spirituals as a valued basis for so much of the music produced in the USA.
Introduction by Heavy Medal Award Committee Member Kate Olson As an adult reader, it is always a bit of a shock to see books set during my adulthood considered historical, or in the case of THE FIRST STATE OF BEING by Erin Entrada Kelly, to have my freshman year of college be a time period […]
The recently revamped Diverse BookFinder is a beneficial collection development resource for librarians and educators who are dedicated to encouraging diversity and inclusivity in children’s literature.
The Prohibition Era extends beyond the obvious elements of the subject to look at events and people that changed American culture.
Of the 15 titles on the Heavy Medal Book List, Candace Fleming's THE ENGIMA GIRLS is the only nonfiction entry. Will this riveting historical story measure up to this year's other Newbery contenders?
For this one time only, please enjoy this list of some of the 2025 Children's Books I Am Most Excited To See.
With an unending stream of puns, rhymes, and corny dad jokes with some interesting science mixed in, this is sure to appeal to reluctant readers or kids who are attracted to the grosser aspects of life.
This collection will fill a gap in helping all teens navigate their futures in an ableist world.
Hand this book to budding environmentalists or anyone interested in learning more about the plastic problem. A recommended purchase for updating nonfiction collections.
A good choice to middle and high school biography shelves.
A sweet peek into a life most of us will never experience but wish we could.
PREMIUM
Fighter in the Woods: The True Story of a Jewish Girl who Joined the Partisans in World War II
An important addition to any collection, perfect for fans of Tarshis’s “I Survived” series who are ready to move on to more complex books.
This title does a splendid job of opening ancient worlds to younger readers; it’s a useful addition to nonfiction collections in schools and public libraries.
An interesting story, but also one that leaves readers with an unanswered question.
Within the confines of a regular day, the author-illustrator brilliantly conveys the joy and beauty found in an autumn morning, making every small moment relatable and wonderful. A solid purchase for libraries.
PREMIUM
The Paper Bridge
A very different kind of fairy tale that revolves around a paper craft and with salient lessons on cooperation and community.
Best for cozy story hours, small classroom settings, or home reading, this unique picture book celebrates the power that friendship has to open up the world in more ways than one.
A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others.
PREMIUM
My Dear Sea
Truly, the sea is dear in this immensely gorgeous tale of oceanic depth, perfect for reading aloud to preschoolers and early elementary children.
PREMIUM
The Greatest River
This piece of literature beautifully represents the Ganga river and serves to educate readers on the Hindu beliefs and practices surrounding the river.
This wolf tale presents a diversity of ideologies and perspectives, all of which are sure to help readers reflect on where and how they fit into the world. Highly recommended.
To remember is to honor the past, and Currie’s Gothic problem-solving horror combines the best of local history with community action. Highly recommended for middle grade shelves.
PREMIUM
Wind Watchers
A fresh and poetic offering for wind and weather-themed story times. Recommended for all picture book collections.
PREMIUM
The Night Before Earth Day
This fits the bill for an earth-themed chapter in this series. Purchase where circulation warrants and paperback formats are appropriate.
An essential purchase for most libraries that celebrates global diversity and the joy of dance.
PREMIUM
Safe Crossing
Young eco-activists looking for an ambitious but doable local project will find both useful informational guidelines and inspiration here, despite the fictional wrappings.
PREMIUM
I Love You, Mama
A delightful gift book and thoughtful addition to Mother’s Day collections, and a treasure for sharing with little ones.
The art seems to be a tip of the hat to Jon Klassen’s enigmatic work in the humor, the controlled palette, and the incredible story line. Teachers and kids will love this whole package.
PREMIUM
Call Me Gebyanesh
What an unusual, subtle addition to a familiar conflict; this will be a good fit for collections that support social-emotional learning in early elementary students.
PREMIUM
Made for More
A thoughtfully crafted story and unique depiction of a biracial child; the details of one child’s developing self-image and self-concept will resonate for readers.
PREMIUM
Moonlight, Goodnight
A serviceable bedtime story with outstanding illustrations, perhaps for post-story-hour naps.
PREMIUM
The Big Tournament
A colorful and engaging graphic novel about a young girl who uncovers a nefarious plot and finds the courage to fight.
A compelling blend of folklore and adventure that will appeal to fans of B. B. Alston's Amari and the Night Brothers and Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, this is a beautiful, inclusive work that’s also a terrific story; highly recommended for middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
The City of Lost Cats
This ambitious multigenre novel provides enough twists to keep readers engaged and wondering how all the distinct elements will come together in resolution.
Perfect for readers who love trains and adventure. A valuable addition with an entertaining story line and enjoyable artwork.
PREMIUM
Drive
Blending fiction with racing history, this satisfying story is a sound addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.
A must-purchase for exploration of advocacy for kiddos with sensitive souls, and a great choice for group reading. Pair this with The Lonely Book by Meg Grehan.
PREMIUM
13 Ways to Say Goodbye
Recommended for middle grade collections where verse novels are popular.
PREMIUM
Space Chasers
A story of personal growth and teamwork; hand this to middle school kids who are looking for a STEM adventure.
PREMIUM
On Thin Ice
A resonant novel about sports and sibling relationships in the face of grief; recommended for realistic fiction collections.
PREMIUM
Danilo Was Here
An excellent purchase for middle grade collections looking for unique historical fiction perspectives and sports fiction.
PREMIUM
Ice Apprentices
This first book in a new series is distinct and enjoyable for its worldbuilding, and is for fans of magic academy tales and mystery.
A fun, refreshing, and occasionally dark story recommended for fans of Harry Potter.
With captivating characters and a thoughtful exploration of dyscalculia, this book is a wonderful addition to any library and perfect for fans of Shannon Hale’s and LeUyen Pham’s Real Friends and Raina Telgemeier’s Smile.
This captivating story about stormy friendships and life at sea is a must-have for middle grade graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
The Doomsday Vault
Without more emphasis on the characters’ personal struggles and less on fantastical elements, this title does not fully deliver a rich emotional experience. Still, fans of cerebral adventures and time-traveling twists will find much to enjoy.
PREMIUM
The Secrets of Underhill
This socially conscious fantasy should appeal to fans of Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Christina Soontornvat’s A Wish in the Dark.
This engaging history relates the story of the first significant battle in America’s ongoing “culture wars” and is highly recommended for junior high and high school collections.
An additional purchase for library collections, particularly where demand for literary adaptations for children is high.
PREMIUM
Biology Lessons
An essential and poignant novel that will resonate deeply with older teens navigating the complex world of relationships, identity, and social justice.
PREMIUM
These Vengeful Wishes
Recommended purchase; hand this to fans of Trang Thanh Tran’s She Is a Haunting and Krystal Sutherland’s House of Hollow.
PREMIUM
The Rival
Recommended for school and public libraries; shelve with books aimed at readers leaving the nest and flying on their own for the first time.
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