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You know what rules? Dogs. I sure do like them. Here are a few middle grade books featuring dogs, all approved by my rescue chiweenies, Charlie and Spot.
There is a joy to asking questions and learning new things. It’s fun to explore, and to find the answer to a question. It’s exciting to learn that the world works in ways we did or did not expect.
Today, we are premiering Aaron's book trailer for his upcoming board book Winter Light. Before we do, however, I felt inclined to hear from the man himself about why exactly, precisely, minutely, he likes board books as much as he does.
Shakespeare’s greatness can live on, but we can also give space to new voices - and both can happen at the exact same time with the power of a retelling.
In this Q&A series, SLJ poses five questions and a request for a book recommendation to a debut YA author. In the latest installment, Wen-yi Lee shares about The Dark We Know.
The Donut Prince of New York isn't just about donuts or theater or football. It's about the revolutionary act of accepting yourself in a world that often suggests you shouldn't.
Author Gayle Forman is over on The Yarn podcast, taking us behind the scenes of her new middle grade novel NOT NOTHING
Middle grade may not have been in my initial career plans as an author, but now I can’t imagine writing without it.
PREMIUM
Robin’s Worlds
Families come in all sizes and shapes, warmly shown here; this book is recommended for libraries to add any shelves on ever-expanding inclusivity.
PREMIUM
The Long Way Around
A fast-paced adventure that forces three children to make decisions about survival and come to terms with some grown-up issues.
An excellent story about Indigenous culture, and how communities can support each other when things are tough. A strong choice for any elementary library.
PREMIUM
Dead Girls Don’t Say Sorry
An uncomfortable, disquieting, and important examination of abusive friendships.
PREMIUM
Sixteen Minutes
A dreamy and mysterious tale about taking chances and traveling through time for the people you love, this is an excellent blend of a tense, high-stakes mystery and a relationship-driven, coming-of-age story.
Readers of the “Raybearer” series will welcome the return to familiar territory.
PREMIUM
I Hear You, Mountains
For those needing a solid read-aloud for story times, consider this; despite some random elements, its message of love for nature is clear.
A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.
PREMIUM
Spells to Forget Us
This title will make a good edition to any YA collection where sapphic stories and cozy magical romances are popular.
PREMIUM
Poppy Song Bakes a Way
Buy the book and the series. Kids need access to this diverse classroom of students who face everyday crises with their supportive friends, and this gentle read shows the goodness in the world without being overly sappy.
PREMIUM
On Your Baptism Day
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
PREMIUM
Happy Birthday, Little One
While this series would make a perfect gift set, since it offers space for personalization, these titles would also be a strong addition to board book collections that serve children from birth to age one.
PREMIUM
Hannah and the Wrong Note
Despite a promising start, this underdeveloped title is not recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
Ten Purim Bears: A Counting Book
This book fulfills its purpose but count on another title to find the joy of Purim.
While not an essential purchase, libraries where holiday titles are popular may want to get their paws on this adorable book.
This thankful season, children can read all about dinosaurs, crayons, and even turkeys enjoying food, fun, and family.
A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library.
Here is a small selection of twenty books which score 8/10 or higher on my personal "Fear Factor" grading used in The YA Horror 400.
PREMIUM
Here Goes Nothing
A feisty queer retelling of a classic, perfect for a teach-along or lesson enhancement.
PREMIUM
Thanks for Listening
Gr 10 Up–Horan’s second contemporary queer YA novel is a fantastic and much-needed ace romance...
PREMIUM
If You Can Hear This
Recommended for collections where titles like Tom Ryan’s I Hope You’re Listening or Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder circulate well.
PREMIUM
Midnights With You
An emotionally gripping debut novel that shines with hope, even through its traumas and trials.
A timely and engaging read for all ages, sure to be popular with teens and adult readers of YA.
Highly recommended and appropriate for all YA collections, especially where diverse romance stories featuring women of color are popular.
An excellent purchase for school and public library collections.
A professional purchase for most school libraries.
A good resource that offers detailed insights and practical examples on how to strengthen advocacy and collaboration through ecosystem thinking.
A scholarly work more at home in academic libraries for those studying the impact of classic children’s literature and for superfans of Montgomery’s work.
A necessary purchase for elementary professional collections; the read-aloud experiences included provide a wealth of ideas to utilize across content areas and grade levels.
PREMIUM
Tove Jansson: Life, Art, Words
The love of the work and artist is evident, but the magic is lost in translation.
School libraries will find this a helpful addition to a well-used professional collection.
A crucial title for all academic libraries; this should be required reading in graduate library science, education, and higher education programs across the U.S.
Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Band in Our Basement
A lovely purchase, this warm bedtime story is laced with love of music and close family feelings.
PREMIUM
Milo the Knight
A sweet tale about overcoming fears that uniquely merges the insect and medieval worlds. Recommended for picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Vanishing Act
Compelling as this is in concept, it misses the mark and is not recommended for purchase.
PREMIUM
A Face Is a Poem
A thought-provoking and beautiful discussion about what makes up a face, but an optional purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
A Voice in the Storm
Highly recommended; this is a compassionate look at how to support a friend overwhelmed by emotions.
PREMIUM
Like This
This sweet and charming book shows children how to connect emotions and memories through simple, repetitive language and softly colored illustrations.
PREMIUM
The Sorry Seeds
A story with a clear message about owning up to one’s mistakes that is sure to inspire discussion.
PREMIUM
Chloe and the Fireflies
This hopeful work on a subject treated all too infrequently in picture books would be a sensitive and welcome addition to any library.
PREMIUM
Leo and the Pink Marker
A wonderful book that showcases what the imagination can do, and to shelve right next to Crockett Johnson’s original.
PREMIUM
Brown Girl, Brown Girl
This gorgeously illustrated poem celebrating and elevating brown girls is a solid choice for picture book collections.
PREMIUM
Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee
A stunning book, this may have difficulty finding the right audience; a limited first buy.
A lively look at opposites that is a useful teaching tool and an examination of the many animals in a busy forest. A recommended purchase.
PREMIUM
Four Fallen Eagles
In charming and expressive imagery, readers will find a journey that requires courage, reasoning, and newfound maturity. A worthwhile purchase.
A breathtaking trip through one boy’s imagination, this beautiful picture book is highly recommended for school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
Emilio Sloth’s Modern Manners
A gentle reminder that everyone possesses the golden commodity of time when it comes to showing courtesy, compassion, and care for others.
PREMIUM
Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians
A twist on the animal-in-the-library story that is both perfect nonsense and informative.
PREMIUM
The Spark in Me
A great introduction to the wonderful world of science, this book can be used across many grade levels.
PREMIUM
Vietnamese Folktales for Children: Stories of Adventure and Wonder in Vietnamese and English
Recommended for communities with Vietnamese families and for building out collections of folktales from the world.
PREMIUM
Challah, Challah for You and Me
A quick yet joyous read, this is a sweet addition to libraries looking to expand any inclusive picture book section.
This combination of cheerful drawings and omniscient narrative, plus joyful dogs, will appeal to young readers. The book works for both story time or independent reading. A strong first buy.
A strong entry in the family and friends graphic novel genre. Give this to fans of Raina Telgemeier, Shannon Hale, Varian Johnson, and Nathan Fairbairn.
Fans of “Hilda and Twig” will love this fantastic new outing, which also works perfectly as a standalone or an introduction for those new to the series.
PREMIUM
Millie Magnus Won’t Be Bullied
A cute social-emotional read for kiddos. Pair with Doreen Cronin’s “Chicken Squad” series for more lively fun.
This tender and introspective graphic novel is full of hope and is a great choice for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
PREMIUM
A Tricky Kind of Magic
A promising and unique addition to juvenile graphic novel sections, perfect for kids looking for something reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or for those trying to find a way to manage their own grief.
PREMIUM
Dog Trouble
A successful story of overcoming challenges with compassion and patience, and a recommended purchase for libraries, especially for those who can’t seem to have enough graphic novels for their patrons.
This gut-wrenching story of hope and resilience needs to find its way to all readers’ hands.
PREMIUM
The Firelight Apprentice
While a bit sad throughout, this graphic novel builds toward a high note thanks to a cast of goodhearted characters and will be a hit with young fantasy readers.
PREMIUM
Taco Tuesdays: A Wish Novel
This fast-paced book with relatable characters will appeal to readers and parents alike, especially those interested in food, cooking, and family-run businesses. Highly recommended for collections.
The perfect realistic read for readers pursuing family, friendship, and hope.
This book’s historical significance and poignant narrative offers a realistic, empathetic understanding of the impact of war. A compelling addition to libraries.
A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the historic land rush; a must-buy for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Swimming with Spies
Nuanced characters and brisk pacing add interest to a novel focusing on historical events that are now current events and rarely written about in middle grade fiction.
PREMIUM
The Ripple Effect
A charming multiple-perspective novel featuring character growth and the power of community; a great addition to larger libraries.
PREMIUM
My So-Called Family
An affecting story of persistent trauma that leaves the door open for eventual healing.
PREMIUM
The Mystery of Mystic Mountain
A great read for all fans of mysteries, puzzles, true love, and friendship.
Overall, this novel is a queer-friendly, heartwarming exploration of identity, communication, and acceptance, making it a must-read for young readers seeking an authentic and relatable story.
The novel is a must-read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling with emotional depth.
This example of science writing at its best is highly recommended for middle and high school library collections.
The technical information on parasites presented in this book is accessible through the use of humor and illustrations, making it a solid choice for libraries serving middle grade students.
A great resource for readers with enough background knowledge to truly understand the material.
A glorious and filling book that will leave readers well-satisfied.
PREMIUM
London: A History
Despite some missing elements, this book’s delightfully effective partnership of visual and textual storytelling makes it a solid choice for upper elementary and junior high school collections.
A fascinating and important tale of one scientist’s dedication to ocean conservation and community that will inspire many to follow in her footsteps.
While the soft yet dynamic and detailed illustrations are the stars of this book, the lyrical writing combined with solid scientific information make it a must-have for upper elementary and middle school library collections.
PREMIUM
The Library Mule of Cordoba
A good purchase to add to libraries that aim to support book discussion groups and classroom learning that coincides with true events, past and present.
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